The next morning, Hercules was awakened by the first rays of sunlight
streaming over his face. Groggily remembering Kel was leaving at dawn, he
sat up, intending to go say goodbye to her and maybe even asking her about
what he had been wondering the night before. He immediately wished he
hadn't sat up so quickly; the aches and pains from the night before hit him
like a bolt of lightning. He could only imagine what the others would feel
like, since he had been able to hold up better during their fighting
lesson. He dragged himself out of bed and woke up Jason and Iolaus. Even if
they didn't want to rush and say goodbye to Kel before she left, they might
need the extra time to recover before they had to start scrubbing dishes in
the kitchen.
"Hey, Jason, wake up, you gonna come say bye to Kel?"
A bleary-eyed Jason sat up, or at least he tried. "What-oh! Man, I can barely move!" He looked around the room. "Hercules, it's barely dawn."
The demigod was already finished dressing. "I know, but Kel's leaving now, so if you want to see her off, then hurry. Hey, Iolaus, wakey-wakey!" He went over to Iolaus and started shaking him by the shoulder.
"Oh wakey-wakey yourself," Iolaus mumbled sleepily. "I'd throw a pillow at you if I wasn't so sure my arm would go with it."
Hercules quickly washed his face. "Come on, Kel's probably leaving now; besides, you'll have to get up sometime."
"Kel? Oh yes, the young torturer who did this to us."
"Yeah, she's as pretty as she is ruthless," Jason added. "Try to stall her and I'll see if Lilith wants to come, too."
By this time, Hercules was done getting ready; he set off at a fast walk towards the front gates. He reached them just in time to see Cheiron accompanying Kel outside. They both heard the sounds of Hercules approaching footfalls and waited for him. Once he showed up, Cheiron immediately excused himself and trotted quietly back inside the Academy, leaving one door open for Hercules.
Hercules glanced at the eastern horizon, the sun barely peeking over the ground. "When you said you'd leave at the crack of dawn, you weren't kidding around. The sun's not even a quarter up yet."
"Yes, I know, but I have a long journey. I would've left earlier, but Cheiron caught me on my way out and insisted I take on new provisions."
"Well, I'm glad he did. Kel, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, anything."
"It's about-"
"Hey you two, having a farewell party without us?"
Jason, Lilith and Iolaus had managed to get up to say bye, although by the way they were walking, they were definitely feeling pain from the night before. They joined the other two right outside the gate. Slightly disappointed at not being able to ask Kel about her life, but still having a sense of humor, Hercules couldn't help but comment, "Lilith, nice hair."
She ran her fingers through her hair and glared in mock anger at him, while everyone laughed softly.
"So, you ever gonna be back this way again?" Jason asked.
"Perhaps, we'll see how things go in Sparta. If I do return, I'll be sure to drop by." She started walking off, the cadets calling out last minute farewells.
"Have a safe trip!"
"Keep out of trouble!"
"Bring me back something, 'k?"
Iolaus was immediately smacked in the head by the other three cadets.
Kel laughed, gave a small salute, continuing her walk on the southbound path on the main road not far from the Academy. Everyone, except for Hercules, went back inside, back to bed until they had to get up again. Hercules stood in the gateway for a few moments, resigning himself to the fact that he would have to live with the mystery that surrounded Kel, probably for the rest of his life, as he watched her walk down the path. As he turned inside to shut the gate, he heard a loud hissing through the air. He whirled around to see Kel fall to her knees, her hand on a black arrow imbedded in her shoulder. Through his initial shock, he heard someone yelling, the sound coming from the forest on the western side of the Academy, and saw a large group of men running towards Kel. He shouted out, "We're under attack!" and sprinted towards the downed Kel. He picked her up and was able to get back inside the gates just before the men reached them. Cheiron came galloping up with a few teachers to see what was going on.
While Hercules quickly explained the best he could, the other teachers set about waking everyone up to defend the Academy, and Cheiron checked on Kel's wound. She held back a pained gasp as he snapped off the long shaft of the arrow sticking out of her shoulder. Overhead, arrows, sling stones and the occasional fire arrow started flying into the Academy.
Cheiron yelled out, "Be careful, everyone! Watch for incoming fire!" Turning to Hercules, he ordered, "Take her to the infirmary, then get some weapons from the armory and join me up on the outer wall."
"Wait!" Kel managed to say through gritted teeth. "Negotiate with them for a ceasefire; what they want is me. Tell them I'll talk with them."
"We'll see, young one. Just get that shoulder taken care of."
Hercules carried Kel to the infirmary, occasionally dodging incoming fire or anyone running around on the grounds. Once there, the chief physician, Dalin, dismissed Hercules and started checking on Kel's wound, but not before she called out, "Hercules! Please, when you get up there, talk to them, just get them to stop their attack."
He gave her a quick nod, then left. Kel turned her attention back to her shoulder. Luckily, her traveling robe was thick and the arrow's flight near spent; it didn't even pierce the other side. Dalin was able to pull the head of the arrow out, with major self-restraint by Kel not to yell out in pain when he had to practically hold her shoulder open to get to it. While making a poultice for her shoulder, he called one of his assistants over.
"Jaresh! Take her over to the bench over there and bandage her wound with this. I need to take care of the cadet that just walked in."
Kel looked at the doorway. Two cadets were walking in, one supporting the other, who had burns all over his arms and face; obviously, the fire arrows were starting to take their toll on the building, most of it made of flammable materials. Kel grimaced at the pain and suffering she had unwittingly brought onto the Academy.
"Miss?"
She looked away from the doorway to see Jaresh standing in front of here; he led her over to the waiting bench. "I need to get to your wound."
"Oh, yeah, of course."
She slipped her traveling robe off the best she could, using only one arm. Jaresh started to work on her shoulder. She bore the pain stoically, both physically and emotionally; while her wound was being dressed, two more cadets came in with burns and by the time she left, another one came limping in, a black arrow in his leg.
She left her robe and her haversack in a corner of the infirmary, then dashed to the battlements on the outer wall, bow and arrows from the armory in hand, and joined Cheiron who was alternately shooting off arrows, ducking behind the battlements and shouting out requests for a ceasefire. Kel held up a hand, motioning him to be silent, then did some shouting of her own.
"Cease fire, Reskal! I'm here now, so stop firing!"
Immediately the arrows and weapons fire stopped. A harsh, mocking voice came from outside the walls.
"So you finally decided to stop hiding like a frightened kitten, eh, Rekelen?"
That silenced everyone within hearing distance. Rekelen was the name of the Shang Cobra, the youngest of her order.
Hercules had been fighting on the other side of Cheiron; now he felt a mixture of surprise and relief. So, he thought, she's Shang; that certainly clears a lot of things up, her reflexes, strength, fighting style.
He heard a choked cough coming from further down the wall; he turned his head to see that it was Shadren, apparently realizing just whom he had picked a fight with. They were also taught to kill at a glance; nice going, Shad. He turned back to listening and watching the exchange between Kel and the leader of the attackers.
