I can't believe I have gotten so many reviews for the last few chapters! It's more than I usually get for almost five normal ones! Thank you all!
Disclaimer: Nada
Fellow readers, alas I'm back. It's my own fault for not visiting lately. A strong apology to all my faithful fans. I have been gone for a long time and I apologize. I have had my head full of planning for an actual book I plan to write. Summer is coming and you can expect a new chapter up every Sunday!! Feel free to chastise me for my lateness on this very much-wanted chapter. I had to rewrite for I forgot to save it – twice!
Landed Fate
Eventful was an understatement. Keladry of Mindelan sat next to Domitan, watching as Lady Midnight pulled into Blue Harbor. The sea was a misty green as the early sunlight hit the cool waters, fog rising from the warmer areas touched by the suns warm glow. Clouds floated near to the ground, with a light dampness hanging in the corners of every one. The sky itself was a mystery. A shade of gray unknown until that daybreak covered the unknown beyond, a rustic look creeping over the landscape.
Kel sighed. What had started as a rigid, jagged road had turned for the worst, leaving hardly any survivors. Those who were not in physical or emotional damage were hardly heartened by the moods surrounding them.
Taryn had barely spoken, eaten, or slept since two nights ago, when she revealed the mystery between Landon and herself. She refused to talk to Landon, who was roughing it as well. Besides Kel, who had ordered Taryn to take care of herself, none had truly seen Taryn since that fateful night. A discovery was made during that period of darkness. Taryn's gift was offset, sending powerful headaches to Daine, Neal, and Alanna. It was guessed that because of the raw emotion escaping her, she had inadvertently sent her misery to others.
Landon barely spoke, allowing only mediocre chat during meals with Neal. The sarcasm and jokes had left the crew and passengers aboard Lady Midnight, leaving only a lame path to travel.
Kel sighed. Things were easy to command; all chores had been done on time. There were no slacking or half done jobs. Plans were set, with people working on them all hours of the day. Tasks unasked of people were being fought over. Buri and Daine had taken to cleaning the practice weapons. Others followed suit with other tasks, leaving the crew almost on their own to do as they pleased. All this, however good for the company as a whole, was killing the souls. They worked to keep their minds off what they didn't want to remember. Everything.
Taryn and Landon.
Alanna's vessel sickness.
The fighting.
The loved ones at home.
Aura's broken rib.
Neal's blackened eye.
The endless Headaches.
Keladry had taken to excusing those who drank more than good for them. The alcohol was running arid, many finding comfort in it's sleepiness. For some, it was the only way they fell asleep at all.
Kel blinked and slowly shook herself together. Dom was saying something.
"Is everything alright love?"
"Hmm. Yes, it's just---."
"Tiring?" Dom cut in.
Kel smiled and nodded in agreement, covering a yawn. "Tiring, yes. How is it you know everything that's wrong with me?"
Dom shrugged. "When you adore some one sufficiently, you routinely do everything in your control to aid them." He said with a smile. After a moment he added. "Or maybe I just know."
Kel smiled. "Whichever it is, I'm glad."
Dom's eyes twinkled as he looked past Kel. Mystified, Kel turned around.
"--Damn vessels. Why did I agree to this? I didn't! Damn husband. Wretched man. Ouch. Auuggghhh. Damn that. Damn everything to the black god!"
"I take it you still aren't feeling well?" Dom asked as the fiery redhead approached them.
Alanna grinned. "Take a wild guess."
Kel smiled. "You should be in bed or at least resting. We don't land for another hour."
Alanna let out what was supposed to be a laugh. "I haven't had an inch of rest since I first entered Corus! You'd expect me to start now?"
"Hardly." Kel answered, amused.
"Speaking on the subject, would my cousin be resting again?" Dom asked Alanna.
"Nope, heard him complaining about his eye again. Mithros help us! It's already healed! It's just a ploy for the extra sleep, poor Neal."
Kel shrugged with a smile. Neal had fallen down the stairs the morning before. It was a fine sunshine, shining over most of his face. Within the hour, his skin was back to its normal complexion, for he had healed it quickly. He couldn't however, resist an urge to complain.
