Disclaimer: I don't own Protector of the Small. That series belongs to Tamora Pierce. I do own any original characters, however!

Author's Note: I can't decide who to pair Kel up with couple wise, so I'll let my fans decide. I've come up with these pairings I like:

Kel / Joren

Kel / Roald

Kel / OC

Kel / Dom (I'm really not leaning towards this one. There are too many on already. But if that's what the readers want, oh well. ; )

....And if anyone chooses Kel/Wyldon I'll come through the screen and hit you with a giant tuna! = : - {

Now on to the fic!

Protector of the Small: The Power Within Us All

Chapter 3

The journey to the Republic's capital of Salivan started at dawn a few days later, and until the caravan carrying Keladry, her new aunt and uncle, and a few guards made their way out of the rest of the Kyran Pass, it was slow going as well. The icy wind clawed at the canvas roofs of the wagons, and one even blew off, sending the guards scrambling into the snow after it. The cold ate through the heavy wool cloaks, padded tunics, and down insulated boots everyone wore, but thanks to the clerics back at the fortress all the group's clothing was magically enchanted to prevent frostbite. But protecting sensitive noses against the chill was another matter, however.

"Achoo!" Kel sneezed, and reached back into one of her saddlebags for something to wipe her nose with. She settled on a handkerchief, and as she was blowing her nose, she noticed Aunt Jainee move her brown and white mare next to her own horse.

"If it gets too cold you can rest inside one of the wagons. We still have a ways to go before we exit the pass, and I don't want you to have a relapse of your illness," the older woman said.

Kel put the handkerchief back into her saddlebag, and she swore that her horse; a tan mare named Chessnut, snorted in irritation.

"I'm all right. But the cold is starting to make my skin itch. How much longer did my lord say we had to travel until we reached that city...what was the name...Garath?" Kel asked, and gave Chessnut an affectionate rub on the head.

"It'll be another day and a half ride yet. But once we arrive we can rest easy. Garath is a dwarven city, and it's been built underground near a volcanic vent. They even have hot springs for visitors to use," Kel's new aunt explained, and rode off to join her husband near the front of the caravan.

Kel cocked an eyebrow in interest. Dwarves? She had never heard of a race named that, although she had known of a few height challenged humans given that description. But that thought left her mind as she shuddered in anticipation of being able to submerge her body in blissful warm water. She chuckled as she adjusted her new sword belt, and fixed her hood so it sat better on her head. The sword she wore was a gift from Blaine. He had used it during his own knighthood training, and it was well worn but excellently made. The blade was a little dull, but Kel planned to have it sharpened at a smithy in Garath with some of the pocket money that her new aunt and uncle had given her.

She watched as the snow swirled around them, and she realized that it reminded her of the cherry blossoms that would bloom back on the Yamani Islands. Kel took in a relaxing breath and focused her attention on the path ahead.

Hmmmm.....I wonder how Yukimi is doing on the Islands? I'm fairly sure that mom and dad have contacted the emperor and asked him to search for me there. I don't plan on returning anytime soon, but I hope that I finish with my training so I can be back in time for Roald and Chinkoneski's wedding in a few years.

Suddenly, all the horses came to a stop, and eyed the cliffs nervously, their ears twitching in every direction. The riders tried their best to get their mounts moving, but the mares stubbornly refused to budge.

"What's the matter Chessnut? Come on, calm down," Kel said, and rubbed the mare's mane affectionately. Without warning, Kel's horse reared up and almost threw her out of the saddle. Kel held onto the reins for dear life, hugging the saddle with her thighs and trying to soothe Chessnut. Finally the horse calmed down enough for Kel to regain control, and she immediately rode off to find her uncle. She found him near the head of the caravan. He was conversing with some other soldiers, and they all were gripping the hilts of their weapons.

"Something is wrong uncle. The horses are restless. I think that something's coming....something bad," Kel said, and Blaine nodded once.

"You have good instincts Keldary. They may have smelled Igaboon in the air. If that's the case, it would be better to keep moving," the Holy Knight explained.

"Why is that?"

