Chapter 1

A/N: I'm so proud of myself! I've actually written a semi-normal story! There is no sick humor, and the story isn't horridly obsurd. As usual, I don't own any of these characters. Well, read on…

            A knock sounded softly on the door. King Jonathon heaved a heavy sigh before murmuring a soft, "Come in."

            Kel gently opened the door, saying, "You wanted to see me, Sire?" She looked studiously at Jon, taking in the scant collection of grey hairs on his handsome head, the growing crows-feet at the corners of his eyes, but most of all, she was taken aback by the worried look in his blue eyes.

            Jon motioned her into a chair before heaving yet another sigh and replying, "A problem has arisen at the Scanran front. I'm afraid it isn't good news, especially for you."

            Kel frowned thoughtfully. "What is it, milord? Has another fort been taken? Has someone been captured? Am I being sent North?" She started up, but Jon firmly pushed her back into her seat.

"No, it really has nothing to do with the other knights, but all the lady warriors, both Knights and the Queen's Riders." Abruptly, he stood up and started to pace. After several minutes of tense silence, he started speaking again.

"We have always known that the Scanrans have disapproved of female warriors. Unfortunately, this Maggur Rauthasak does more than disapprove of women; he despise them. Several days ago, the War Council received a proclamation from. It was rather long and complicated, but it more or less said this: any female warrior caught by the Great Scanran League (hey! Who knows?!? This could be the actual name but if it isn't, who cares?!?) will be promptly tortured before being ransomed. Any Lady Knight captured will not be put up for ransom. While they will also promptly be tortured, they will then be put to death."

Kel felt a sickening sensation pierce her stomach. She immediately put on her Yamani face. She realized that Jon was staring inquisitively at her. "Go on," she said, shortly.

He continued, "I have given all of the women under the Crown's service the choice to serve in a different area. As I have done with you, I've talked to Alanna separately." A humorous little smile crossed the King's face. "She said she'd be damned it she would let some stupid bastard would keep her from protecting Tortall. I now give you the same choice, Sir Keladry of Mindelan. Do you choose to stay on the Scanran front, or would you rather be posted elsewhere?" Jonathon settled back in his chair, waiting for Kel's reply.

Kel leaned slightly forward, her thoughts running through her brain like frantic rabbits. Did she really want to die? What if she was captured? Did she want to be moved? What about her duty to her country? Her duty. This idea abruptly stopped her thoughts. During the whole of her training, Kel had reminded herself of her loyalties. The question of her duty had finally come to a head. Would she do what she knew was right, or would she do what she knew was safest?

"Your majesty," she said, "while I know it would be to my personal benefit to have you reassign me, it would help Tortall more if I stay at my post on the Scanran front. Therefore, my choice is to stay where I am."

Jon nodded his head, his face impassive. "Very well. You may report to the main camp at -. Good luck to you, Lady Knight."

Kel silently left the room. As she headed towards the stables, she wondered what she had gotten herself into.

A/N: Well, what did you think? I imagine this chapter is really lame, but I can't help it! I had nothing else to do. I hope it wasn't too bad.

PLEASE REVIEW!!! I don't care if you flame me, but PLEASE tell me what you think.