ok new chapt short but whatever i have all of spring break to write more

A steady metallic thunking was heard through out the town of Hillcrest as the great metal monsters threw themselves against the protective outer wall. People were screaming all around as strange men in chain mail bearing an unfamiliar crest rampaged through the streets snatching up anyone who wasn't in hiding. They pushed past the town's minimal defenses with ease and the machines created panic and terror among the population. The few townsmen who dared stand against them were cut down with ruthless efficiency. With in the week the hired army had captured and executed the town's government officials and turn the buildings to there own uses. The main meeting hall, though, was kept for the lord and his rat, the conquerors of the unsuspecting town.

"Go Kel," cheered Neal over enthusiastically from the fence. Kel gave in an exasperated look before commanding Peachblossom to a trot. That morning Kel had decided it was time and past to brush up on her jousting skills. Unfortunately she had mentioned it to Neal and unfortunately Neal had coerced Merric and Owen into practicing with her. As much as Kel liked the trio she like to practice alone and them there was a distraction.

"Try not to kill me alright, Kel," said Merric. "I'm not Raoul." Kel just barely restrained rolling her eyes.

"Ready, set, GO," someone called from the stands. They charged toward each and a moment after the collision Merric went flying. Kel dismounted and walked toward a tilt-silly Merric who was still on the ground.

"I'm not Raoul and I'm not a bird either," he groaned as soon as Kel was in ear shot.

"I know," Kel smiled, "Raoul would have sent me flying and a bird would have the sense to land properly."

"Kel," he said seriously, " if you ask for me tomorrow you shall find me a grave man."

"I'm sure I will," Kel replied in a false motherly voice.

"Awww, Kel," he whined dropping the act, "can't you just be a little bit sympathetic."

"No," Kel answered mercilessly. Merric gave her a mock look of horror and pretended to die.

"So the red head finally croaked. I knew it would happen someday," jokingly mourned Neal.

"I have not croaked," yelled Merric from the ground temporarily relieved. "I died a valiant and honorable death on the battle field." He went limp once again pretending to be a corpse.

"If he died and honorable death then his grave should be strewn with flowers," Owen said as he dropped dandelions into his friends face.

"HEY," Merric cried as the yellow flowers rained down on him. He shook dandelions out of his hair as he stood. "Are they all gone?"

"Yes," said Kel keeping her face Yamani calm as she internally laughed at a dandelion caught in his curls. Just then Alan and Aly came walking up. Alan took one look at Merric, tried to stifle a laugh and gave an ungentlemanly snort instead. Aly merely eyed him with curiosity.

"You have a dandelion in your hair why," she asked.

"A what? Oh no! Kel! You said they were all gone," he cried realizing what Aly was talking about.

"So what brings you here," Kel asked Aly, she hadn't talked to her since the dinner.

"I was wondering if you would like to take a trip. Just a small one to a town called Hillcrest. We haven't received a report from the nobles visiting there and thought we'd check it out. It's probably nothing but still I like to have my bases covered." Kel looked to the other they nodded.

"Sure."

"Alright we leave in a week," said Aly and left quickly.

all done i told you it was short i'm not a fan of writing long chapters but i might in the near future who knows