Breakfast had been eaten in the saddle—dried fruit and bread—but the smells that wafted from inside the coach, told Anya that not all enjoyed such a simple meal. She could smell, to her surprise, waffles. Her mind filled in the rest with golden, hot syrup and fresh orange juice. Muffled laughter made its way to Anya's ears, making it impossible to keep the scowl from her face.

"Who made them so important?" she asked quietly.

Irien raised a brow. Her expression reassured Anya that her sentiments and passive animosity was shared.

"They are spoiling the whole trip. When you are out on the road, the meals are supposed to be simple, and you're supposed to ride on horseback; exposed to the elements. Not in some luxurious, over decorated cart!" Anya craned her neck backwards and glared, hoping somehow they would feel it.

Irien snorted. "You know, for all the trouble you cause me, you do offer some amusement." Irien had been very relaxed on the road. The only time she stiffened was at night when Lord Derrick and Lady Dhanna stepped out of their coach hand in hand. Irien had almost dropped Hana's saddle and muttered something about needing a new saddle.

Tucked away in their carriage where she could not see them, Irien was calm once more and in a genuinely good mood.

The day unfolded into a cold miserable one. Anya's mood was darkened when the company was showered with a few rainfalls. Dripping from head to toe and shivering, she listened to the laughs and happy voices coming from those that were still dry. She cursed them with all the fowl words she knew.

Its just plain unfair! You would think they thought they were better than the rest of us. Guardians!

Irien noticed her shivers and explained to Anya a simple way of warming herself with the Will. It was basic enough, after a few tries she could hold up a little heat bubble around her body. It was not much help, but it kept out the bitterness of the cold day.

A cold day in summer! Who would have known?

At sunset they stopped by an old travelers hut. There were many like them along the roads to the capital. This one was particularly big for a camping sight. On the way to Largon Anya and Irien had stopped at similar ones, but none had a small wooden hut included on the site. At most they would spend the night in a small wooden box, but an actual cabin with rooms, no.

A small fire was built in the hearth inside and was immediately crowded with people. Although big, the hut had not been built to host a crowd. Anya tried to make room for herself, but no one was willing to surrender their spot of warmth. She gave up with a silent curse Warm broth was made and with a generous helping, she sat in a chair at the back of the room staring at the rest of the company's backs. They were all shoulder-to-shoulder around the burning flames.

Selfish cows and pigs!

She giggled at her thoughts, finding a cynical pleasure in calling them names behind their backs.

"Is there anything particularly funny?"

Anya had not noticed Alec until he was standing right beside her. She hid her surprise and smiled. "Look at them, they are like a bunch of wild animals fighting over some meat. You would think they have never spent a few hours in a downpour."

"It was raining that hard?" Alec asked raising his brows until they disappeared under his blonde fringe, his startled look reminding her he had not had the pleasure of shivering in a cold, slippery saddle. Her humour soured.

"It was and you would know if you were not cooped up in your lovely little cocoon of luxury all day." Alec flinched at her harsh tone, his openly friendly face falling just a fraction. "I'm sorry, I have no right to judge." She focused her attention on her food, pretending she could not feel Alec's eyes studying her.

"No need to apologize. You were only speaking your mind and you have every right to."

Anya laughed, "That was nothing! You should hear me really speak my mind. I am known for my wicked and rude remarks." She grinned. "So rude, in fact, that you would run away crying for your mother."

Now it was Alec's turn to laugh, "Cry would I? Milady, you know me not at all if you think I would cry from a few harsh words."

"Oh my words are no ordinary harsh words, Milord." Anya mocked. "They are more like flying daggers aimed only at one place."

"And that would be?"

"Your heart." Alec was grinning the way he had when Anya had first seen him. Anya grinned back slyly. "Have you anything to say, Mr Sumberland?"

"You have left me speechless with your daggers."

"Then my objective is complete." Anya leaned back in her seat and threw her head back, closing her eyes, mimicking her father when he used to decide on something.

"Would you wish to join me in sitting in my 'lovely little cocoon of luxury'?"

Anya opened her eyes to stare at him. She most certainly would not like to join him with Lady Dhanna, Lord Derrick and Gina. She would not know what to say to the three and they would have nothing to say to her. And there was Irien to consider. The acceptance of such an invitation would seem like a betrayal.

But, she did want to spend more time with Alec. She had misjudged him at the inn; he was actually quite pleasant—exciting even. He was something different, something foreign, something forbidden and that had always attracted her. She scrunched her nose trying to decide whether to accept or decline. Alec waited patiently, never showing any impatience at her delay.

"I would love to."

"Great, come with me. We have plenty of room, so you would be welcome to travel with us during the day."

"I prefer being out in the cold during the day."

He frowned, snickered at her comment and nodded. "You are quite different to everyone else here."

