Oh, I know this is horribly long in coming, and I apologize profusely. (and hope you're still interested in reading!) I've no legitimate excuses, so I'm not going to clutter the page with them.
Again, this takes place after "Page" and does not incorporate anything from "Squire" yet (if it ever will). Consider it an alternate ending.
// - denotes thoughts
Tortall and its inhabitants belong to Tamora Pierce, and are used with her permission.
The Squire Years
Chapter Seven: Diplomatic Bindings
"If you measure the distance," Faleron told Cleon," it's not even five feet into the field, while the boundary-"
"Was ten," Cleon finished, placing his hand on the top of Kel's sword. He had brought two others with him to invesitgate: Sir Paxton of Nond and Neal.
Neal walked over to Kel, grinning. "Mindelan banner, eh?" he asked, nodding toward the blue cloth still draped over her sword. "I never knew you to be such a romantic."
Kel snorted and glanced over at him. "I'm not. Conal is the one who placed it there." She smiled slightly. "I've got to admit that I like it, though."
He grabbed her by the shoulder in a half-embrace, laughing. "We'll make a sap out of you yet, Kel."
She tried to control her fluttery stomach and her pounding heart; only the sound of Cleon clearing his throat gave her enough sense of purpose to tear her gaze from Neal's green eyes.
"This seems pretty clear," Cleon said with a small scowl. "But there's one thing that's bothering me."
"What's that?" Merric demanded.
The big squire walked over to the tree where the arrow was still stuck. The arrowhead was imbedded deep into the bark. "I don't think this was a blunted arrow. I've never seen one go in so deep into a tree."
The arrows they were using were supposed to be blunt and covered with dirt or chalk to clearly mark who was hit without barbing them. It took great amounts of strength and speed to pierce anything.
"I can't believe I didn't notice that," Sacherell growled. "Who are the best archers?" His expression clearly told Kel that he was sure that this had not been Lord Raoul's doing.
"I think Sir Jerel has won the last six tournaments this year," Conal replied. "He's the only one who's beaten me. And Raoul has always been great."
Paxton nodded in agreement, but quickly added, "Don't forget Joren. I think he's the best archer in the realm, skill-wise. He probably lacks the strength of the older men, but he never ceases to impress me."
Kel and Neal exchanged worried look. //This could be something that goes beyond play-war,// Kel thought. //Neal is the only one who truly understands how serious my situation with Joren is.// This was not good.
"Do you think it was Joren?" Cleon asked softly, studying Kel with a thoughtful expression.
Kel gulped. She didn't want to accuse now, and discover later that she had been wrong. She'd never done it before, and she didn't want to start now. "Who shot it doesn't matter," she said gruffly. "All I know is that it was an unprovoked act of aggression. Earlier I sent a message to Joren asking him to meet me later tonight, instead of tomorrow. Are you going to back me, Cleon of Kennan, and remain true to our agreement?"
He nodded. "Most certainly, pearl of my heart." His serious expression was replaced with a ludicrous grin. "Shall I wear your colors in battle and carry a lock of hair at my breast?"
Kel snorted. "You already wear my colors, buffoon," she said, gesturing to his blue and cream ensemble. She motioned for her men to go back to the camp. "Would you speak to Joren this way?" she asked Cleon.
He smirked. "Maybe if he had those hazel eyes. But I think Joren's a little too pretty for my tastes. I like a girl who's more down to earth."
Kel rolled her eyes, thinking that he'd missed the point entirely. "Come back to our camp and we'll feed you," she sighed, leading her allies back into the woods.
*****
Later that night Kel found herself out in the field again, with Cleon at her side, waiting for Joren. They'd decided to meet him along, hoping to prevent any threats Joren could perceive at meeting an army of angry knights and squires.
"Gods, it's cold out here!" Cleon cursed through clenched teeth. His arms were wrapped around him tightly in an attempt to protect him from the breeze.
