Chapter 7: Reassignment

Five tedious days later we returned to the Vassa river, our numbers over double the size they had been the first time we crossed. We were forced to move slowly and take extra measures in hiding our presence. Even though it took much longer to reach the boarder, many were thankful. We had to care for the wounded and sick and rest often for the children who were unused to riding. Keladry was frustrated at the pace, but I could tell that the loss of blood had weakened her as well. Several times I had to reach over to steady her on Peachblossom as she dozed off towards the evening before making camp.

At the Vassa we stirred up the Scanran side of the smugglers. When we returned with them, Keladry began organizing her people into groups to begin crossing. As she moved about, I noticed her eyes darting to the other side. She wanted to run. I couldn't blame her. She had acted in direct violation of her orders to rescue her people, and now she would have to face the consequences. As tempting as the thought was to simply leave, I knew she would stay.

She drifted off again on the boat. Neal joined her for a few minutes before jerking awake at the sound of gravel grinding the wooden bottom of the barge. He nudged her as I led the horses to solid ground. She pulled herself to her feet and stepped down to face her mentors who had gathered on the shore.

Lord Raoul, Lord, Wyldon, and Duke Baird stood silent with Merric, Seaver, and Esmond in the background. Keladry knelt in submission followed by Neal and Owen. I waited my cue with my remaining men to the side. The loyal animals arrayed themselves between the lady knight and the lords in silent defense. After a long, pregnant pause, Lord Raoul broke the silence.

"Sergeant Domitan, tell me these children aren't the result of your squad's Scanran frolics." His smile was broad. I had fulfilled my promise. "Though I do admit, some of them look a little old to be yours."

I grinned. Somehow I had gotten a reputation as a lady-killer. I have no idea who started it and I know that women have a soft spot for my looks, but I had never done anything to encourage it. Well, not much that is.

"Well, sir, my men helped."

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Keladry tilt her head slightly in my direction and a corner of her mouth twitch.

"You missed a tidy fight. Smashed one of King Maggot's little armies all to bits. Come along and I'll tell you about it."

That was my cue. I didn't like leaving the others without my word in their cause, but I could not argue with the orders of my commander. We walked away from the small group. Out of earshot, I caught up with Lord Raoul.

"Sir, what will happen to Knight Keladry?"

His face lost its cheery mask and became sober. "It's up to Lord Wyldon. I don't think she'll be treated as a traitor, he knew that the orders he gave were unfair. However, he would not tell me everything, said it depended on how they returned."

I glanced over my shoulder to see Keladry and Lord Wyldon walking companionably towards headquarters. Hopefully it was a good sign.

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Two months later the Scanrans were on the run. King Maggur was losing his hold over the tribes and there had been no more killing machines on the battlefields. I was ordered to guard Steadfast. Lord Raoul was getting married to Buriram, the commander of the Queen's Riders. Many thought it fitting for the King's Own and the Queen's Riders to unite in such a way, I was simply glad that the man I held in high regards had found someone he could be happy with for the rest of his life.

There wasn't a whole lot to do these days. Just because the Scanrans were on the run didn't mean my squad would be pulled from the boarders any time soon. King Maggur still controlled a large force. However, this wedding of my Lord Raoul's was nicely timed. After all the excitement I knew my men deserved a vacation. It would probably be quite a long week until Lord Raoul returned, which meant a rather dull posting for the rest of us. I almost wanted to admit that I missed my relative's baiting - any sort of mental stimulation. It was both a blessing and a curse that he would be arriving in a day.

Wandering down to the mess hall for supper, I continued to ponder. I assumed Keladry would be coming as well. Considering that the man about to tie the knot was her knight-master and her best friend was most likely chewing the bit to see his own betrothed, I had a short time before I'd see her again. That was a bit of a dilemma. What could I say to her?

Gods save me, what was I thinking. I didn't have to say anything. She knew nothing so why ask for complications. When had my mind (or heart?) gone so far in questioning our relationship. When had I lost track of the way I thought of her? All this thinking was giving me a headache. Quickly finishing my meal, I brushed my way out of the crowded building.

I meant to head back to my quarters, but instead I found myself on the walkway overlooking the road. The sun had set an hour ago, leaving the world in the blue-gray of dusk. I stared down the beaten ground where they would be coming. Neal would be laughing at me, the great Domitan of Masbolle in love with.... Curses, I'd finally said it.

My hand came down on the wooden wall. The word was out in the open - if not in the air, then in my mind. I was in love with Keladry of Mindelan, Lady Knight of Tortall, and hero of the realm. There could be no turning back now. Only, now I had an even greater problem of how to handle this admission to myself when I had to face her in one day?

The gods toy with me. I heard the pounding of hooves in the distance and watched with dismay as the party from New Hope came around the bend. I didn't even have a day. They were here.

Thankfully all I saw of Keladry that night was a passing nod of greeting. Her people had to be settled and by the time it had been finished, the night torches had been lit and burning for at least two hours. I was up long past that in my room, pacing the floor and giving myself a headache.

