WOOOOHOOOOO my Internet connection is finally back! I'm so sorry it took so long to update. I thought I would be able to update way sooner (obviously). Anyway I'm back now, so here is a new chapter. I'm currently on holidays so I should be able to update again at least once more before I go back to school. That is, of course, if people still willing to read this and review. (Please review!!! It makes me write a whole lot quicker)A huge THANKS to the people who have reviewed in the past and my offer still stands that if you review my work, it seems only fit that I review yours in return. Also don't forget, I suck at choosing titles so any suggestions are really appreciated and if I do any spelling mistakes (as I accidentally did by adding Yamani spelt incorrectly to my computer in previous chapters -which has now been fixed)please just let me know. I don't mind flames but please be constructive, saying 'This sucks' (which thankfully no-one has said yet) does not help me. If anyone has any ideas they think I should include, just e-mail me I would love to hear them. Well this chapter has just been sitting on my computer for well over 2 months, so without further adieu.........
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Kel said good bye to her parents and rode off with Zaje two days later. Zaje spoke of his life as a Shang warrior and what Kel should expect as they rode through a lush green Forrest on the boundary of Kel's land.
"Kel, when you went to the palace, your parents had to pay for your training. With me, that is not the case." Zaje began, waving at an annoying fly in front of him.
"As Shang warriors we move around from city to city a lot. The locals usually have jobs they wish us to do, it could be anything from rounding up cattle to getting rid of some nearby bandits. We have a reputation for working hard and therefore we get paid well."
"You will look after your own money, pay for your own meals, clothes and accommodation. I know that may seem hard but it's not as bad as you'd think. Believe it or not you will even be able to save some money if you try. By the time I was 16 I had enough money to buy a small house," he explained, his eyes misting over briefly, "even if I don't get to see it that much."
"The reason that you pay for your own things and don't pay me is that Shang warriors are wanderers by heart, so even if I didn't have students, I would still be moving around, so it doesn't seem very fair that you have to pay me. Any questions?"
Zaje then continued to tell Kel about his other three students, Erica, the only other girl in the group who happened to be the same age as Kel, Gustav, who was a year older then Erica and Kel and Ashburn, Erica's older brother, who was 4 or 5 years older, Zaje couldn't remember.
Zaje explained that Ashburn and Erica were in fact his cousins. After their parents were killed by barbarians when they were younger, his mother had taken them in. Once their initial shock had warn off, they began to follow Zaje around like ducklings, "If you had any younger brothers or sisters you would understand my frustration!" Zaje replied when Kel commented that it was "cute".
Since the two younger cousins looked up to Zaje so much, it was no real surprise when they both decided, on the same day as Zaje, that they wanted to become Shang warriors. Zaje then spoke briefly about Gustav. It seemed like he didn't really know much about the young man, "He keeps to himself a lot and doesn't really like strangers. He gets along well with others once he is use to them though."
Kel and her new Shang Master continued to ride, talking occasionally with neither feeling the need to fill their comfortable silences with chit-chat. After the first day, Zaje began to teach Kel the theory behind some of their kicking attacks. Since Kel could not actually practice any kicks in her saddle, Zaje focused on punches and explained to Kel that if she could get a fair idea on what the kicking movements would involve, she should be able to pick it up easier in practice. Hearing about how many different kicks there were, Kel was glad that she had spent a year in training, so that her muscles would be able to survive the vigorous training schedule.
They camped at night in sight of the road they followed, pitching tents between the closely knitted trees surrounding them. There were few people on the road, with bandits being know to frequently strike at unsuspecting caravans.
3 Days later they arrived at a small town close to the borders of Tortall. They went straight to the 'Dagger Wound Inn'; the place where Zaje's other students were staying. Once they had tended their horses, Kel pleading with Peachblossom to behave, the two travel warn Shang's bathed and ate. After a short rest, Zaje gave Keladry a quick tour of the town. Signs of the recent attacks were around ever corner, with burnt houses and stalls and the local village people wandering around aimlessly, their faces blank and uncomprehending. The small town had recently been attacked by Scanran rebels, so their defensive wall was in dire need of repair, which was why the Shang's were there. Zaje explained that by working on the wall, Kel would be able to work up her muscles and since most of the time the labours worked in groups of at 2, she would be able to get to know the other students.
"I will introduce you to the others before we see the chief of this town", Zaje explained as they started to make their way to the guarded wall. Zaje gave a ear piercing whistle, then said to Kel, "if a Shang ever needs anyone that is the call they use."
Moments later 2 boys, who looked to be around the same age as Kel walked to their Shang teacher and bowed, openly looking at Kel with surprise as they did so.
"Where is Ashburn?" Zaje asked the younger boy who was slightly shorter than Kel. In response, the boy nodded in the direction over his teachers shoulder. Zaje turned and watched as a tall young man came jogging towards him.
"Sorry," the man panted as he bowed to his teacher, "I was helpin' the locals chop down some trees and we had to carry them up that cursed hill again." He continued in a deep, rich voice.
Zaje smiled knowingly, "Well, now that you are all here, I wish to introduce Keladry, she will be joining us from now on."
