Kel: Protector of the Small: New Prophecy Chapter 11: New Prophecy

Author's notes: Thanks for the reviews. Don't worry there will be fluff, but I couldn't have the WHOLE story revolve around it. I need some action and twists and turns. That's what makes me want to read novels by Tamora Peirce, Garth Nix, and JK Rowling (a few of my favs ^^) Something really cruddy happened. I was about down with this chapter when the whole program shut down on me---I didn't even save. So here I go again. I'm saving every word now. hehe.---not really every word but you know what I mean. Enjoy! ^^

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Kel awoke in the middle of the battle field to Peachblossum nipping a little harder than necessary on her shoulder. She felt her wound, it was still bleeding and ached horribly. She sat up and was aghast by what she saw; everybody seemed to be frozen in place, in time. All the soldiers seemed to be like a giant painted picture but more realistic. Some were dying, others running their enemies through, Alanna the Lioness was running toward Cleon who was getting hit in the head with the hilt of a sword.

Suddenly bright light emerged out of the corner of Kel's eye. She turned to her left to see a woman in ragged clothing (if you would call it clothing) with an expressionless face. She began to cry tears of blood, and when she did Kel saw a million images flash before her of poverty stricken families who appeared to be from Scanra. Kel felt their pain, their anguish along with the intense emotional distress.

Kel fell to her knees and while tears began to run down her own cheeks. She brushed her fingers across them to find blood on her hands. The woman rose her hand and suddenly it all halted as abruptly as it began. The woman spoke in a voice so loud and clear Kel had the urge to cover her ears.

"Keladry of Mindelan, you just felt and saw what I see and feel through all eternity. I am the Goddess of Benignancy. I feel every beings pain and anguish. It grows stronger in Scanra, which is your next task. Saving the children from being victims of the war in Scanra was your test. Now it is your time to fulfill your destiny---Protector of the Small. To save the people the country neglects and treats as inferiors. There is a youth you must seek by the name of Temeil Ruranei. He will help you in your quest. Good luck lady Keladry."

Kel suddenly aroused to find Dom fast asleep by her side.

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Cleon paced the healers tent in front of Kel's hidden bed. How could I be so stupid? he thought to himself. I need to speak with her---tell her why I acted so foolishly.

"Dom?" Cleon heard Kel's hoarse voice.

"Kel! You're awake. You must be hungry, let me get you something to eat." Cleon watched Dom rush out of the tent, then took a deep breath and went to sit beside Kel.

"Kel---I need to speak to you about my rash actions before the battle. I must apologize. I wasn't thinking straight, you know I value our friendship. I--I meant nothing more by it. Please forgive me." Cleon looked down into his large, calloused hands.

"You know I forgive you Cleon. Our friendship means a lot to me." Cleon beamed at her.

"I should've known you would. Friends?" Cleon held out his hand, and Kel took it.

"Friends always." She smiled at him, then Dom walked in. He tried to act casual, but his irritation showed. Cleon let go of Kel's hand and stood up.

"I better return to repairs before the Lioness uses me as a hammer." Cleon headed off.

"I bet you're starving. Here." Dom said kindly as he handed Kel her food then sat beside her.

"Famished thank you." Dom waited patiently for Kel to finish, when she set down her plate he seemed to be dazed.

"Dom? Is something troubling you?" Dom took her hand in his.

"It's just---is there anything between you and Cleon?" Kel couldn't help but smile at him.

"No. We're just friends. He came to apologize for his rash action before the battle. Just his nerves, Dom." Dom grinned at her then kissed her cheek, then pulled back and gazed into her eyes.

"I should get cleaned up and ready to work. I feel so gritty, I need a hot bath." Dom looked down then smiled.

"You sure do." He teased. "Need help out of bed?"

"I'm sure I can manage, thank you."

"Very well. I better return before the Lioness uses ME as a hammer. Oh by the way, tonight after dinner you have been requested to speak to the prisoners. There's two young boys who especially want to meet you---odd. They have been helping gratefully with the repairs. See you soon." Dom left.

Kel decided to have a quick wash, then save the bath for that night. There would be no point to wash up completely before going into the hot sun to sweat the rest of the day. Kel enjoyed her bath before supper washing every inch of her sweat-soaked body.

Kel enjoyed dinner with the rest, and praised them for their battle skills and sympathized for their losses. She then went to speak with Dom before speaking with the prisoners.

"No matter how many times I see you, I always have a smile each new time." Dom teased, then walked over to Kel with a look of adoration that made it harder for Kel to breathe.

"Dom---I'm glad you weren't injured---and---" Dom embraced Kel into his arms.

"Kel, I love you. I have always loved you." Kel threw her arms around Dom and he kissed her passionately which she returned. This one moment is what she has been waiting for ever since she first met Dom and thanked the goddess silently as Dom pulled away. "Want me to come with you?" He asked stroking her hair. Kel nodded, then they walked toward the prisoners and watched the animals part to let them in.

"Look brother it's her! It's her! The Protector of the Small!" Temeil shouted joyously. Kel hid her look of puzzlement.

"It is Temeil! It is!" Tameral exclaimed. Kel almost gasped in surprise. Temeil. Temeil. * "There is a youth you must seek by the name of Temeil. He will help you in your quest."* Could this be the boy? A Scanra prisoner--- Kel finally decided it made sense. She walked over to the boy and lay a hand on his shoulder.

"Temeil Ruranei, would you like to have dinner in my quarters? Your brother may come too." Dom looked perplexed---how does she know his full name? Temeil obviously felt the same for he stood aghast staring at her. "Come, we have much to discuss." She led them away, the wolf pups prancing behind.

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