Kel had stood up, looking down at the man who had spoken. "Reskal, how lovely to see you again. What, it's been two years since Master Vedaren kicked the Dragons out of Shang? I still remember your retreat from the palace, all of you fleeing like whipped dogs."
Reskal smiled grimly through his blond goatee. "Everyone is entitled to their own recollection of that day; yours is of no matter. I suppose you've heard of our growth in Corinth."
Kel lifted an eyebrow in surprise. "No, I haven't, but thanks for telling me; I'm sure everyone back home will be glad to hear that."
"I'm sure they will. You can go back to Shang to tell them, that is, if you make it out of here alive."
Kel leaned her hand on the battlements, acting as if it were nothing. "Whoever said I was going back to Shang. Or maybe you haven't heard- I've been sent out as a wanderer; I don't plan a trip back to Shang for years."
"Really, Rekelen," Reskal said in an odd voice, "It's not like you to lie. We know you were going to Corinth. But you have no need to now."
"Look, Reskal, enough beating around the bush. What is this all about?"
Reskal's eyes turned an icy blue. "Your operatives. They're dead."
Kel casually checked her wound. "Operatives. Do you mind ex-"
Reskal interrupted her. "Corlen, Asaron, Sirella, and Turon. That is what I mean, Cobra, if that's what they're still calling you."
Kel's cheek twitched slightly, but that was the only expression left in her face. She let go of the battlements and straightened up. "Well, now that you're done delivering your news. I suggest you leave. Now."
He chuckled humorlessly. "Well, you see, there's a small problem with that. I'm afraid we can't let you go; Jetar really doesn't want the rest of the Shang to know just yet about Karsan and the others just yet. He'd like the attack on the palace to be a surprise; you know how thoughtful he is."
"Of course, like the time he broke Darius' shoulder 'accidentally,' then helped him to the infirmary."
"Exactly."
"I suppose he wants me dead then."
"Not just yet; he wants me to bring you back alive. Something about killing Liam off too quickly, and he wants to do the job properly with you."
Kel felt hatred race through her blood like fire.
"And before you decide anything," he added, "I remind you that my men and I can shoot all day; you won't be able to keep that place standing forever."
Kel's mind raced. If she gave herself up, the Shang would send more warriors, who would most likely meet the same fate she would if they didn't know what to expect. But if she kept on fighting, Reskal never bluffed; he would keep shooting until the Academy burned to the ground. What she needed to do was keep him from destroying the Academy while not getting killed in the process.
Reskal crossed his arms. "I'm waiting, Cobra. What's your answer?"
Kel inclined her head knowingly. "I've noticed that a few of your men were injured during our little skirmish; so were a couple of ours. Now, we can go on sniping at each other all season, and believe me, fire won't do much to this place if there's no one left to shoot your fire arrows. Or we can end this right now. In an honorable fashion."
Reskal had a look of amusement on his face; Rekelen remembered him well. She knew that he would rather have a one-on-one combat, giving his opponent an even chance of winning, instead of an uneven fight of thirty-on-one fight.
"What do you propose?"
"At high noon, we fight out here, in front of the Academy, swords, nothing else. First one disarmed loses. If I win, you'll leave this place alone. If you win, I'll go with you."
He stroked his chin thoughtfully, thinking for a moment. "Agreed. High noon, one-on-one." Then raising his voice for the rest of his men, "Everyone got that?"
The response was unenthusiastic, but general grumblings of "Yeah" and "Understood" could be heard.
"All right, back to camp." With that, Reskal and his men started walking back to the forest.
Kel stood on the wall top, watching silently until the last of Reskal's men had disappeared into the forest. As soon as they did, she leaned against a battlement and let out a deep breath. Noticing all the stares she was getting, she looked at Cheiron and Hercules and motioned for them to follow her.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Cheiron only said, "So what will you do now?"
Kel replied, "The only thing I can do- help with the wounded, then preparing for the battle."
"But Dalin and his assistants already have the entire situation in hand," Hercules said. "Perhaps, but I'll feel better if I stop by the infirmary." Kel let Cheiron lead the way.
"But what can you do?"
Kel countered Hercules' question with one of her own. "What exactly do you know about me, speaking of my reputation as the Cobra of Shang?"
"Well, you're the youngest person to ever become an official Shang warrior. And no one's ever seen you until now, but it's been said that you're one of the greatest warriors to ever live."
The centaur added, "And something many people have wondered is if you are of divine heritage. Some say you can even heal.others." He looked carefully at Kel. "Is that why you-?"
She cut him off. "Yes, I can heal, so right now, the infirmary's my first priority. But I am not a demigoddess of any sort, and that's all I can tell you."
They finally arrived at the infirmary. A few cadets and a teacher were on the waiting benches, most being patched up by Jaresh and other healers on staff. Lilith and Jason were already bandaged, but they couldn't be seen clearly, their backs beings towards the door, both standing in front of the main examining table.
Hercules called out a friendly greeting. "Hey, Jason, Lilith, what's-"
He stopped abruptly when Lilith and Jason jumped back and turned towards Hercules, their faces pale. As soon as they did, the prone figure of Iolaus could be seen, an arrow buried in his midsection.
Hercules' throat tightened. "Oh no." He and Kel went quickly over next to Jason and Lilith.
Cheiron joined Dalin on the other side of Iolaus. "Is he-"
"No, no, I'm not." This came from Iolaus, who opened his eyes weakly. "But you're not far from the truth." He struggled just to stay conscious for as long as he could.
Dalin shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry; there's nothing more I can do other that make him comfortable. It's amazing he even lasted this long."
"Of course," Iolaus mumbled, "I wanted the last thing I saw to be Kel's pretty face."
Kel smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Iolaus; but I'll warn you now, the first thing you see when you wake up might now be as pretty; don't scream too loud. For now, just sleep." Placing her right hand on his forehead, she closed her eyes and everyone who was watching saw an extremely faint golden glow flow from her hand into his head. He had been about to ask what she was talking about, but he barely got past the first word before he dropped off into sleep.
Dalin's forehead furrowed up in confusion. "Master Cheiron, what is going on here?"
Kel answered for the centaur. "I have no time to explain everything, but I can heal Iolaus, and I must do it quickly. Take care of your other wounded."
She turned to Hercules. "I'll need your help, though. Give me your hand."
When he hesitated, she gazed solemnly into his blue eyes with her own light amber ones. "Please, you have to trust me. For Iolaus' sake."
Something in her eyes told the demigod he could trust her. He took her outstretched hand. Kel place her other hand over the place where the arrow entered into Iolaus' body. Closing her eyes again, she took a deep breath and started. This time the glow not only came from Kel's hand into Iolaus, but also from his hand joined with hers. Hercules felt as though he was being drained of something; it was a peculiar sensation, but not hurtful in any way. The glow was so bright that everyone in the infirmary saw it and fell silent when they saw where it was coming from. The process only took a few minutes; in the middle of it, Kel gently pulled the shaft out of Iolaus' wound. Towards the end, the glow from both Kel and Hercules flowing into Iolaus grew fainter. When it finally disappeared, Kel removed her hand from the point of entry. There wasn't even a scar left to indicate that Iolaus had ever been shot, only dried blood from when he had first been hit.
