DESTINY'S WAY.
Summary: After her year on probation Lord Wyldon told her she couldn't come back, angry and disappointed Kel disappeared. Now, for years later she returns having become a different kind of warrior.
CHAPTER ONE – The Return.
Four Years Later.
Alanna stood facing her opponent; she was a tall girl, around fifteen years old, she wore a simple loose fitting tunic and pants, a dark red hooded cloak hid her face from view. The girl swung her sword in a fast figure eight and lifted her chin at Alanna, daring her to make the first move.
Shrugging Alanna came in fast, the girl blocked her rush attack; feigning low, she brought her sword upward in a savage skilled motion.
Taken aback Alanna stumbled backwards, momentarily shocked at the younger girl's skill. Smiling delightedly, she regained herself attacked.
xxx
Jon couldn't believe it, he watched in wonder as Alanna's opponent matched her move for move; it as unbelievable, especially considering the girl's age, she couldn't have been any older than fifteen.
They moved fast, neither expending any excessive energy on fancy elaborate moves. That was another surprising aspect of this strange girl, she was well skilled and well disciplined, every block or attack was deliberate and well placed.
Shaking his head, Jon watched, pleasantly surprised by the newcomer's skill; not many people so young could have done so well.
The girl suddenly surged forward in a flash of hidden speed and agility, her sword was a blur of motion; Alanna found herself struggling to keep pace, frantically blocking the girl's perfect attacks.
Jon hardly saw Alanna's opponent's sword snake around her's, then the girl twisted; he gaped as his champion's sword flew from her hand, she had been beaten and Jon couldn't remember the last time anyone had fought so well.
Jon stood gaping; licking his lips he addressed the girl. "A very well fought battle," his voice rang clearly over the silent crowd. "May I ask your name Lady Warrior?"
The girl lifted her head, raising her hands she pushed the hood aside. "I am Keladry of Mindelan." Without another word, she turned and walked away; her red cloak billowing out behind her.
xxx
Lord Wyldon stared in complete shock, his eyes wide as he took in the news; no one had heard anything of Keladry of Mindelan in years, now she returned out of nowhere.
He shook his head, when he'd told her she couldn't return after her year of probation, he'd done so because he hadn't thought the life of a knight was one she could endure; he'd done it for the most honourable of reasons, to protect her.
He regretted that decision now, he had never seen anyone as profoundly excellent as her; she had fought with honour and decency, she had won fairly and had done so with a skill far beyond that he would have expected of a fifteen year old. He had made a mistake in disallowing the continuation of her training, and now wished he could change his decision and allow her back in.
xxx
Kel strode towards her tent, she hadn't expected to feel so torn; part of her wanted to throw her achievements in the King's face, another part wanted to run away as fast as she could.
"Kel!"
The voice made her turn, not because she recognised it; but because of what he'd called her, only a few people outside her family had ever called her 'Kel'.
She recognised them immediately, after four years she still knew them; Neal and Merric stopped a few meters from her, their faces showing obvious shock and confusion.
Neal swallowed and stepped forward, "is it really you?"
Smiling Kel nodded, "it's me Neal." She blinked rapidly as tears came to her eyes, "it's me."
Merric walked forward and enveloped her in a tight hug, "Gods Kel, we've all missed you so much."
Neal shook his head, "where have you been all this time? What have you been doing?"
Kel gave Neal a quick hug, "that's a very long story, it might take a while." She saw the determined look in Neal's eyes, a look that was mirrored in Merric's. Nodding she sighed, "ok, come with me."
Turning she walked briskly to her tent, she'd set it up well away from anyone; as she reached it she heard a soft nicker. She grinned at her friends' shocked gasps as they saw Godsbreath, her horse; he was huge, reaching a shocking 17½ hands at his shoulder. He was pitch black, with a small splash of white at the end of his handsome nose.
Neal gaped and shook his head, "what is it with you and big horses?" He asked, referring to Peachblossom; the horse she'd ridden during her year training as a Page.
Shrugging Kel stroked his neck, "he wasn't always so big." As she remembered the weedy little foal he'd been when she'd first ended up with Godsbreath she grinned, looking at her friends she smiled.
"Why don't you get everyone so I'm not repeating my self?"
Neal nodded, "I'll be back soon."
Kel smiled and swallowed, "I'll tell you everything, I promise."