Anya inhaled a deep breath. "I am a rare bread no matter where you go."

Alec threw his head back laughing.

Was it that funny?

"You will always have some reply to whatever I say won't you?" Anya smiled but said nothing deliberately.

It was bitter cold outside. An icy wind nipped at their cloaks and hurried them along to the stationary coach. A light shone from behind the heavy drapes. Anya sighed, her hopes that the carriage would be empty crashing to her feet. Her breath caught and her heart sped up at the thought.

Alone? In the carriage with Alec? Were those his intentions? Were they mine?

A cold shiver went through her and it was not from the whether. Tjorin was a very conservative town and even a kiss from a boy was seen as disobedience. Of course Anya had therefore enjoyed seeking them out, especially with boys visiting for the markets and festivals. But there had always been that bubble of innocence which protected her. She was still inexperienced in life and love, but some of these novices came from bigger towns. Alec, as sweet as he was, was charming and beautiful. If Gina was any indication, he was no stranger to attention and warnings she had received from Trey were working their way to the surface. Anya rubbed her arms and hoped it looked as if she were warming herself.

They arrived at the carriage before Anya could think of something to say. Light spilled out when Alec opened the door and someone cut off what she was about to say.

"Oh Alec, Anya come in. It's terribly cold outside and you are allowing all the warm air to escape.

Anya quickly hopped in and was shortly followed by Alec. To Anya's dismay, Irien was in the coach sitting next to her sister. She was smiling but as soon as she caught Anya's eye, a look that clearly said 'save me' appeared and then quickly disappeared. The coach was spacious, more than enough room for six people. Anya took a seat next to Irien and Alec sat opposite her. Conversation continued between the adults and Gina and Alec were listening intently. The other girl gave Anya a polite smile but when she turned to Alec, that smile turned into a full grin. Anya tried to catch what was being said but nothing made sense. It was all political talk of which she new absolutely nothing.

She pretended to act interested but soon gave up. She instead examined the luxurious coach's interior. Rich red cushioned seats. Candles in each of the four corners held in ornate holders. A small table for food or other objects in the middle and foot rests on the floor. The floor was covered with a thick rug that her boots almost sunk into. The wooden walls had ornate carvings of feminine, organic patterns. Anya pulled a face.

"Are you bored?" Anya looked at Alec; he was leaning towards her, his voice low. Aware of her snarl and bad posture, Anya straightened and smoothed her face.

"Don't worry about it, I just don't understand what they are talking about."

"Well, neither do we." Gina said, copying Alec's posture.

"But you seemed as though you did." Anya pointed out, making sure that no hint of aggression entered her voice.

"A very well performed act." A genuine sweet smile brightened her face. "So where are you from?"

"Tjorin Vale."

"Never been there, but I heard they are horse breeders."

Anya smiled, "Well actually, the only horse breeder there is my father, the rest are—"

"Your father! So you're important?"

"Um, no."

Gina looked disappointed. "I am from Handor, and Alec is from Shemna. They are to the north west of Largon."

"Yes, I have seen them on my father's map." So they were from cities. She had guessed as much from their clothing. Tailored and of exotic fabrics and colours, it spoke of not only wealth but class. They sat there staring at each other in an awkward silence for what seemed like forever.

"So..." Alec attempted to break the hush, "Are you excited for the Choosing?"

Anya was about to say no but she decided against it, "Yes, I am." She smiled politely and a frown broke up on Alec's face but Gina continued to smile. Anya tried to think of another way to make the conversation flow but all the things she wanted to say would probably be hurtful or rude in some way. How does it feel to be the novice of a backstabbing cow? How can such a pretty face be suited with such an ugly person? Instead she thought of something a little more subtly: "How has the rest of your journey been?"

Gina answered: "It has been uneventful. Lady Dhanna and Alec met us in Handor and from there we have made our way to Largon. Mostly we have had joint lessons about responsibilities and the different positions that are available if we don't get chosen as the next Keeper."

Anya nodded; her training had been more or less the same. The guardians could either choose to be healers, politicians, warriors, teachers, philosophers or ambassadors to another city or nation. There were a number of other professions to choose from, but those were the most credentialed. She had no idea what she would choose but she was in no hurry. At least five years of training was ahead of her in the Guardian's School of Hanarah, in Arazia. Something she was not looking forward to.

"How far away is Tjorin from Largon?" Gina asked, shaking her golden braids away from her face.

"Two weeks slow ride on horseback."

"You rode all the way here on horseback?" The shock on her face was almost comical.

"It's not that bad, I have been around horses all my life and have ridden them since I could walk. The weather was alright, the only rain we saw was yesterday's and believe me, that was some downpour you missed." She laughed lightly and watched Gina frown in dismay, "Other than that it has been pleasant. Lucky there is soft grass to sleep on and good horses to ride."