"Those steps should be taken care of Captain Nyk! Your force has evidently neglected to take care of this severe threat that could endanger anyone's, least of all, my health!" Neal had stated the night before.
Captain Nyk Elyaa smile had held some pleasure when Neal had first approached her deliriously. However, her grin promptly turned iniquitous at the criticism forwarded toward her force aboard her dispatch.
"Sheer stupidity, inelegance, negligence, and haste are not things my staff can prevent Master Nealan! Nevertheless, I would advise you take a reminder with your mother on how to walk properly. I would also recommend that Commander Keladry take a strike at you and knock some of that impudence out of your skull!"
It ended there.
Kel laughed slightly with a shake of her head. She would miss the Captain.
Their subject drifting to Taryn, Kel frowned. "I'll have to talk to her soon. It's for the better."
The other two gave her smiles of encouragement.
"Would you like us to come with you?" Dom asked.
Alanna shook her head. " No, this is something she must do on her own. Taryn must have her confidence."
Kel nodded in agreement. "She's got a point Dom, but thank you both for the offer."
Dom just shrugged with a smile. "Do your work then, commander."
Kel sighed. "It's time."
~**~
Taryn stiffly sat on her bed, rubbing her sore eyes. She got up silently, praying she could make it, and walked over to the closet, where her clothes were put away. Opening the door, she picked up her tunics and breeches, and orderly, put them away in her travel bag. Yes, she would have to leave this ship soon enough and face the revulsion of her only family, the Company. She would have to look at them in disgrace and be ordered to leave at first land. No longer would she be thought of as a friend, but an enemy. Everything her life stood for was gone forever.
Her throat closed up and a small squeak escaped from her mouth. Still packing, she started trembling.
' No, No Tarent. You can't lose yourself again. You just cant. You cant. You – You—'
She did.
She stopped packing, and with a tunic in her hand, she slid down to the ground, crying for everything she had lost. Her friends, her mates, her brother, - her life.
Taking her hand in the air, she thrust the tunic to the ground, only to hear a shatter. She stopped crying abruptly. Reaching for the tunic, she picked it up. Unfolding it, she saw, to her horror, a smashed porcelain cat. A Yamani lucky cat. The one Keladry had given her. The small cat that Taryn had kept sacred was now smashed into twenty pieces.
Kel had told her it was one of her favorites. Taryn was thrilled at the present. "Your wonderful, Keladry. How can I ever thank you?!"
Kel had simply smiled. "Just be true to yourself, Taryn Bass. Don't let anyone take you away from being true to yourself. It's sacred."
Taryn's lips began to quiver, and again, she broke out in tears. She wasn't Taryn Bass. She wasn't true. She didn't deserve it – she didn't deserve anything! She deserved death. She was a traitor. Even traitors had families. She was alone. She was – nothing.
Taryn picked up the pieces of the cat, and through them in her deerskin bag where she usually kept trinkets she found on her journey. Now, it only held the broken pieces of her life.
Taryn blinked. She thought she heard a knock. She listened for a moment, and shook her head vigorously, believing herself insane. She hadn't eaten in two days – maybe the hunger had risen over her sanity.
Moments went by, and again, the sound of a knock, only louder. Taryn glanced at the door cautiously. Slowly, she gathered the rest of herself, still trembling, and walked to meet the end.
She placed her hand on the knob of the door. Taking a deep breath, she turned it slightly, and opened. Taryn blinked. Keladry stood there, alone, with only a tray of delicious smelling food.
"Hullo Taryn. I have been informed you have been reluctant to eat. I myself haven't eaten this morning, so I wondered if we might eat off our famish?" Keladry said with a smile.
Again, Taryn blinked. Keladry had sounded happy, almost friendly. Not the tone Taryn would have expected from her, especially since she was coming to relieve her and send her on her way back to Scanra. Shaking her head clear of thoughts, she still, no matter the circumstances, respected Kel, for she deserved it. Unable to speak, Taryn just nodded and opened the door further, allowing Kel in.
~**~
Kel realized, as soon as she had first seen Taryn's face, that she was expecting to be dismissed.
'God Taryn! You've been torturing yourself! You've got it all wrong, dear.' Keladry thought, determined to settle this completely.
