Disclaimer:  I do not own Kel or any other things that were created by Tamora Pierce.  .  All original characters belong to me though!  Boy, aren't I rich now!

Kel shifted her burden as she entered the infirmary.  This was one of the areas of the castle she most detested.  It took quite a lot to get here down here.  Neal was working away at a nearby desk filling out forms and requisitions.  The castle always had plenty to keep them busy.  The early morning light filtering through the high windows lit the dust motes and shone off clean white walls and beds. 

            "A new friend?"  Neal asked wirily looking up at Kel's burden as he stretched.  Kel frowned at him before setting the thief down gently on the nearest bed. 

            "I found him outside the prison.  A group of men were expressing a surprising interest in his well-being, or lack thereof." 

            Neal leaned down touching a green glowing hand to the young man's forehead.  "So you've resorted to searching the prisons for new responsibilities.  I would have thought you had enough."  Neal nodded to Toby who sat in the corner surrounded by sparrows as he painstakingly practiced writing.  "You do have a talent for collecting hard luck cases."

            Kel dropped into the chair by the bed watching intently as Neal worked on her new 'friend.'  "This time I didn't have anything to do with it.  He was released from prison last night, and this morning obviously met up with some old acquaintances.  Should I have let them beat him to death?" 

            "Wow, someone didn't get enough sleep last night, I'm not complaining mind you, Protector of the Small.  He could definitely use your help.  I wonder how long his sentence was."  Neal sighed.  Both knew the prisons were difficult, but that was what they were designed for after all.  The young man on the bed was probably a pickpocket or some such who got a little too greedy and found out his majesty's opinion of such activities. 

            They were silent while Neal examined the patient's head and body, moving him carefully, lest he have more serious injuries they were unaware of.  Kel studied the face, now revealed from behind its curtain of dirty dark hair.  His skin was pale, but had been tan at one time.  A tracery of scars covered his hands and across his forehead.  Something caught her eye as she unwound the bandage on his hands.  Underneath on each of his palms was a strange symbol.  It was shaped like a circle, with a diamond centered inside it.  They had been partly obscured by gashes and scrapes, but even beneath those it was faintly visible.

"The first I recommend we do for him is dump him in some soap water," Neal grumbled as he washed his hands and reached for some of his supplies.  When he turned back he saw what Kel was studying.  "What are those?!" 

"I don't know," Kel said quietly her eyes narrowing.  "They're not pirate marks, or the marks of any thieves' guild I've seen." 

Neal drew in a breath in shock, "Kel, those were put there by magic, they're a Binding."  It took a moment to register what he meant.  Bindings were old, very old.  Only a few devices were left that could administer them.  It connected two people, in some cases as equals, in others one was the master and the other was the slave.  They were very dangerous and painful, not to mention illegal in Tortall and all the surrounding nations. 

"Are they active?"  Kel asked urgently.  If they were everyone here could be in danger, who knew what the master of this bond had intended. 

"No," Neal said with relief as he touched one of the thief's hands.  "Let's hope they stay that way."

"What else is wrong with him?"  Kel said after a moment, breaking the uneasy silence. 

Neal shifted, "Umm, you are aware that we could get ourselves in considerable trouble by not reporting this."  He looked at Kel's resolute face, "But when has something as minor as that ever stopped you?  Well, his main problem is that he's undernourished and exhausted.  I took care of any illness and a couple broken bones.  For the most part he just needs to rest and be taken care of." 

Neal wavered the green glow fading from his hands.  Kel caught him before he collapsed.  "Apparently our new friend isn't the only one who needs to rest."  Neal smiled wearily and walked to the doorway. 

"I'll take your advice.  If you could keep an eye on him…"  Kel waved him on.  Considering, he didn't argue, Neal must truly have been exhausted.  Kel looked down at her 'friend' who now seemed to actually be sleeping rather than unconscious.  His color seemed a little better too.  Now if only she could do something about all the dirt.

Kel wiped off his face to start with.  It was a great improvement; she also did some basic trimming of the shaggy hair.  This wasn't her favorite job, but it was certainly better than just staring at him for hours.  She soon had to go for a fresh bowl of water. 

When she returned the thief's eyes were open and he was surveying his surroundings, his eyes were wide and frightened.  He started as she set the water down beside his bed. 

"My name is Kel."  She held out her hand.  He turned towards her.  The outright terror in his bright green eyes disturbed her.  He flinched away from her hand.

Kel sat down next to him watching him.  "You're in the palace, I chased off those goons who had an interest in you and brought you here."

The green eyes blazed as they searched for an escape, "Why?" His voice was a croak.  Kel handed him a glass of water.  She had to hold it for him, as he was too weak to keep it steady.  "You're a noble, I can tell.  What do you want from me?"

Kel held his eyes, "I am a noble, but I'm also a knight.  Protecting people is my duty.  All I'd like from you right now is your name.  Later, an explanation would be nice."  He studied her but finally relaxed and yawned.  It was easy to see that he was exhausted. 

"I don't think I could do much about it anyway, I don't think I can stand right now.  My name is Tahir."  Kel smiled and was about to ask him another question, but he was already asleep.  She stood and stretched before settling down again to watch him, Tahir.  Hopefully he would be able to answer her questions soon.

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