Don't worry, I wasn't going to leave you in suspense forever! I had a bad case of writer's block...a seriously bad case! Hopefully it's all gone now and we can continue on with Kel's exploits as our tale gets even stranger...

As ever I own nothing you recognise from the books - I wish I did. And thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far! :o)

11

It took Kel a moment to work out where she was. Blinking round at the bare room as the early morning sun sparkled on the wall opposite, Kel pulled the blanket up round her shoulders.

Hearing men's voices from the corridor outside, Kel remembered she was in her old room at the Own's barracks. She could not hear any sounds coming from the room adjoining hers – Raoul and Buri were either still asleep or already up and out.

She had slept past her usual waking up time – sleep that had been filled with odd dreams that she couldn't quite remember, but left her feeling unsettled. Gradually the events of the night before came back to her, but they seemed surreal. In the sunny morning, Kel had to wonder if she had imagined the black shadow and the strange warning it had given.

Stifling a groan, Kel eased her way out of bed. She felt about ninety years old – every muscle in her body was stiff and a headache pounded steadily away behind her eyes. On top of all of it she felt strangely cold, even though the day seemed warm enough.

Oh great, she thought crossly, picking up last night's tunic from the back of the chair and giving it a shake. I'm getting sick. I'll have to go and find a healer at some point today, to nip whatever this is in the bud.

And a barber, she remembered, pushing her hair out of her eyes. In fact, she might do that first – there was one on the way back to her usual rooms.

The thought made her wince, remembering the mess that her rooms had been in as a result of Lalasa giving birth all over her bed. Another thing she would have to sort out. And here she had been hoping for a rare day of rest. Nobody else would be doing anything, they would all be too tired or hungover.

I might as well have had a drink myself, the way I feel this morning, Kel considered, trying some stretches to make her feel less stiff. She bent to touch her toes, only to find her head swam as she straightened up. Shaking it to clear it, she did a few arm strengthening exercises against the wall, frowning as her left shoulder hurt. Pulling her shirt to one side, she saw a large bruise spreading over her skin.

It made her pause. Maybe the shadow wasn't her imagination after all. Maybe she should take it a bit more seriously than she was planning to.

One thing at a time, Kel. Get yourself sorted and then find someone who might know more about things like this. Master Numair might be a good place to start. But first things first…haircut!

xxx

A couple of hours later found Kel feeling somewhat more like her usual self. She had visited the barber and had her hair chopped back to its customary earlobe length; her fringe trimmed so she could actually see properly once more. Then she had gone to her rooms, gritting her teeth as she opened the door to find…that everything was completely clean. The servants had obviously been informed and it looked like nothing had taken place there at all. It was her first nice surprise in ages. The sparrows were out in the courtyard, enjoying the sunshine. Kel left them to it, not wanting to disturb their fun. She would buy them a treat later, perhaps.

She had washed, changed into fresh clothes and then thought about what she should do next. The healers could wait, Kel decided – she was feeling a little more human again.

It was probably a combination of a stressful evening and a bad night's sleep. If I don't feel completely better tomorrow, I'll go then, she reasoned with herself.

Numair and Daine's rooms then. She should really talk to someone who knew more about strange omens and magical creatures than she did and, besides, Jump was back with Daine having had more healings for his arthritis. She hadn't seen nearly enough of her dog in the last few months. It was time they had a much needed catch up. After that, she would see if Lalasa was ready for anyone to visit. Kel would like to see the new baby without the stress of birth and blood added into the mix.

Smiling at the thought, Kel left her rooms whistling.

Several people passed her on the way, most of them looking a little worse for wear after the wedding celebrations, and she got barely more than nods and a muttered "Good morning" from most of them. Finally reaching her destination, Kel found the door slightly ajar.

"Hello?" Kel knocked gently and poked her head round into the room. "Daine? Master Numair?"

The room appeared to be empty, except for a small white form curled up in front of the fireplace. Kel grinned and tiptoed over to her dog.

Jump was sound asleep looking, Kel realised with a pang, more his age than ever. Smiling sadly, she crouched down and gently rubbed his lone ear to wake him.

He startled awake, nose snuffling the air. "Hello old boy," said Kel. "I've missed you lately. I'm beginning to think you've left me for Daine."

Jump stared at her as she continued to stroke him and then, with no warning, he bit her.

Kel gave a shocked cry and tried to pull her hand away, pain soaring up her arm. Jump held on for a moment, before releasing her. Holding her bleeding left hand to her chest, Kel leapt to her feet and backed up slowly as Jump advanced on her, hackles raised and teeth bared.

This was awful. Kel couldn't believe it. "Jump…it's me! It's Kel! Stop it!" Did he not recognise her? But he'd only seen her two days before. Had something happened to him?

Suddenly her back met with something solid – the wall. Kel realised she had backed herself into a corner – the door was to her right. She glanced at it, before returning her gaze to the furious dog who was slowly advancing on her, hate filling his small black eyes. A snarl tore itself from his throat.

Kel tensed herself. She didn't want to hurt Jump – the very thought of it made her feel ill – but she wasn't going to stand there and let him attack her. She would wait until he sprung and then she could dodge for the door.

As it turned out she didn't need to. A female voice rang from the open doorway. "Jump! Don't! Stand back!"

Kel had never been so glad to hear Daine's voice. As Jump edged his way backwards, his eyes still fixed on her, Kel turned to thank the Wildmage and ask what on earth was wrong with her dog.

She found herself looking down the sight of a crossbow. Eyes widening, Kel's gaze left the point of the arrow centred directly at her heart, to the face of the young, slim woman holding it. Blue-grey eyes blazed with anger. A shrill shriek sounded from just behind her – Kitten the dragon looked just as mad as her mistress.

"Daine…what…" Kel could barely get the words out from past her numb lips.

"Don't make any sudden movements, unless you're hoping to be pinned to that wall behind you." The Wildmage's voice was fierce. "Now, you're going to tell me, nice and calmly, who in the Black God's name you are and what you've done with Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan."