Cavall's Heart


By Atlantis Forester



Disclaimer: Blah, blah, belongs to Tamora Pierce, the woman who lives in the same district as my school, blah, blah. You know what I'm talking about.

Summary: Lady knights seem to catch all the best men. Keladry is not stunningly gorgeous, nor heartbreakingly witty, but she will always get the gold platter. (An odd pairing: Kel/Wyldon. Open-minded people will like it. Strangely enough, I was able to keep the characters just like the ones in the book.)




Prologue



Wyldon of Cavall examined the blank-faced woman sitting before him, rubbing his clean-shaven chin.

She had short-cropped light brown hair that had grown to her shoulders pulled back into a short tail, a dreamer's hazel eyes under long, curling lashes, a delicate and yet unbroken nose and a full mouth. Her bangs swept over her eyes, giving her an even more passive look. The tall young woman wore a slightly worn green tunic over an undyed cotton shirt, fresh tan breeches and polished boots. Firm muscles rippled from under the thin summer cloth, and her posture was straight, her hands resting flat on her thighs. Determination shone in her every movement.

"Mindelan, I will be assigning you another post." Wyldon's handsome face and bald plate was lit by the bright globes mages had spelled to cast light. He waited, trying to see some reaction in his companion.

Keladry of Mindelan did not stir. Her face remained carefully devoid of emotion.

"New Hope is now starting to thrive on her own. The progress is remarkable, and I must again congratulate you on your excellent work, but you will be needed elsewhere. The war is now greatly favored to our side, thanks to the end of Blayce the Gallan, but there is still a war. Maggur is keeping a firm grip on his nobles, and is not willing to let go."

Kel looked at him expectantly.

"I know that you've been wanting an active participation in the war, and you will get it, now. I would like to send you to Fort Steadfast."

Kel frowned, puzzled. "Steadfast, sir?" she asked.

"It will only be for now, actually. What with Lord Raoul busy with his new marital situation, he wants someone capable to replace him for two months or so."

Kel struggled to keep her emotions from showing. "Why me, sir?"

Wyldon fingered the ring on his finger which pronounced him a married man. "He seemed to think that it was a good idea to choose you, as his men are familiar with you, and because it would be a good experience for you to have. Such a task-though it is only for a short while-would sharpen your military skills. You would be dealing with soldiers, not refugees. I do not think that I am mistaken when I say that you will have to find a way to deal with all sorts of people concerning your rather unique title."

She nodded in acknowledgement. "I will do it."

"Queenscove will not be coming with you, however. Neither will Merric of Hollyrose. They will stay to help at New Hope, and, later, will be assigned to my fort, Mastiff. Different healers will replace Sir Nealan."

Kel was quiet for a moment. "After this assignment, where will I be put?"

"It is most likely that you will be joining Queenscove back here in Mastiff."

"Yes, sir."

"Dismissed."






A.N. TERRIBLE PROLOGUE. *groan* I seem to be very bad at writing prologues. EVERY SINGLE TIME, I mess up. Ah, well. Very short, as all prologues are. Oh, and REVIEW!