In the Hand of the Goddess Read Online Free Page A

every Tortallan knight—with the exception of Myles, who was watching and drinking—had put his hand on his sword hilt. The Tusaines gripped theirs, ready for anything.
    Ambassador Mikal turned to Roger. In the quiet his voice was very clear. “I must apologize for young Dain.” He bowed in Roald’s direction. The king inclined his head, silently accepting the apology. Mikal added with a sly smile, “I fear I must agree, however. We seem to have done better by the martial arts in Tusaine. Perhaps peace has dulled your fighting edge?”
    Alanna touched the ember-stone beneath her shirt,wondering what would happen next. She turned. Raoul, standing by the hearth, was shifting slowly into a fighting stance. His coal-black eyes were snapping with fury, and he gripped his sword hilt with a white-knuckled hand.
    Frantically she signaled Douglass to look at his knight-master. Her friend hurried over to Raoul and shoved a wineglass in the big knight’s hand, talking softly and quickly. After a second’s hesitation, Raoul released his hilt with a sigh.
    â€œI differ with you, Sir Dain,” Jon was saying, a touch of amusement in his voice. “Even our pages and squires know how to handle a sword against a full knight. But since our honor and our teachers are in question, perhaps we must show you what a Tortallan can do.”
    Dain adjusted his sword belt. “Bring on your champion, Highness. I am sure I can prove Tusaine superiority over any man of your court.”
    Jon glanced at Alanna, smiling ironically, and she immediately guessed what he had in mind. It would be a brilliant tactical stroke if I could pull it off, she thought. I’m an unblooded squire in Dain’s eyes. At least, it would be a brilliant tactical stroke if I won.
    She looked the Tusaine knight over. He was ahead taller than she was, with broad shoulders and strong arms, but he was overconfident, and he had been drinking. She nodded to let Jonathan know she was game.
    The prince smiled icily at the other man. “Not ‘our champion,’ Sir Dain. I said ‘even our pages and squires.’” He nodded to Alanna. She handed her wine pitcher to Sacherell, who nearly dropped it, and walked quickly over to the group of young knights, her heart thumping in excitement. “Your Highness?” she asked, bowing politely.
    Jonathan beckoned to her. “I#’m sure my personal squire Alan here would oblige you.”
    The Tusaine knight stared at the short, slender Alanna, his jaw hanging open. “You want me to fence with a squire ?” Dain’s voice rose and cracked; someone giggled.
    â€œAre you afraid?” Jonathan wanted to know.
    The other man gasped and sputtered before he could speak again. “I’ve fought in six duels!” he snapped finally. “I’ve been killing mountain bandits since I was smaller than him !” He pointed to Alanna. “If I ever was smaller than him!”
    Alanna knew exactly what Jonathan was trying to do, and she knew it was her turn to add fuel to the fire. “Did you need me forsomething, my Lord Prince?”
    Jonathan shrugged, his eyes never leaving Dain. “I thought you might fence with Sir Dain, Alan, but he no longer seems to be interested. I’m sorry to have called you away for nothing—”
    â€œBy Mithros, I’ll do it!” Dain snapped. “I fear no child!”
    Jonathan bowed to his parents. “If Your Majesties will excuse us we would like to go to the first fencing gallery.”
    Turning to look at the king, Alanna saw the oddest look on Alex’s face. He looked—eager, for some reason. Surely he wasn’t looking forward to her risking her life? They had been friendly rivals for years—each trying to be better at fencing, archery, and the other fighting skills than the other—but it was still friendly rivalry.
    She forgot about Alex when she heard the king say, “I