Disclaimer: I own everything (Ha.) (Joke.) (Yep.) (Ha.)
A/N: This is the revised chapter 7 in html format so it looks better than ever.
Dedicated To: The M&M Family. (Michelle, Kim, Ashley, Sheena, DJ, and ME)
~**~
The young girl watched the King's party moving quickly through the forest pathway. Her eyes bulged and she shook frantically.
"Rhider, look at that! It's a small army made entirely of women!" spoke the young girl to her mare. "That one in front, with the distaff border on her shield, that must be that Kel girl. The one who is a knight! Right next to her is the Lioness! The most famous hero of all times!" the girl said in awe. "Just like I want to be."
Taryn Bass stayed behind the riding party, hidden by her quick movements and by the early morning's fog. The Scanran girl looked like she had lived in Tortall all her life. She was very pretty, covered with dirt or no. Her elbow length curly brunette hair matched with Daine' perfectly. At 5'2, she was neither tall nor short for thirteen. She had gorgeous large brown eyes with lashes that went on forever.
Unlike all the other pretty girls around, Taryn wasn't a noble. At least, not anymore. Even though her real name was Tarent of Methaven, she rather liked Taryn. When she was seven, her eldest brother, Leo, had married a cruel beauty named Pricella. Leo, who was very handsome, had fallen for her trap and would do anything for his new wife. After three months of torture, Tarent had realized that Pricella's attitude had rubbed off on Leo. Thank Mithros she had Landon. He loved her more than anything in the world.
But then everything changed. Pricella sent her off to White Mountain, a convent for unwanted children. She could do so because her father had died a few months before the marriage when a raiding party struck their fief. He died protecting one of his people. Blacken of Methaven was a good man. He had cared for everybody.
Tarent stayed at White Mountain for two years, hating every minute of it. She wanted to be a warrior, not some pickle heads wife! Then, she was called back home to be there for the celebration of Leo and Pricella's first daughter, Charity. When she got there, Charity was six months old and nothing like her cruel parents. Tarent had hope for her. What depressed Tarent to tears was that Landon was no longer there. Leo had told her that he was scorn and had run away from the family two months after she had left.
Small tears ran down the girl's cheek as she tried to keep a good distance from the rest of the party. Her dream was to become a rider. She had wanted to be a knight but she was not a noble or young enough to start. Her horse whimpered as more tears ran down her face. Rhider didn't like the idea of his master crying. She was too tough for that. She hushed her down and wiped away the flowing tears. "I'm okay girl. We just have to keep up with these women and hope their good people. Who knows? Maybe my dear brother Landon fled here!" she then gave out a small chuckle. She would find him someday.
Taryn came to a halt. The party had stopped, probably for lunch. "What do you say girl? Should we go for a closer look?" The mare grunted thoughtfully and shook her head in agreement. "Lets go then."
~**~
"---I still don't think we should be stopping Kel! I have an weary feeling were are being watched!" Neal managed before Kel cut in.
"Do you think I'm blind meathead? Honestly, I know we are being followed! But I have an instinct that this person means no harm! Neal, would I ever put all of us in danger? Think about it!"
Neal quieted down and thought for a moment. "Dear Kel, I don't doubt you. I just have a feeling!"
"That's fine. Just keep it to yourself! I don't want everyone thinking we are in danger and that if they find someone they should attack them. Neal, you might think I'm delirious but I think whatever is back there is a friend! A useful friend who is trying to figure out if we are friends! I believe this person would be quiet small too." Kel spoke, bulging her eyes to prove a hidden point."
"—You mean."
"A child Neal, or something close to it. It's something we will learn when the time comes." Kel stated firmly.
Neal decided it would be best to trust Kel's instinct. After all, what harm could a child do?
~**~
" C'mon Jump, lets go!" yelled Dom as he tried to yank the sleeping soldier out of his slumber. The process wasn't one you would call easy. The retired fighter was getting old, and Kel wouldn't allow him to fight as much as he used to. Kel just hoped that he would be there for a while to come. Maybe even find a mate and sprout some little ones to fill in for their battered father.
" Jump, Kel said you could come on patrol with me. Now lets get a move on it." Moaned Dom, hoping that the killer would get up and help him. Hearing this, Jump's good ear popped up and slowly both eyes opened. Dom let out a sigh of relief and thanked the dog as he stretched and plopped down on the floor, wagging his tail in excitement. "Lets get to it then." Dom told the terrier as he saddled up Shadow. Within moments both were off through the woods.