"Because Igaboons like to throw things, especially boulders."

Kel's eyes widened with her concern. "Oh I get it. In this narrow pass it wouldn't take much accuracy on their part to hit one of the wagons."

"Exactly. So until we reach a more open area I want you to stay close to your aunt. You don't have the proper training yet to deal with creatures of this size," Blaine then place a hand on Kel's shoulder. She glanced at Blaine's armored hand, then looked back at the knight, her hazel orbs filled with concern and worry.

"I know we haven't known each other long, but I want to be assured you'll do this, niece."

A protest came and died in Kel's throat. The thing she wanted most was to be beside him in battle. But to Blaine's point of view, she was just an eleven year old girl with an above average skills in combat for her age. She had no business being in combat, at least until she had gotten the training she needed. So she swallowed her pride and nodded. She would do as her uncle asked. The older man grinned, "I knew I could count on you Kel. On your way now."

Kel rode off to find the wagon her aunt was riding in, while Blaine shouted to the other soldiers, who listened in rapt attention.

"All right, we're not staying here a second longer! Everyone move out!"

The soldiers in the front of the caravan relayed Blaine's orders to the ones in the middle and those soldiers did the same for the ones in the back. By some miracle the riders managed to get their mounts moving, and soon the entire train of wagons and people was back underway.

Kel found her aunt riding on her horse along side the caravan's fourth wagon. She was having a conversation with the driver, a chiseled man of about twenty five.

"I see my darling husband sent you back here to keep me company. How nice of him," she said, and excused herself so she could ride next to her niece.

"I figured he didn't want me to become a smear on the underside of an Igaboon's foot," Kel replied with a hint of sarcasm in her voice, feeling a little disappointed in herself. Jainee laughed in spite of herself and felt a pang of sympathy when she saw the dejected look on her niece's features.

"Now it's too cold for you to be frowning like that! It's not becoming of an up and coming knight like yourself. "

Kel looked back up at her aunt and nodded, "You're absolutely right. I guess I was just feeling sorry for myself. "

"Hmmmm. I understand completely. But I have a feeling that you'll be using that sword sooner than you think," said Janinee, and then she turned her gaze back onto the road ahead. Kel tried to do the same, but her mind was on her aunt's words. I was wrong to doubt my uncle. He has years of experience on me. If I was back on the Islands the price for questioning a superior's orders would be execution. It's a good thing that they're more lenient here.

Kel shook her head, trying to get rid of the memory of when she attended the execution of forty palace guards that had suddenly popped into her head. She felt sick every time she thought of that moment, and she felt her stomach start to churn. Kel desperately tried to think of something else to think about, eventually settling on trying to imagine what their destination would look like.

I wonder...what is the capital city like? I hope it has towering spires and a grand palace like Corus has. I should ask uncle Blaine once we stop in Garath. It looks like I have a lot of studying to do...ouch! What the hell?!

She could feel it. A stinging sensation that started on the tops of her hands and quickly moved to her fingers. It was like a thousand needles being stuck into her skin, or being stung by a half dozen bees on both hands. Kel seethed through clenched teeth, and massaged her hands through her gloves, attempting to ignore the stinging at first, but as the miles went by, it only got worse. Kel worried that her injuries were acting up, and was debating if she should head over to one of the supply wagons to have her hands examined by a healer. She decided against it after a moment's thought. The pain wasn't that bad, and she had survived worse. But as the caravan approached a fork in the path, the sensation in her hands suddenly intensified, and she could hear a whisper in her mind, a voice like none she'd ever heard before. It was trying to tell her something, but the sound was still too low for Kel to hear. Then, as Kel considered going to a healer after all, the sound suddenly cleared, the voice shouting a dire warning.

LOOK UP!!

Kel forced her eyes skyward, just as a whistling sound was heard, and her hazel orbs widened in sheer horror at what she saw. A huge brown colored boulder was barreling straight at them!

