Kouri ale bè rout
Hi! This is my first fanfic so please any advice would be welcome.
Disclaimer- I do not own any of the characters, or places that are mentioned in this chapter. They all belong to the amazing Tamora Pierce.
Have fun reading…
Even as Kel's parents sent a letter to the king she knew she wouldn't get an answer she liked. She would never be treated equally even if she was even allowed to go. She surprisingly wasn't upset.
She had heard stories about the treatment of the Lioness even today. Nobles disliked her for her gender and refused to listen to her. Even though the king was friends with her, he had to compromise with the nobles. She understood that kings had to make hard decisions and didn't fault him as a king for that. She still was angry, at the traditions that caused his decisions.
As her parents hand her the letter she sees the royal seal was broken already. Her parents knew what the letter said, and Kel could tell that it wasn't good news. She broke the resealed letter and read it slowly.
She discreetly looked up when she was done and could see the sadness in her mother's eyes the only sign of emotion on the woman's face. Piers of Mindelan, had no more emotion on his face than his wife did. The family had spent the past 6 years in a country where showing emotion was considered rude.
She pretended to re-read the letter to give herself time to think. She wouldn't take the probation. If they couldn't treat her fair than she wouldn't go at all. In a couple years she could apply to the Queen's Riders, or the queen's ladies. But both had to interact to closely with knights, she would always be reminded of what she could never be. When her parents go back to the Island's to arrange a marriage between the prince and one of Yamani's many princesses, she could go back with them and become a warrior that way, but that could be years!
As she runs through her options she decides to go somewhere more peaceful. Telling her parents that she needed more time and that they would have her response by the end of the week. She walks out and towards the stables. Kel sits down on one of the many bales of hay and, unconsciously falls into the meditation she learned in the Islands. Kel continues to think of ideas as the sun moves across the sky. She trudges back to her room, having missed dinner, and falls into an uneasy rest.
The next morning was awkward at best, her parents wanted to give her room to think over her choices. Breakfast was tense, and the air couldn't be heavier. Kel retreated to her room as soon as possible, not wanting to stay. The entire day was spent thinking and going over her idea, only emerging to eat lunch and dinner.
Once she was sure her parents were asleep she snuck out of the house. Kel knew that her parents would do anything to make her happy, but she needed to do this on her own. She had packed a bag with essentials, and grabbed the little money she got for an allowance. She stole a hunting knife and sword from the armory. Kel stared longingly at her glaive, she wished that she could take it with her, but she knew it was too big to carry.
She saddled a strong looking mare, light brown with splotches of white with a ruby red mane. Remembering the mare faintly as being fast and easy to ride. Walking out of the stables, she walks to a small exit meant to be used for emergency only. Having no guard there she quickly mounts the mare.
Knowing that she needed to get as far away from Mindelan as possible she sets a quick pace. Only slowing when ta white foam had formed around the animal's mouth. Slowing it to a walk until the animal catches her breath and then continuing at the same pace as before. They continue in that pattern until the sun is just over the horizon. They stop and Kel unsaddles her and leads them to a secluded area. Laying her bed roll out, her head barely touching the ground she falls asleep.
Thanks for reading! If you have any suggestions let me know. And I will welcome any advice.