Gina snorted, "Still, it does not make their backs any more comfortable to ride on. I was relived to hear we would be traveling in a coach. I cannot even begin to imagine me on a horse's back for weeks on end. The animals repulse me, so noisy and dirty if you ask me."

Anya smiled and looked at Alec. He had been silent for a while now and she raised an eyebrow quizzically.

"I hope you will come travel some of the day with us tomorrow, it is quite boring just the four of us."

Anya had no intention to travel in the carriage but nodded nonetheless.

"Anya, Irien tells me your father is a horse breeder."

Anya turned to Lord Derrick and lowered her head politely, "Yes he is."

"Maybe you could help me. I am in need of a new horse and am ashamed to say I have no knowledge on the beasts. The last had been a family horse handed down to me. Lazy fellow he was. What do you say?" He must have understood that she did not quite understand what he was asking since he explained further: "Would you assist me in choosing my next stead?"

"Oh," Anya sounded shocked. "Yes, uh, sure."

"Thank you, I am extremely grateful. I would take Gina but she is not too fond of horses."

"I have no problem with them. I just do not enjoy spending hours on end on their uncomfortable backs."

"Excuse my error, my little novice." He said mockingly.

"Lord Derrick wishes I were a boy." She explained to Anya. "He thinks I act like one of the princesses of Vishdala."

"Not at all, I am only aiming to toughen you up."

"I am tough!" She said indignantly.

"Not tough enough."

She stuck her tongue out at her teacher and he chuckled in reply.

"What us guardians would do without a challenge like a young novice?" He chuckled

Irien let out a short laugh and Anya did the same, everyone else was silent. They all looked at the two of them expectantly. Anya bit her bottom lip. If the only thing Gina had to do was toughen up, then Derrick had it easy. She had purposefully made it difficult for Irien everyday of her training for the last two years.

"Is there something funny?" Lady Dhanna asked sweetly.

"Just thinking back on a few lessons." Irien looked at Anya through the side of her eyes but there was a small smile on her lips.

"Please share." Derrick said interestedly.

"Well, it was not just one incident in particular, I was laughing at..." Irien trailed on in thought but snapped her fingers suddenly when she remembered something specifically. "For example there was this one time when I was trying to explain, to Anya, the history of the guardians. Do you remember, Anya? It was one of the first few lessons I had with her and I will never forget it."

Anya knew exactly which lesson she was talking about. They had been in the barn near the stables and she had put honey on Irien's chair just before the lesson had started. So when Irien stood up her dress had a thick layer of honey spread across the back. At the time there were many beehives on her fathers farm and they attacked anything with a sweet scent. Anya had rolled on the floor laughing at Irien running around frantically trying to concentrate on a charm to remove the honey or the bees, but could not concentrate on either. Lord Derrick and Alec laughed when Irien had finished the story. Lady Dhanna and Gina remained wide-eyed.

"How dreadful!" Dhanna exclaimed.

"It was at the time but in hindsight, it's quite funny."

"Did you punish her?"

"She punished me and I just punished her right back. So she eventually realized my way of thinking and left me to my mischief and rather reprimand me than punish me."

"How could you be so cruel?" Gina exclaimed.

"It did not seem cruel to me then, I was a young girl who was looking for new ways to amuse myself and Irien was the perfect target. Of course my mother found out about my tricks and punished me instead, and so I stopped."

"I should be grateful for just having a novice who needs to be toughened up a little." Derrick said in amusement.

"Alec, do not get any ideas!" Dhanna said sternly.

Alec was smiling broadly and winked cheekily at her. Anya found herself laughing. They were not so bad after all. They shared stories, laughed at more of Anya's pranks and filled each other in on news and gossip. Anya noticed Irien held back more than the other two and often forced a smile. Whenever Dhanna would touch Derrick's arm or lean against his big chest, she would lower her gaze and fiddle with her dress.

Anya often caught Derrick looking at Irien intently but quickly diverted his gaze as soon as Irien or her noticed.

Does it mean anything? Or is he just trying to be polite? When the time comes for me to accompany Lord Derrick on his quest for a horse, I will have many questions to ask.

It was late when Irien and Anya finally left the coach. Anya had not realized how tired she was from the day's journey and could not stop thinking about the bed that awaited her in one of the small rooms in the camping hut. To her surprises, their evening in the coach had been quite enjoyable but she knew feelings and thoughts had not been shared. Only stories.

"Tonight was not too bad," she said in hopes to gauge Irien's thoughts. There was no response. "What would you say on the matter?"

"Don't be fooled by their pathetic spectacle of tolerance." Irien said calmly. "She was only civil because she had to be and he will do anything she asks of him."

"So it was all a lie?"

"Not lies, just tolerance, but once you youngsters are no longer our responsibility... once we hand you over to the school..."

"All will be back to normal?"

Irien made a sound that was neither agreement or disagreement.