Keladry and Domitan went to the mess hall after the healers had checked her and reported that she was healthy. Munching through her plate of a variety of grain, vegetables, and meats, she looked at Neal from the corner of her eye. He was picking out the leaves, stalks, even the seeds of the plants carefully and placing them on the napkin beside his plate. She rolled her eyes. There was no use ordering him to eat the greens unless they had to force-feed him. She grinned at the thought.

"You seem unusually happy."

The sergeant placed his food down in front of her and sat in the empty seat. Kel pointed at what she had been witnessing. Dom looked over and scowled.

"Meathead…"

A soft scuffle was heard as Neal quickly summoned the napkin and threw it under the table.

"Yes?"

"Stop wasting food."

"Food…in your definition or mine?"

"In every sane mind's."

***

King Maggur was on a visit to a city located right on Tortall's border. It was a small one and not widely known. But Tsair knew where it was, well enough. He drew his clock over himself and stepped into the camp. It was bustling with activity for lunch. Meats were hung up and breads were being baked in portable ovens. The mage peered from under the hood and observed the area. Of course, King Maggur's tent would be the largest. The damn king was as greedy as a troll.

He located the tent area and shuffled closer to it, when a large body stepped in front of him.

"Are you a spy, or thief? Take off your hood."

He rolled his eyes at the man's odor, if the cloth didn't hang past the front of his nose, he'd be dead by now.

"Let me pass."

"Ha! No stranger can pass this limit unheeded! Take off your cloak!"

The man reached out, but Tsair spoke quickly. A light flash, seen only from a mage's eyes, glowed around the man and he stood still. Frozen as ice.

Tsair smiled and walked on.

***

"Activity on the western border! Scanrans! Reinforcements just in case. Anybody volunteering?" A messenger yelled, making sure that his voice reached the corners of the hall.

"I guess I'll go, there's nothing much to do here."

"Then I'll go as well." Dom replied, protectively. Kel raised an inquiring eyebrow. The sergeant smiled mysteriously. The Lady Knight scowled.

"I'm taking Peachblossom! Race ya, Dom."

"I'll give you a head start."

He permitted 5 seconds to pass then raced to the stables himself.

***

Tsair grabbed the tent flap and peeled it back, forcing it to reveal its lustrous inside. The king wasn't there.

He entered, feet now scuffling wearily. But the mage was secretly scanning for traps. Relieved that none had been placed, he seated himself in one of the many plush chairs.

Just when he had decided on the option of taking a nap; the tent flap opened and in, surrounding him were rows of Scanran warriors, the King in the very front.

"Hello, Tsair."

"Maggur."

"You could've informed me of your arrival."

"You seem prepared already."

The king smiled fakely and seated himself on the throne.

"Anything you want to know of, my dear mage?"

"Why a female general?" Tsair asked curiously, his eyes shifted warily to the surrounding soldiers.

"Oh…it's the girl isn't it? Seems like you two have gotten closer than was allowed, hmm? Well, if you want to know. She wouldn't be able to gain the trust of any of her soldiers, therefore, more easily to be deposed of. However, first, I was going to torture her after you've given back her memory for a while, and then kill her off. But…all plans seem to have gone amissed. I see you haven't got the general with you."

"Torture? You didn't tell me that beforehand…"

"There was no need, black mage, since you have not followed the restrictions I've set upon. Especially one concerning the relationship between the supposed general and you." The King purposely deepened his voice on the last four words.

"The girl's death still wasn't necessary."

"Nonsense. You'll be killed in her place for having ignored my commands and releasing the prisoner. Then, I'll capture her myself."

Tsair stood up as the King raised his hand. The front row of soldiers stepped forward and drew their swords. The mage laughed. (a/n: imagine a mad scientist being happy at his success of the first invention he'd ever made.)

"You think it could be so easy to kill a black mage?! What a fool of a King you are, Maggur!" (a/n: did I imagine that, or was it from LOTR? o_O)

He smirked and held his palms forward, performing an intricate drawing. The King's hand was down and the soldiers rushed forward. Tsair spoke a word of command (similar to the one Numair used. But the effect differed greatly). A ring of intense light formed around the mage, blinding the soldier and slowly, it expanded. Everything it touched turned to ashes and the mage slumped down, emptied of magic and physical strength.

***

When Kel had reached the fortress, she clambered down Peachblossom and viewed the land, amazed. Everything was black, burned, or still alit with flames. Dom, standing beside her, stared openly as well, blinking only when ash particles stung his eye.

"What happened…" He whispered, and she could only nod her head, revealing that she had the same thought as well.

Then, a small figure, probably a quarter of a mile away stumbled and raised itself up. Kel caught the glint of gold hair and blinked. It was gone.

Slowly, she turned to Dom and smiled sadly. A forlorn look appeared in her eyes.

"Let's go home."

That was so angsty…augh~~anyway…it didn't QUITE end with D/K in the end…but they got together! RIGHT? Rrrrrrrriiiiiiigggggggghhhhhhhhtttttttt???????

.::happy::. All characters lasted through! I had to kill none J , for deaths are very depressing to me .

.::sigh::. It all ended too suddenly, I agree…and I'll miss writing this :/

THANKS TO ALL WHO REVIEWED THIS STORY. .::HUGS::.

SORRY FOR BEING GREEDY AND TAKING SOME OF YOUR FREE TIME AND ALL :P… :[

Really, thanks ^_^

Luff Alwash~~ 3

Queen Cin of Tyrant Pixies…

P.S. perhaps…a J/K "might" come soon…..I have a **particular** liking and tendency toward blondies…as you might've known if you've read my Bio…lol

*::Winks at Joren::*