A/N - Cami - I'm sorry they didn't have sex. You know Kel, she never leaps into anything and I didn't think it would've fit into the story. Patience! All in good time, my friend! Joren must prove he's worthy. The flies are coming? Where!!?? Where!!?? Wait, I'm safe in my padded room, nice padded room with the locks on the outside and the men in white coats guarding the door with their stun guns. Fhew! I'm safe.
Brooke Jaeman - I don't like this Deborah person. She freaked me out! I thought you actually hated my story! My little people, Agnes and Rufus were very upset. It took a while to explain to them that only part of you didn't like the story. And don't believe anything the men in white say. They said the pills would make Agnes and Rufus go away! Keita - Thanks for being such a faithful reviewer!
As always, italics are Joren's thoughts.
Ch.8
"Pages and squires, you have been called to this meeting for some urgent business. As you all know, the growing tensions with Scanra have reached a dangerous point. On direct orders from the king, all persons inlisted in the fighting service of the Crown have been ordered to the front. This will include those in training to be knights."
Lord Wyldon's impressive words echoed in the dining hall as all the pages and squires listened with rapt attention. No one spoke as the training master paused in his speech to study his audience. "We will depart tomorrow morning. Bring only the necessities, and have your horses prepared by first bell. Have your weapons in top fighting condition."
A fierce chatter began amoung the young men(and woman) as Lord Wyldon took his place at his dinner table.
"Real combat, first hand! Won't it be jolly?" Third year page Owen of Jesslaw beamed. (A/N -I'd almost forgotten there were other characters besides Joren and Kel) The others greeted the news with less enthusiasm.
"Well, I for one am dreadfully afraid of breaking a nail. Or mussing my hair!" joked Neal of Queenscove.
"Neal, this is serious. It's war, you could at least treat it as such," Kel reprimanded him.
"Come, o serious dove of wisdom, the situation could use some cheering. I for one would hate to dirty my sword," Cleon added. Kel was stonily silent, marking the nickname. The others were quiet as well, all aware of the uneasy terms upon which their friends had ended the romantic relationship.
"I still think it will be jolly," Owen remarked. After Owen's silence breaking remark, dinner took on a more comfortable mood, discussions on tactic and strategy being the main conversation.
Could there be a better opportunity to prove to Kel that I have changed then to become a war hero? Wait, a war hero? How does that prove I've changed? The old Joren would've become a war hero for the pure glory of it. If I say I've only been a brave warrior for the spirit of serving Tortall, she'll think I'm lying again. Well, one way or another this is my chance to show her how I've changed! Better get packing.
A/N - I'm sorry this is such a short chapter. I promise I'll get a longer one done soon. Review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, side effects from the medication, I'm afraid.