The entire infirmary was silent as Kel struggled to remain standing, but her legs were pretty weak. Hercules and Jason caught and supported her; Hercules was feeling a bit off himself; not as weak as Kel looked but still a bit dizzy.
"He'll be out for the rest of the day as his body does some healing of his own," she reported wearily. "Sometimes it's best for that."
"Come on," Hercules said. "You need to rest." He led her over to an empty bench. "You ok?"
"Yeah, thanks," she replied. "Healing just takes a bit out of me, especially if I'm wounded myself."
Cheiron walked over to them. "Kel, none of the other patients have life threatening injuries. Can you heal your own wounds, or do you need our help?"
"I can fix my shoulder, but again, I'll need your help, Hercules, if you're willing to help."
"Of course."
Kel took off her bandage and took both of Hercules' hands in her own. This time, only a steady stream of soft golden light flowed from Hercules into Kel, but Kel's skin started to glow, her skin a glistening amber color. The other cadets watched, fascinated as the wound in her shoulder slowly repaired itself, ending with her skin looking as flawless as the rest of her. This time, Hercules felt even more drained than when Kel had healed Iolaus; he kept himself from drifting off to sleep by thinking about all that had gone on in the past day.
Hmm, let's see, we get a gorgeous girl at the Academy who ends up being the Cobra of Shang, we have a small battle here, Iolaus nearly dies, she heals him and now she's healing herself. Sounds like a pretty normal day. But what is she? Wait, I already know what she is- the girl of my dreams. A warrior, beautiful, funny; I never expected that from a Shang, only a cold warrior with the power to kill. And boy, is she mysterious, there are too many questions that I want to ask, but I don't know if I should. Like why is it that she came less than a day ago and I feel like I'm falling in love with her every moment that she's here. I feel like I've known her for longer, like there's something attracting me to her, but I don't know what it is.I don't even know if I care. Wait, what about that Liam guy Reskal mentioned? From Kel's reaction, he was probably a friend.a close friend. Great, Herc, you find the perfect girl and she's still recovering from the death of a boyfriend. I guess all my chances just flew out the window. Hercules, sometimes you can be so- what the?
While he was reflecting on Kel, something happened in his mind. Images appeared, blocking out his own. A distant view of an enormous palace, fog resting on the dark green forest covering the mountain on which the palace sat. He knew somehow that this was the palace of Shang. Looking up from an impressive looking marble floor to see the king and queen of Thessalonica. The smiling face of young man, dark haired, eyes the color of a gray wintry sky, rubbing his forearm and laughing ruefully- Liam.
Kel broke off their link. Her shoulder was healed, but both she and Hercules felt tired, Kel even more so. She leaned her head on her hands and spoke. "If you feel more tired than before, I understand; I used most of my inner reserves for Iolaus, so I had to take more from you this time; just so at least I wouldn't collapse as soon as I was done."
Hercules nodded. "I think I understand. You still don't seem to be able to fight though." He realized, She doesn't know. All those images, I know them, but how? From her?
"Not now, at least. How close is it to high noon?"
The blond demigod looked out to a nearby window, reopened now that Reskal and his men were gone. "It's coming, but you've got quite a long time before it does. What do you mean, not now?"
"Give me some time, food, maybe some sleep, I should be able to build up some strength before the fight. Accompany me to the mess hall?"
"Sure, let's go."
The two of them set off at a slow pace to the dining hall, but it didn't take them that long. Kel sat down at a table at the wall and rested, while Hercules looked around in the kitchen for food that wouldn't kill her before Reskal had his chance to; the infirmary was close to the dining hall for a reason. As they ate some fruit and vegetables he had found, Hercules asked Kel questions about exactly what was going on.
"So, how exactly do you know Reskal?"
"He was part of a rogue gang formed in the Shang palace; they called themselves the Dragons, even thought Shang titles are only bestowed upon individuals who have earned their rank. All of them were in a less advanced class than I was, but it was enough."
"Enough?"
"As you advance through Shang training, you get taught harder and more difficult skills. Most of the Dragons were at the point that they could injure easily. And injuries were already commonplace- it happens all the time at a place like Shang. But we learn from it and how to stop it from happening again. But the Dragons.at first, it was just a bunch of 'accidents'. Then later on, it became more than an 'accident'." Kel's voice choked up slightly; after a moment's silence, she went on.
"After about a month of this, the masters were at a loss on what to do. They had already gone from so-called accidents to purposeful violence. They were considering banishment-, which hasn't been done in a century because it's so severe- when Jetar killed a student.brutally-" This time, Kel's voice broke totally and she turned her head away from Hercules, so he couldn't see the tears forming in her eyes.
Hercules was a bit stunned to see Kel in this state, but he still could think clearly enough to circle the table to sit by her and put his arm around her comfortingly. Not looking at her directly, giving her some privacy, he gently said, "If you don't want to talk about it, I'll understand."
"No, no," she countered, shaking her head and dashing the tears from her eyes. "It's ok, it happened a long time ago, almost two years actually. Umm. after that.incident, the Dragons were banished from the palace, publicly disgraced and dismissed in front of the whole palace. And as they left, their leader, Jetar, threatened to kill us all, no matter what or how long it took."
"Were you the Cobra by the time this happened?"
"Not quite; I was still fifteen, but only a few days before my sixteenth birthday and the ceremony to give me my rank."
"Wow, sixteen. Why so young? Every other Shang I've heard about has been a lot older. And why 'the Cobra'? Doesn't seem the most ideal for someone like you." Kel laughed softly. "My title came from my friends; they said when I fight, I look like a cobra ready to strike. They said I move like a snake when I'm looking for an opening. You might be able to see it when I fight Reskal. And as for my early acceptance into the Shang order, you saw it yourself, in that fight with Shadren. My strength and reflexes allowed me to go through my training faster than anyone else ever has."
"Oh, well, what about the rest of the story, with Reskal and stuff?"
"Well, since Reskal just about exposed the entire operation in front of the Academy, I suppose I can at least I can try to have it make sense. A year after this happened, we got word of a group of renegade Shang that had taken root in Corinth and were teaching their skills and also their ideals to the youth living there. Of course, we couldn't allow that to continue, so we sent four undercover warriors to Corinth- Corlen, Sirella, Asaron, and Turon. Corlen and Asaron were two warriors who had arrived at the palace shortly after the Dragons were banished; they had been gone for the entire time that everyone in the Dragons had been alive, but still looked young enough to join the Dragons, so we sent them down as citizens of Corinth. Sirella and Turon went as them selves but were accepted into the Dragons over the past year as having 'rejected the Shang way of life.'
