Yes, I'm back again. You are happy, correct? Ha. Well I revised this chapter too. I couldn't believe how many errors were in it. It was disgusting. I'm sorry to those who had to read it before now! ~Karr
Disclaimer: Karr is in ownership of the following characters/surnames/fiefs:
Taryn Bass, Tarent of Methaven, Leo of Methaven, Pricella of Methaven, Landon of Methaven, Blacken of Methaven, Rhider, Kanha, Bronzl, Paeci, Lairv, Rhys, Derice of TerenWay, Aura of TerenWay, Cluadie McChael, Miltari Fairheight, Kizzy, Laszlo Scanlon, Patrick, Anson, Lady Harriet, Captain Nyk Elyaa, Winter of Zhara, Nemesio of Zhara, Haydn, Jonayk, Sabyr, Khalid of Azuriah, Kallindra Trees, Kallind Forest, hkato', Lady Midnight, Shadow, and ltara, and Skelly the Mutt. Maybe More. Who knows? Ha. Only me. Countess Tamiqua. Can't forget her.
Chapter 6:
"Glaive?"
"Check."
" Griffon band?"
"Check."
"That's everything isn't it?" Said Keladry of Mindelan as she gathered the last of the things she would be needing on her "Traitor's Hill" trip. It was only midnight, and Kel and Dom had only a few hours of sleep, but they had a duty to be ready by four.
"That would be all Kel, anything else I need?" stated Dom as he looked through his baggage.
"Not that I know of. But as always, we'll find out what we have forgotten when we drastically need it during our trip." Kel mused.
Dom grinned. She was right.
"I'm so tired I could fall asleep on my feet right now." Dom said as he collapsed onto Kel's bed.
"I'm so cold, I would gladly lie down on some hot coals." Kel stated as a shiver went up her back. She couldn't believe that it was almost May. The last few weeks of April were bringing plenty of showers and plenty of cold air. Hopefully, that would end soon. She also had trouble believing that she had been a knight now for almost five months. 'And I thought time goes slowly when you're bored,' she thought.
"Well I'd gladly warm you up." Dom said as he put an arm around her.
"Thanks." Said Kel as she snuggled up to him.
"Of course, love." Dom replied gently. He kissed the back of her hair and hugged her tightly. He cocked his head and asked, " Kel?"
"Yes?" she answered.
"Where are you going to sleep on this little trip of ours?"
Kel smiled. "Well, now that I think of it, I haven't packed a pillow. Maybe I should deliberately leave it here. Then I would have to use somebody's arm, don't you think?" she asked with all her young innocence.
He grinned, showing off white teeth. "Matters whose arm." He said musingly.
"Well, the one around me is actually very comfortable. I think I should keep it company tonight."
"Good answer." He said right before he kissed her passionately.
She giggled after their kiss. "I won't get to see you very much today, you know." She said.
" I know. I will just have to suffer." He said sadly.
Kel, seeing the playfulness in his eyes, laughed.
"I guess so. See you tonight?"
"Not a minute later." Dom said as they parted.
Kel left to go find Buri, to discuss plans for their departure. It was, still after a few days and with Thayet's help, a secret from the king!
~**~
Dom plopped down on Kel's bed with a sigh. His love was too wonderful to be true. But the great part was, it WAS true. He couldn't believe his good luck. After all, his initial thought was that Kel had no interest whatsoever in him. After he found out she had feelings for him, another problem happened: Cleon. But Cleon was now happily married to Lian. Good for him, but even better for Dom. It left the door wide open for him. He had knocked. Kel had answered, pulled him in side, and shut the door.
He was sinking in all that was happening. It still felt unreal.
'But what would happen when it becomes real? I want a serious relationship with her, so why not take it a step farther?' He thought, deep in concentration.
He was positive that Kel was his dream love. He was positive that as long as she graced the planet, that he would never love anyone but her. Dom never thought he could love someone as much as he loved Kel. But he did. He figured he would be a bachelor all his life.
'What if – and I'm assuming completely here – if we were both ready enough for well – marriage? Maybe. Someday. I could ask. Not now. In a while, when everything's perfect and serene. Not until I leave the Own, because the only ones who can marry now are the commander and second in command. I doubt that law will change, and it's not likely I will get to be second in command. Why even think such foolishness anyways? I'll just wait. I don't want her to have to rush. I want her to be able to make the right decision. No pressure on my love. I would wait ten years for an answer if necessary. Gods I love her!' He thought as his mind drifted to less important issues.
