Twin's Bold Decision

Alanna and her twin brother, Thom, are dissatisfied with their father's plans for their futures. Alanna is to be sent to a convent to learn to be a lady, while Thom is to be trained as a knight. Both despise their assigned paths; Alanna dreams of becoming a knight, and Thom desires to study magic. Alanna devises a plan to switch places, with Thom going to the convent to learn sorcery and Alanna disguising herself as a boy to train as a knight. They enlist the help of their village healer, Maude, who reluctantly agrees to assist them after seeing a vision in the fire that suggests their destinies are intertwined with greater forces.

Alanna's Secret Journey

Alanna, now disguised as "Alan," travels to the palace with Coram, her father's manservant. She is determined to succeed in her new life as a page, despite the challenges of maintaining her disguise. At the palace, she meets Prince Jonathan and other pages, quickly forming friendships and earning respect through her determination and skill. Alanna's secret is safe for now, but she must constantly be on guard to protect her true identity.

Training and Trials

Alanna's training is rigorous, and she struggles to keep up with the physical demands. She faces bullying from Ralon, a fellow page, but refuses to back down. With the help of Coram and George, the King of Thieves, she learns to defend herself and eventually defeats Ralon in a fight, earning the respect of her peers. Alanna's determination and skill continue to grow, but she remains wary of Duke Roger, the King's nephew, who seems to take a particular interest in her.

The Sweating Fever

A mysterious illness, the Sweating Fever, sweeps through the palace, claiming many lives. Alanna's friends, including Prince Jonathan, fall ill. Despite her fear of using her magic, Alanna realizes she must act to save Jonathan. With the help of Sir Myles, she uses her Gift to heal the Prince, drawing on a power she has never fully understood. Her actions save Jonathan, but she is left exhausted and wary of the power she has tapped into.

A New Ally

Alanna's friendship with Prince Jonathan deepens as they share secrets and adventures. She also forms a bond with George, the King of Thieves, who becomes a trusted ally. George helps Alanna acquire a horse, Moonlight, and offers her a safe place to practice her magic. Alanna's confidence grows, but she remains cautious of Duke Roger, who continues to show an unsettling interest in her.

The Black City

Alanna and Jonathan embark on a secret journey to the Black City, a place of ancient evil feared by the Bazhir. Inside, they encounter the Ysandir, powerful beings who seek to consume their souls. Together, Alanna and Jonathan use their combined magic to defeat the Ysandir, but not without cost. Alanna's true identity is revealed to Jonathan, who accepts her as she is and asks her to be his squire.

Revelations and Resolve

After their victory in the Black City, Alanna and Jonathan return to the palace, their bond stronger than ever. Jonathan promises to keep Alanna's secret, and she is relieved to have his trust. Alanna is determined to continue her path to knighthood, knowing that she has proven herself capable. However, she remains wary of Duke Roger, suspecting that he may have sinister motives. Alanna resolves to stay vigilant and continue honing her skills, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Characters

Alanna of Trebond

Alanna is a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to pursue her dream of becoming a knight. She is fiercely determined, brave, and resourceful, often relying on her quick wit and growing skills to overcome challenges. Alanna struggles with her identity and the fear of being discovered, but her loyalty to her friends and her sense of justice drive her forward. Her magical Gift is both a source of power and a burden, as she learns to navigate its complexities.

Thom of Trebond

Thom is Alanna's twin brother, who dreams of becoming a powerful sorcerer. He is intelligent and ambitious, willing to take risks to achieve his goals. Thom's relationship with Alanna is complex; they share a deep bond, but their paths diverge as they pursue their individual dreams. Thom's magical abilities are formidable, and he is determined to prove himself in the world of sorcery.

Prince Jonathan of Conté

Jonathan is the heir to the throne of Tortall and Alanna's close friend. He is noble, brave, and compassionate, with a strong sense of duty to his kingdom. Jonathan values Alanna's friendship and trusts her implicitly, even after discovering her true identity. He is a natural leader, respected by his peers, and determined to become a just and wise ruler.