"This is where it gets confusing. About two months ago, the masters decided to send me. After what Jetar did, I couldn't understand why I would be sent. They said I would go dethrone Jetar, with the help of the other four, get rid of the Dragon sect that way. Even though it seemed a bit risky, I've been trained to follow orders, no matter what. Then about a month later, I left. My cover story varied from place to place- I must have told a dozen different stories- going to Ephesus, Thessalonica, Athens, then Sparta- all the while heading to Corinth."
"Well, I'm glad you stopped here; think of what could've happened if you had reached Corinth."
Kel leaned back in quiet frustration. "I don't know how I'm going to tell the others. But. I'll deal with that when it comes. For now, I should start preparing for the fight."
She got up from the table after Hercules sheepishly removed his arm from around her shoulders after she gave him a knowing look. She tried to stand, but wobble was closer to what she did. "And I think I should start by getting some sleep. Could we go out to the courtyard?"
"Yeah, of course, but wouldn't you prefer your room?"
"No, it's rather stuffy actually; at Shang, my quarters have huge windows that face two directions and it feels really open. Join me?"
They walked out into the courtyard; it was still a long time till noon and no lessons would be taught that day until the Dragon threat was gone and the damage to the Academy fixed. Stretching out in the cool shadows by a wall, Kel fell asleep in an instant. Hercules laid down nearby, couldn't get to sleep just yet.
On his back, his arms underneath his head, he stared up into the near cloudless sky, going over the things in his mind that Kel had told him. I guess that Liam guy was the student killed.and the guy she loved. It's been two years and she's still sensitive about it. So much for me having even half a chance at her.
He looked over to where she lay sleeping. This is probably the first chance she's had in a while, especially with the whole Dragons in Corinth business. I can't imagine what it's like, undercover one moment, the next fighting as the warrior she is, The Cobra of Shang- an awesome fighter, but I never would've expected her to be so funny. or human. Still, she's too out of reach. It would've been nice though. Then the draw of sleep was too much and he didn't bother fighting it.
While Hercules slept dreamlessly, Kel relived countless memories in her sleep. Figures and scenes from her past appeared in her mind with vivid recall. Looking up at the face of young novice Torias. Master Kyana teaching her how to walk. Her first fight against a classmate in practice. Liam's kind help in sword practice. A food fight in the Shang mess hall. Helping with other students with staff-fighting, hand-to-hand combat, archery. Surprise drills that stated in the middle of the night. Talking with Liam in practice, at lunch. During a horseback ride, when they were diplomats in Thessalonica. The pride she felt when Torias was promoted to the Shang Wolf. Healing Liam of a head wound after deterring a raiding party. Their first kiss. Light hearted teasing from their friends. The first moment practices started going awry. Tarrance's broken arm. Bryony's cracked ribs. Areel's broken collarbone. Jetar killing Liam, his sword in Liam's chest, out and stained with blood, Liam collapsing, not even alive when she reached him. Master Vedaren's decree of banishment. Twenty Dragons walking out the massive gates of the Shang palace. Jetar's last threat. Liam's funeral. Being in full dress uniform at her ceremony. Her headband and wrist guards being presented to her, a cobra poised to strike depicted on them, encircled by a ring of fire. Mourning silently day after day, night after night. Her curious orders to go to Corinth. Traveling along roads, in fields, through dark forests. Arriving at the Academy. Meeting the cadets. The arrow striking her shoulder. The battle. Healing Iolaus. Fighting Reskal. Losing. Seeing Jetar. Dying at his feet.
After seeing this last scene, Kel sat straight up, wide-awake and breathing hard. Hercules was still sleeping and it was nearly high noon. She got up and started stretching and warming up muscles for the fight. Hercules woke up when she finished. "You ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be. I was just about to get my sword, I'll be right back."
She left the courtyard and returned shortly, a gleaming sword hanging loosely from her hand.
Hercules stood up, stretching the sleep from his body. "Wow, nice sword. I take it that's a present from Shang?"
She polished the pommel stone casually. "I suppose you could say that. The metal came from a fallen star that hit not far from the palace. The rest was done by Shang metal workers; I received it on my thirteenth birthday." It was indeed a nice sword; the pommel stone was set at the top of the hilt, amber as Kel's eyes. Black leather and silver made up the handle and crosstrees. The blade itself shone brilliantly in the sunlight, blood channels on both sides, the sharp double edges tapering off to a dangerously pointed tip.
Kel went through a few quick drills with sword in hand that Hercules could only follow the movements of by watching the bright reflection off it as it whirled through the air.
Cheiron showed up on the courtyard. "It seems you are ready, Kel, and not a moment too soon. One of the sentries we put up has just sighted Reskal and his men coming out of the forest."
Lilith and Jason came running up. Both still bore the bandages on their faces and arms from having to beat out fires in the Academy. "Anything we can do before you go out there, Kel?" Lilith asked.
"No, except you make sure that the guys don't interfere, like with Shadren in the kitchen last night."
"I will. Good luck out there."
Before anything else could be said, a familiar voice roared from outside the gates. "Rekelen! It's time!"
Cheiron opened the gate and stepped out first, Kel and the others following behind. The small group of men was standing in a wide semi-circle behind the main road, with Reskal in the middle, who had removed his shirt for both easier movement and possibly to try and intimidate Kel by a show of strength. "Are you ready for total humiliation, Cobra?"
It didn't work. "It's hard to be humiliated when you've beaten the living daylights out of your opponent!"
"We'll see about that." Taking a huge broadsword from one of his men, he stepped out to a place between the two groups, Kel also doing the same. She was slightly nervous, but her dreams had an unusual knack for being accurate, and the one she just had with losing to Reskal was not something she was looking forward to. But knowing the future also gave her a chance to change it. I guess we'll see about this, too.
When they met, they both crouched down into the "guard" position and began.
Reskal attacked savagely, his sword clashing jarringly against Kel's repeated blocks. After his barrage of initial strikes, he backed off slightly, looking for a new opening. Kel didn't give him the chance to find one. She whipped her blade up in a crescent that Reskal countered just in the nick of time; Kel reversed it quicker than the eye could see and nearly knocked the sword out of Reskal's hand, if he had not followed the direction of the blow, spinning full circle, his sword out at shoulder level. If she had not ducked, Kel surely would've been beheaded. Hopping back up, her sword met his and they exchanged a fierce flurry of parries, thrusts, and blocks. Neither gaining an advantage, they broke off from each other, and circled, looking for openings. Hercules then knew Kel's friends had given her title aptly; she always kept her body close to the ground, moving in a liquid movement, like a cobra in the sand.
Kel had no intention of making this a long drawn out battle. She lunged in, attacking with a series of harsh arcing strikes, trying to get the sword out of Reskal's hand. He deflected them as rapidly as he could; finding an opening that could disable her, he lunged in. She saw it coming, and, sliding her sword around his like a streak of lightning, twisted it sharply. Reskal's sword went flying out of his hand, too fast for him to try to grab for it. He tried though, but the feeling of cold steel under his chin said otherwise. He froze and slowly turned his head to look into the even colder eyes of his warrior opponent.
