This Chapter is for two of the most consistent reviewers for my story: Mrs Dom Masbolle and Domluvr(also Reviewer # 80 yay!) Anyway thanks guys for your support and I think you have both only missed like one or two chapters. Its nice to have readers that will tell me what they think. Thanks to you both!!!


My dear friends

I believe that this is the last letter, or any form of communication that you will have with me for a period of time. I was asked not even to send this, but I couldn't let you go without me saying goodbye.

The magic in Tortall is apparently dying, mages are losing strength everyday. Master Numair and the King are worried about how long it will take those with stronger powers to hold out. Only medical emergencies are to be treated. This is supposed to be kept quiet so that our neighboring countries do not find out, at least until we know if their own mages are being affected.

Roald- Your father says that you must stay away. It might mean that you get to keep your power, which might be useful if either of you become injured travelling, plus who knows what danger the world faces in the coming months.

We are supposed to learn to adjust but I feel that we mages have been taken for granted; it should be interesting to see what happens in the coming months.

I am sad that I won't be able to speak to you face to face for awhile because the King has imposed strict laws against using magic; even now I am disobeying a direct order, but it's worth it.

I must go, I am afraid of being found out I wouldn't put it past the king to put a guard on me to make sure I don't do any magic.

Roald- Take care of her for me. I would be there if I could. I have enclosed a sheet for you, for a quick guide to healing. I know her, and I know that she is stubborn but if something happens at least you will be able to do something. I hope that when the time is right you will come home and for these last years as one of your best friends I wish that all the Gods go with you.

Kel- What can I say? For too many years now we have been friends, we have watched each other's back and spent many years training side by side. This is the longest that we have been away from each other, and no doubt will only get longer. Please be careful! I don't have time to find a new best friend. You often laugh at my dramatics but Kel something is coming, everyone can feel it, and I believe that you will fight against it as you always do. My mind is continually drawn to you and as I wonder how far away you wander, I can't but hope that you will come back to me, to us, soon.

One last thing before I must send this, every mage has the opportunity to see how they die, some take it and many avoid it, preferring to not know their fate before it happens. I am a curious person you might say and I looked and I will tell you what I saw:

I am standing in a field a fight is raging around me, I feel a searing pain, and then I see no more. The dream goes on and I feel and hear, but still see nothing. I am afraid, I am afraid that I die alone. I don't know what happens or how but sometimes I wish that I hadn't seen, or felt rather, I just have no wish to be left in the darkness.

Please come home! Please Stay Away! There are so many conflicting emotions raging I want you home, but both of you know about the Prophecy and I should not try to bring you home before it is time. Our thoughts and prayers go with you both.

Goodbye my friends

May we meet again and soon

With all of my love to you both

SIR NEALAN of QUEENSCOVE


Kel gasped "The magic is gone? Do you feel it?"

Roald looked up at her "My magic is much the same as it ever was, I am no stronger and no weaker"

"Are you worried?"

Roald stood up and took her hands "Kel I am more than worried. I am terrified. My best friend is convinced he is going to die alone. We have no more easy correspondence with our home country. The magic is fleeing Tortall, and we are hundreds of miles away stuck in a cave all because we had to leave." Roald told her

Kel pulled her hands from his and went to sit on the bed "You didn't have to follow me" she added quietly.

"You think I had a choice?" Roald shot back "I don't have a choice in anything Kel. Every thing I am, everything I ever will be has been mapped out by advisors and ambassadors. I am a Crown Prince, there is no such thing as free will. Sure I can do anything as long as it means staying out of trouble. No I was forced to come. A duty"

Kel's face had gone blank during this as she struggled to hide her emotions

"Not only that. It was the only way to save my country. ' The Prince must leave if he wishes to see his kingdom in one piece'. No I had no choice" Roald said quietly

Kel could only nod as she headed past him and out the door, Neal's letter still on the floor where it had been dropped.

The rest of the day past in silence for the pair, both were angry. Roald wished that his life wasn't so controlled and angry at Kel for not understanding.

Kel was upset because as she sat in the courtyard staring at the small ring Roald had given to her. He didn't have to come with me; he could have stayed somewhere else. I was doing just fine on my own.

Neither wanted to admit they were wrong in being so waspish. Neither wanted to admit to the other how worried or scared they were.

Kel walked back to the room when the dinner bell rang she wasn't hungry, or in the mood to talk. She just changed into her gown and laid in the bed and fell into a fitful sleep.

She didn't hear Roald come in, she didn't here the scratching of a quill against parchment nor the blue flash of light. She never heard the door close, and she would never understand why.


Kel woke up the next morning, and rolled over her eyes resting on Roald's pillow, and instead of his dark head of hair was an envelope.

Kel reached over and opened it quickly and read his short note

K.

I am leaving the mountain for awhile. I can't say why or where I am going. The Shang Leopard is coming. He will train with you, I met him while we were pages and he taught me to fight while I was a squire. Leo is a great man. I am sure that you will be upset at this, but I will be back by no later than the first thaw of spring.

Be well

R.

That was it she thought? Be well? Kel sighed in disappointment. She had no wish to be stuck either but at least she wouldn't have snuck out in the middle of the night.


Kel lay back in bed hoping that this Shang Leopard was as entertaining as everyone says She got up to go about her morning routine and as she stopped at the desk she slipped off the ring on her finger and left it. There was no use pretending anyway. It's not like anything would ever have actually happened if they made it back to Tortall.

Kel kept thinking that before they had even seen his letter Roald had just called her love, and then he left. Like he would ever actually be interested in me, but he kissed me… Kel was confused and all she could do was wait.

There was knock on her door as she was staring down at the ring. Kel answered it and pulled it open and it was Sascha

"Well, I know about you and his Highness now, so no worries, he had to say why he was leaving. And well at least he will be back soon. In the meantime the Shang Leopard has just arrived and well he does wish to meet you lady. He's in the private sitting room if you like." Kel nodded and left the room closing the door behind her. She entered into the small sitting room and she couldn't help but stare.

His yellow eyes pierced hers and she felt that they were assessing her every moment.

He had a handsome face, and a lean muscular body. He stood just a little taller then her she noticed as he made his way over to bow to her and take her hand in his

"My Dear Protector of the Small, words of your courageous adventures has reached many ears. I am most eager to become acquainted with the Lady of so many songs"

"If you wish to have an acquaintance then you might want to start by calling me Kel" She said pulling her hand out of his.

He grinned "Of course, Kel. Please sit I am most eager to hear of how you were trained."

Kel could only nod as she sat numbly down on the nearest chair as they began to talk of battles and wars.


Thanks as always to my amazing reviewers. I am so close to a hundred!!!

I only need 12…and this is to all of you non reviewers…I know you're reading!!! I can see the numbers… just please help me get to a hundred!!!! That's all I ask!!!!

Oh and a big box of cyber cookies for everyone who reviews!!!

Thanks as always for the support

Till the next chapter

~Kari