Taryn guided Keladry to the table and pulled out her chair. It wouldn't be good for Commander Keladry to drop all that delicious smelling food.
They both sat down promptly and Tarent's mouth began to water. Keladry saw and smiled. "Hungry?"
Taryn blushed and nodded. She waited a second, and then added. "What must you know, Commander?"
Keladry didn't even look up at Taryn, but simply answered. "Later."
Taryn blinked, giving Kel a baffled look. "Later?"
Kel nodded. "That's right, later. Now, we eat."
~**~
Dom had walked back to his room after his morning walk with Keladry and his meeting with The Lioness, only to find himself alone in his room with a frown upon his face.
He had no reason to have one himself, for he wasn't suffering. But he knew all too well, that others were. Even Keladry, who was hardly ever out of mood, was suffering at the loss of the Company.
'She must think it's her fault. She's done everything right – better than most Commanders – and yet, she expects better. She cant stop broken hearts or broken bones or broken anything. I know she can help mend them, and she is, unknowingly. Look how she yearns to help the broken relationship of our Methaven friends. She deserves the best because she gives the best of herself to serve others. Tonight, she can serve herself.' He considered, a thought rushing to his head.
~**~
Taryn never remembered eating so fine in her life. It was a scrumptious meal indeed, with magnificent pastries cooked like they were intended for the great gods.
They had now started dessert, a wonderful indulgence consisting of vanilla pudding with rice.
"Taryn." Keladry said, still in a friendly. "We should talk now."
Taryn's stomach sunk. It was time. "I have packed my things. I am ready to leave as soon as we arrive on land and I'll go my separate way. If – of course – you're not holding me for the King's Justice." Taryn said. She was a traitor to Scanra, and now to Tortall.
Keladry stared at her for a moment, Taryn figuring it was to see if see was worthy enough to be set free.
Then, Keladry laughed. " For Mithros sake, girl! Did you think we were going to throw you to the wolves because you're related to Landon?"
Taryn, who had been wincing, let her face return normal. "You – you mean I'm free to leave of my will?"
Keladry looked her over. " Of course your not allowed to leave."
Taryn paled.
"Your staying on with us, for you did sign on with us, didn't you? You swore an oath of loyalty to this Company didn't you?"
Taryn, realizing her point stuttered. "Aye, I did. But – but – aren't you going to send me off?"
"A smart girl like you? I wouldn't even dream! Taryn, you are very useful to this company!" Kel smiled encouragingly at the shocked girl.
Taryn began to cry. "I'm not even in trouble? You're not going to smack me or give me rations of bread and water for the rest of time or ---."
Kel cut her off. "Of course not. Goddess, Taryn, did you honestly expect that?"
"Yes! You're too good, Keladry. You're so human and nice and wonderful. Warriors and Legends and Knights are never so wonderful as all of you are here in Tortall. I – I – don't know what to say--." Taryn kept to her last words, unable to finish her sentence, for she was truly, utterly speechless.
"Your story, Taryn. I will have to know, so I can protect you." Kel guided gently.
Taryn nodded wiping her eyes. "As well you should."
Kel nodded for her to establish at the beginning of her journey, and hoped for the best.
Taking a deep breath, Taryn explained. "I was only 5 when my mother, Briar Rose, died during the birth of my youngest brother, Charles. He too, later that year, died of unknown causes. My family and I were in grief. I had begged my mom for a younger sibling, seeing how much younger I was from the rest, and she gave me one, only to die from my wishes. I shall not cry, for she has talked to me many times during the night when I sleep, guiding me. She has a beautiful voice, which sounds like a pack of wolves singing their hearts out at midnight. In the wake of our grief, my father grew sick. He was at a loss without my mother and Charles. He loved them very much. He stayed strong for Landon, Leo, and I, but I knew, even at a young age, that I had only a short time left with him. My mom was calling him, she told me so in my dreams.