The shocked looks on the three students said a thousand words. Ashburn then proceeded to look her up and down like she was a piece of meat, causing Kel to stand slightly straighter. When he finished, his eyes accidentally meet hers. Realising what he had just done, a slight blush crept over his face and he smiled sheepishly at her. The other two boys smiled at her reassuringly.
"um...I thought you said one was a girl" Kel said under her breath uncertainly. "Oh, sorry," one of the boys said, a slight blush coming onto his face which looked very similar to Ashburn's. Taking off his leather cap that he wore to keep the blazing sun off his face, Kel started as suddenly a mass of long, straight, blonde hair began to unravel down his back.
"Glamour spell" the young girl whispered, letting her spell go so that Kel could see her true, more feminie face. "My names Erica but please call me Eric when we are in public" the girl said in a hurried whisper as she began to wind her hair back up.
"Why?" Kel asked confused.
Zaje indicated that they should walk with his hand as Erica replied "Most of these small towns think that girls are useless, I'm sure you've been somewhere like that before in your life?"
Kel nodded knowingly.
"Well basically I get paid better when they think I'm a boy. These dolts suddenly think I'm faster and stronger" Erica said shaking her head sadly.
As they walked, Kel looked at her new training partners from the corners of her eyes. Erica was only a little bit shorted than Kel, with sea green eyes, a small delicate nose and tanned skin. When she smiled, small dimples appeared on her cheeks. Her voice was soft and sweet and to Kel, it actually sounded a little musical. Kel could easily imagine Erica being a Lady at the Palace.
Even thinking about her old home for a split second made Kel's heart ache for her room, friends and teachers. Drawing her self out of the memories, Kel began to study Ashburn, Erica's brother. While Erica was wearing her 'boys' clothes and using her glamour spell, she looked a lot like a shorter version of her brother, with Ashburn being over a head taller than Kel. When Ashburn took his hat off to fan himself, Kel noticed the only other main difference between the siblings was Ashburn's hair which was a much darker blonde compared to Erica's.
Feeling like a bit of an outsider with Zaje and his two cousins, Kel suddenly remembered that there was another boy with them as well, who had not yet spoken, Gustav. Looking at the other boy, Kel began to relax a little. With brown hair cropped short at the ear and sky blue eyes, Gustav walked silently next to Erica, throwing silent glances at the magic covered girl. Kel read something in that shy sidewards glance that she was fairly sure Erica couldn't read and smiled to herself.
"Well now that we are all introduced, I will be taking Keladry to the Chief. I will see you back at the Inn later" Zaje said, dismissing the others.
Bowing respectful to their Master, the young Shang warriors nodded to Kel, each smiling. Kel and Zaje watched them walk off, Erica turned back when they reached the corner and waved cheerfully.
"I think they like you" Zaje said as he began to walk off again with long, purposeful strides.
"Really?" Kel asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We judge very quickly. I think you passed" he said with a laugh, heading towards the centre of the town.
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P.S. HOPE YOU LIKED IT. Don't forget to review... :) (will update soon)
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Kel said good bye to her parents and rode off with Zaje two days later. Zaje spoke of his life as a Shang warrior and what Kel should expect as they rode through a lush green Forrest on the boundary of Kel's land.
"Kel, when you went to the palace, your parents had to pay for your training. With me, that is not the case." Zaje began, waving at an annoying fly in front of him.
"As Shang warriors we move around from city to city a lot. The locals usually have jobs they wish us to do, it could be anything from rounding up cattle to getting rid of some nearby bandits. We have a reputation for working hard and therefore we get paid well."
"You will look after your own money, pay for your own meals, clothes and accommodation. I know that may seem hard but it's not as bad as you'd think. Believe it or not you will even be able to save some money if you try. By the time I was 16 I had enough money to buy a small house," he explained, his eyes misting over briefly, "even if I don't get to see it that much."
"The reason that you pay for your own things and don't pay me is that Shang warriors are wanderers by heart, so even if I didn't have students, I would still be moving around, so it doesn't seem very fair that you have to pay me. Any questions?"
Zaje then continued to tell Kel about his other three students, Erica, the only other girl in the group who happened to be the same age as Kel, Gustav, who was a year older then Erica and Kel and Ashburn, Erica's older brother, who was 4 or 5 years older, Zaje couldn't remember.
Zaje explained that Ashburn and Erica were in fact his cousins. After their parents were killed by barbarians when they were younger, his mother had taken them in. Once their initial shock had warn off, they began to follow Zaje around like ducklings, "If you had any younger brothers or sisters you would understand my frustration!" Zaje replied when Kel commented that it was "cute".
Since the two younger cousins looked up to Zaje so much, it was no real surprise when they both decided, on the same day as Zaje, that they wanted to become Shang warriors. Zaje then spoke briefly about Gustav. It seemed like he didn't really know much about the young man, "He keeps to himself a lot and doesn't really like strangers. He gets along well with others once he is use to them though."
