The Dark Half of the Sun (The Young Ancients: Timon) by P.S. Power Page A

up to a Count or Countess holding a Truth amulet and start asking questions. Or well, you could, but they'd probably have you locked up. If we tried it, that would be grounds for war, even if they hadn't been part of the trouble to start with. On the other hand, all the people we know for certain we can trust, these other people will know to be watching."
    Timon could see his point and it was a good one. After a few seconds though he had an idea. It was probably a bad one too, but he couldn't see any flaws with it, even if they'd all hate it.
    "I know a place no one will look for her at." It wasn't something he actually wanted to voice, even though it would be safe enough. Most people couldn't get there from here. Not without a long trip, or hiring him for it, and if they tried, he wouldn't take them. "We can hide her in Austra."
    Since they'd been at war with them in the last year, he kind of expected someone to yell at him over the idea, but instead the King held his chin and Princess Karina actually nodded. She also hissed, but it didn't sound evil, just tense.
    "Yes. If it can be worked out, no one would ever look for you there Pet." Karina looked at the others and shrugged. "It won't have to be for long. A few months at most. After that it probably won't matter anymore. If it does... Well, it's better than being locked in a prison somewhere to keep you safe."
    That got a shiver from the woman, and a nod from everyone except the Queen, who made a face.
    "I hate the very thought of it. I know that the people of that land mean us no harm, but their rulers have rarely been our friends, especially in recent years. It's a good plan, almost perfect if we can make it work. Even if they knew to search there it would be impossible for one of our people to easily find her. Will she be safe from the Larval assassins?"
    That was something Timon didn't know for certain, no one could. He could make a guess though. "I think she will be. They have no reason to take her. Tor wouldn't know about it if they did after all. It's probably the only thing keeping the rest of us safe too, even here. Not comforting, but I don't think even they would bother taking her there. It would be wasted effort and that isn't a quality I associate with them."
    That got a single nod from the King. "We need to make those arrangements as soon as possible. We can hide you here Petra, though you might be seen. Could she go to Tor's palace do you think? That might be watched too, but it will be easier to leave from I think, if you're careful. Possibly not." Looking around he stood and started pacing, taking exactly ten steps before turning each time, staying on the stone part of the floor, not the long dark carpet running down the middle.
    "Would your service be open to take a passenger to Austra?"
    That... Timon sighed and shook his head slowly. "No, I need to arrange that first, with the government there. They have permits and things. Brown told me about it. He promised to help with it. I should go and see to that. I just remembered that I promised him I'd do that after my birthday. That's today. This year I'd like clothing, if anyone wants to give me presents." He didn't linger on the words, but Alphonse chuckled again and got up, walking out of the room without saying anything at all.
    "I could take a friend I think, who was part of the new Noram/Austra peace exchange program. As long as you go in openly you won't look like a spy. Would that be alright?"
    He wouldn't make anything off of it, not in time for school, but she was his brother's friend. Not his yet, but it was still his responsibility to watch out for her, if he could, until Tor got back.
    They were all distracted by Alphonse coming back in, carrying a small wooden box, which he handed over to Timon with a bow, not standing upright until after he took it. The thing had carved falcons on it, which was significant, that being the Cordes family crest.
    "Happy birthday!" He smiled and so did everyone