"Our kingdom was very unstable at the time, with every government failing miserably. We were the most powerful fief, more powerful than even the own King at the time. The King, who had not a clue of his duties, didn't care much about anything, as long as the thrown was his. My father, who was the highest noble of the time, was a good man, who tried to keep the King from attacking other countries, especially Tortall. I guess my mother guided him too. Before my seventh birthday, my eldest brother inherited the fief and did well by it, but no sooner did he become in power, did he fall in love with a wicked old wench named Pricella, who was out for power and not my brother's love. Within a few weeks of their meeting, raids started appearing all over Scanra. The raids were those of the army, and not skilled raiders. We kept these raids quiet, in hopes that the surrounding countries would let us be during our time of peril. General Maggur was silently gaining power over the King, who was indeed failing. Maggur began controlling the country. I don't know whom, but I suspect that someone wanted my father dead. They succeeded, for the day before my seventh birthday; my father received an arrow through his neck protecting a villager at our fief. He was a good man, my father.
"Everything was on a down fall. Landon kept me safe, but Leo began to pull away slowly, hardly grieved by my fathers death. I'm positive that it was that bitch Pricella's seduction. I didn't understand it all, but over my years of traveling, I learned.
" Leo grew worse and worse until I couldn't recognize him. Landon and him fought over me all the time. Leo wanted to send me to an orphanage since father left no one legally as my guardian. Landon wouldn't even hear of it and said he would become guardian over me. Landon finally persuaded Leo to keep me in name, but only at the expense that Landon would have to give up all rights to the property and any money father laid in his honor.
"Pricella however, was up to schemes and began turning her attention away from Leo and towards Landon. Landon was disgusted at the women and refused to even look at the women. She was very beautiful and was known to be an easy to sleep with women. The more he refused, the harder she tried, the angrier Leo got. She forced herself at Landon so much, that once, in front of Leo, she freely offered herself loudly to Landon. Leo exploded and vouched to kill my brother. Landon ran in to the village to hide. I begged him to tell me where he was going, but he knew Leo would kill me if he found out I knew. So he vanished into the city for a week before returning. The night he left, Leo beat me black and blue. I was a mere seven, and reality was hitting me fast. I screamed at him, cursing him to the black gods realm, where he should be laid to torture for his life in the black. He would laugh crazily back. I remember that once he – he thrust his tongue down my throat just to hear me scream. He'd have raped me, but I bit him and ran. That was the only night Pricella ever showed pity on me. She ordered a servant to care for me and had a healer sent for. It took me two weeks to get back to myself.
"When I told Landon what Leo did, I have never seen him so outranged. He ran to Leo and gave him a good broken nose. He would have beaten him the way Leo beat me, but he never got the chance, for Leo had the guards called on him. The guards were reluctant, but they feared my brother. Landon was to be given no rations for three days and be locked in the dungeons. I don't think anyone had actually been locked up in our dungeons before then. The servants, bless them, had more guts than the guards and fed and comforted my shaken brother. I went down to visit him and he told me he was going to run away. Eventually, he would no longer be a member of the Methaven fief. He told me he would come back for me and I believed him. That was the last time I saw him until he came with the thieves." Taryn said, taking a small breath.
Keladry's face was of stone, but her mind was raging. How dare anyone hurt her!
"Taryn." Kel said fiercely. " I will never allow anyone to hurt you like that again. Never."
Taryn's tears flowed freely as she continued her story. "I know that, Kel. You will never know how thankful I am for you."
Beginning again, Taryn regained herself. "The next morning I was sent to a convent, much to my disgust. I was never one to be a lady. It was up in the mountains and I stayed there for two years learning everything it meant to be a lady. Unfortunately for me, I was good at it. They however, didn't like my manner. I was punished many times with the handle of a soupspoon. I stayed for two years before I ever saw Methaven again. I figured Landon had stayed and settled his differences with my evil brother. It wasn't so. When I did go back, it was to welcome the birth of their newborn, Charity. It was their naming day and many were present. I had grown up and I knew Leo for what he was. I'm not sure, but I think he was scared at what he saw in me, for he wouldn't look directly at me. My mother told me he would never look straight at me again. The baby, a mere six months, was a beautiful child. I wished to save her from her parents. She had good in her. My mom told me that too."
Kel smiled. Her mother. What a wonderful person Taryn's mother must have been.
