The news was out--All knights were to prepare for battle, all mages to report to the palace meeting room, all healers to the infirmary, and all of the Queen's Riders and the King's Own to congregate in their mess halls for details.
Kel grimly saddled Peachblossom. As she tightened his girth, Neal came up next to her, leading Magewhisper behind him.
"I'm counted as a knight today, not a healer," he explained when she looked at him questioningly.
"Raoul said it was going to be the ultimate battle, the final battle," She remarked. Neal rubbed his forehead and cleared his throat. All around them, knights and squires were readying their mounts and donning gear.
Kel sighed and slid on her helm. Hefting her glaive mounted Peachblossom and rode to the practice field where the knights were to gather for instructions.
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Alanna, Jon, Raoul, and Gary were the only ones in the throne room.
"I hate waiting," grumbled Alanna.
"I hate the Scanrans," chorused Gary.
"This is stupid," snapped Jon. "We have things to do. We can't just sit here. Which of you are going to fight?"
"I am," the said in unison.
"I'll take the whole King's own," offered Raoul.
"I'll ride with the knights," added Gary.
They all looked expectantly at Alanna. "I'll find something to do," she informed them, feeling harassed. Jon nodded.
"I'm coming, too. We need all the help we can get." When the others started to object, he cut them off. "I need to see what I'm using the Dominion Jewel on, remember?"
Raoul sighed wearily and explained that he had to prepare the Own. Gary needed to arm up, and Alanna had to sharpen Lightning.
"That leaves me to my own devises," Jon muttered. He closed his eyes and mulled over the fight to come.
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Raoul sought out Kel and pulled her aside.
"Kel, I need to teach you one more thing. I know your no longer my squire, but this is important. Remember the day that I explained about Heroes, commanders, warriors, and so on? Well, there is one more thing. This upcoming battle invalidates all of those positions. Everyone must fight as one. Even our dark-corner Hero Alanna has to band with everyone and fight the major battle. I'm sure she would have preferred to sneak off and kill their leader, but this is important. I don't really know how to express this. It's difficult to put into words. It's more of a feeling, where everyone, no matter their status, joins together and are united."
"I understand, Sir," Kel said, looking her former knight-master in the eyes.
Raoul pursed his lips and looked down. He suddenly laughed, but it sounded like a hoarse bark. "The last lesson I can teach you, Kel. I hope you make it out alright." He clapped her shoulder and rode away. Kel didn't know how long she sat in that same place, but a loud crashing sound brought her rudely to her senses. An Eagle darted out of the clouds and landed one the rail, quickly reshaping its head to form Daine's.
"They're attacking Port Cayyne (a/n: spelling? Sry I'm too lazy to look it up!)" she yelled. Trumpets blared, and the knights were ordered to ride out.