"EVERYONE LOOK OUT! INCOMING!!!" cried Kel, and she pointed upward. Other soldiers shouted out their own warnings, but they were one second too late as the huge rock slammed into one of the wagons with deadly accuracy, sending splinters of wood flying and knocking both driver and the horses to the ground. More boulders began to land, and people dove for cover, the soldiers unsheathing their weapons. The commotion caused Kel's horse to panic, and she had to pull back hard on the reins to stop Chessnut from bolting.

"Chessnut stop it! It's all right! It's all right!" Kel's soothing words reached Chessnut's ears, and the mare stopped bucking wildly, though the horse fidgeted nervously as more boulders rained around them. Kel could hear her uncle up at the head of the column shouting out orders to his men, his face an example of calm composure, even as people dove for cover as another giant rock demolished another wagon, flattening both driver and horses against the stone wall of the pass. The impact sent up a cloud of snow, and when it cleared, the body of the wagon's driver could be seen slumped up in a mass of splintered wood, his lifeblood seeping out of the many wounds on his body. Even from where Kel was, it was apparent that the man was dead. She sent up a silent prayer to Mithros on the man's behalf, but was shaken as a primeval roar resounded throughout the valley as a huge creature appeared high above the assembled humans, standing at the very edge of the cliff.

The alarm was raised, and the caravan's archers knocked their bows and fired at the creature, a nine foot tall biped with hairy white fur. It reminded Kel of the monkeys she had seen back at Corus's Royal Menagerie, only larger and much more heavily muscled. It was wearing a crude loincloth and an axe tucked into a leather belt wrapped around its waist. The monster opened its mouth, revealing knife-long fangs, and unleashed another primeval roar, the horrible sound forcing the humans below to cover their ears in pain. The vibration caused snow to slide off the cliffside and fall to the ground. The monster's roar was the last straw for Chessnut. The mare gave a frightened whiney and reared up on its hind legs, bucking Kel of the horse's back. The young woman landed ingloriously in the snow, while Chessnut ran off in a gallop back down the pass.

Kel got up slowly and used her left hand to massage her lower back, which was sore from the hard landing she had suffered, even though the snow cushioned her fall somewhat. But then she realized that a large mass was standing above her, blocking her view of the sun. She looked up, and when she did the icy hand of fear grip her heart. Standing before her was the Igaboon with the axe. Kel thought that the thing was disgusting from a distance, but now that it was close up she realized the creature stunk too. Kel tried to move her legs, but the appendages wouldn't obey her body's commands. Her fear kept her immobile, frozen, just like the ice that surrounded them. The Igaboon just stared down at her, as if trying to decide exactly what to do with his new prize. Kel quickly looked around to see if anyone could lend her aid, but all the soldiers were engaged with other Igaboons who had arrived to assist the first one, who appeared to be their leader.

Seeing that she would get no help, Kel drew her sword and scrambled to her feet. The creature saw the movement, and with almost unimaginable force, brought it's axe down in a thunderous swing. Kel dodged out of the way just in time. As she moved, she could feel the gust created by the force of the creature's swing, which missed her by inches. The blade of the axe sundered the ground, sending shattered rock and snow flying in all directions.

Kel quickly got to her feet and raised her sword, but the force of her impact with the ground had sucked the breath from her lungs. She struggled for air, and looked up just in time to see the Igaboon raise its axe high above it's head. But before it could bring down the killing blow, a fan of fire slammed into it from behind The flames singed its fur, and the creature roared in pain, and searched around itself for the cause of it's injury. It found the source right behind it, and Kel's face echoed her surprise at who she saw.

For behind the Igaboon stood Jainee, her outstretched hands still steaming in the cold air from the spell she just unleashed. Kel's aunt lowered her arms, but still kept her fists clenched, ready to cast more magic if need be.

"Step away from my niece, monster! NOW!" the older woman shouted, but silently prayed to whatever gods were listening that the Igaboon would decide to fight another day. Her magic is nowhere near as strong as some of the other sorcerers in the caravan, and the giant furred apes had been known to shrug off incredible amounts of damage.