Taryn saw the look and smiled out the window to see a clearing sky. "She was that great. There isn't a minute I don't miss her. She is still in my dreams sometimes. She brought me here. Only when I need guidance."
Her eyes clouded again and she continued. "When I was told Landon had left right after I did, I was distraught. If he had left two years ago, then why by Mithros hadn't he come for me? I slapped Leo across the face then. I was only nine and he wasn't used to the look in my eye that said I wasn't defenseless anymore. There was a young man who I knew, Alex Blade, a thief who scared all the others at the convent. The priestess's said he was a killer. I knew he wasn't. I saw him as a friend. When I was eight, he was thirteen and we quickly became friends. He introduced me to his gang, which was a group of young men, with the oldest being nineteen. They taught me how to survive for the two years I spent there. I was taught how to be a spy. I began paying attention at the convent and became their prize. I could be a lady or a thief. I could play both parts if needed. I was taught the dagger, the sword, and hand-to-hand combat. I even had my own sword but I outgrew it. Alex was a runaway noble and was taught the sword at home. I learned everything I could. I pick pocketed and stole from the richest people in Scanra. They had a nickname for me. I was called The Ghost."
Taryn began laughing. "Imagine me! I was hardly nine and I was the terror of Scanra's Nobles. Instead of telling tales about Alex at the convent, they told evil stories about me! Me! They're prize!"
Keladry laughed with a shake of the head. "I can't imagine how well you've improved your tactics since then, with the five years on your own! No wonder George took an instant liking to you!"
"This all happened before I went back to Methaven for Charity's Naming Day." Taryn explained. "And all this, he saw in my eyes. I was angry with Landon, and have been ever since, but I still hoped I would see him again. I went back to the convent, said my farewells to Alex and the rest of his rogue, and readied to leave. Alex wanted to accompany me, but I wouldn't see him leaving his gang. They gave me gold for my travels, my precious set of daggers I still use, and a clear way out of my old life. They set it up so it looked like I fell into the river and drowned. I stayed under the water and drifted down stream where Alex and everyone was waiting. They gave me my bags, a pony named Buckleg, and their wishes. They got me out of the town and I bid farewell since then. They are the only things I miss in Scanra."
Taryn stretched with a small sigh. "I've been traveling for the last few years, mostly in Galla, but the last year I have been strictly in Tortall. I was staying at the Rusty Iron Tavern when I was told that a group of crazed women had left as traitors to fight on the border. I knew the tale had to have been twisted slightly so I found out more information about your supposed position and tracked you down. I figured I was close when Dom's sword was pointing at my throat. We settled it – well actually --." Taryn started with a laugh. "—I settled it and he brought me back to your camp."
Taryn sighed with relief, everything was told. " When I saw Landon again, I passed out in disbelief. I was so angry with him when I saw him again, I couldn't tell him. The other night, I broke loose. It was very hard not telling anyone. I wanted to slap him as much as I wanted to hug him."
Taryn and Keladry both laughed. "I can very much understand that." Keladry said. "You are perfectly safe and welcome with this company, Taryn. I know, as well as you, that Methaven is where we are headed. Are you okay with that?"
Taryn nodded. "I have some scores left unsettled there and I'm no longer in the mood for waiting." Her eyes clouded over in anger.
Keladry and Taryn talked for a matter of minutes about mediocre things before being interrupted by a thump on the door. Keladry got up and opened the entrance, only to find Landon standing there apprehensively. Kel grinned and opened the door all the way. No words needed to be said.
Taryn wouldn't look up at the door, knowing by the silence it was Landon, her lost and found brother.
"Taryn, I'm going to leave you two to catch up on the past few years, so if you'll excuse me, I'll --." Keladry started only to be interrupted by Taryn's laughter.
"What's so funny?" Kel asked, in mock seriousness.
Taryn shooed her out. "I – I honestly don't know. It's just – everything!"
Kel and Landon traded looks. Taryn, who was still laughing, assured Landon over.
"…Get over hear – I have got to tell you of the last five years! Ever heard of the Ghost?"
Kel laughed and gradually slipped out of the previously dark room.
~**~
"Farewell! Goodbye! Write me! Alas, I'm on dry land!" Aura yelled, smiling brightly at the young man, which waved from the departing Lady Midnight.
