Disclaimer: These characters are Tamora Pierces creation not mine, apart from Benedict.

This chapter is given to Bectafront because she's the one who helped me start a fanfiction.

Chapter 2- Surprise Missions

Ben!' Kel called in surprise at the man standing before her.

Kel, it's good to see you. It's been a long time hasn't it?'

She had not seen her brother since before she had left on her training to become a knight. Benedict of Mindelan unlike any of her siblings had decided not to become a tool of the court in any way and decided to go off to the university.

Benedict being the very much in between child had spent some of his time on the Yamani Islands before returning back to Tortall after a few years to become a scholar after having many heated debates to his parents about it.

Keladry's father was not so opposed to the idea of his son becoming a scholar like Pier's himself was but Kel's mother had opposed it strongly as Benedict was her youngest son and was always one getting into trouble. Elane had always opted for Benedict to stay at her side until they returned back to Tortall, she lost the debate and Ben had been shipped back to Tortall to study at the University of Tortall in the area of mythology and mythological creatures. He was now in a high grade of scholar in this area and had been called to study with teachers at the palace like Tkaa.

A very long time.'

Since Benedict had been at the Yamani Islands for a while Kel had been more fond of him that her other brothers though once she had the ambition of knighthood had been decided she had associated her interests more with Anders her oldest brother.

Keladry, we've been discussing you these past few minutes.' Thayet mentioned again obviously wanting Kel to query the matter.

Yes your majesty. What have you been discussing about me?' Kel asked obediently.

The Queen's Rider Trainee's spring camp destination has been decided for this year. We've decided, as there are a large amount of immortals in the area nowadays that this years camp will be held in the Scribe's Quill.'

What the Queen had just suggested Kel thought wasn't the safest place to be when you didn't have experience with fighting immortals. The Scribes Quill was an area in the West of the Tortall that had been known for frequent sightings and attacks of immortals. No one knew why, though many had theorised the question, these immortals chose to plague that area but it was well known for the high danger.

My Lord, the King, decided that he would allow us to go as long as we had enough protection with us. Numair who specialises in immortals with come with us. Daine who comes with us anyway has great experience with them. Your brother Benedict has opted to help for although Master Numair knows much about immortals it will be helpful to have someone who knows every fine detail by heart along. My Lord had approved these people though he has commanded that I take at least 5 of the realms knights with us. Most of them are strewn across the country and My Lord says he can't spare any unit of the King's Own, although the Third are said to be out that way anyway he say that I have to take my own knights. There are not many knights left at court and those that are I have little knowledge of. I would like to commission you to come along and I would also ask that you choose 5 knights with experience of immortals to join us on the camp.'

Kel took in a deep breath, surprised with the newest task. She knew that the Scribe's Quill was dangerous and that not many people came out without at least one scratch. In fact Kel was surprised that the Queen only had to take 5 knights with her though she supposed that Thayet had fought with the king over that issue.

Kel could not except as she had been complaining but minutes ago of her lack of occupied time. She knew this would be dangerous though and something big for her first quest.

My Queen, I accept your offer and I will collect the knights you need.'

She nodded Good we leave in a fortnight to the day, please have you're people ready by then. You are dismissed.'

A/N: I know it's pretty short but I'll try and write longer ones next time.