Free Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce

big one to drop his blade, or I put a bolt through you .”

3
    THE WARLORD’S DAUGHTER
    A LANNA DIDN’T HAVE TO REPEAT IT — Liam heard. Rising from his crouch, he let his weapon fall. Alanna put Lightning down. To have Liam caught because a girl-child had the drop on her was humiliating. She was supposed to be able to take care of herself!
    â€œAmazing,” Alanna’s captor said. “We go hunting for game, and we find you instead.”
    Alanna heard Coram swear in the distance. “Coram, are you all right?” she yelled.
    â€œSome lass is aimin’ a crossbow at me,” was the response. “Only my dignity’s hurt, so far.”
    Alanna’s guard called, “Thayet?”
    â€œI’m all right, Buri.” The voice was female, deep, and clear.
    Black eyes locked on Alanna. “Start walking,” Buri ordered.
    â€œI won’t leave my sword in the dirt,” Alanna snapped.
    The stocky girl stooped to grab Lightning, her crossbow sight never moving from Alanna’s chest. “Now go,” she commanded. “Hands in the air.”
    â€œShame your mother didn’t drown you at birth,” Alanna muttered, obeying.
    â€œWhat makes you think she didn’t?”
    Awaiting them were refugees; their belongings overburdened a donkey. The group itself was small: two teenaged girls, two boys aged ten or so, and a girl nearly the same age. One of the teenagers carried a baby.
    Coram approached, leading their horses. Guarding him was a woman of Alanna’s age, dressed in a split skirt, boots, a cotton shirt, and a fleece-lined vest. She bore her crossbow like one who knew its use. She was also the most beautiful female Alanna had ever seen. Her face—particularly her nose—was strong-boned; her hazel eyes were deep-set under even brows; herchin was determined. Her mouth was naturally red, accented by ivory skin. She wore her jet-black hair pulled into a knot.
    Alanna sighed. “Cute” was the best description she could hope for.
    Liam bowed to the young woman. “Your Royal Highness.”
    â€œHave we met, sir?” Hers was the voice that had answered Buri.
    â€œNo, Highness.” Despite his peasant’s accent, the Dragon was as gallant as a noble. “But I’d have to be blind not to recognize a daughter of the Wilima house.”
    Thayet jian Wilima smiled. “Sadly, I do take after my father,” the princess admitted. She fingered the curve of her nose.
    Alanna stared at Thayet. The princess had once been considered as a wife for Jon, but the queen had said no—there was bad blood in the Wilima line. But seeing her, Alanna thought it was too bad Jon couldn’t marry this one. She didn’t look as if she’d let him stand on his dignity for long. The idea made her grin.
    Buri poked her with her bow. “Her Highness isn’t someone to laugh at.”
    â€œDon’t, Buri,” Thayet said. “These people aren’t enemies.”
    â€œWe don’t know they’re friends.”
    Liam glanced at Alanna’s guard. “Believe me, K’mir, if I wanted to turn the tables on you, I would.” He feinted to the side and lunged forward. Before Alanna could see what he’d done, Buri sat in the dirt, her crossbow in Liam’s hands. He offered it back to her as she rose. Buri took it, her eyes filled with respect. She put the arrow in her quiver and holstered the bow with a nod.
    Her reaction made Alanna like her. From what she knew of the K’mir tribes to Sarain’s north, Buri probably was reared as a warrior. She took being disarmed well.
    Liam performed the introductions. When he gave Alanna’s titles, Buri whispered, “A full knight is a woman —a noble woman?”
    Coram bristled. “She has the bluest blood in Tortall,” he growled. “There never was a zhir or jin anythin’ fit t’polish a Trebond