Chapter 8: Thwart and Befriend

The letter gave enough evidence for King Jonathan to issue a decree against Robert, and because he was taken by surprise, he didn't have the chance to flee. His sorcery couldn't stand against the king's and Numair's. He had sent assassins against Lady Alanna, but they failed against her sword and magic. He was executed for treason, both as a warning for the others who would plot the same, and as a punishment for what he did to Joren. Reginald was given a reward of the former homes and wealth of Duke Roger, but he said he had no plans of disrupting their lives and went back to his home in the far west, taking Marek and his brother with him. Joren was there to see them off.

Things went pretty back to normal, especially since most of the squires and their masters were home. They were around to witness the Ordeal of Knighthood, which would test among others, Cleon, the prince and Joren.

It also meant Keladry of Mindelan was around.

Joren did not remember Neal's thank-you, and thought he had dreamt everything. He thought the older boy would talk to him about what happened. But instead he was avoided like the plague. It didn't matter. He told himself, his hands clenched into fists. He wasn't worthy of Nealan anyway.

After Lady Alanna had paid up, with an understandably nice amount of bonus, his debt to his father was lessened greatly. His old man was indubitably aware of what happened to him, as naturally his friends have told him about Robert and the party, but Joren received no word, and so he assumed nothing had changed in their arrangement. His mother had sent a message that she would arrive at Corus for his Ordeal. Joren was tempted to tell her to stay away, but he couldn't think of a reason to tell her.

He didn't give every noble to his father. He used a bit of money on a surprise for the Lump, even though he had quit his job and would probably need every noble. He spent a few hours in the market looking for something, Sir Paxton was with him. The knight had been very understanding these past few weeks. Joren thought the old guy knew a lot more than he let on, but they didn't talk about it, which suited him. He disliked going out alone since what happened, and Sir Paxton was kind enough to oblige going with him.

After a while, he found the perfect gift. He knew Keladry still thought him a bad guy, and no gift might change her mind on the matter. But he thought a peace offering would at least ease things a bit.

Joren no longer had the energy to torment others. He had thought it was great fun, especially since no one would think him a weakling if they were afraid of him. But he had proved himself a weakling anyhow.

He had the present wrapped up, and took it to Kel's room beside Sir Raoul's a few days before his Ordeal was scheduled. If anything else, it had provided him a much-needed distraction. Kel answered the door when he knocked. The normally cheerful face became blank. She's awfully good at that. He thought.

"What is it, Joren?" Kel's voice was as blank as her face. It made Joren want to fidget.

Instead he thrust the package out at her, and mumbled an apology. "Sorry for everything." Then he left with as much dignity as he could muster.

Keladry looked down at the small box in her hand. Surely Joren wouldn't be so dumb as to booby-trap a gift he gave her himself, wouldn't he?

***

Keladry was still staring at the box sitting on her bed, when Neal knocked on her door.

"Kel?" He looked troubled.

"What is it Neal? Are you thinking about the Ordeal?"

Neal shook his head and sat down at beside her. "It's… something else."

Kel shrugged, putting the box aside. "Well? Talk." But Neal remained uncharacteristically silent, and Kel suddenly thought to herself that Joren wasn't the only one acting weird.

"Promise you won't tell anyone else." Neal said softly.

Kel just looked at her best friend, who laughed sardonically at himself. Slowly, in a soft voice, Neal told her everything that have happened with Joren. Everything that is, except his own turbulent emotions.

Afterwards, they both sat there, silent. Kel broke it by showing Neal the box. "He gave it to me a few minutes ago. I don't know what to think, Neal. Maybe… maybe he's changed."

Neal snorted, but it was obvious he felt the same way. "It's just a little too hard to swallow that he can be capable of such evil as well as such good."

Kel sighed. "Well I'm going to open the gift anyway. If it's booby-trapped, you can protect me." She winked at him, which made Neal feel better.

The box was opened, and no flashing lights emerged. "Anti-climactic." Neal muttered, looking at what's inside. It held a pair of earbobs, shaped like shells, and of a swirly green. There was a note in the same swirly pattern.

For you to wear on Cleon's knighting.

Mithros bless. –Joren

Both of them were left speechless for a few minutes. Keladry held up the earbobs and raised an eyebrow, while Neal whistled. "Well," Kel shrugged, "sometimes, we just have to accept things on faith."

Neal was quiet for a moment. "So you'll accept his truce?"

"Until I see proof that he remains a bully, I'll be civil. You should probably tell the others."

Neal felt something twist inside his gut. "No, you do it. The others will be more likely to believe you." They smiled at each other, both of them aware of Neal's reputation as a big mouth.

"So," Neal tried to change the subject, "did you know Lady Alanna fainted when she had her ears pierced? When are you getting yours done?"