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Here it is people, the second chapter, I hope you like it. READ AND REVIEW
PLZ.
Disclaimer: As If I'd own any of this stuff.
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Chapter 2
Opening her chamber doors, Kel stepped inside and surveyed her environment with an experienced eye. She hadn't been in this room for nearly 2 years now. Strange how fast time has gone by. Instinctively Kel ran her finger along one of the shelves, it was clean. She smiled to herself and thought, those palace cleaners are worth their weight in gold.
Kel made her way around the room and sighed with relief when she discovered a hot bath waiting for her. She peeled off her clothes and stepped into the lukewarm water, thanking the gods for the simple gift of cleanliness.
Taking her time, Kel scrubbed herself from head to toe. She felt her tiredness ebbing away from her along with 3 days worth of dust and was pleased. Kel leaned back and closed her eyes with content. She could stay there forever. as long as the water stays warm.
Her eyes flew open when she suddenly remembered that the others were waiting for her to join them at supper and reluctantly got out of the bath. Donning on some fresh garments, Kel headed off to the mess hall feeling rejuvenated.
"Kel over here!" Merric called out as he saw Kel grabbing her plate from the server's line.
Everyone slid along the bench and Kel took up the place they left for her beside Owen and Dom.
"Have you realized how long it's been since we all ate together" Esmond pointed out.
Merric replied between mouthfuls "Yeah, it's been ages"
"You make me feel old" Neal sighed dramatically.
"You are" snickered Owen.
Neal rolled his eyes "You are so immature, but that's expected I guess from mere boys. Me, I'm a man. With years of wisdom and knowledge behind me..."
Dom ruined Neal speech by laughing out loudly. Slight colour began to rise in Neal's cheek and he stuck his tongue out at Dom.
"You're just jealous"
"Of course, who wouldn't be of you Sir Meathead"
Kel laughed along with the rest of her friends and felt more light and carefree then she had been in a long time. She felt just so relaxed, sitting here talking like they were once again pages, free from all the duties and responsibilities... well most. Free from the looming thought of the war, of battle, of deaths, of everything.
A man with light blonde hair entered the mess and his eyes searched the room. He wore the uniform of blue with a gold crown embroidery on his tunic to indicate that he was a palace helper. Locating Kel's group in the corner, he quickly walked over to them.
"Lady and Sirs, the King wishes for your presence" the messenger said with a respectful bow.
"Thank you, please tell the King we shall meet him after we are done with supper"
The messenger bowed once again and left.
"Well at least we won't have to guess what the secret assignment is anymore." Esmond shrugged.
"Great," Neal said sarcastically before looking back down at his plate. He went back to the task of moving the food around on his plate so that all the vegetables were on one side. He didn't plan on eating them at all.
"Eat your vegetables" Kel remembered out of the blue.
Neal groaned but obeyed. Kel can be very persuasive if she wanted to and he didn't want to chance it.
After everyone was bloated and could no longer eat anymore, the party headed for the king's study.
Merric rapped on the door and their group was admitted entrance by Raoul.
"Please take a seat" Jonathan said with a half smile. He was sitting on his desk which was partially covered with stacks of documents. Although his face was as handsome as always, with sapphire eyes and raven black hair, he had a more considerable amount of wrinkles.
Kel obeyed and surveyed the other guests. In addition to the King himself and Raoul, Numair and Lord Wyldon were also present. Wyldon acknowledged Kel with a nod. The equivalent of a smile in Wyldon's term.
"Your highness, if I may be so bold as to question the reason for our presence here today?" Esmond asked as soon as everyone was seated.
Neal and Merric murmured their agreement.
"Certainly, I was just about to explain, and I do apologise for the haste but we must act as soon as possible." Jonathan took a deep breath and began.
"This war has gone on for too long. I am tired of it. Our resources and soldiers are tired of it. We have lost too many things because of this war. We all thought that once his killing devices were gone it would soon end but it hasn't. Maggur's blind desire for power has gone too far. Emperor Kaddar of Carthark has agreed to help us and Princess Shikokami has returned home to persuade the emperor to help us in defeating Maggur once and for all. The problem is that they cannot enter the war for no reason. They need evidence that Maggur will try and attack their country once he is done with us. If they don't have evidence, they won't have their country's full support and rebellion could happen. This is where you come in."
"Lord Wyldon please fill them in on the rest" Jonathan gestured to Wyldon and nodded.
"We have had word from Mastiff that General Vanget HaMinch has captured a clan leader on last week's attack. I believe his name was Curtmek Blooden, he was one of those who were in Maggur's inner circle. We have all decided that we could masquerade someone as Curtmek and sneak them into Maggur's fort."
Jonathan interrupted "You see now why this is a secret assignment which no one must get word of."
Wyldon continued "Once in the enemy's camp, although it will be extremely dangerous, we will have access to their information. As long as we can find evidence that Maggur doesn't plan to stop at Tortall, Carthark and the Yamani Islands will unite with us. With their help, Maggur wouldn't stand a chance."
