Disclaimer: Not Tamora Pierce

Chapter Four

Kel hardly had time to hide her thoughts behind her best Yamani Lump face before the women stepped out. First, out stepped his wife. Ermelian, Kel remembered her name as. Even after a brief look, Kel could see that she was everything a well bred noble lady should be, and had to quickly remind herself that the life of a noble lady was not one she had ever wanted.

She was small, slight and was very pretty. Kel also noticed she had dimples when she smiled. She had long dark hair and a pair of plain brown eyes. Overall, Kel decided that she looked as if she would break if you poked her too hard.

Next, was Cleon's mother. Kel managed to keep from flinching. His mother looked to be a determined, straight forward, no nonsense kind of woman who would not hesitate to set you right no matter who you were. She was of a small build, like her daughter-in-law, but with her sons eyes. Her hair was dark blonde with streaks of grey running through it.

Kel sighed quietly to herself. She knew that she was going to be beyond stressed while they were here and decided to take on as many chores around camp as she humanly could.

Cleon's mother looked Kel up and down, "Whose the commander of this camp again?" She appeared as if she were addressing Kel. Kel was decidedly unsure who it was she was talking to as she had turned to survey New Hope.

Kel resisted the urge to walk away and let someone else deal with the three of them. However, she knew that no matter how she felt personally, she was still in charge and it was still her duty. Kel forced herself to stand up taller and keep her head up high.

"I am Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, commander of New Hope as we call it." Her voice was firm and she did not waver, but inside all she wanted to do was run away and find a nice quiet corner to forget the rest of the world for even just a little while.

Cleon's mother visibly stood up straighter and looked Kel in the eye. Kel wondered if she was thinking how her son could love someone such as herself. Her traitorous thoughts would be the end of her.

Cleon's mother spoke, "I am Lady Alyssia of Kennan and this is my daughter-in-law, Ermelian of Kennan."

The small voice in Kel's head piped up, Oh yes, as if I wouldn't know who she was.

Merric eyed Kel for the millionth time during the exchange. He never would have thought under normal circumstances that Kel could get so close to losing control. He was so used to her being calm and cool headed he had to force himself to see her as a normal human being sometimes. Knowing her as well as he did he could see anger flashing in her eyes and he knew that she was trying extremely hard to contain an emotion that was close anger.

Kel addressed both women in front of her. "My ladies, I will not apologize if New Hope is not up to your standards. Although it is beginning to resemble a town, it is essentially a refugee camp and home to those who lost much during this war. I will also remind you that we are still at war, and although we have not seen serious action here for a number of months and I do indeed have visitors present for those who have been at the front for more than a year as well as a number of weary soldiers for a brief respite from constant action, do not by any means consider New Hope safe. Lord Wyldon has allowed you to stay until I deem otherwise. However it is expected that everyone works. With that being said, you will be housed in headquarters with myself, Sir Nealan, a number of orphaned children, some clerks and whoever else is currently staying there. If you need anything please don't hesitate to ask someone. Have you any questions?"

Merric was impressed. This must be the first time he had ever heard Kel give a speech unless it was to the residents of New Hope, and even then, she kept it relatively short and sweet.

After she had taken a breath, Kel continued, "Sir Merric," she indicated towards Merric standing beside her. "Will show you to your rooms and will give you a tour of New Hope. I also trust that he will show you to the mess at lunch time. Please excuse me."

Kel turned on her heel and walked as fast as she was able, towards the infirmary and hopefully, to Neal, her daughter and possibly Dom also.

It took Neal a while to calm her down enough for her to speak using actual words. When he did he asked her calmly, "Okay now, what's happened. I have never seen you like this except when you told me you were having Silvia. Also, where on earth is Merric?"

Kel was on the verge of tears when she replied. "Don't worry about Merric."

Neal raised his eyebrows but remained silent.

"Cleon's the knight Wyldon sent us. He's here. With his mother and his wife."

Neal sat back, suddenly understanding why his best friend was so worked up.

"Gods save us." Was all he managed to whisper.