Notice: as always, unless I suddenly become Tamora Pierce, I don't own this stuff. Though I do love it!
As she rode Kel tried to keep from thinking, but he kept coming back. What would he do? Was he the one who had whooped? Oh, it was SOO embarrassing! How could she have been so careless? She would never be able to face him ever again…
Peachblossom galloped steadily underneath her, neither knowing nor caring why they were flying away from the castle.
Kel felt the familiar pangs of loneliness fill her again. She missed the sparrows flying behind her, following her everywhere. She looked at the empty cup in her saddle, wondering where her Jump was. As an answer, a shape suddenly appeared, flying through the air, to land sloppily in the cup. It was Jump tail wagging, tongue out, panting, not annoyed at all at almost being left behind.
Toby is going to kill me when he finds out. But I couldn't just take him with me! He has schooling, and page duties, I can't even take him normally without getting "permission" first! Hopefully he will understand…
Lost in her thoughts she hadn't noticed how far she had gone when Peachblossom halted next to a semi-familiar stream. Once she had gotten her bearings and dismounted, he shook all over, then plunged his muzzle into the clear water.
Then she heard a stick crack. "Who is there?" Come out where I can see you!" She had also readied her bow behind her back, it never hurts to be careful.
"It is only I." a child's voice replied. A girl of 6 or 7 with long gold hair and green eyes emerged from the bushes. Kel relaxed and put away her bow.
"Where are you going, Protector of the Small?" With a yelp, Kel turned back to the girl.
"What did you say? Never mind, I heard you. Are you a seer child?"
"I have been called that, yes." The child said with a small smile. She came closer to Kel, her dirty green dress catching on some branches. "But you did not answer my question. Where are you going?"
"I…don't know exactly. Away. I'll find something."
"So you are running away?"
That smarted, so Kel replied "NO. I just need some space. Now, if you will excuse me, I must go." With that she swept onto Hoshi, who stood placidly nearby.
"If you must. But think on this, Keladry of Mindelan. You are beautiful in your own way, but you will never be able to see this unless you fix yourself. In this battle, you are not fighting him, you are fighting yourself. And for your sake, I hope you win.
Kel didn't wait to hear if she said anything more, she swung her horses around and galloped off. The little girl watched her go, then left the stream herself.
Please read and review. I don't know if I should post more, if no one tells me! *wink wink* …unless you hate it….if you do….suggest ways to improve...but be nice!