"Well?" she asked icily.
He stepped back in resignation. "The battle is yours.today. This place may be your safe haven, but you're fair game as soon as you leave. I doubt this will be our last meeting, young Cobra." With that, he picked up his sword and walked back with his men into the forest.
"Hey, Jason, wake up, you gonna come say bye to Kel?"
A bleary-eyed Jason sat up, or at least he tried. "What-oh! Man, I can barely move!" He looked around the room. "Hercules, it's barely dawn."
The demigod was already finished dressing. "I know, but Kel's leaving now, so if you want to see her off, then hurry. Hey, Iolaus, wakey-wakey!" He went over to Iolaus and started shaking him by the shoulder.
"Oh wakey-wakey yourself," Iolaus mumbled sleepily. "I'd throw a pillow at you if I wasn't so sure my arm would go with it."
Hercules quickly washed his face. "Come on, Kel's probably leaving now; besides, you'll have to get up sometime."
"Kel? Oh yes, the young torturer who did this to us."
"Yeah, she's as pretty as she is ruthless," Jason added. "Try to stall her and I'll see if Lilith wants to come, too."
By this time, Hercules was done getting ready; he set off at a fast walk towards the front gates. He reached them just in time to see Cheiron accompanying Kel outside. They both heard the sounds of Hercules approaching footfalls and waited for him. Once he showed up, Cheiron immediately excused himself and trotted quietly back inside the Academy, leaving one door open for Hercules.
Hercules glanced at the eastern horizon, the sun barely peeking over the ground. "When you said you'd leave at the crack of dawn, you weren't kidding around. The sun's not even a quarter up yet."
"Yes, I know, but I have a long journey. I would've left earlier, but Cheiron caught me on my way out and insisted I take on new provisions."
"Well, I'm glad he did. Kel, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, anything."
"It's about-"
"Hey you two, having a farewell party without us?"
Jason, Lilith and Iolaus had managed to get up to say bye, although by the way they were walking, they were definitely feeling pain from the night before. They joined the other two right outside the gate. Slightly disappointed at not being able to ask Kel about her life, but still having a sense of humor, Hercules couldn't help but comment, "Lilith, nice hair."
She ran her fingers through her hair and glared in mock anger at him, while everyone laughed softly.
"So, you ever gonna be back this way again?" Jason asked.
"Perhaps, we'll see how things go in Sparta. If I do return, I'll be sure to drop by." She started walking off, the cadets calling out last minute farewells.
"Have a safe trip!"
"Keep out of trouble!"
"Bring me back something, 'k?"
Iolaus was immediately smacked in the head by the other three cadets.
Kel laughed, gave a small salute, continuing her walk on the southbound path on the main road not far from the Academy. Everyone, except for Hercules, went back inside, back to bed until they had to get up again. Hercules stood in the gateway for a few moments, resigning himself to the fact that he would have to live with the mystery that surrounded Kel, probably for the rest of his life, as he watched her walk down the path. As he turned inside to shut the gate, he heard a loud hissing through the air. He whirled around to see Kel fall to her knees, her hand on a black arrow imbedded in her shoulder. Through his initial shock, he heard someone yelling, the sound coming from the forest on the western side of the Academy, and saw a large group of men running towards Kel. He shouted out, "We're under attack!" and sprinted towards the downed Kel. He picked her up and was able to get back inside the gates just before the men reached them. Cheiron came galloping up with a few teachers to see what was going on.
While Hercules quickly explained the best he could, the other teachers set about waking everyone up to defend the Academy, and Cheiron checked on Kel's wound. She held back a pained gasp as he snapped off the long shaft of the arrow sticking out of her shoulder. Overhead, arrows, sling stones and the occasional fire arrow started flying into the Academy.
Cheiron yelled out, "Be careful, everyone! Watch for incoming fire!" Turning to Hercules, he ordered, "Take her to the infirmary, then get some weapons from the armory and join me up on the outer wall."
"Wait!" Kel managed to say through gritted teeth. "Negotiate with them for a ceasefire; what they want is me. Tell them I'll talk with them."
"We'll see, young one. Just get that shoulder taken care of."
Hercules carried Kel to the infirmary, occasionally dodging incoming fire or anyone running around on the grounds. Once there, the chief physician, Dalin, dismissed Hercules and started checking on Kel's wound, but not before she called out, "Hercules! Please, when you get up there, talk to them, just get them to stop their attack."
He gave her a quick nod, then left. Kel turned her attention back to her shoulder. Luckily, her traveling robe was thick and the arrow's flight near spent; it didn't even pierce the other side. Dalin was able to pull the head of the arrow out, with major self-restraint by Kel not to yell out in pain when he had to practically hold her shoulder open to get to it. While making a poultice for her shoulder, he called one of his assistants over.
"Jaresh! Take her over to the bench over there and bandage her wound with this. I need to take care of the cadet that just walked in."
Kel looked at the doorway. Two cadets were walking in, one supporting the other, who had burns all over his arms and face; obviously, the fire arrows were starting to take their toll on the building, most of it made of flammable materials. Kel grimaced at the pain and suffering she had unwittingly brought onto the Academy.
"Miss?"
She looked away from the doorway to see Jaresh standing in front of here; he led her over to the waiting bench. "I need to get to your wound."
"Oh, yeah, of course."
She slipped her traveling robe off the best she could, using only one arm. Jaresh started to work on her shoulder. She bore the pain stoically, both physically and emotionally; while her wound was being dressed, two more cadets came in with burns and by the time she left, another one came limping in, a black arrow in his leg.
She left her robe and her haversack in a corner of the infirmary, then dashed to the battlements on the outer wall, bow and arrows from the armory in hand, and joined Cheiron who was alternately shooting off arrows, ducking behind the battlements and shouting out requests for a ceasefire. Kel held up a hand, motioning him to be silent, then did some shouting of her own.
"Cease fire, Reskal! I'm here now, so stop firing!"
Immediately the arrows and weapons fire stopped. A harsh, mocking voice came from outside the walls.
"So you finally decided to stop hiding like a frightened kitten, eh, Rekelen?"
That silenced everyone within hearing distance. Rekelen was the name of the Shang Cobra, the youngest of her order.
Hercules had been fighting on the other side of Cheiron; now he felt a mixture of surprise and relief. So, he thought, she's Shang; that certainly clears a lot of things up, her reflexes, strength, fighting style.
He heard a choked cough coming from further down the wall; he turned his head to see that it was Shadren, apparently realizing just whom he had picked a fight with. They were also taught to kill at a glance; nice going, Shad. He turned back to listening and watching the exchange between Kel and the leader of the attackers.
Kel had stood up, looking down at the man who had spoken. "Reskal, how lovely to see you again. What, it's been two years since Master Vedaren kicked the Dragons out of Shang? I still remember your retreat from the palace, all of you fleeing like whipped dogs."