Kel grinned. Living in the Yamani Islands prepared her well for even the worst Tortallan weather. Although it was barely autumn, the wind was cold. But Kel didn't let it get the better of her. She would have worse things to deal with over the next few days.
She heard the stamping of hoofbeats and turned Peachblossom toward the palace. Three riders were heading their way-Joren and two large fellows, one so large it could be none other than Lord Raoul.
//Thank Mithros he wasn't detected as my spy,// Kel thought as they approached. The other rider pulled out a glass globe and filled it with the peach light of his Gift. It was Sir Nualt.
Joren's eyes looked cold as he stared at Cleon and Kel. "So where is this arrow you were supposedly nearly struck with?" he asked nastily.
"Supposedly?" Kel asked, her voice matching his in iciness. "The scratch on my cheek should show you how close it was." She gestured to the tree behind them. Joren dismounted and studied it carefully. "My sword marks where I stood when it happened. I was clearly out of range."
Joren crossed over to her and peered at her in the dim light, studying her face. Finally he shrugged. "A blunted arrow couldn't scratch you like that. And it certainly wouldn't end up in the tree. This clearly wasn't my group's doing."
Cleon's face turned red with anger. "Oh, come off it, Joren! Who else would shoot her?"
Joren gave an icy smile. "She has spies. She probably set this whole thing up to make sure she was portrayed as an innocent victim. You know how conniving women are."
Kel glared, but fought her urge to cut Joren down then and there. "And what did you do with my spy, pray tell?"
"Exactly what any decent leader would do," he hissed. "We rooted him out and placed him under arrest!"
Kel could barely make out the small smile on Raoul's face. "Lies and treachery are often valid causes for warfare, Joren of Stone Mountain. I suggest you own up to your attack on my troops without tarnishing my reputation any further."
Raoul coughed and Joren flushed at Kel's statement. A moment of silence passed over the group as Joren tried to digest her words.
Cleon looked at Kel as if she'd grown another head. "What does everybody else know that I don't?" he demanded, perplexed.
Lord Raoul urged his mount forward, siding with Cleon and Kel. "Squire Cleon, what you have not been told is that I am the spy in Squire Keladry's group. Thus, it is impossible for Joren to be telling the truth about the 'spy' who was imprisoned." He glared menacingly at Joren. "Furthermore, it would be interesting to note that Stoen Moutnain was up on the parapets during the time she was targeted."
Joren looked like someone had slapped him. His face was pale and his eyes were furious.
Kel was angered at his rage. He made this bed-he could damn well sleep in it! "Do you want to start this battle now, or would you prefer a chance to flee behind the palace walls?" she asked, allowing herself to match him in snide-ness for once.
He lunged, yanking out his sword. He very well could have run her through, hadSir Nualt not grabbed him commander's sword arm, or if Cleon hadn't suddenly placed himself between them.
"We strike at dawn," Cleon whispered to her, eyeing Joren warily. "Leave him to fester."
Kel nodded mutely. Her hands were beginning to shake. //Watashi no bakayero//, she chided herself in Yamani. //You know better than to insult a hotheaded fighter without even putting your hand on your dagger.// She watch Nualt and Joren ride away, Joren loudly cursing Lord Raoul and Kel. Darkness again fell over them.
Raoul shrugged. "I packed my tent," he said jovially. "I guessed something like this would happen." He paused, suddenly looking serious and alert. After a moment of silence, he bellowed into the night. "Who's out there?!"
Two figures on foot stepped out into the clearing. Kel couldn't make anything out, except their relative sizes. But the smaller of the two was a mage, proven by the purple light that suddenly illuminated the night.
Kel gulped. It was Lady Alanna and George Cooper.
"Spying?" Raoul asked lazily.
Alanna looked indignant. "We were looking for our commanders and stumbled across a War Council."
George grinned. "We weren't about t' interrupt such an interestin' meeting, either."
Kel sighed. She was too tired to feel excited about having a chance to work with the Lioness. "I guess it's time to discuss battle plans, Cleon. I'll go tell my men to head over to the lodge." She swooped down to retrieve her sword and banner before heading off into the woods.