"I'll be frank with you all. This assignment will not be easy and there is every chance that you will not make it out alive. But this is a chance we are willing to risk if it means that the war will end. I won't force anyone here to go if they are not willing." Jonathan looked each person in the eyes.
"Your majesty, we would be cowards to back out now. And we have duties to our kingdom and the crown. We will accept this assignment." Neal answered for them all.
Dom, Kel, Esmond, Merric and Owen all approved of Neal's reply and voiced their own version of his answer.
Jonathan broke into a smile and Raoul beamed with pride. "You were all named for this assignment for your courage and skills as well as understanding of situation at hand. I'm glad that it was all true. Tortall is lucky to have you among us."
Kel flushed, she saw the others also turned away to hide the colour creeping into their cheeks. This is a very high compliment to be paid after all. Especially if it's made by one's king.
"Firstly, we need to work out who will be our new Curtmek. Numair can easily put an illusion on you so that no one can tell the difference from the real clan leader. He also could probe the mind of the clan leader and pass on to you first hand knowledge of enemy forts and such."
Numair, who was silent until now, winked "It's a very useful spell I happened to come across"
Raoul cleared his voice to gather their attentions and spoke loudly "I think that Dom is a very good candidate for this role Jonathan. He has the most combat experience and he can keep his head if a situation arises."
Everyone seemed to agree with this suggestion. Jonathan thought it over and asked Dom "What do you think Dom?"
"I'll do my best, your majesty"
"Then we have our Curtmek"
Dom nervously smiled and amusement danced in Kel's eyes.
"Numair would you be kind enough to also put an illusion on the others as well so they may look like Scanrans" Jonathan then turned back to the group.
"I want everyone to take up places in the enemy's forts such as soldiers, guards, etc and see what information you can gather. Dom shall be the one in the most danger on this assignment. If you see Dom is in trouble, help him in any way you can but remember to be inconspicuous about it."
Raoul looked away and covered a yawn with his large hands but not before Jonathan saw it.
"I apologized for keeping everyone up so late. I hadn't notice the time. I'm sure we're all tired and sleepy now, especially those who have just had a long journey. And all in need of time to digest everything you've learnt tonight. We'll discuss more tomorrow and if all goes as plan then you depart for Mastiff in 6 days. I bid you all a good night's sleep."
Kel and the other's knew a dismissal and all stood to bow before exiting the room. The night's cool breeze caused them all to shiver a little and towards bed and sleep they all went.
Disclaimer: As If I'd own any of this stuff.
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Chapter 2
Opening her chamber doors, Kel stepped inside and surveyed her environment with an experienced eye. She hadn't been in this room for nearly 2 years now. Strange how fast time has gone by. Instinctively Kel ran her finger along one of the shelves, it was clean. She smiled to herself and thought, those palace cleaners are worth their weight in gold.
Kel made her way around the room and sighed with relief when she discovered a hot bath waiting for her. She peeled off her clothes and stepped into the lukewarm water, thanking the gods for the simple gift of cleanliness.
Taking her time, Kel scrubbed herself from head to toe. She felt her tiredness ebbing away from her along with 3 days worth of dust and was pleased. Kel leaned back and closed her eyes with content. She could stay there forever. as long as the water stays warm.
Her eyes flew open when she suddenly remembered that the others were waiting for her to join them at supper and reluctantly got out of the bath. Donning on some fresh garments, Kel headed off to the mess hall feeling rejuvenated.
"Kel over here!" Merric called out as he saw Kel grabbing her plate from the server's line.
Everyone slid along the bench and Kel took up the place they left for her beside Owen and Dom.
"Have you realized how long it's been since we all ate together" Esmond pointed out.
Merric replied between mouthfuls "Yeah, it's been ages"
"You make me feel old" Neal sighed dramatically.
"You are" snickered Owen.
Neal rolled his eyes "You are so immature, but that's expected I guess from mere boys. Me, I'm a man. With years of wisdom and knowledge behind me..."
Dom ruined Neal speech by laughing out loudly. Slight colour began to rise in Neal's cheek and he stuck his tongue out at Dom.
"You're just jealous"
"Of course, who wouldn't be of you Sir Meathead"
Kel laughed along with the rest of her friends and felt more light and carefree then she had been in a long time. She felt just so relaxed, sitting here talking like they were once again pages, free from all the duties and responsibilities... well most. Free from the looming thought of the war, of battle, of deaths, of everything.
A man with light blonde hair entered the mess and his eyes searched the room. He wore the uniform of blue with a gold crown embroidery on his tunic to indicate that he was a palace helper. Locating Kel's group in the corner, he quickly walked over to them.
"Lady and Sirs, the King wishes for your presence" the messenger said with a respectful bow.
"Thank you, please tell the King we shall meet him after we are done with supper"
The messenger bowed once again and left.
