Disclaimer: I only own the plot

Lady Knight 2: The Prophecy ends

Chapter 2: On the road

Bang Bang!

"Is that you again, Chamber?" muttered a sleepy Kel.

Bang BANG! The noise happened again, only this time louder. Growling under her breath, Kel dragged herself to the door and flung it open. Outside was Roger, Lord Wydom's messenger. As soon as he saw Kel, Roger said "My lord and his guest would like to see you as soon as possible, milady."

"Tell him I'll be there." Kel replied before shutting the door. Wondering who was Lord Wydom's special guest, Kel dressed as quickly as possible while hopping on the cold flagstone floor of the dressing room.

Five minutes later, Kel was sitting in front of Lord Wydom and Diane the Wildmage. "Kel, I hate to wake you in this hour but we have received unpleasant news. It seems that Maggar's wildmage, who we found out is Curtis, is hatching up a new plan." said Lord Wydom, "Diane's spies have reported of an immortals training camp."

"They say" continued Diane, "that two leggers have cruelly whipped the immortals to make them aggressive. They will be attacking in war format, not the hit and run type of thing. If they attack Tortall, I'm not sure we can defeat them, not after we're weak because of the killing machines. I think if we attack and kill Maggar and Curtis before they complete training, we can win the war."

"Can't you just talk to the immortals?" asked Kel.

"Not the ones that are part human. Even if I could, I'm not sure they'll listen after they become angry and aggressive."

"How much time do we have?" asked Neal. Everyone turned towards the door. "I arrived just in time to hear the story," he shrugged.

"We have about two months." said Diane, "I'm not saying he won't attack until two months, I'm just saying his main army won't be done training until then."

"If we only have two months, than why don't be start now." said Neal.

"Because we aren't ready." answered Lord Wydom. "You must ride to Corus and talk to the king before leaving."

"Won't that take time?" argued Neal.

"Yes, but there's nothing we can do to avoid it."

"Can't you speak to the king using your magic jewel. You know, the one you use to communicate on hunts."

"I do know. The jewels can be overheard using magic. Anyway, it can't include several people at a time." replied Lord Wydom coolly. Neal opened his mouth to argue but Kel poked him painfully in the ribs. "Take my fastest horses." Lord Wydom continued, "They're saddled and packed for you."

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"Kel, stop." huffed Neal. "It's nearly time for lunch and I'm hungry."

"Stop complaining, Neal" Kel scolded but they stopped all the same. Neal gobbled up his food, but Kel only picked at hers.

"Why aren't you eating?" asked Neal.

"There's something not right here." replied Kel, "It's too quiet. Look at the sparrows. There're scared." Neal stopped eating to glance at the five sparrows that had followed Kel from New Hope. Indeed they were cuddled together and shivering. "I smells funny, too." Kel continued, "Sort of like rotten eggs and STORMWINGS!" The sparrows rose up in the air and pelted at the small group of stormwings, shrieking their own little war cries. Kel picked up her glaive and rushed to join the battle. She slashed at a stormwing that had come too close. When that one fell, two more hurried to attack her. As she fought off the two stormwings, another one had snuck up behind her. When it was about to attack, it was suddenly blinded by a flashing emerald light. Kel glanced at Neal, he held up his hand which was glowing.

When half of the stormwings were dead, the remaining ones halted the battle and flew away. Knowing that the battle was over, Kel's and Neal's horses trotted out from their hiding place. Kel's walked over to nudge her but Neal's didn't have the same idea. It pawed the ground and snorted. In the end, Neal had to come and fetch his stallion .

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It was dark by the time Kel and Neal reached Corus. They rode into the palace before a messenger of King Jonathon found them. He dropped of the foaming horses at the stables and took Kel and Neal to their rooms.

The next morning, Kel and Neal attended a meeting held by the king in one of his chambers. They sat around a massive round table with Numair, Alanna the King's Champion, Lord Raoul, Duke Braid of Queenscove and both Sir Garth the older and younger. The king was first to speak. "We all probably know that a wildmage named Curtis is working for Maggar. The problem now is how we solve it. Plainly brute force isn't going to do it. We'll need some strategy too."

"I propose we send spies behind the border to attack and kill Maggar." said Lord Raoul.

"Or we can ambush and attack his army." added Sir Garth the younger.

"Or pick off bits and pieces of his men" said Alanna.

"I think we ought to kill Curtis." said Numair.

"I agree with Numair." said King Jonathan, "Our biggest worry are the immortals. There're hard to beat. Stormwings, hurraks and killer unicorns are like an army. Don't forget, some of the have magic."

"I believe the best way is to send spies." said Lord Raoul.

"Kel can go." added Alanna.

"I agree with you completely, but we need more than soldiers and a commander. We've already attacked Maggar so he's bound to be on the lookout. Even if we do make it, we'll need more skilled people and mages-." said King Jonathan

"You forgot an excuse to be across the border." interrupted Lord Raoul.

"I was about to mention that." growled the king.

"Just saved you that step." shrugged Lord Raoul.

"As I was saying, we need more strategy." said the king

"We need mages and healers along with craftsmen." said Duke Braid of Queenscove.

"Right. Numair and Duke Braid are too important to go. I say Sir Nealan and another lower ranking mage will do." said the king.

"I don't see why my apprentice can't go. Surely he has enough experience." said Duke Braid.

"I disagree. The mage ought to be a war mage. After all, we are going to war." said Numair,

"Who do you think is suitable?" asked Alanna.

"I think the mage-in-training, Haley, will do nicely." replied Numair.

"Isn't he the new mage?" asked Alanna.

"The one and only new mage that's been here a year." said Numair.

"Do you think he's trustworthy?" asked the king.

"Definitely." answered Numair.

"Who else will go with Kel?" asked Sir Garth the younger.

"I was hoping someone from my squads, men with experience. I personally recommend Domitan's squad. They all know Kel and Domitan is an excellent leader. " said Lord Raoul.

"We can always pick craftsmen from New Hope. I say carpenters for weaponry and healers from my office." added Duke Braid.

"I guess the decision is made. Top carpenters, Haley, and several squads will accompany Kel for her mission.

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Hi, its mygerbil again. I just want to thank Lady Bee for reviewing and I hope you like this chapter.

~mygerbil