To be continued...
Again, this takes place after "Page" and does not incorporate anything from "Squire" yet (if it ever will). Consider it an alternate ending.
// - denotes thoughts
Tortall and its inhabitants belong to Tamora Pierce, and are used with her permission.
The Squire Years
Chapter Seven: Diplomatic Bindings
"If you measure the distance," Faleron told Cleon," it's not even five feet into the field, while the boundary-"
"Was ten," Cleon finished, placing his hand on the top of Kel's sword. He had brought two others with him to invesitgate: Sir Paxton of Nond and Neal.
Neal walked over to Kel, grinning. "Mindelan banner, eh?" he asked, nodding toward the blue cloth still draped over her sword. "I never knew you to be such a romantic."
Kel snorted and glanced over at him. "I'm not. Conal is the one who placed it there." She smiled slightly. "I've got to admit that I like it, though."
He grabbed her by the shoulder in a half-embrace, laughing. "We'll make a sap out of you yet, Kel."
She tried to control her fluttery stomach and her pounding heart; only the sound of Cleon clearing his throat gave her enough sense of purpose to tear her gaze from Neal's green eyes.
"This seems pretty clear," Cleon said with a small scowl. "But there's one thing that's bothering me."
"What's that?" Merric demanded.
The big squire walked over to the tree where the arrow was still stuck. The arrowhead was imbedded deep into the bark. "I don't think this was a blunted arrow. I've never seen one go in so deep into a tree."
The arrows they were using were supposed to be blunt and covered with dirt or chalk to clearly mark who was hit without barbing them. It took great amounts of strength and speed to pierce anything.
"I can't believe I didn't notice that," Sacherell growled. "Who are the best archers?" His expression clearly told Kel that he was sure that this had not been Lord Raoul's doing.
"I think Sir Jerel has won the last six tournaments this year," Conal replied. "He's the only one who's beaten me. And Raoul has always been great."
Paxton nodded in agreement, but quickly added, "Don't forget Joren. I think he's the best archer in the realm, skill-wise. He probably lacks the strength of the older men, but he never ceases to impress me."
Kel and Neal exchanged worried look. //This could be something that goes beyond play-war,// Kel thought. //Neal is the only one who truly understands how serious my situation with Joren is.// This was not good.
"Do you think it was Joren?" Cleon asked softly, studying Kel with a thoughtful expression.
Kel gulped. She didn't want to accuse now, and discover later that she had been wrong. She'd never done it before, and she didn't want to start now. "Who shot it doesn't matter," she said gruffly. "All I know is that it was an unprovoked act of aggression. Earlier I sent a message to Joren asking him to meet me later tonight, instead of tomorrow. Are you going to back me, Cleon of Kennan, and remain true to our agreement?"
He nodded. "Most certainly, pearl of my heart." His serious expression was replaced with a ludicrous grin. "Shall I wear your colors in battle and carry a lock of hair at my breast?"
Kel snorted. "You already wear my colors, buffoon," she said, gesturing to his blue and cream ensemble. She motioned for her men to go back to the camp. "Would you speak to Joren this way?" she asked Cleon.
He smirked. "Maybe if he had those hazel eyes. But I think Joren's a little too pretty for my tastes. I like a girl who's more down to earth."
Kel rolled her eyes, thinking that he'd missed the point entirely. "Come back to our camp and we'll feed you," she sighed, leading her allies back into the woods.
*****
Later that night Kel found herself out in the field again, with Cleon at her side, waiting for Joren. They'd decided to meet him along, hoping to prevent any threats Joren could perceive at meeting an army of angry knights and squires.
"Gods, it's cold out here!" Cleon cursed through clenched teeth. His arms were wrapped around him tightly in an attempt to protect him from the breeze.
Kel grinned. Living in the Yamani Islands prepared her well for even the worst Tortallan weather. Although it was barely autumn, the wind was cold. But Kel didn't let it get the better of her. She would have worse things to deal with over the next few days.