~**~
Taryn paced Rhider slowly, trying to allow herself to hear her surroundings efficiently. After four years of traveling Galla and Tortall, she had picked up a few tricks. She had even picked up a few companions, too. Her horse, Rhider, was the first thing she ever stole, four years ago. Taryn wouldn't admit that she had stolen her. Her former caretaker, a wretched old man who cared more about his land than anything else, lost all he owned. After hearing this, he decided the horses would have to go. Instead of selling them, he was going to kill them. Taryn, who needed a horse anyways, stole all of his horses during the middle of the night.
In the morning, she had bleached every single one of them, and gave them to a poor farmer she knew. He was awfully thankful and allowed her to keep a mare of her choice.
Thinking of her mare, Taryn smiled. Rhider had saved her life more than a handful of times. Then there was Lairv, her mutt. She found her scraping for food and couldn't turn down a stray, especially a fighter like Lairv. That had been two years ago, when she was on the border of Galla. Lairv had once had a mate, Skelly, but he had died a little over a year ago when Taryn's camp had been raided by two bandits. The dogs took care of the smaller one, and Taryn sliced the other with her spear. Skelly died protecting Taryn.
After Lairv and Skelly there was Paeci and Bronzl. Paeci, a Lynx, and her pup Bronzl were purely wild. One night, during a terrible ice storm, Paeci and Bronzl snuck up into Taryn's camp and slept by the fire. When Taryn awoke, both of them were still there. For the next few days the Lynx's followed close behind until Taryn finally agreed they could be part of the pack. She didn't know how they could understand, but they did. She found out that food was always available because Paeci and Bronzl were excellent hunters. Some nights they would come home with a full deer, hanging from their mouths. It was helplessly funny too, because they both looked like cuddly kittens, which they were, if they knew you well enough.
A sound found Taryn's ear. Sitting up abruptly, she scolded herself for drifting so close to a camp, friendly or no, she wasn't sure. Listening closely, she heard the sound of a horse close by. Suddenly, the hoof beets stopped. Instinctively, Taryn unsheathed her sword silently and placed it by her side. She slid quietly off of Rhider's back and let go off her reins. Paeci and Bronzl were off hunting, so there would be no help from them if she needed it.
A quiet bristle off leaves stirred behind her. With a rapid turn she saw a handsome young man in his mid-twenties. Within moments, he swore and a sword was at her throat. "Don't move." The man said. He had what appeared to be a friendly voice. He wasn't using that tone with Taryn though. Taryn figured this was because he believed her an enemy. They might be enemies.
Taryn faked hesitation and put up her hands. "Pl—Please don't hurt me sir, I—I was just taking a ride on my master's horse sir." She faltered, hoping that the man fell for it. His eyes changed slightly. He had believed her partially. Taryn looked off to the right and the man did too. She had distracted his attention. Within that split second of opportunity, Taryn slid her sword up and around, so it pointed at the young mans throat.
The young man, who was obviously a sergeant, [The badge on his tunic] was extremely taken back. "Sir, didn't mama ever teach you never to allow your attention to stray?" she said coldly, with a smirk, not a single stutter.
The young man looked at her awkwardly and then smiled, and returned a remark. "Aren't you a little young to be playing soldier, sweetheart?" he said with the same pertness she had used on him.
For all he had his sword to her throat, she liked him. " Don't play around with me. May I remind you I have my sword seconds away from piercing you through and through?" she said, giving a false smile.
The sergeant grinned. " I could say the same to you, lady."
"Oh?" Taryn replied, straining her pitch to make it sound like a noble lady at a court function, "What do I have to lose? It looks to me, sergeant that you would lose much more than I. Such as your command, a decent life, and oh, maybe Keladry of Mindelan?"
The sergeant looked at Taryn, shock filling his eyes. He blushed slightly and starred into her eyes. "You're a talented fighter and a talented spy and a terribly good liar. Are you working for Scanra?" He asked, going serious.
She spit on the ground, eyes never leaving his, "I wouldn't work for them if it meant my life." She said, dead serious. The sergeant saw the seriousness and relaxed a bit again. "I don't know if it occurred to young sir, but I'm also a girl. I'm too low a species to be helpful during war."
She saw understanding in his eyes. "Well, I certainly won't turn you away." He said, shocking her for the first time. "But you will have to drop that weapon of yours." He said with a sincere smile.
That was a dirty trick used by some. She would never drop her weapon first. "Sir, I believe you should." Taryn said with terrific grin on her face, growing by the minute. He looked around confused until his eyes opened widely. A dog, just like jump, only female, sat in the kill position. Then he grinned.
"Well, my lady, I would say you should." The smile on her face went away as quickly as it had come, as a killer of a dog sat crouched in the same ready stance as Lairv. Ironically, Taryn's grin was replaced with an even bigger one. "I win." She stated as she cocked her head to the left. He cautiously peeked off to the side. "Seems to me the rest of my family has come to the rescue." She said as both of the lynx's crept up to both sides of her.
