Chapter one
It was Kel's first day off in a long time. The war was over and she had just arrived in Corus after 3 years in the field. She had been promised at least 5 months off before returning to duty, but as always, Kel felt a little antsy when she had nothing to do. Corus was just her first stop on a long journey that would end in Mindelan, where Kel hoped to spend much of her hard earned break.
After taking a much needed bath, Kel headed out to a tavern she remembered from her days as a squire. There she found Neal and Dom's squad. Dom was in the middle of making a speech so Kel took a seat by the door and listened.
Dom raised his tankard in the air, "To Meathead!" Everyone cheered. "To the lady knight!" More cheering. "Without them I would no longer have my head on my shoulders and I would not be here to say this to you now." The cheering lessened and Dom took a deep breath. "Do to circumstances outside of my control, I am forced to leave the Own. You have all been a part of my life, and a good part. Thank you, and good night." Dom swept out of the room and dead silence fell over the gathering.
"Just like that?" Wolset exclaimed.
"I had no idea," said Neal.
Kel stayed silent, but when more beer was ordered, she didn't send it away.
Disclaimer: Characters/setting are not mine, they belong to Tamora Pierce