~**~
" So that's all then?" asked Kel as she and Buri went over their plans for the trip.
"That's all. I'll make sure to tell Evin Larse to tell Dom all he needs to know."
"Buri? Are some of the men from the riders coming? I know Evin Larse is, but is anyone else?"
"No, I wouldn't allow them to. Cursed Evin wouldn't reason with me. He said if I went, he went, end of story. Stubborn man. Doesn't want anything happening to me. Funny too, for he's second in command of the riders. You would think he would want to rid of me so he could become commander. After this mission, I believe I will make him first."
Kel grinned. Evin was a nice, gallant, and attractive. She would be happy to see him become first after Buri retires from the duty. "Well I wouldn't want you getting hurt either. We will be lucky if no one is killed!"
Buri looked up and sighed. She placed her hands on her temples and rubbed them softly. "Do you really think we are going to get some serious fighting in?" she asked as she stopped and looked at Kel.
Kel looked down and her shoulders slumped forward. " I have a feeling. I have always been governed by my guts, but I just have this really awful feeling that we are going to be the war."
Kel glanced at Buri. Both of the commanders were worried.
"We leave in three hours Buri, lets get to it then. I want you in charge of the riders all of the time we are not in battle. There is no sense of me being commander of them when we are not fighting. They know you best, so you should lead them when you can." Kel said as she studied a map of Scanra.
Buri nodded to show her agreement with Kel. " So Alanna says its best to go to Irontown first?" Buri asked as she sketched her finger across the map. She started at Corus and slid down in a southeasterly motion until she reached the destined dot marked as Irontown.
"That's right, after that were headed down Conte Road to The Swoop. From there Thayet asked Shinko to ask the Yamani Islands for a ship to take us to Blue Harbor. Then we will go to Mindelan." Buri looked at her questioningly. "No, my parents do not know we are coming. If they ask, we tell them King Jon sent us. They wont know anything. What they don't know won't hurt them in anyway. " She said answering Buri's silent question. Buri nodded.
Whatever Kel had been doing, it was correct. She was surprised that Buri, an experienced warrior, agreed with all the proposed. Buri wasn't about to allow Kel to make a fool of her self so she must be doing the commander business in the right fashion. Just like when Qasim had first checked her weapons. She had aced that test. This time though, Buri was testing her on her knowledge of commanding. She just hoped she was reading her signs correctly!
"From Mindelan we are headed to the border, correct?" asked Buri curiously.
Kel shook her head, agreeing with her. " Yes, we are. Hopefully we can make it there within the next month and a half. And that's if the weathers permits it which I doubt will be the case."
Buri smiled. "Well we have to keep an open mind and make sure to joke a lot along the way."
"That's what Meatheads for." Kel answered matter-of-factly.
"Meathead? Oh curse it, Neal! That's right! I remember Dom calling him that awhile ago."
Kel grinned, " I guess it just sticks with everyone." Buri gave a wholehearted laugh. She got up and excused herself from their discussion.
As she walked out she yelled back to Kel, "I'll have to remember to call him that we I see him again."
~**~
"Kel!" cried Neal as he came running up to her.
Kel turned around to see Neal with his hands on his knees. He was panting. "What?"
" Rumor has it that one of the couriers found out! I don't know whom, but they are headed to the King. He isn't at the palace, but at fief TerenWay to discuss matters with the sick baron of who his successor will be. Thayet urged me to come right to you and tell you that she can hold word off for the rest of today, but no longer. We must leave now!"
"Curse it!" Kel muttered as she readied the last of PeachBlossoms tools. They were not to leave for another two and a half hours! Half the company would still be sleeping! And in the palace! How was she going to get word to them all within the next few moment?
"Neal, I'm going to ask you to do some magic. Do you remember when that fever went around last year and hundreds took sick?" He nodded. "Well whatever that spell was you used to make all those parchments that said for the fiefs to send healers to Corus, I need you to do that. Except this time I need them to say that we are leaving now! That's all; two words Neal, LEAVING NOW. Can you do that?"
He nodded a second time. "Good. I need one hundred and fifty of them. Find some one to help you if you need it, but hurry." Again Neal nodded.
"It will take about twenty minutes for them all to be done. I can do them by twenty-five. Whom do you want to know first?" he asked.
"I need Alanna, Buri, and Dom given them right away. Commanders first. It's two in the morning Neal. Dom and I have been up for two hours now!"
