Disclaimer: I have as much ownership over this as the purple monkeys in Africa.
A/N: This chapter has also been revised so be happy. Ha. That's all.
Cleon's celebrations were not long. They lasted only a few hours for Cleon and his wife were on going on a honeymoon. After Cleon and Lian left, so did Kel and her party. They were on their way home.
~**~
Blizzards were all anyone could talk about as they traveled home. Fear was thick through their skulls, especially Alanna. She couldn't stand the winter. Luckily, Keladry of Mindelan's party got the least of it, only a few inches.
The group decided to rest that night for the rode home was dusted with white fluff. Keladry thought this was the perfect time to practice with her glaive. She did her extreme pattern dances without error and had received some applause. She swirled around quickly to see whom the praise came from and was answered with none other than Dom.
" I have actually never been able to see you practice with that. Bandits better make sure you don't meet up with them with that cursed thing." He said smiling brightly.
Kel grinned. " Thanks, just wish one of the Yamani ladies were here to give me a fight, then you would see how poor I am with this thing." She answered back, knowing perfectly well that she was a good match for most Yamani women.
" Um, Kel, could we go for a walk, we need to talk." Said Dom turning serious.
Kel, sensing what was up, accepted immediately.
They walked down the white-patched road for what seemed like hours. Kel told herself he would get to talking at some point, so there was no need to rush. The silence crept on as they turned onto an old over grown path.
Finally Dom gathered his courage and said, "Kel."
"Yes?" asked Kel who had turned around to face him.
Dom pulled her against his chest and whisper ever so softly in her ear, " I'm in love with you. I want to be with you. I'm going you kiss you so you better stop me before I do."
He leaned down and kissed her gently as if showing how much he desired her. She stood there in surprise yet again. 'It always happens like this. Always.' She thought, amused at all that had taken place. She was enjoying the kiss very much and didn't wonder why either. She had been in love with Dom since forever.
Dom broke off the kiss and smiled down at her with surprise. " Kel, you--you---didn't push me away, why?" he asked flabbergasted
" Dom you dolt, I never intended to pull back." She breathed as she pulled his lips back to her mouth.
!**!
When she awoke the sun was fast asleep below the horizon. She looked around to see where she was. Lying next to her was none other than Jump, tucked into a tight ball as the covers creased up around him.
Kel sat up confused. Last thing she could remember was Dom and---Kel smiled. Dom had carried her back to her room. She must have fell asleep after their walk had ended.
A loud voice outside Kel's tent rumbled with anger. It belonged to Raoul. Kel, wondering what had Raoul up to his neck, went out to investigate. Sure enough, it was Raoul, about to burst with rage. Kel was puzzled. She had never in her life seen Raoul this way! Alanna was sitting down, hands on her head, cursing out colorfully.
Neal, Merric, Owen, Faleron, and Seaver sat stunned. Owen was pale as more color drained from his face. Dom looked at the ground as if he expected this to come. George looked like he was ready to take off some ears. Gary's face was completely unreadable.
A herald messenger from Corus sat on his horse with hundreds of scrolls. He looked completely exhausted as if he had been running around for days. This could only mean one thing: WAR
~**~
Moving as fast as the weather would allow, Kel and her friends raced back to Corus. Within the morning's hours, they reached the palace. As soon as their horses were taken the group rushed to the great meeting hall where a council of knights heard the king's instructions. Kel had never seen the palace so frantic. She hoped she never did again.
As Raoul pushed the door open to the council's meeting a gasp went through the room. Everyone was surprised at the people that stood before them. They hadn't expected them back till late tomorrow at best.
Jonathan, as well as the other, was very much indeed surprised. You could see the look of gratitude on his face. The heralds and servants weren't the only ones not getting enough sleep.
" As most of you have been informed, we are at war. This could possibly be the largest war in our history." Started Jonathan. A small murmur filled the room. " We are up against Scanra, The Copper Isles, Galla, and Tusaine. The Yamani Islands, Maren and Carthak are assisting us. We have no known reason yet why these countries band up against us. Our international spies believe it to be caused by the hungry power tyrants that rule these nations. Unfortunately, we are positive this is not the only reason. We should be getting more information in by midmorning. Sir Wlydon and Sir Myles will give out commands of post. Mithros bless all of you. Your country needs you. Make us proud." Jonathan preached softly.
