Memories

Chapter 1

They speak of her sometimes. As a hero of the war against Scanra. As a brave knight who fought for her country. As the first known girl page.

But they didn't really know her. Sure they knew the knight and the lady. But they didn't know the laughing sparking knight who died so young. They didn't know the young woman who practically had her eldest children on the ramparts of the castle because the Scanrans were attacking. Or the young mother who danced with her baby daughter singing ballads of the Lioness to her yet violently objected when the baby's godfather sang the ballads of The Protector of the Small. (She slapped him with a fan). They didn't know her. And as I sit here, the old senile Duke of Queenscove the mists of time swirl around me and it's the Midwinter of 457 and I'm standing on the ramparts of New Hope.

"Kel," Dom begged "come in I know the Scanrans are attacking but for crying out loud you're having a baby."

"No," Kel retorted stubbornly "I'm not coming in until this battles over whether the babies are born out here or not,". She clutched her stomach in pain as another contraction rolled over her. Dom and I took advantage of the situation, picked her up and carried her down to the infirmary. As Yuki followed us down the stairs I heard Merric say something about mistletoe and wine. I decided I did not want to know what he was talking about.

Dom sat down next to Kel. This was a mistake as she pretty much immediately broke all the bones in his hand.

"DOMITAN OF MASSBOLLE" she screamed "I WILL KILL YOU WHEN THIS BABY IS BORN,"

"Not long now Kel," I said trying to avoid bloodshed "Easy does it now push."

"WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M DOING!!!!" she bellowed.

"I can see the head," Fanche interspersed

"When did you get here?" I asked "Come on Kel just 2 more pushes"

Kel strained and suddenly loud crying filled the room.

"It's a girl!!!" shouted Yuki

"Oh gods" said Kel and her face twisted in pain "Are you meant to have contractions after the baby's been born?" I made a quick check.

"Ladies, gentlemen, humans and Dom," I announced "Surprising as it may seem Kel is having twins."

"DOMITAN OF MASSBOLLE"

Yet more loud piercing screams filled the air.

"It's a boy!"

"Kel! Kel! We've won, wait a sec are those two new born babies,"

"Yes,"

" Where the hell did they come from?"

"Well Merric, the stork."

"Lady Kel's had twins. Lady Kel's had twins"

Trust Tobe to tell the camp"

"Course he will. By the way what are you going to call these two?"

"Ilane and Piers,"

"Don't I get a chance to decide?"

"No!"