Kel and her new Shang Master continued to ride, talking occasionally with neither feeling the need to fill their comfortable silences with chit-chat. After the first day, Zaje began to teach Kel the theory behind some of their kicking attacks. Since Kel could not actually practice any kicks in her saddle, Zaje focused on punches and explained to Kel that if she could get a fair idea on what the kicking movements would involve, she should be able to pick it up easier in practice. Hearing about how many different kicks there were, Kel was glad that she had spent a year in training, so that her muscles would be able to survive the vigorous training schedule.
They camped at night in sight of the road they followed, pitching tents between the closely knitted trees surrounding them. There were few people on the road, with bandits being know to frequently strike at unsuspecting caravans.
3 Days later they arrived at a small town close to the borders of Tortall. They went straight to the 'Dagger Wound Inn'; the place where Zaje's other students were staying. Once they had tended their horses, Kel pleading with Peachblossom to behave, the two travel warn Shang's bathed and ate. After a short rest, Zaje gave Keladry a quick tour of the town. Signs of the recent attacks were around ever corner, with burnt houses and stalls and the local village people wandering around aimlessly, their faces blank and uncomprehending. The small town had recently been attacked by Scanran rebels, so their defensive wall was in dire need of repair, which was why the Shang's were there. Zaje explained that by working on the wall, Kel would be able to work up her muscles and since most of the time the labours worked in groups of at 2, she would be able to get to know the other students.
"I will introduce you to the others before we see the chief of this town", Zaje explained as they started to make their way to the guarded wall. Zaje gave a ear piercing whistle, then said to Kel, "if a Shang ever needs anyone that is the call they use."
Moments later 2 boys, who looked to be around the same age as Kel walked to their Shang teacher and bowed, openly looking at Kel with surprise as they did so.
"Where is Ashburn?" Zaje asked the younger boy who was slightly shorter than Kel. In response, the boy nodded in the direction over his teachers shoulder. Zaje turned and watched as a tall young man came jogging towards him.
"Sorry," the man panted as he bowed to his teacher, "I was helpin' the locals chop down some trees and we had to carry them up that cursed hill again." He continued in a deep, rich voice.
Zaje smiled knowingly, "Well, now that you are all here, I wish to introduce Keladry, she will be joining us from now on."
The shocked looks on the three students said a thousand words. Ashburn then proceeded to look her up and down like she was a piece of meat, causing Kel to stand slightly straighter. When he finished, his eyes accidentally meet hers. Realising what he had just done, a slight blush crept over his face and he smiled sheepishly at her. The other two boys smiled at her reassuringly.
"um...I thought you said one was a girl" Kel said under her breath uncertainly. "Oh, sorry," one of the boys said, a slight blush coming onto his face which looked very similar to Ashburn's. Taking off his leather cap that he wore to keep the blazing sun off his face, Kel started as suddenly a mass of long, straight, blonde hair began to unravel down his back.
"Glamour spell" the young girl whispered, letting her spell go so that Kel could see her true, more feminie face. "My names Erica but please call me Eric when we are in public" the girl said in a hurried whisper as she began to wind her hair back up.
"Why?" Kel asked confused.
Zaje indicated that they should walk with his hand as Erica replied "Most of these small towns think that girls are useless, I'm sure you've been somewhere like that before in your life?"
Kel nodded knowingly.
"Well basically I get paid better when they think I'm a boy. These dolts suddenly think I'm faster and stronger" Erica said shaking her head sadly.
As they walked, Kel looked at her new training partners from the corners of her eyes. Erica was only a little bit shorted than Kel, with sea green eyes, a small delicate nose and tanned skin. When she smiled, small dimples appeared on her cheeks. Her voice was soft and sweet and to Kel, it actually sounded a little musical. Kel could easily imagine Erica being a Lady at the Palace.
Even thinking about her old home for a split second made Kel's heart ache for her room, friends and teachers. Drawing her self out of the memories, Kel began to study Ashburn, Erica's brother. While Erica was wearing her 'boys' clothes and using her glamour spell, she looked a lot like a shorter version of her brother, with Ashburn being over a head taller than Kel. When Ashburn took his hat off to fan himself, Kel noticed the only other main difference between the siblings was Ashburn's hair which was a much darker blonde compared to Erica's.
Feeling like a bit of an outsider with Zaje and his two cousins, Kel suddenly remembered that there was another boy with them as well, who had not yet spoken, Gustav. Looking at the other boy, Kel began to relax a little. With brown hair cropped short at the ear and sky blue eyes, Gustav walked silently next to Erica, throwing silent glances at the magic covered girl. Kel read something in that shy sidewards glance that she was fairly sure Erica couldn't read and smiled to herself.
"Well now that we are all introduced, I will be taking Keladry to the Chief. I will see you back at the Inn later" Zaje said, dismissing the others.
Bowing respectful to their Master, the young Shang warriors nodded to Kel, each smiling. Kel and Zaje watched them walk off, Erica turned back when they reached the corner and waved cheerfully.
"I think they like you" Zaje said as he began to walk off again with long, purposeful strides.
"Really?" Kel asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We judge very quickly. I think you passed" he said with a laugh, heading towards the centre of the town.
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P.S. HOPE YOU LIKED IT. Don't forget to review... :) (will update soon)