Reskal smiled grimly through his blond goatee. "Everyone is entitled to their own recollection of that day; yours is of no matter. I suppose you've heard of our growth in Corinth."
Kel lifted an eyebrow in surprise. "No, I haven't, but thanks for telling me; I'm sure everyone back home will be glad to hear that."
"I'm sure they will. You can go back to Shang to tell them, that is, if you make it out of here alive."
Kel leaned her hand on the battlements, acting as if it were nothing. "Whoever said I was going back to Shang. Or maybe you haven't heard- I've been sent out as a wanderer; I don't plan a trip back to Shang for years."
"Really, Rekelen," Reskal said in an odd voice, "It's not like you to lie. We know you were going to Corinth. But you have no need to now."
"Look, Reskal, enough beating around the bush. What is this all about?"
Reskal's eyes turned an icy blue. "Your operatives. They're dead."
Kel casually checked her wound. "Operatives. Do you mind ex-"
Reskal interrupted her. "Corlen, Asaron, Sirella, and Turon. That is what I mean, Cobra, if that's what they're still calling you."
Kel's cheek twitched slightly, but that was the only expression left in her face. She let go of the battlements and straightened up. "Well, now that you're done delivering your news. I suggest you leave. Now."
He chuckled humorlessly. "Well, you see, there's a small problem with that. I'm afraid we can't let you go; Jetar really doesn't want the rest of the Shang to know just yet about Karsan and the others just yet. He'd like the attack on the palace to be a surprise; you know how thoughtful he is."
"Of course, like the time he broke Darius' shoulder 'accidentally,' then helped him to the infirmary."
"Exactly."
"I suppose he wants me dead then."
"Not just yet; he wants me to bring you back alive. Something about killing Liam off too quickly, and he wants to do the job properly with you."
Kel felt hatred race through her blood like fire.
"And before you decide anything," he added, "I remind you that my men and I can shoot all day; you won't be able to keep that place standing forever."
Kel's mind raced. If she gave herself up, the Shang would send more warriors, who would most likely meet the same fate she would if they didn't know what to expect. But if she kept on fighting, Reskal never bluffed; he would keep shooting until the Academy burned to the ground. What she needed to do was keep him from destroying the Academy while not getting killed in the process.
Reskal crossed his arms. "I'm waiting, Cobra. What's your answer?"
Kel inclined her head knowingly. "I've noticed that a few of your men were injured during our little skirmish; so were a couple of ours. Now, we can go on sniping at each other all season, and believe me, fire won't do much to this place if there's no one left to shoot your fire arrows. Or we can end this right now. In an honorable fashion."
Reskal had a look of amusement on his face; Rekelen remembered him well. She knew that he would rather have a one-on-one combat, giving his opponent an even chance of winning, instead of an uneven fight of thirty-on-one fight.
"What do you propose?"
"At high noon, we fight out here, in front of the Academy, swords, nothing else. First one disarmed loses. If I win, you'll leave this place alone. If you win, I'll go with you."
He stroked his chin thoughtfully, thinking for a moment. "Agreed. High noon, one-on-one." Then raising his voice for the rest of his men, "Everyone got that?"
The response was unenthusiastic, but general grumblings of "Yeah" and "Understood" could be heard.
"All right, back to camp." With that, Reskal and his men started walking back to the forest.
Kel stood on the wall top, watching silently until the last of Reskal's men had disappeared into the forest. As soon as they did, she leaned against a battlement and let out a deep breath. Noticing all the stares she was getting, she looked at Cheiron and Hercules and motioned for them to follow her.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Cheiron only said, "So what will you do now?"
Kel replied, "The only thing I can do- help with the wounded, then preparing for the battle."
"But Dalin and his assistants already have the entire situation in hand," Hercules said. "Perhaps, but I'll feel better if I stop by the infirmary." Kel let Cheiron lead the way.
"But what can you do?"
Kel countered Hercules' question with one of her own. "What exactly do you know about me, speaking of my reputation as the Cobra of Shang?"
"Well, you're the youngest person to ever become an official Shang warrior. And no one's ever seen you until now, but it's been said that you're one of the greatest warriors to ever live."
The centaur added, "And something many people have wondered is if you are of divine heritage. Some say you can even heal.others." He looked carefully at Kel. "Is that why you-?"
She cut him off. "Yes, I can heal, so right now, the infirmary's my first priority. But I am not a demigoddess of any sort, and that's all I can tell you."
They finally arrived at the infirmary. A few cadets and a teacher were on the waiting benches, most being patched up by Jaresh and other healers on staff. Lilith and Jason were already bandaged, but they couldn't be seen clearly, their backs beings towards the door, both standing in front of the main examining table.
Hercules called out a friendly greeting. "Hey, Jason, Lilith, what's-"
He stopped abruptly when Lilith and Jason jumped back and turned towards Hercules, their faces pale. As soon as they did, the prone figure of Iolaus could be seen, an arrow buried in his midsection.
Hercules' throat tightened. "Oh no." He and Kel went quickly over next to Jason and Lilith.
Cheiron joined Dalin on the other side of Iolaus. "Is he-"
"No, no, I'm not." This came from Iolaus, who opened his eyes weakly. "But you're not far from the truth." He struggled just to stay conscious for as long as he could.
Dalin shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry; there's nothing more I can do other that make him comfortable. It's amazing he even lasted this long."
"Of course," Iolaus mumbled, "I wanted the last thing I saw to be Kel's pretty face."
Kel smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Iolaus; but I'll warn you now, the first thing you see when you wake up might now be as pretty; don't scream too loud. For now, just sleep." Placing her right hand on his forehead, she closed her eyes and everyone who was watching saw an extremely faint golden glow flow from her hand into his head. He had been about to ask what she was talking about, but he barely got past the first word before he dropped off into sleep.
Dalin's forehead furrowed up in confusion. "Master Cheiron, what is going on here?"
Kel answered for the centaur. "I have no time to explain everything, but I can heal Iolaus, and I must do it quickly. Take care of your other wounded."
She turned to Hercules. "I'll need your help, though. Give me your hand."
When he hesitated, she gazed solemnly into his blue eyes with her own light amber ones. "Please, you have to trust me. For Iolaus' sake."
Something in her eyes told the demigod he could trust her. He took her outstretched hand. Kel place her other hand over the place where the arrow entered into Iolaus' body. Closing her eyes again, she took a deep breath and started. This time the glow not only came from Kel's hand into Iolaus, but also from his hand joined with hers. Hercules felt as though he was being drained of something; it was a peculiar sensation, but not hurtful in any way. The glow was so bright that everyone in the infirmary saw it and fell silent when they saw where it was coming from. The process only took a few minutes; in the middle of it, Kel gently pulled the shaft out of Iolaus' wound. Towards the end, the glow from both Kel and Hercules flowing into Iolaus grew fainter. When it finally disappeared, Kel removed her hand from the point of entry. There wasn't even a scar left to indicate that Iolaus had ever been shot, only dried blood from when he had first been hit.