"Are you done swooning over him?" Taryn teased, back to her normal cheerful self. There was only one exception of course, now the truth was told.
"Hardly." Aura said, still gazing at the Young Yamani drifting away. Taryn laughed as Aura shoved her playfully. "Let's catch up."
Both girls caught up to the rest of their party, which was again a happy one. They picked their way through the other riders and thieves, smiling politely at them. They in return were laughing among themselves. When the girls reached the head party, they slowed to a trot.
"I see some one is fickle." Smirked Neal, who had overcome his black eye, and was now his disgustingly cheerful self.
"I'd choose your words wisely, Meathead." Aura said with a smile. "Even with a broken rib, my horse is trained to kick when ordered."
Neal, who had been behind Aura, moved to her side, muttering something about moody women.
"They're girls, mate, what can be expected?" Said a voice behind them.
Taryn didn't even have to turn around. "On the contrary, men are expected to do dumb things. If not, we would act shocked when you did some foolish stunt. Now, were just used to your lame ways. I can count many of yours, Landon."
Dom came up next to Aura, hearing the conversation. "This sounds interesting, I think I might put my own opinion in."
Neal and Landon smirked, waiting for Dom to outdo the ladies.
"There right." Dom said with a wink at the girls. "We are always doing something foolish and that's what's expected. Cant change who we are know can we, men?"
Landon blinked.
Neal's jaw dropped. "You traitor! You do against your own gender to defend these – these – "
"What exactly are these young women to be called, Nealan?" Alanna said approaching the girls. "I'd be interested on how you answer."
Neal gulped.
Landon through up his hands. "Were out numbered, friend. Two to four. It's helpless. No wonder Dom's a favorite with the ladies. He's there at their every request. He's a defected member of our gender!"
Dom shrugged. "Isn't that what were here for? To please?"
"I like your style, Dom." Said Daine, who winked at him as she joined the gathering ladies. Random Riders began passing Neal and Landon, the women's defense growing bigger.
"And what do you mean he's defected?" Asked the approaching Kel. A laugh went up at her joke.
Soon, only Evin was behind the two men. "I can't be going against my betters, men. If I were you I'd ---." His voice trailed off. It grew silent as Keladry ordered them to hush.
There it was. A sound. Men.
Just in time, Kel reared Hoshi. "Arms!" She yelled as fifty odd men jumped from behind Blue Harbor's Undergrowth. After all, you could hardly call Blue Harbor a town, for it was mostly thick forest.
Kel's troops were ready before the men had a chance to get closer than 20 yards. "You are on dangerous grounds. Leave quickly or stay peacefully. You won't have long to think." Kel growled furiously.
The men looked at each other awkwardly. Quick conversation broke upon them, and suddenly a very tall man stood in front of them.
He was the tallest man Kel had ever seen, towering even past Raoul. The man, who appeared to be in his early thirties, took off the hat he wore on his head, showing a disheveled scrap of wildly growing hair. His voice was rough, but polite. "I must apologize for my crew's impulsiveness. They aint seen travelers like ye self's in months with' thee war the way its been. I've been sen' by a Knight from the border, who 'as been sent here to catch yez arrival. He brings messages from Kin' Jonathan." The man said.
"What's is the name of the Knight who sent you?" Kel asked, voice still strong. "We will not speak of peace until I am told."
The man grimaced. "Lady Knight, his name is Cleon of Kennan."
There was small chatter between the Company members. Keladry nodded. "Then show us to him, and thank you for your guidance."
~**~
"You would think they would establish a trail if this inn is to have any business." Evin grumbled. "We'll be out of this war before you can say briars!"
Daine laughed. "It's only the back Evin. Honestly, how would they have any business?"
"The Lady's right, sir. 'Tis the back entrance. Nobody comes to the Inn from this old' way." Said Jaclee, the gigantic piece of man who introduced his party.
Jaclee found Keladry is the herd rush of people and signaled to her. "Milady Knight, we shall be there within a matter of minutes, so if yez would be so kind as to foll--."
"Well who do we have here? Kel! By Mithros, what are you doing leading such a big pack of traitors?" Cleon said, making his way through the surrounding trees.