I woke with a pounding in my head. Confused, I opened my eye and stared at the ceiling. I couldn't remember if I had been drinking, which might have been a bad thing if the room was spinning. However, everything remained stationary as it should have been. The pounding began again, this time located in the general direction of my door. Being the Commander did lend itself some perks like a separate room large enough for a cot, night stand, and wardrobe. With a groan I rolled out of bed and checked my cloths to be sure I was decent.

The moment I unlocked the door it was flung open by an exuberant Nealan of Queenscove. Without hesitation he flung his arms around me.

"Dom! Dom! I'm getting married!"

This thoroughly scrambled my brains even further. I tried to peel him off.

"Of course you are, Meathead. To that Yukimi girl. Don't tell me you forgot already."

He jerked back. "How dare you even -"

"He means he's getting married alongside of Lord Raoul."

I turned abruptly to see Keladry leaning against the door with a smile. For a moment I stared at her. She wore a simple dress of gray with a dark blue under tunic - her house colors. I suddenly became aware that my shirt was un-tucked and unbuttoned. With a bow I tried to repair my appearance.

"Kel, I'm glad to see you made it safely last evening."

For a split second I thought she blushed. Waving at the dreamy Neal she clarified his earlier behavior.

"He's just gotten permission from Yuki and Raoul to be married here instead of in two months. He was determined to come and inform you first thing this morning."

I grinned at my cousin. "Ah, so we are to make a true knight out of the Meathead. I'm amazed."

Neal snapped back to reality. "Dom, if you weren't the only member of my family besides my father here right now I would banish you from the ceremony. As of now, you risk losing your position of honor as first man."

Raising my hands in defense I backed off. "Easy, Neal, I was just checking to see how badly the pressure was getting to you."

His face dropped and he shrugged. "Everything has been settled. All I have to do is wait. Curses!"

He stormed out the door, leaving us stunned in his wake. I looked back to Keladry with a raised eyebrow.

"He's taking it fairly well, don't you think?"

Keladry nodded. "As well as he could I suppose. I only hope he doesn't faint or anything when the time comes."

Excusing myself for a moment, I closed the door and made myself more presentable. Grabbing a light blue shirt and brown tunic, I paused in front of the mirror to run a hand through my hair. When I entered the hall, Keladry stood patiently waiting. I couldn't help looking at her again. This time she did blush, an honest to goodness blush. My heart sent out that irritatingly pleasant tingle.

"What?"

I smiled. "I just don't remember seeing you in a dress that often."

"Oh," She looked down at herself. "I wear one whenever I can, it let's people remember that I am a female after all."

Like I could ever forget that. I smiled again and offered my arm. She returned my smile with her own and accepted.

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We spent the morning touring Steadfast. She gave me an update on New Hope and I traded stories of King Maggur's slow defeat. She wasn't upset that Wyldon had reassigned her to building another refugee camp. I assumed that since she had completed the task the Chamber had set out for her, she was more at peace with her duties. I did have to hand it to Wyldon that he knew what he was doing when he chose her as commander. After lunch I took leave of her to check on my men.

The weddings would take place next evening. I watched with amusement as men did their best to turn headquarters into some resemblance of a wedding chapel. Flowers had been found and brightened the dull wood window frames and spilled over the alter which had been brought from Corus at the insistence of Queen Thayet. The traditional wedding blessing symbol of two interlocking gold rings hung over the doorway and the floor was being swept spotless.

I spotted Neal talking with Lord Raoul, his face unusually ernest. With a smirk I joined them.

"So you boys ready for a final bachelor's night?"

They both stared aghast at me. Shaking my head at their thoughts, I clarified.

"I found a stock of ten-year wine. Don't tell me you want my boys and I to drink it all to your honor without you."

Neal brightened. "Really?" Then his face fell. "But I told Yuki -"

"You leave that to me." Or at least to Keladry. "Tonight is your last night of fun as a boy. Tomorrow, you become a man!"

My cousin turned bright red, but reluctantly agreed. My Lord needed more convincing.

"Dom, you know I have a thing against drink."

I smiled. "A little won't hurt you. Just one, then I'll make sure we have something else for you. One drink to your future."

For a very long moment he stared at the ground. I knew it was a delicate subject for him and didn't try to push him. He finally gave me a small smile.

"One drink, no more. Stop me if I forget."

I saluted. "Yes sir! Barracks after dinner."

I sought out Keladry who was chatting amicably with the two betrothed ladies in their private tents. I coughed politely before entering.

"Excuse me, Kel? Could I have a word?"

She stood gracefully. "What is the matter?"

I chewed my lip for a moment before explaining my plans. She frowned a little at the thought of drinking, I knew she had never thought much of it, but slowly nodded.

"You're invited too." I hastened to assure her.

She paused and shook her head. "I don't drink."

"Please?" I could hardly believe I was saying this. "It wouldn't be the same, plus, if things start getting out of hand, you can help break them up."