She heard the stamping of hoofbeats and turned Peachblossom toward the palace. Three riders were heading their way-Joren and two large fellows, one so large it could be none other than Lord Raoul.
//Thank Mithros he wasn't detected as my spy,// Kel thought as they approached. The other rider pulled out a glass globe and filled it with the peach light of his Gift. It was Sir Nualt.
Joren's eyes looked cold as he stared at Cleon and Kel. "So where is this arrow you were supposedly nearly struck with?" he asked nastily.
"Supposedly?" Kel asked, her voice matching his in iciness. "The scratch on my cheek should show you how close it was." She gestured to the tree behind them. Joren dismounted and studied it carefully. "My sword marks where I stood when it happened. I was clearly out of range."
Joren crossed over to her and peered at her in the dim light, studying her face. Finally he shrugged. "A blunted arrow couldn't scratch you like that. And it certainly wouldn't end up in the tree. This clearly wasn't my group's doing."
Cleon's face turned red with anger. "Oh, come off it, Joren! Who else would shoot her?"
Joren gave an icy smile. "She has spies. She probably set this whole thing up to make sure she was portrayed as an innocent victim. You know how conniving women are."
Kel glared, but fought her urge to cut Joren down then and there. "And what did you do with my spy, pray tell?"
"Exactly what any decent leader would do," he hissed. "We rooted him out and placed him under arrest!"
Kel could barely make out the small smile on Raoul's face. "Lies and treachery are often valid causes for warfare, Joren of Stone Mountain. I suggest you own up to your attack on my troops without tarnishing my reputation any further."
Raoul coughed and Joren flushed at Kel's statement. A moment of silence passed over the group as Joren tried to digest her words.
Cleon looked at Kel as if she'd grown another head. "What does everybody else know that I don't?" he demanded, perplexed.
Lord Raoul urged his mount forward, siding with Cleon and Kel. "Squire Cleon, what you have not been told is that I am the spy in Squire Keladry's group. Thus, it is impossible for Joren to be telling the truth about the 'spy' who was imprisoned." He glared menacingly at Joren. "Furthermore, it would be interesting to note that Stoen Moutnain was up on the parapets during the time she was targeted."
Joren looked like someone had slapped him. His face was pale and his eyes were furious.
Kel was angered at his rage. He made this bed-he could damn well sleep in it! "Do you want to start this battle now, or would you prefer a chance to flee behind the palace walls?" she asked, allowing herself to match him in snide-ness for once.
He lunged, yanking out his sword. He very well could have run her through, hadSir Nualt not grabbed him commander's sword arm, or if Cleon hadn't suddenly placed himself between them.
"We strike at dawn," Cleon whispered to her, eyeing Joren warily. "Leave him to fester."
Kel nodded mutely. Her hands were beginning to shake. //Watashi no bakayero//, she chided herself in Yamani. //You know better than to insult a hotheaded fighter without even putting your hand on your dagger.// She watch Nualt and Joren ride away, Joren loudly cursing Lord Raoul and Kel. Darkness again fell over them.
Raoul shrugged. "I packed my tent," he said jovially. "I guessed something like this would happen." He paused, suddenly looking serious and alert. After a moment of silence, he bellowed into the night. "Who's out there?!"
Two figures on foot stepped out into the clearing. Kel couldn't make anything out, except their relative sizes. But the smaller of the two was a mage, proven by the purple light that suddenly illuminated the night.
Kel gulped. It was Lady Alanna and George Cooper.
"Spying?" Raoul asked lazily.
Alanna looked indignant. "We were looking for our commanders and stumbled across a War Council."
George grinned. "We weren't about t' interrupt such an interestin' meeting, either."
Kel sighed. She was too tired to feel excited about having a chance to work with the Lioness. "I guess it's time to discuss battle plans, Cleon. I'll go tell my men to head over to the lodge." She swooped down to retrieve her sword and banner before heading off into the woods.
To be continued...