"Well at least we won't have to guess what the secret assignment is anymore." Esmond shrugged.
"Great," Neal said sarcastically before looking back down at his plate. He went back to the task of moving the food around on his plate so that all the vegetables were on one side. He didn't plan on eating them at all.
"Eat your vegetables" Kel remembered out of the blue.
Neal groaned but obeyed. Kel can be very persuasive if she wanted to and he didn't want to chance it.
After everyone was bloated and could no longer eat anymore, the party headed for the king's study.
Merric rapped on the door and their group was admitted entrance by Raoul.
"Please take a seat" Jonathan said with a half smile. He was sitting on his desk which was partially covered with stacks of documents. Although his face was as handsome as always, with sapphire eyes and raven black hair, he had a more considerable amount of wrinkles.
Kel obeyed and surveyed the other guests. In addition to the King himself and Raoul, Numair and Lord Wyldon were also present. Wyldon acknowledged Kel with a nod. The equivalent of a smile in Wyldon's term.
"Your highness, if I may be so bold as to question the reason for our presence here today?" Esmond asked as soon as everyone was seated.
Neal and Merric murmured their agreement.
"Certainly, I was just about to explain, and I do apologise for the haste but we must act as soon as possible." Jonathan took a deep breath and began.
"This war has gone on for too long. I am tired of it. Our resources and soldiers are tired of it. We have lost too many things because of this war. We all thought that once his killing devices were gone it would soon end but it hasn't. Maggur's blind desire for power has gone too far. Emperor Kaddar of Carthark has agreed to help us and Princess Shikokami has returned home to persuade the emperor to help us in defeating Maggur once and for all. The problem is that they cannot enter the war for no reason. They need evidence that Maggur will try and attack their country once he is done with us. If they don't have evidence, they won't have their country's full support and rebellion could happen. This is where you come in."
"Lord Wyldon please fill them in on the rest" Jonathan gestured to Wyldon and nodded.
"We have had word from Mastiff that General Vanget HaMinch has captured a clan leader on last week's attack. I believe his name was Curtmek Blooden, he was one of those who were in Maggur's inner circle. We have all decided that we could masquerade someone as Curtmek and sneak them into Maggur's fort."
Jonathan interrupted "You see now why this is a secret assignment which no one must get word of."
Wyldon continued "Once in the enemy's camp, although it will be extremely dangerous, we will have access to their information. As long as we can find evidence that Maggur doesn't plan to stop at Tortall, Carthark and the Yamani Islands will unite with us. With their help, Maggur wouldn't stand a chance."
"I'll be frank with you all. This assignment will not be easy and there is every chance that you will not make it out alive. But this is a chance we are willing to risk if it means that the war will end. I won't force anyone here to go if they are not willing." Jonathan looked each person in the eyes.
"Your majesty, we would be cowards to back out now. And we have duties to our kingdom and the crown. We will accept this assignment." Neal answered for them all.
Dom, Kel, Esmond, Merric and Owen all approved of Neal's reply and voiced their own version of his answer.
Jonathan broke into a smile and Raoul beamed with pride. "You were all named for this assignment for your courage and skills as well as understanding of situation at hand. I'm glad that it was all true. Tortall is lucky to have you among us."
Kel flushed, she saw the others also turned away to hide the colour creeping into their cheeks. This is a very high compliment to be paid after all. Especially if it's made by one's king.
"Firstly, we need to work out who will be our new Curtmek. Numair can easily put an illusion on you so that no one can tell the difference from the real clan leader. He also could probe the mind of the clan leader and pass on to you first hand knowledge of enemy forts and such."
Numair, who was silent until now, winked "It's a very useful spell I happened to come across"
Raoul cleared his voice to gather their attentions and spoke loudly "I think that Dom is a very good candidate for this role Jonathan. He has the most combat experience and he can keep his head if a situation arises."
Everyone seemed to agree with this suggestion. Jonathan thought it over and asked Dom "What do you think Dom?"
"I'll do my best, your majesty"
"Then we have our Curtmek"
Dom nervously smiled and amusement danced in Kel's eyes.
"Numair would you be kind enough to also put an illusion on the others as well so they may look like Scanrans" Jonathan then turned back to the group.
"I want everyone to take up places in the enemy's forts such as soldiers, guards, etc and see what information you can gather. Dom shall be the one in the most danger on this assignment. If you see Dom is in trouble, help him in any way you can but remember to be inconspicuous about it."
Raoul looked away and covered a yawn with his large hands but not before Jonathan saw it.
"I apologized for keeping everyone up so late. I hadn't notice the time. I'm sure we're all tired and sleepy now, especially those who have just had a long journey. And all in need of time to digest everything you've learnt tonight. We'll discuss more tomorrow and if all goes as plan then you depart for Mastiff in 6 days. I bid you all a good night's sleep."
Kel and the other's knew a dismissal and all stood to bow before exiting the room. The night's cool breeze caused them all to shiver a little and towards bed and sleep they all went.