George Cooper

George is the King of Thieves, a charismatic and cunning figure who becomes one of Alanna's most trusted allies. He is street-smart and resourceful, with a network of contacts throughout the city. George is protective of Alanna and offers her guidance and support, helping her navigate the challenges of her double life. Despite his criminal background, George is honorable and loyal to his friends.

Duke Roger of Conté

Duke Roger is the King's nephew and a powerful sorcerer. He is charming and intelligent, with a magnetic presence that draws people to him. However, beneath his polished exterior lies a cunning and ambitious nature. Alanna is wary of Roger, suspecting that he may have sinister motives and pose a threat to the kingdom. Roger's true intentions remain shrouded in mystery.

Sir Myles of Olau

Sir Myles is a knight and scholar who becomes a mentor and father figure to Alanna. He is kind, intelligent, and perceptive, offering Alanna guidance and support as she navigates the challenges of her training. Myles is one of the few adults Alanna trusts, and his wisdom and understanding help her grow both as a warrior and as a person.

Coram Smythesson

Coram is Alanna's father's manservant, who accompanies her to the palace and becomes her guardian. He is gruff but caring, with a deep sense of loyalty to Alanna. Coram is skilled in combat and offers Alanna practical advice and support as she pursues her dream of becoming a knight. He is one of the few who knows her true identity and helps her maintain her disguise.

Ralon of Malven

Ralon is a fellow page who becomes Alanna's rival and tormentor. He is arrogant and cruel, using his size and strength to bully those he perceives as weaker. Alanna's determination and skill eventually lead to Ralon's defeat, earning her the respect of her peers. Ralon's presence serves as a catalyst for Alanna's growth and development as a warrior.

Ali Mukhtab

Ali Mukhtab is the governor of Persopolis Castle and a leader among the Bazhir. He is wise and perceptive, with a deep understanding of the desert and its people. Mukhtab becomes an ally to Alanna and Jonathan, offering them guidance and insight into the mysteries of the Black City. His presence highlights the complexities of the Bazhir culture and their relationship with the kingdom.

Ysandir

The Ysandir are powerful, immortal beings who inhabit the Black City. They are malevolent and cunning, seeking to consume the souls of those who enter their domain. Alanna and Jonathan's encounter with the Ysandir tests their courage and strength, ultimately leading to the destruction of these ancient adversaries. The Ysandir represent the dark forces that Alanna and her friends must confront in their quest for justice and peace.

Plot Devices

Disguise and Deception

Alanna's decision to disguise herself as a boy is a central plot device that drives the narrative. Her deception allows her to pursue her dream of becoming a knight, but it also creates tension and conflict as she navigates the challenges of maintaining her disguise. The theme of identity and the struggle to reconcile one's true self with societal expectations is explored through Alanna's journey.

The Gift

Alanna's magical abilities, known as the Gift, play a significant role in the story. Her Gift is both a source of power and a burden, as she learns to harness its potential while grappling with the fear of losing control. The Gift is a plot device that highlights the tension between magic and the physical world, as well as the moral dilemmas that arise from wielding such power.

The Black City

The Black City serves as a pivotal setting in the story, representing the unknown and the supernatural. It is a place of ancient evil, inhabited by the Ysandir, and serves as a test of courage and strength for Alanna and Jonathan. The Black City is a plot device that symbolizes the challenges and dangers that the characters must face in their quest for justice and peace.

Friendship and Loyalty

The theme of friendship and loyalty is a key plot device that shapes the characters' actions and decisions. Alanna's relationships with Jonathan, George, and her other friends provide support and motivation as she navigates the challenges of her double life. The bonds of friendship and loyalty are tested and strengthened throughout the story, highlighting the importance of trust and camaraderie in overcoming adversity.

Prophecy

Last updated: February 27, 2025