The sergeant sighed and dropped his weapon. As soon as she saw him surrender, she then placed her sword back in its sheath. "Hey, sergeant?" Taryn questioned.
He looked down at her and raised an eyebrow. "You got a name?" She asked him curiously.
"Domitan of Masbolle." He told her.
She put out a hand. "Taryn. Taryn Bass."
They clasped hands and then both remounted. "Well then, my lady, let me show you the way." Dom said as he led the group.
Taryn about gagged. "I'm not a lady, let alone yours." She spit back at him.
A small smile creased his lips. "I think you're going to get along with the rest of the company quite well."
"I sure hope so, or else I might have to run again." She said with a sigh.
Dom looked over at her confused. She didn't notice his look. He decided not to question her, if she wanted to talk about her past life, then she would. Maybe she would open up to Kel or the Lioness? Maybe not. He couldn't be sure. The vibe he was catching though, was that her past life had some how been connected to the war that was going on and that she was here to see that whatever it was, would be settled.
~**~
Keladry of Mindelan sat with Buri and the Lioness, trying to figure out how long to stay at Iron Town. The town itself was another days ride away. If the good weather persisted, they may be able to make it by the upcoming day if they moved quickly and didn't break as often as they had.
"Alanna, How many men did George persuade to come?" Buri asked the Lioness.
"About fifty, all being able to use spears, pikes, and knives. More wanted to come, but I wasn't about to allow him to send anyone with no training. Surely they would be killed and could have brought us with them." Alanna concluded, as she stretched and placed her hands under her head.
Kel and Buri nodded. They didn't want any untrained and untried young ones to try and fight an army. Kel had seen bandits too much for her liking and how horribly trained most were even worse. It was like the old saying, " Two more hands may bring victory, but two foolish ones bring death."
Kel tried to remember where she had heard this saying before. She couldn't remember, but figured that Myles had to have been the one who had told her.
As if to break into Kel's thinking, a hawk plummeted out of the trees, startling some of the Riders but none of their mounts. Kel, Buri, and Alanna looked up to be rewarded with two loud calls from the circling hawk. All of the women smiled. Buri went to reassure her mounts of their safety while Kel and Alanna greeted the hawk with waving hands. The hawk landed on a near by tree stump with almost human grace. Ironically, the hawk's head wobbled and blurred until the Wild Mage's head sat were the hawks had moments before.
"Well, good morning fellow traitors!" said a cheerful Daine.
Kel and Alanna winced and then smiled. It wasn't good that they were now traitors, but it was humorous. To believe that all the women in service of the crown could be on probation. Alanna even had the pleasure of cursing out her King and landing a punch. In the earlier evening, she had told the company about a fight she had had with Jon in the desert.
"By Mithros! If I could go back in time and redo it, I would have landed him one right then for all the upcoming trouble he gave me!" Alanna had said as she told more of King's embarrassing moments. Kel had choked on some lima beans after hearing the story of Delia and the King and how they had courted. She had never dreamed that the King wrote such bad poetry. She almost felt sorry for Alanna for having to listen to it!
"Were fine, any news?" Alanna replied, shuttering Kel's thoughts yet again.
"The King obviously hasn't sent out troops to find us because there isn't anyone a days ride from here, that includes bandits and such, though I did see storm clouds off to the east. Maybe we can miss the drench if we leave a hour early tomorrow morning." Daine reported as she smiled slightly.
Alanna shivered. " I absolutely loathe getting wet and cold." Kel and Daine smiled.
Alanna, noticing their look replied humorously, "What? It's not like I haven't done it before. That be damned crystal thing Our Majesty wields was hard enough to get! I was afraid my toes were gone when I had awakened!" she said with a laugh.
Kel and Daine stifled laughter as Alanna grinned, flashing white teeth.
Remembering something, Daine brightened. "Oh and I found some very interesting news from my animal family. Looks like theirs a horse whose owner is on her way here with a good looking commander who doesn't know when to give up." Daine spoke as she raised an eyebrow. "This girl—and I say girl truthfully has skill. I tapped into the animals surrounding them and found two Lynxs and a dog similar to Jump heading close behind them. They've been touched by magic often, though I can't figure out what kind." Daine replied.
Alanna and Kel looked at each other. Alanna spoke, "Well commanders, looks like we have a young, skillful, gifted girl coming our way. This could be our lucky day."
Alanna then questioned herself. "Or—" she started "It could be a very bad day." A frown formed on her lips, concealing her happiness from before.