Evin Larse strolled in the other side of the stables to find Kel and Neal talking quickly.
"Anything I can help with, I mean, since we are not leaving-" Evin was cut off.
"LEAVING NOW!" yelled Neal. Evin's eyes widened and almost popped out of socket as he stared at Neal.
"Please Evin, get Daine here right away. Within the next few moments if possible." Kel asked calmly.
He didn't answer. He just left in a hurry. Five minute or so passed before Daine came storming in. She was dressed in a casual tunic and breeches. Her curly brown locks fell down to her elbows. It bounced back and fourth as she ran to Kel. Kel couldn't imagine how many men had tried to become her lover. Daine never even knew about Neal's secret crush on her when they were pages. 'This could be used as revenge'. Kel thought to herself. She pushed that notion to the back of her head as she heard Daine's voice. Kel scolded herself for drifting off.
"What do you need me for? Evin woke me up. He said we were leaving now. Numair is getting my packs. I should be ready in a few minutes." She said. Neal told her what he had told Kel and Kel told her what she wished her to do. Daine agreed within moments and her task was done quickly and orderly.
Keladry had asked Daine to summon some more sparrows to carry the messages to the rest of the company. Before a half hour had past, all the riders' lights were flickering on and shadows could be seen of little figures running around frantically.
~**~
Kel let out a brief and quiet sigh of relief. "Good Job, Kel." Said Dom as he rode up to the side of her on his new mare, Shadow.
Kel grinned. "Thanks, but it was mostly Neal and Daine who saved our plan from going out the stables."
Dom eyed her with one eyebrow raised, "Is that so? Mindelan, can you ever take a compliment without complaint?"
Kel laughed inside at Dom's use of her family name. Kel, being ironic smiled and stated, "Well Masbolle, I don't think I can."
Dom's eyes crinkled as he walked off to talk to Evin Larse. Kel could scarcely hear her name and something about being stubborn.
"Kel, were ready." remarked Alanna as she rode up to her side. Kel nodded, trying not to show her nervousness.
The riders, who were still asleep considering it was only three o'clock in the morning, fell silent as Buri cleared her throat.
"Riders, I do not know if anyone has announced to you who will be in charge of this mission." started Buri. The Rider's whispered to their neighbors. Some of their faces held question. Others confusion. "Believe me, our new commander has had experience on the field with Sir Raoul. She was his squire last year. Now, may I introduce to you, Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan."
The Riders fell respectfully silent. Some of the new Rider's asked their neighbors quick and quiet questions. The more senior Riders shook their questions off by saying that Keladry of Mindelan had proven herself more than once and that she would bring them to victory. With that, the young riders mouths fell silent. If the seniors had so much belief in this woman, then so should they.
Buri looked extremely pleased. The Rider's had no objections to their new leader.
~**~
Keladry turned Hoshi around so that all of the riders that lay behind her could clearly see her. Her voice, surprisingly to her, ran out strongly. " I'm not here to give you a speech, just a warning. You all know we are not going with blessings. You all know we are going as traitors. Are lives will not only be on the line with our enemies, but with our friends, families, and others. To all of you who wish to leave, here is your chance. After this, there is no turning back. Remember, there is no past. There is no future. There is only now. We act upon the actions that occur. We do what we believe in. We must believe in ourselves as much as we believe in our neighbor. This won't be a joyful trip. We are breaking all the oaths we have ever taken, besides one. We will not break that last oath, for it is to the people. We are going to protect the people of Tortall. Here is your escape. Please, leave now without shame if you do not want to proceed."
Kel was blushing slightly when she realized Buri, Daine, and Alanna looked at her admiringly. They were all sucking in the power of the words Keladry had spoken.
Not one of the Riders's moved. They all stood tall with straightened tunics and proud faces. Their families would have been proud. Keladry waited only a moment longer. The silence engulfed the entire company. Kel smiled as everyone waited for command.
"Lets ride."
~**~
The company rode long and hard, stopping only to take lunch. Kel and Buri had agreed. They couldn't have weak soldiers riding consistently, even if it would slow them. Kel was already tiring herself out. She even told Buri that she would do fine without food. Buri, who couldn't persuade her, finally found Dom.
"Kel." said Dom as he stepped up behind her.
Kel, who was settling a problem with their extra mounts turned to see her lover standing next to her. "Dom. What do you need?"