Her hazel eyes felt like they were gazing straight through me. Whatever she saw changed her mind.

"I will then."

I had found a cask of good wine forgotten in the depths of the last storehouse. It was covered in dust and cobwebs, probably brought here when the building had been completed, then lost in the shadows. It was flavorful and rich to the tongue, but suitable for a celebration like this. I made a mental note to make sure no one overindulged. It wouldn't do for a sudden attack from the Scanrans - however unlikely an attack may be - to catch us flat out drunk.

Following dinner, word spread about out little bachelor party. Men drifted freely in and out of the King's Own barracks, laughing and joking with our two fated men. Keladry didn't arrive until much later and despite her protests, I placed a goblet in her hand.

"Dom, I told you I don't drink. It gives me headaches."

Standing by my self-appointed post by the keg, I leaned over. "Look Kel, this is for your friends. Just take one and offer a toast. I'll have Neal make you a remedy in the morning."

She fingered the cup. Standing up on a bench, she held it up.

"Gentlemen, I'd like to offer a blessing to Lord Raoul of Goldenlake and Malorie's Peak who has been my knight mentor for many years and good friend, and to Nealan of Queenscove who has been my steadfast friend ever since my first day as a page. May the gods bless you and keep you, may their faces shine upon you and make the way ahead of you smooth an untroubled. You are two of the best men I have the privilege to know. I hope the future will bring you honor."

The room echoed with cries of "Here, here!" and stomping feet. Keladry smiled widely and drank from her cup.

I corked the cask and gave orders to two of my men to take it back to the storage room for tomorrow. I couldn't help laughing when Neal stumbled over to his best friend and wrapped her up in a huge hug. They exchanged some private words as Lord Raoul appeared next to me, a glass of water in his hand.

"Sergeant Dom, thank you for everything."

I bowed. "Not a problem, sir."

He looked down at me, and odd expression on his face. "I meant for what you did for Kel. When I knew you had found out about her breaking orders, I knew you would find a way to go after her yourself. You would not break your promise to me because you wanted to see her safe just as much as I did."

I frowned, not sure where he was headed. "Yes sir."

"You care for her a lot, don't you?"

My heart jumped at those words, but I hid their effect carefully.

"Of course, sir."

"That's good." His eyes wandered over to his former squire with a nearly paternal look of pride. "The King's Own thus far are not allowed to marry. However, after tomorrow I'm going to ask the King to change that rule."

I could feel my face flush at his implication. Could I be so see-through? I played the soldier.

"That will be good news to many of the men."

Lord Raoul gave me an exasperated good-humored look. "I suppose so. But loyalty will have to always remain with the King before and above all else." He set his cup down. "Take care, Dom." With that, he left.

I turned back to the scene before me. The men were laughing loudly over a joke of Owen's in a corner. Others lounged on the benches casually talking about past battles and the Scanrans. Neal had wandered over to his father who had appeared in the doorway and now conversed with him, leaving Keladry sipping her wine by herself.

Without a second thought, I moved to sit next to her.

"How sad that two of the world's greatest men are getting hitched tomorrow."

She smiled. "And to think that I introduced them to each other."

That surprised me. She never seemed the matchmaker sort.

"Really? Both of them?"

She gave a rather unrestricted nod. "Not intentionally, it just happened that way."

I could see now why she avoided alcoholic beverages. Her face was flushed faintly pink. She giggled, which surprised me even more.

"Make it three. Though the last one wasn't really fair." She shrugged. "Doesn't matter anymore."

Suddenly she frowned and looked at me, her dreamy eyes soft.

"Dom, I'd better go. I - I think I need to sleep."

I swallowed, my heart jumping. Keladry downed the last bit of wine in her cup and stood. I followed her out the door to make sure she reached her rooms without incident. She refused my arm, insisting that she could take care of herself, but didn't tell me to go away. Her steps were steady on the wood floor as we made our way through to the officer's quarters.

When Keladry unlocked her door, she stopped to smile at me.

"Thank you, Dom. You always helped me whenever I was in trouble."

I shouldn't have done it, but with her dreamer's eyes pulling me closer, I let myself go in that one moment. I leaned over and gently kissed her soft lips that still tasted of wine. I lingered, more intoxicated in that instant that I had ever been in my life, before withdrawing. She stared, wide-eyed in surprised. Drawing a shaky breath, I stepped away and muttered,

"Gods all bless, Keladry."

In my own room, I didn't even let myself dwell on what I had just done. Instead I threw myself on my bed and fell into a dark oblivion.

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Final note: Happy? He finally did it! I know Cami, Snow*flake, Athena, Kita, Cinereath, Nicole, and Lady of the Shadows will be happy. Hee hee, I used my one and only experience of drinking in this episode - no the kiss though.
Yes, you don't know what Kel is thinking - but that's reality. You can't always know what everyone else is thinking and since this is only one person's point of view, it would mess things up to suddenly be omnipotent.