Cleon's Surprise
Chapter 1
Kel was home from patrolling the northern border. So, for the first time in a while, Kel was able to sleep in. But Kel wasn't sleeping at the moment. She was thinking about Cleon. Kel couldn't believe that after only 1 month of not seeing or hearing from Cleon could make her miss him so much. She sighed, "How I miss his colorful names for me. To him I was the queen of squires, now I'll probably be the queen of knights." Kel thought happily.
"Keladry," a deep musical voice called, "Kel, you're going to have to get up now. You have a visitor."
"A visitor? Who is it Mama?" Kel asked her mother.
Ilane of Mindelan smiled to herself, and said, "Kel, you'll find out who it is soon enough. Just get dressed and come into the front hall as soon as you're ready."
"All right Mama, I'll there in a little bit." Kel replied. "Who would be visiting me up here in the middle of the winter?" Kel wondered, "Who ever it is they must really want to see me."
By the time Kel reached the doors to the front hall she could hear all of her nephews and nieces were already there. She hoped that they weren't bothering her guest; they could be a pain most of the time. Kel took a deep breath and smoothed her skirt and hair then opened the door. She took a shaky step forward when suddenly someone shouted her name. Before she knew who called her she was swept up in a gigantic hug. The person kissed her soundly before she could pull away. When she was finally free she looked at a man older than she with red curly hair.
"Cleon!" Kel gasped before she started hugging him again.
"My sunshine," Cleon murmured, "I've something to tell you. It's utterly important. Your family already knows. But I wanted to tell you in person."
Kel looked up into his eyes, so full of love. "What is it?" she asked.
"Well," Cleon sighed, "It's about my mother, us, and my betrothal."
Kel looked up alarmed, and became confused when Cleon smiled.
"I," Cleon continued, "I talked my mother around."
Kel gaped at Cleon; true she loved him, but betrothal...
She looked at him, he looked so happy. Suddenly Kel just needed to be alone. She bolted out of the house and ran until she reached the stream where she fought the spridren.