"Traitors! Traitors? Did you hear that come out of his mouth?" Keladry yelled with a grin.
"Shame on you Kennan!" Yelled Dom.
"Lets level him here an now!" Voiced another.
Cleon laughed along with the others. "Leveled? What have you all been into?"
"More than you know, cousin!" Yelled Aura.
"Aura? By Mithros, your mother actually let you join the Riders?" Cleon said, now within ten feet of the party.
"I persuaded her." Aura said with a malicious grin. Sliding off her horse with a small wince, she walked over and embraced her cousin. Seeing she had a broken rib he winced. "Into some trouble?"
"Haven't we all?" She commented dryly, many voicing the same opinion.
Cleon walked over to Kel who had dismounted. Many others dismounted as well, figuring the Company had best walk the last bit of their awkward meeting delay.
Kel walked over with a smile on her face and embracing Cleon, shoved him slightly. "What are you doing away from your lovely wife?"
He laughed. "I'm trying to stay away. Come, I'll tell you of my adventures later, but first, you must tell me of yours and have a good meal."
Cleon's comment was met with good cheer.
~**~
"That was quite wonderful food from a tavern inn." Neal commented, wiping his mouth clean. "Must have some wonderful food supply to feed so many hungry traitors."
Neal's comment roused a laugh.
"Now, off to business. It's hardly past dusk and I'll only need the Commander for a moment. I must give her a letter from the King."
The room grew silent. "Come now Keladry. He asked that only you and one other be present."
Keladry signaled to Alanna, who excused herself from Buri and Daine.
Cleon led them to a room guarded by a general thief. Opening the old oak wood door, they found a table with four chairs. Sitting down, Cleon smiled and pulled out a letter. "You are both to read this. After, you may share this information with your company if you wish, but it is your choice. I am at a loss at what might be in here. I am only a mere messenger. I will leave you both here now."
Getting up Cleon left and closed the door firmly behind him. He ordered to more guards to stand in place.
Keladry traded looks with Alanna, who shrugged. Taking the scroll in hand, she opened it and read:
Keladry,
You are hereby at the aid of me. Titles have been reinstated, for the countries have yet to disarm. My advisors and Raoul smell foul play. We believe this war has nothing to do with you or any of the others that had their titles stripped of them. Therefore, you are granted with every privilege gold can by, for the crown gives an endless supply to aid you on your journey. I have not much information except the war is coming home, to our soil. Our border defense is failing. There is a large opening where are men have failed to keep contained. You are headed straight on to where that place lies. It is the border fief of Methaven. Much evil is being consumed there. We believe, that if Methaven is contained, this war will be at an end. Mithros and The Goddess guide your travels. I apologize for all of my mistakes. It has cost us time. You are our only hope. The war will be full front within the month. We have no time to send troops out and yet we are. Do not plan for us to reach you in time. I have included Sir Myles research on your voyage. It was destined Keladry, but only you can make it a reality.
Tell Alanna I have refused any healing to be done on my eye. If I am ever in a situation like this again, I am likely to choose differently.
Jon
Kel quickly opened the other letter, unable to concentrate on anything but what laid before her eyes. 'Dear God.'
"Kel? Are you alright?" Alanna asked.
Kel didn't answer.
~**~
Well, how was that? I'm sorry I took so long to write it. I found that I don't like writing in the spring. Weird. Again, if I feel you like my story, the faster I update. (I know this by reviews)
A/N: I know this chapter was really horrible, but I was in a very hard situation with my characters.
LATER HOME SKILLETS
(Schools out everyone! Have a wonderful summer! Starting the second week of July, I will truly try to update no less than once every week. I am however traveling for 6 weeks so please have patience with me. I know patience is hard to come by these days and I'm truly sorry for my absence. )
Karr
"The Last Name."
P.S. I also have a poll for you. You can reply to the poll by writing it in your review for this chapter. I will then post the reviews with the next chapter. If you like the idea, I'll continue to post questions.
POLL #1:
Who's your favorite new character?
A: Taryn
B: Aura
C: Landon
D: Khalid
E: Winter
F: Laszlo
Farewell! Goodbye!