Kel also frowned, along with a puzzled look from Daine. This girl—She was either extremely good news, or extremely bad. Chances are that it was good, for Dom picked her up and was bringing her back, but there were always an "if."
~**~
"Are you telling me this correctly?" said the King as he paced his chambers.
Thayet sat down, starring at her husband in amusement. The King, seeing this, glared at her. "This is nothing to joke about my Queen!" He yelled furiously.
The Queen, getting upset, stood up. "I never said it was." She replied in an icy tone. "Jon, do you honestly think that you could have stopped them? They would have found a way to do it one way or another. This way at least, they are organized and not being picked off one by one!" she said venomously.
"Well they're coming back!" The King roared as he sat down on his private throne.
"Stop acting foolish, you couldn't get them to turn back, not unless their commander ordered them to retreat. She's not likely to tell them that either, for she would never allow herself to take away the freedom of those she commands." The Queen warned.
Jonathan gagged. "Alanna will retreat, she's my champion!" he blared back, obviously going off the deep end and growing furious just how Thayet had predicted.
Thayet held up a finger, silencing the King, "First off Jonathan, she is no longer your champion. You have to be a knight to be able to be that, and she has been suspended from her duty." The King was about to challenge her when she cut him off. "And second, Alanna is not in command."
The King sat puzzled for a moment. "Well I'll have Raoul talk to Buri then." He grumbled to Thayet.
Thayet could hardly hold in her amusement. The last few years with Shinko, Yuki, and Keladry had taught her how to conceal her emotions. She decided it would be best not to anger him further than she had too, so she concealed them now.
"Again my King, Raoul wouldn't be able to change his wife's thought. Besides, she's not commanding either." Thayet replied to her husband with satisfaction. It should dawn on him who the commander actually was in just a moment.
"Then who—" the King started. His eyes opened wildly and then closed all together. He sank low in his chair a mumbled to himself. He rubbed his temples for what seemed like hours. Finally, he looked up. "Keladry of Mindelan. She finally gets to be a commander."
The Queen grinned at him slightly. "Well my love, out of all the commanders, she will be the hardest to convince after all you have done to her. I'm almost certain behind her mask; she still has a large disliking of you. She is still upset about the probation. Alanna wasn't the only one who was upset when you forbade her to see her. I heard Nealan of Queenscove talking about it years ago when he had told her about it. No one had ever told her about her not being able to see the Lioness and she figured that Alanna hated her. Neal told her about it and I could have swore I heard the sound of her heart breaking." The Queen said as the King reddened.
He truly was sorry for all the pain he had caused her. Someday, he would have to apologize. " I suppose Nealan has followed her? The bond between them looks extremely strong, perhaps even their lovers?" The king suggested.
"Yes, he followed, no, their not lovers. Nealan is in love with Lady Yukimi and Kel has Sergeant Domitan, who has also followed her. I even saw Merric, Faleron, and Owen trying to go, but were stopped at the gates. I have never seen such angry men before. If George hadn't been around, I think they would have hollered all-night and tried to escape again. They're stationed in their rooms with guards placed by each of their doors. I heard that Owen has even tried the window but failed to bribe a herald to get his horse. Maybe you should go talk to them." The Queen replied.
Jonathan groaned. He expected no less. He regretted his former decision. By Mithros he needed commanders in a war like this. He had lost good ones last week when he put them on probation. "Maybe I will." He said quietly as a smile creased the Queens lips.
"So are you sending a patrol after them?" she questioned him.
He looked up, startled. "Mithros No! Wlydon has refreshed my memory on an old legend. We believe Kel is the source of it. Even if she isn't and we are wrong, I couldn't get them back in one piece with out my entire army!"
Again, the Queen smiled. "Good, because I agree. This is their chance. Don't take their freedom Jon, it's all they have left now."
"Well then—" Jon said as his mood lightened. "I'm off to see Myles. I told him I needed him to help me with the legend and figure out if Keladry of Mindelan is it. Will you excuse me?" He asked Thayet.
She got up and walked over to him, kissing his forehead. "Good, find out if our Kel is bound to become a legend. It's the age of the Warrior Maidens, we best do it in style!" She said with a laugh.
Jon looked down and grinned. Shaking his head, he returned the kiss and walked toward the door.
"Women!" he shouted back over his shoulder toward Thayet before shouting the door firmly behind him.
Thayet, now alone grunted. "Men."
~**~
I love that chapter for some odd insane reason. It's just – funny. Ha. Yes. I laugh at stupid things. Ha. That's all for this chapter, I'm afraid. REVIEW! (Please)
" I ain't no damsel in distress and I don't need to be rescued." Ani DiFranco, singer-songwriter