The entire infirmary was silent as Kel struggled to remain standing, but her legs were pretty weak. Hercules and Jason caught and supported her; Hercules was feeling a bit off himself; not as weak as Kel looked but still a bit dizzy.
"He'll be out for the rest of the day as his body does some healing of his own," she reported wearily. "Sometimes it's best for that."
"Come on," Hercules said. "You need to rest." He led her over to an empty bench. "You ok?"
"Yeah, thanks," she replied. "Healing just takes a bit out of me, especially if I'm wounded myself."
Cheiron walked over to them. "Kel, none of the other patients have life threatening injuries. Can you heal your own wounds, or do you need our help?"
"I can fix my shoulder, but again, I'll need your help, Hercules, if you're willing to help."
"Of course."
Kel took off her bandage and took both of Hercules' hands in her own. This time, only a steady stream of soft golden light flowed from Hercules into Kel, but Kel's skin started to glow, her skin a glistening amber color. The other cadets watched, fascinated as the wound in her shoulder slowly repaired itself, ending with her skin looking as flawless as the rest of her. This time, Hercules felt even more drained than when Kel had healed Iolaus; he kept himself from drifting off to sleep by thinking about all that had gone on in the past day.
Hmm, let's see, we get a gorgeous girl at the Academy who ends up being the Cobra of Shang, we have a small battle here, Iolaus nearly dies, she heals him and now she's healing herself. Sounds like a pretty normal day. But what is she? Wait, I already know what she is- the girl of my dreams. A warrior, beautiful, funny; I never expected that from a Shang, only a cold warrior with the power to kill. And boy, is she mysterious, there are too many questions that I want to ask, but I don't know if I should. Like why is it that she came less than a day ago and I feel like I'm falling in love with her every moment that she's here. I feel like I've known her for longer, like there's something attracting me to her, but I don't know what it is.I don't even know if I care. Wait, what about that Liam guy Reskal mentioned? From Kel's reaction, he was probably a friend.a close friend. Great, Herc, you find the perfect girl and she's still recovering from the death of a boyfriend. I guess all my chances just flew out the window. Hercules, sometimes you can be so- what the?
While he was reflecting on Kel, something happened in his mind. Images appeared, blocking out his own. A distant view of an enormous palace, fog resting on the dark green forest covering the mountain on which the palace sat. He knew somehow that this was the palace of Shang. Looking up from an impressive looking marble floor to see the king and queen of Thessalonica. The smiling face of young man, dark haired, eyes the color of a gray wintry sky, rubbing his forearm and laughing ruefully- Liam.
Kel broke off their link. Her shoulder was healed, but both she and Hercules felt tired, Kel even more so. She leaned her head on her hands and spoke. "If you feel more tired than before, I understand; I used most of my inner reserves for Iolaus, so I had to take more from you this time; just so at least I wouldn't collapse as soon as I was done."
Hercules nodded. "I think I understand. You still don't seem to be able to fight though." He realized, She doesn't know. All those images, I know them, but how? From her?
"Not now, at least. How close is it to high noon?"
The blond demigod looked out to a nearby window, reopened now that Reskal and his men were gone. "It's coming, but you've got quite a long time before it does. What do you mean, not now?"
"Give me some time, food, maybe some sleep, I should be able to build up some strength before the fight. Accompany me to the mess hall?"
"Sure, let's go."
The two of them set off at a slow pace to the dining hall, but it didn't take them that long. Kel sat down at a table at the wall and rested, while Hercules looked around in the kitchen for food that wouldn't kill her before Reskal had his chance to; the infirmary was close to the dining hall for a reason. As they ate some fruit and vegetables he had found, Hercules asked Kel questions about exactly what was going on.
"So, how exactly do you know Reskal?"
"He was part of a rogue gang formed in the Shang palace; they called themselves the Dragons, even thought Shang titles are only bestowed upon individuals who have earned their rank. All of them were in a less advanced class than I was, but it was enough."
"Enough?"
"As you advance through Shang training, you get taught harder and more difficult skills. Most of the Dragons were at the point that they could injure easily. And injuries were already commonplace- it happens all the time at a place like Shang. But we learn from it and how to stop it from happening again. But the Dragons.at first, it was just a bunch of 'accidents'. Then later on, it became more than an 'accident'." Kel's voice choked up slightly; after a moment's silence, she went on.
"After about a month of this, the masters were at a loss on what to do. They had already gone from so-called accidents to purposeful violence. They were considering banishment-, which hasn't been done in a century because it's so severe- when Jetar killed a student.brutally-" This time, Kel's voice broke totally and she turned her head away from Hercules, so he couldn't see the tears forming in her eyes.
Hercules was a bit stunned to see Kel in this state, but he still could think clearly enough to circle the table to sit by her and put his arm around her comfortingly. Not looking at her directly, giving her some privacy, he gently said, "If you don't want to talk about it, I'll understand."
"No, no," she countered, shaking her head and dashing the tears from her eyes. "It's ok, it happened a long time ago, almost two years actually. Umm. after that.incident, the Dragons were banished from the palace, publicly disgraced and dismissed in front of the whole palace. And as they left, their leader, Jetar, threatened to kill us all, no matter what or how long it took."
"Were you the Cobra by the time this happened?"
"Not quite; I was still fifteen, but only a few days before my sixteenth birthday and the ceremony to give me my rank."
"Wow, sixteen. Why so young? Every other Shang I've heard about has been a lot older. And why 'the Cobra'? Doesn't seem the most ideal for someone like you." Kel laughed softly. "My title came from my friends; they said when I fight, I look like a cobra ready to strike. They said I move like a snake when I'm looking for an opening. You might be able to see it when I fight Reskal. And as for my early acceptance into the Shang order, you saw it yourself, in that fight with Shadren. My strength and reflexes allowed me to go through my training faster than anyone else ever has."
"Oh, well, what about the rest of the story, with Reskal and stuff?"
"Well, since Reskal just about exposed the entire operation in front of the Academy, I suppose I can at least I can try to have it make sense. A year after this happened, we got word of a group of renegade Shang that had taken root in Corinth and were teaching their skills and also their ideals to the youth living there. Of course, we couldn't allow that to continue, so we sent four undercover warriors to Corinth- Corlen, Sirella, Asaron, and Turon. Corlen and Asaron were two warriors who had arrived at the palace shortly after the Dragons were banished; they had been gone for the entire time that everyone in the Dragons had been alive, but still looked young enough to join the Dragons, so we sent them down as citizens of Corinth. Sirella and Turon went as them selves but were accepted into the Dragons over the past year as having 'rejected the Shang way of life.'
"This is where it gets confusing. About two months ago, the masters decided to send me. After what Jetar did, I couldn't understand why I would be sent. They said I would go dethrone Jetar, with the help of the other four, get rid of the Dragon sect that way. Even though it seemed a bit risky, I've been trained to follow orders, no matter what. Then about a month later, I left. My cover story varied from place to place- I must have told a dozen different stories- going to Ephesus, Thessalonica, Athens, then Sparta- all the while heading to Corinth."