Suddenly, a herald burst in, collapsing in a chair. Poor man had probably gone three days without sleep. He managed to sputter, " Your Majesty, I have news reports from Galla, requesting your immediate attention Sir." The man had collapsed and was blacked out. Duke Baird quickly ran over and asked one of his assistance to take the man and put him in the finest healer's care that was available. He told the woman to tell all what a fine job he had done.
That made Kel smile. The Duke was a very gentle and kind person. She liked Neal's father almost as much as her mother did, with a small difference of course.
The king skimmed through the letter. His face paled so much he looked dead. He cursed loudly and muttered out, " You all can go, all of you besides Sir Alanna, Sir Keladry, Commander Buriam, all of the female riders, and Daine, please."
Keladry paled. All of the women that were in service were to stay behind. Something was dead wrong.
" I would also like Sir Raoul and Sir Wlydon to stay behind for I could use your assistance." Said Jonathan as both men nodded.
As the uncalled on knights left Jonathan assured the rest into the private meeting room. It was clear. Jonathan wanted their ears only to hear what he had to say. Kel would have sworn Jonathan was scared shitless. It almost looked like he thought he was going to be killed.
~**~
" Galla has gave us a full and written explanation of why they have turned against us and started war with us. So have Tusaine and the Copper Isles. We were right that they want power. But that's not their main reason. They want our government to change. They want women out of power. They want us to hand over 10,000 commoners, 2,000 servants, and 450 nobles. All women. Of course we wont do that. There is one thing though that will back Galla and the Copper Isles out of the war. If we diminish all women out of the service they will stay out of our way and break any alliances with Tusaine and Scanra. It our only choice to save Tortall. Thus, you are all on probation until one year after this war ends which we hope doesn't last long. I'm sorry, but I have no choice. I must disown you of all titles beside those of Nobility. You must stay out of all fighting. If you do not, you will be held with treason and I will not be able to pardon you. These are what the attacking nations terms are. That's all I know." Explained Jonathan now white with fear, as he knew what was coming.
Just think, Jonathan in a room with pissed off females. Ha. I don't try to be mean. Ha. I love Jon.
Jonathan's lip split as a punch was delivered to him from a fiery red head. "How could you?" Came the, shocked, strangled voice, belonging to Alanna.
"How dare you hit me?!" he yelled furious, a Raoul ran to his side.
"Alanna, be careful." He said, pleading Alanna to stop the assault, at least the physical one.
"How dare you take away our life?!" she yelled back, obviously in agreement with all the women in the room, including Kel. " Why do you walk out on us? I can't believe you Jon! After so many years and I get this! By the Goddess, I swear you won't keep me from fighting, Jon." She hollered. Alanna spit on the ground and started to walk out.
Jon managed a roar, " Alanna, get back here now! Don't make me make you a traitor! I would have to you know! How dare you walk out on me?"
Alanna turned around, her curly red hair twisting around in swirls. " You just showed me how someone walks out Jon. I'm leaving. See you on Traitor Hill friend." She said so coldly Jon shuddered. He never wanted to hear that tone from Alanna ever again.
" You are my vas—" Jon was cut off by Alanna.
" Don't you even call me your vassal! Remember? I'm not a knight anymore! So I'm definitely not your champion! After you're a champion once, you can't become it again. Have it your way Jon. I don't serve you. Consider me a outcast, wait, you already have!" yelled back Alanna who was beet red. To the herald that was in the room she stated, " Ready my horse good Sir."
Jon paled. She wouldn't be his champion anymore?
The herald was on his way out to give the orders when the king yelled, " Herald, don't ready her horse. I order that she not be able to take Darkmoon anywhere."
The poor herald was caught between the king's word and his Champion's.
Alanna let out a hoarse laugh, " Do you really think that will stop me Jon? By Mithros, I'll walk!" With that Alanna stomped out.
It was nearly ten minutes before anyone spoke. Jonathan broke the ice. "Daine." He said acknowledging her. He didn't expect an outburst like he had received from Alanna. For the first time ever, Daine was glaring at him.
"I don't know what to say your majesty. In all my years I never thought you could go so low." Following in Alanna's footsteps Daine too walked out.
Jon was just about to order the herald to keep Daine away from Cloud right when Daine yelled, "Don't worry your majesty. I won't ride or walk away from your leadership, Sir."
Jon was relieved. He couldn't loose her too.
"I'll fly." She roared, furious at his relief.
Jon through up his hands in surrender. " I order all of you to keep your mouths shut about this entire meeting, or else you will be headed to Traitor Hill, you all understand?" he asked.
Buri walked up to Jonathan and smiled falsely, " As you wish your majesty. It won't leave the room, but we will." In chorus, all the riders curtsied so slightly that some kings would have beheaded all of them. Their eyes never left Jonathans.
