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On the Road to Fort Steadfast
Dom's squad, plus Neal and Kel, made progress, but it was painfully so. They were unable to move at a faster pace for fear of jostling Kel's wounds. Frequent stops had to be made so Neal could check on his patient. The lady knight never moved. Lunch was taken in the saddle in order to travel better and make up for time lost when they stopped. By midafternoon, storm clouds began to form around the group. When they halted for Neal, it began to sprinkle.
"She can't stay in the liter, it will only collect the water," Qasim said to the cousins. Dom looked down at his cloak. It was larger than most for he liked to use it in case it rained when he didn't have tent. Surely it could cover two people.
"She can ride in front of me," he suggested to Neal, "My cloak should be able to cover her and if we put a small blanket roll around the saddle horn, it won't cause any more damage to her."
Neal thought this over and gave the okay. A blanket was offered and placed around the horn. Qasim helped Neal hand her up to Dom while Wolset kept her leg steady Dom placed her sidesaddle in front of his body and wrapped his cloak over him and Kel. After the litter was disassembled, the men remounted and resumed formation, Jump choosing to ride with Qasim. Neal rode up beside his cousin and pulled Dom's hood up to cover his head as the rain grew heavier. He knew of his cousin's love for Kel and that she returned it. They, however, had no idea and Yuki, his Yamani blossom, had forbidden him from saying anything.
It was not long before the ground was completely muddy and everyone was miserable. When dusk approached, Neal stopped to look at Kel while Dom and his corporals talked. After a few minutes of listening Neal put in his opinion on the subject.
"She needs to get out of this mud and rain. I'm worried that she will catch a chill and get a fever. I think it is best to continue on to Steadfast. It is only eight miles away and she can make it that far."
Thus they continued onward through the storm. Dom's thoughts regained the attention they had had all day. He had seen her fall from Peachblossom's back and the look on her face as the man broke her leg haunted him. He himself had been delayed to her aid by two of the men. By the time he had reached her side the fight was over and she was bleeding into unconsciousness. He had never been so afraid in his life. Kel had lain dying in his arms and he had never gotten the chance to tell her he lo…
"Dom? Dom," called Neal causing his sapphire eyes to meet emerald ones, "We are a mile out from the fort."
Dom shook his thoughts away and called the men into a tighter circle as a group of riders came forward. Lord Wyldon of Cavall rode at the front of the group with Alanna the Lioness beside him.
"My lord and Lady," he spoke nodding his head. Alanna gave a nod in return and rode to Neal's side as the soldiers mixed in with the squad.
"Is she even in there?" Startled, Dom turned to see Wyldon gazing at his cloak. Was that worry in his eyes? The sergeant's arms unconsciously tightened around the sleeping Kel.
"Yes sir. Neal gave her some herbs not long ago, but she needs to be someplace dry and warm." The lord nodded and the group continued in silence.
Once inside the fort, the horses were lead to the stables where the men dismounted and unloaded. Dom passed his charge down to Wolset and Qasim before getting down. Once there he reclaimed Kel. The blanket that formed a hood over her face slipped back and Alanna released a gasp at the sight of her.
"Goddess save her. Come, this way." Not waiting for a dismissal from Wyldon, she ushered him to a spare room in the Headquarters. She called for someone to bring Neal when he was finished unloading his things. Once in the rom she told him to place Kel on the bed and they began to unwrap the blankets from her body. The lioness's jaw tensed when she saw all the bandages on the girl's body. Neal chose that moment to appear with Jump. The ugly dog whined and lay down under the bed at Kel's feet. Alanna turned to Dom.
"We can take it from here. Go have a warm bath. The cooks are making a late meal for you all." Her tone left no doubt that it wasn't a suggestion. With one final glance at the unconscious girl, he left.
Shaking her head, Alanna and Neal began to undo Kel's leg splint. The limb itself was purple and blue from bruising and swelling. Having a bit more energy than Neal, she sent the gift into Kel's leg. Once done with that they spread a poultice on her leg and rewrapped it. Her arm was next receiving the same treatment as her leg had. Finally came her back wound. Neal held her up as Alanna began to unravel the bandage. The sight sickened her. Not only was it bruised terribly, but the gash tricked some fresh blood and fluid from being moved. Using the little magic she had left, the red head only sealed the wound, not having the strength for more. After she was wrapped Neal slowly lower his best friend back to the bed. The girl gave a small whine, but no more. Alanna looked at her ex-squire.
"Go on Queenscove and get a proper rest, I will stay in here with her tonight." The man was too exhausted to argue and left.