"The question is, what do YOU need? I believe it would be a break and some food"
Kel sighed and refused, " I can't. There's too much to be--" Kel drifted off. She was doing that a lot lately and she knew it.
Dom shook his head with a slight smile and leaned over and gave her a gentle, loving kiss. Kel was surprised. Her relationship with him was known by some, but not all. She was sure none of the riders had known.
Till then.
Kel was too shocked to hear whistling and laughter in the background. She gave in and allowed him to kiss her. After he released her, he looked at her with a broad grin. She couldn't help but smile.
"You need a break, love. And I won't take a no for an answer." Dom announced just loud enough for Kel to here.
Kel smiled and gave a nod to Evin to take charge while so was gone. He nodded in return with a smile. Kel blushed. At least now it was open. She took Dom's hand and went off with him to a near by stump to relax and eat some bread and fruit.
~**~
Once they were back on the rode their were no more stops. They rode at a strong and consistent speed until almost midnight. By the time Kel put up her hand as a sign of halt, sighs of relief could be heard throughout the company. They figured they would be riding for a few more hours. Kel, who was an excellent commander, was even nice enough to let them rest. They were obviously safe from their own kind until early afternoon of the next morn. With all the problems settled and dinner over, Kel was able to drift off.
"Lady Knight Keladry?"
Kel sighed, believing there were more problems, looked at the body of the speaker, a green Rider.
"Yes?" Kel asked politely.
"Do you need a tent put up for you milady?"
"She'll be fine soldier, thank you for your offer though," drawled a voice coming from the shadow of a large Oak.
The voice and its owner stepped out of the shadow. The Rider smiled. Dom.
"As you wish commander," said the rider. She walked off with an extra bounce in her walk. The rider could not be older than fifteen. Kel smiled. She couldn't help it.
"Thanks for the help commander." said Kel with a wink.
Dom's eyes twinkled. "No problem." he whispered as he gallantly whisked her off.
~**~
The next morning, Keladry awoke in Dom's tent. Dom's arm was snaked around her waist. Kel couldn't help but stifle a laugh. He looked like such a doll sleeping. It must have been the cutest thing she had ever seen. It was so cute she could actually use it as blackmail. 'Not that I would do anything like that.' Thought Kel.
She silently slipped out of Dom's hold and practiced her complex pattern dances with her glaive. The eighteen-inch blade glinted in the sun magnificently and glared into the tents of nearby Riders. Their tents ablaze with light, they awakened to see where the beauty came from. Only after Kel had finished did she notice the crowd gathered around her. She blushed as they looked at her with awe.
The Lioness approached Kel. " Kel, I was wondering if whenever I can get a hold of one if you would teach me how to use that monster." Kel remembered their conversation when she was a squire.
~**~
They spoke of innocent things. If anyone overheard, Alanna's questions were those anyone might ask. She was well informed about Kel's weapon skills and training. She even knew about the morning glaive practice and Kel's years in the Islands.
When Kel presented the last finger bowl and the Champion rinsed her hands, she smiled at Kel. "Once you're knighted, perhaps you could teach me to use the glaive," she suggested. "It sounds like a good all-purpose weapon."
Kel walked to the service hall glowing. The lady took it for granted that Kel would win her shield. She wants me to teach her! Kel thought, elated. She picked up a tray of cups and a pitcher of cordial. Me, teach the Lioness---who could have dreamed?
~**~
Well, Alanna was correct about Kel winning her shield. Now it was Kel's turn to teach the Lioness! Kel would have the Yamani's pick out the perfect glaive for the Lioness whenever she got a chance to talk to one again. IF she ever got the chance.
Kel, who seemed daze, shook out of her faze. "I'd be more than happy to teach you, Lioness." said Kel as she answered Alanna's question.
"Please just Alanna, Kel."
"Then its Alanna." replied Kel with a grin.
"So it is." the Lioness said.
It looked like a bright day and an easy ride, with no sign of a backup committee at their end. But, what they didn't realize was that, eyes were watching. Hard eyes.
~~***~~
Ha. Okay. That's just one more revised chapter. Please review so I can mark my goal amount! Vin Diesel is the freggin god of BANGIN HOT! He's four years older than my parents but hey, what the hell, you got it, I WANT it. So now I officially own Vin Diesel, 50 Cent, Shane West, Domitan, George, and Orlando Bloom. (The god of SEDUCE ME NOW.) ~Karr
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Email: LadyKnight36@aol.com
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