Jon couldn't believe the nerve of all of the women. Some of the bravest men wouldn't do what they all just did. Jon hadn't realized how much pain he had caused. He would later on, of course.
The room was empty with the exception of Sir Keladry, Raoul, and Sir Wlydon.
"She'll kill me Jon if I don't follow her. You do understand what you did to all of them right? Maybe it will take some time to sink in? I don't know. But you better find out quick before females erupt from all over to murder their king." said Raoul sounding serious.
Again, Raoul passed through the meeting room doors clearly upset.
All who was left now were Kel, Wlydon, and the King.
The king sat down looking angry, frustrated, and depressed. Kel wasn't afraid to speak her mind. She wouldn't yell. She wouldn't glare. She would do the worst. She would keep her voice even and strong. Her face would show no emotion. Her words would be picked carefully, for all he knew she would become a great commander. She would make him look like a fool and make him ashamed without showing anger or hurt. He didn't know anyone who could do that to him, besides her. She had don't three times before
That first time was that day he first laid eyes on her. That day in the great eating hall where she sat with her soon to be best friend Neal he had felt ashamed of her probation at once. She hadn't even said anything!
The second time was when he offered her a fear charm. One to make her fear of height vanish. She had refused saying that she would rather do it on her own. She wasn't lying either. This time she wasn't even trying to send him a message. He felt awkward after that meeting.
The third and most recent time was when she swore to him under an oath to not challenge Joren of StoneMountain after he kidnapped Lalasa, her maid. She, a squire, had stood up to him and told him evenly that a law needed to be changed! The thing is, it did need to be! She was correct! It was changed because of her courage!
This time would be no different. He looked into her eyes even though he did no want to. He had to know what she thought. Heroes to be were discovered like this. He had found it! She would take her place in history just like Alanna had. He already felt like a fool.
"Speak your mind, Keladry, get your thoughts out now why I can take it."
Kel starred into space and then starred at him. She started off very slowly picking her words like diamonds. " No. I'm speechless. I really am. You broke your oath to me so I will break my oath to you, but not to the people, never to the people. Again, I don't agree with you. Your Majesty." She said, bowing the normal, respectful bow, and walking out as if nothing had happened.
~**~
" Does she make everyone feel this way?" Jon asked Wlydon.
"Yes Sir. She knows it too. She's a smart lady. Jon, they all know you had no choice, but there women, they will never except it. They'll leave Jon and no one can stop them so might as well not try. I think – I think though—this is the sign – the legend Your Majesty – The white eagle.
Jonathan's eyes lit up. "But that's only a legend, isn't it?"
"Perhaps not."
~**~
"Kel?" asked Dom who was standing outside her door.
"Yes?" she answered as she turned away from her packing.
"Is it true? You are on probation? You're leaving anyways? You'll be held with treason, love."
Kel sighed. " I know and I don't care. I know its sounds foolish but—" Kel couldn't continue.
"Stop your nonsense! It's not foolish. If I was a knight I would do exactly what you are doing."
"Oh." Was all she could manage.
"Kel?"
"Hmmm?"
" What about us?"
" I guess we will have to hold it off because I'm going away and you wouldn't want a long distance thing. Unless we should just call it all off." Kel said, preparing for what she knew was coming.
"You're right. I don't want a long distance thing and I definitely don't want to start one later."
Kel was hardly holding back tears. After all that had happened out of the little that had, it was already ending. He didn't want her anymore. She scolded herself for falling for him all over again. Maybe she was destined to become some old maid.
" I want to start one now and I promise it won't be a long distance relationship." Said Dom. Kel was so lost in thought that she didn't realize what he had said until a few minutes had passed.
She squinted her eyes and murmured softly, " You wouldn't."
By now, Dom was clearly amused. " Oh I would and I plan to."
" You can't—I refuse to let you come." She said, thrilled that she was going to lose this argument.
" You're going to stop me then?" Dom whispered, making Kel shiver.
Finally Kel sighed and then smiled, " Well, not exactly. But you have to be good."
That got a smile out of him. " I'll try, but I can't promise anything." He stated, grinning mischievously.
Kel grinned back. "Oh?" she asked.
Somehow during this conversation the door was shut firmly and locked.
*~~*
Ha. You see that? I changed like half of it! Better now, eh? So is it getting better yet? I hope so. A review peeps? Please?
~Karr "The Last Name"
Email: LadyKnight36@aol.com
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