Ch. 2: Duke Roger of Conte Summary

A delegation from Tusaine has come to Tortall to see if King Roald will go with them into war. Roald is not an empire builder, like his father, but is known as "the Peacemaker." As Jonathan's squire, Alanna is required to go to many balls and parties with him while the Tusaine delegation is at the palace. Tensions are high and the knights and squires have been asked to collect information. Dain, a knight of the Tusaine delegation, insults the Tortall knight's swordsmanship. Alanna, as Alan, fights the man with swords. The knight is offended that Jonathan wants him to fight a mere squire, but accepts the challenge. Alanna isn't nervous, but she wonders a little at the look on her friend Alex's face. They are friendly rivals, but he almost looks excited to see...