It had been many years since the end of the Scanran war. So far the realm had lived peacefully. But on this day, on this day, the entire realm held their breath.

Kel lay on a bed in the infirmary. She drew a deep breath. "I want to go outside." She said.

Neal and Alanna exchanged a glance. Neal took her hand. "That's probably not the best idea Kel, you shouldn't go outside." He said gently.

Kel looked at him and raised an eyebrow, a gesture learnt from him. "I'm going to be gone soon Neal, I want to be outside with the wind on my face and the sky above me when I do. I want to say goodbye to Peachblossom and see his foals one last time. I want to go surrounded by the people I love." Her tone left no room for argument.

Slowly, Alanna and Neal pushed their last amount of magic into her. Calling Dom into the room they watched as he scoped her up in his arms, Raoul trailing slightly behind, to old now to carry her himself. As they walked through the door, the congregation of people outside stood and followed. Kel and Dom's daughter slipped forward, the ten year old grasping her father's tunic. Everyone from King Jon to the lowest maid in the palace slowly made their way outside and on to the balconies all around the palace.

Dom slowly carried Kel to the paddocks where Peachblossom's foals were kept. He looked at her as she smiled softly. Making their way towards the gate house they passed Peachblossom's grave. Brushing her hand along the top as she passed, Kel whispered. "I'll see you soon."

Dom began the climb up the gate house stairs, their daughter trailing up behind them. At the top they walked out onto the look out. Looking down, in front of them was a sea of faces. As many people that could physically fit into the small streets were there. People stood wedged in together, urchin pressed against tailor, beggar against nobility. People stood on roves and children sat on shoulders and every single one of them was quiet.

Kel could see everyone she cared about, and some she wished she did. They was Tobe and his children, Lalassa, her family and Dom's, all of her year mates were there and Shinko stood with Roald, Yuki with Duke Baird. And everyone from New Hope, long since placed in their new homes, had travelled far to see Kel, people making sure that they had enough room to see their commander one last time.

"They're all here for you Kel." Dom whispered in her ear, pressing his lips to her temple.

Kel smiled. "Goodbye Dom, goodbye baby girl." She moved her hand just enough to brush her daughters cheek.

Slowly Dom felt her body sag and her head roll to nestle into his neck.

She was gone, he felt tears streaming down his face and his daughter begin to cry into his arm, but he stood fast, letting the realm see their protector one last time.

Quietly, at first, led by Tobe and slowly growing. All gathered began to sing. The sang of her triumphs and her life. Dom turned and walked back down the stairs, Kel in his arms, looking so peaceful you could swear she was only sleeping. At the bottom step Yuki rushed forward to gather her niece in her arms, their tears mingling as they tried to comfort each other. Dom walked back to the infirmary; placing Kel on the bed he brushed her lips with his one last time. "I'll see you again." He said.

Turning from the room he left Kel's body to be prepared and went to find Neal, Raoul and all of Kel's year mates to join him in some rounds of hard liquor.

Before a weak was up, Jon, with the help of every single person in parliament, had erected a statue of Kel in the main square of Corus. She was portrayed as everyone remembered her, guiding Peachblossom with a Yamani mask in place, but with a small smile playing around her mouth and her eyes slightly crinkled. The inscription read:

In memory of Keladry. Protector of us all.