"Well, I'm glad you stopped here; think of what could've happened if you had reached Corinth."
Kel leaned back in quiet frustration. "I don't know how I'm going to tell the others. But. I'll deal with that when it comes. For now, I should start preparing for the fight."
She got up from the table after Hercules sheepishly removed his arm from around her shoulders after she gave him a knowing look. She tried to stand, but wobble was closer to what she did. "And I think I should start by getting some sleep. Could we go out to the courtyard?"
"Yeah, of course, but wouldn't you prefer your room?"
"No, it's rather stuffy actually; at Shang, my quarters have huge windows that face two directions and it feels really open. Join me?"
They walked out into the courtyard; it was still a long time till noon and no lessons would be taught that day until the Dragon threat was gone and the damage to the Academy fixed. Stretching out in the cool shadows by a wall, Kel fell asleep in an instant. Hercules laid down nearby, couldn't get to sleep just yet.
On his back, his arms underneath his head, he stared up into the near cloudless sky, going over the things in his mind that Kel had told him. I guess that Liam guy was the student killed.and the guy she loved. It's been two years and she's still sensitive about it. So much for me having even half a chance at her.
He looked over to where she lay sleeping. This is probably the first chance she's had in a while, especially with the whole Dragons in Corinth business. I can't imagine what it's like, undercover one moment, the next fighting as the warrior she is, The Cobra of Shang- an awesome fighter, but I never would've expected her to be so funny. or human. Still, she's too out of reach. It would've been nice though. Then the draw of sleep was too much and he didn't bother fighting it.
While Hercules slept dreamlessly, Kel relived countless memories in her sleep. Figures and scenes from her past appeared in her mind with vivid recall. Looking up at the face of young novice Torias. Master Kyana teaching her how to walk. Her first fight against a classmate in practice. Liam's kind help in sword practice. A food fight in the Shang mess hall. Helping with other students with staff-fighting, hand-to-hand combat, archery. Surprise drills that stated in the middle of the night. Talking with Liam in practice, at lunch. During a horseback ride, when they were diplomats in Thessalonica. The pride she felt when Torias was promoted to the Shang Wolf. Healing Liam of a head wound after deterring a raiding party. Their first kiss. Light hearted teasing from their friends. The first moment practices started going awry. Tarrance's broken arm. Bryony's cracked ribs. Areel's broken collarbone. Jetar killing Liam, his sword in Liam's chest, out and stained with blood, Liam collapsing, not even alive when she reached him. Master Vedaren's decree of banishment. Twenty Dragons walking out the massive gates of the Shang palace. Jetar's last threat. Liam's funeral. Being in full dress uniform at her ceremony. Her headband and wrist guards being presented to her, a cobra poised to strike depicted on them, encircled by a ring of fire. Mourning silently day after day, night after night. Her curious orders to go to Corinth. Traveling along roads, in fields, through dark forests. Arriving at the Academy. Meeting the cadets. The arrow striking her shoulder. The battle. Healing Iolaus. Fighting Reskal. Losing. Seeing Jetar. Dying at his feet.
After seeing this last scene, Kel sat straight up, wide-awake and breathing hard. Hercules was still sleeping and it was nearly high noon. She got up and started stretching and warming up muscles for the fight. Hercules woke up when she finished. "You ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be. I was just about to get my sword, I'll be right back."
She left the courtyard and returned shortly, a gleaming sword hanging loosely from her hand.
Hercules stood up, stretching the sleep from his body. "Wow, nice sword. I take it that's a present from Shang?"
She polished the pommel stone casually. "I suppose you could say that. The metal came from a fallen star that hit not far from the palace. The rest was done by Shang metal workers; I received it on my thirteenth birthday." It was indeed a nice sword; the pommel stone was set at the top of the hilt, amber as Kel's eyes. Black leather and silver made up the handle and crosstrees. The blade itself shone brilliantly in the sunlight, blood channels on both sides, the sharp double edges tapering off to a dangerously pointed tip.
Kel went through a few quick drills with sword in hand that Hercules could only follow the movements of by watching the bright reflection off it as it whirled through the air.
Cheiron showed up on the courtyard. "It seems you are ready, Kel, and not a moment too soon. One of the sentries we put up has just sighted Reskal and his men coming out of the forest."
Lilith and Jason came running up. Both still bore the bandages on their faces and arms from having to beat out fires in the Academy. "Anything we can do before you go out there, Kel?" Lilith asked.
"No, except you make sure that the guys don't interfere, like with Shadren in the kitchen last night."
"I will. Good luck out there."
Before anything else could be said, a familiar voice roared from outside the gates. "Rekelen! It's time!"
Cheiron opened the gate and stepped out first, Kel and the others following behind. The small group of men was standing in a wide semi-circle behind the main road, with Reskal in the middle, who had removed his shirt for both easier movement and possibly to try and intimidate Kel by a show of strength. "Are you ready for total humiliation, Cobra?"
It didn't work. "It's hard to be humiliated when you've beaten the living daylights out of your opponent!"
"We'll see about that." Taking a huge broadsword from one of his men, he stepped out to a place between the two groups, Kel also doing the same. She was slightly nervous, but her dreams had an unusual knack for being accurate, and the one she just had with losing to Reskal was not something she was looking forward to. But knowing the future also gave her a chance to change it. I guess we'll see about this, too.
When they met, they both crouched down into the "guard" position and began.
Reskal attacked savagely, his sword clashing jarringly against Kel's repeated blocks. After his barrage of initial strikes, he backed off slightly, looking for a new opening. Kel didn't give him the chance to find one. She whipped her blade up in a crescent that Reskal countered just in the nick of time; Kel reversed it quicker than the eye could see and nearly knocked the sword out of Reskal's hand, if he had not followed the direction of the blow, spinning full circle, his sword out at shoulder level. If she had not ducked, Kel surely would've been beheaded. Hopping back up, her sword met his and they exchanged a fierce flurry of parries, thrusts, and blocks. Neither gaining an advantage, they broke off from each other, and circled, looking for openings. Hercules then knew Kel's friends had given her title aptly; she always kept her body close to the ground, moving in a liquid movement, like a cobra in the sand.
Kel had no intention of making this a long drawn out battle. She lunged in, attacking with a series of harsh arcing strikes, trying to get the sword out of Reskal's hand. He deflected them as rapidly as he could; finding an opening that could disable her, he lunged in. She saw it coming, and, sliding her sword around his like a streak of lightning, twisted it sharply. Reskal's sword went flying out of his hand, too fast for him to try to grab for it. He tried though, but the feeling of cold steel under his chin said otherwise. He froze and slowly turned his head to look into the even colder eyes of his warrior opponent.
"Well?" she asked icily.
He stepped back in resignation. "The battle is yours.today. This place may be your safe haven, but you're fair game as soon as you leave. I doubt this will be our last meeting, young Cobra." With that, he picked up his sword and walked back with his men into the forest.