Disclaimer:  All characters belong to Tamora Pierce.

Neal walked towards the messenger.  "Please give me my message," He said coldly.  The messenger handed Neal the message with a shaking hand.  Neal opened it and read aloud:

Sir Nealan of Queenscove

You are to meet us at the palace in three days.  Bring your Armour and weapons.  We are at war with Scanra again.  Come with greatest speed

King Jonathan

Kel looked at Neal.  His face had lost color and was now completely white.  She looked to Yuki.  Yuki was just as pale as Neal.  Yuki looked down and put her hand tenderly on her stomach * I can't let Neal leave Yuki.  I will send a message to the king offering my services instead of Neal's. *

Neal shouted, "Gods curse it.  My wife about to give birth to our first and he wants me to go fight in the army!!"

"Neal.." Keladry started surprised at this outrage.

"Don't" Neal sourly replied and he embraced Yuki who was now sobbing hysterically. 

"Neal, listen to me!" Kel said with a little too much force.  "I will send a message to King Jon offering my services so that you can stay here with Yuki."  Neal looked up very hopeful.

"Kel, you would do that for me?  You would sacrifice yourself to war for me?"

"Of course I would, Meathead, for you and Yuki both.  What else are friends for?"

Neal looked at Kel, tears forming in his eyes, "Thank you, Kel. You don't know how much this means to me.  To us.  Thank you.  If you get yourself killed, I will blame myself"

Kel, holding back tears with her most Yamani Lump expression, "Who's going to remind you to eat your vegetables?"

Kel went to her rooms and wrote a letter to the king.  She sent it with Nari (a/n: Nari did travel with Kel I just forgot to mention it.  Jump did too), because she would be quicker than the messenger that had delivered Neal's letter

Later that day, Kel received a message from the king that was attached to Nari's leg.

Sir Keladry of Mindelan

I accept your offer of your services.  Nealan is free to stay with his wife.

            Kel yelled, "Neal, you can stay! You can stay!"  She then noticed there was more to the letter. 

You must find a healer, for we will need one when the war starts.

            Kel flopped down to the ground as Neal ran up to her.  He noticed her grim expression and suddenly became depressed.  "What is it?" He asked

            "I need to find a healer." Kel replied glumly

            "I'm right here…" Neal started

            "NO!! I need to find a healer to bring with to the king for war."

            "Oh…" Neal said downheartedly.  "I guess I better start packing."

"No you will NOT, Neal!" Kel replied, rather strongly.  "I will find a healer and I will go to war.  You will stay here."

            Kel packed her things, gathered her weapons and saddled Peachblossom. She called for Nari and Jump and sadly said goodbye to Yuki and Neal, wishing them luck with their baby.  Kel rode away, at a slow pace.  Peachblossom's hooves going clip, clop, clip, clop. 

            Kel Nari and Jump traveled until sunset.  They finally reached an inn.  It was called The Wooden Swan.  Kel entered the Building. 

            "Hello! I am Talan, the innkeeper.  Would you like a room?"  Talan, the innkeeper, said cheerfully.

            "Yes, please.  I am Sir Keladry."  Kel replied showing no emotion in her voice.

            "It's a pleasure to have you Lady Knight." Talan replied

            "Thank you." Kel said after she received her room key.

            Kel walked into the common room.  There she saw a familiar face.  Blayce was standing there, in front of her with a sword.  It was pointed at her. 

I have more chapters written, but before I get into writing more, I want to know if all you people like it (or at least some) so please review and I will type more.