The Igaboon let loose an ear drum shattering roar, and with lightning speed he charged toward Jainee, closing the distance between them within seconds, the creature's footsteps rocking the ground. Thinking quickly, Jainee leapt to the side at the last second letting the creature pass by, and let off another spell. A rope made of pure energy entangled the Igaboon's legs, causing it to crash to the ground, rock and show shooting up from the force of the impact. But as the huge ape came crashing down, it lashed out violently and with a fist the size of a dragon's head, hit Jainee with a backhand and sent her flying into a boulder nearby. Her body hit the jagged rock with a sickening crunch, and to Kel's horror the young woman could see blood staining the stone where her aunt had hit.

"NOOOOOOOO!! Aunt Jainee!" Kel cried out, and she saw her aunt's body hit the ground. The sight filled her with a rage she had never felt before. It was like there was a fire inside of her, and it was growing with every second. She retrieved her sword from the snow, and slowly walked over to the now prone Igaboon.

"You gods forsaken monster. What right do you have attacking us?! WHAT RIGHT DO YOU HAVE!! Well, I'm not going to let you do this to anyone else!" she shouted. The monster, still under the effects of Jainee's spell, rolled onto it's back and roared at Kel out of pure frustration. It thrashed at it's bonds, desperately trying to break free of the magic that held it. Kel didn't give it the chance. She leaped onto the Igaboon's chest and gripped her sword in both hands, pointing the blade downwards, the point resting just inches from the space right between the monster's eyes.

"May the Black God have mercy on you in the next world," Kel said icily, and plunged her sword into the monster's skull, forcing the blade in up to the hilt. Blood as red as the monster's eyes seeped out of the wound coloring the snow, some of the splatter getting on Kel's tunic and cloak. The Igaboon gave one last gasping breath, then it moved no more. But Kel took no time to enjoy her victory. She left her sword inside the monster, and ran as fast as she could to her aunt's side. Kel gave a gasp of horror as she gazed on her aunt's broken body. Jainee lay in the snow, blood oozing out of many deep gashes, and one leg was bent the wrong way. Kel knelt down, and clasped one of her aunt's hands between her own. She could feel a pulse, but it was faint.

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry! Please wake up, please!" Kel cried, and nearly wept with joy as her aunt took one shuddering breath, and opened her eyes.

"Keladry...is that...you?" Jainee asked.

Kel nodded, "Yes it's me. I so glad you're alive! Just hold on, I'll go and find a healer!"

But as Kel got up, Jainee grasped the end of the young woman's cloak, stopping Kel in mid stride.

"Don't bother. I feel it...the for me..."

Kel's expression changed from hope to pure shock, "No you don't! I won't let you die!"

Jainee's eyes started to slowly close, "...just stay with me..."

Kel was at her aunt's side in an instant, her hazel eyes brimming with tears. She knelt back down and clasped her aunt's hand tenderly. She could only watch as Jainee's breathing slowed, her eyes closed, and her entire body went limp. Kel let her tears stream down her cheeks, and she let out a scream of pure anguish. Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. She turned her head just in time to watch Blaine and several other soldiers converge on her. Kel saw her uncle's features change from triumph to grief, and she averted her eyes in shame.

"I...I take full blame my lord. I should've gone to get help I, I..." she said through her sobs, but was silenced when the knight knelt next to her and placed gentle hands on her shoulders.

"There was nothing you could have done. I'm just glad she died saving your life," Blaine said, and Kel looked up at him, "That's the way she would have wanted to go."

Kel swallowed hard and returned her gaze to her aunt's lifeless body.

There has to be something I can do!

"She will be buried with full honors my lord," one of the surviving soldiers said.

I will not...I will not let it end like this!

"When we arrive in the capital, I'll lay her to rest in her family's crypt. She would want to be with her parents," said Blaine as he wiped a tear from his eye, his voice choking on a few of the words.

If any gods, any at all are listening, hear my prayer! Help me save aunt Jainee's life! I beg of you!

Kel silently whispered her prayer over and over again in her mind, but she really didn't expect any gods to answer her. For gods are fickle, and the chances of one coming to your aid were slim to none. But then something happened that Keladry never expected to happen in her entire life.

A god did answer.

I have heard your plea young one.

Kel looked up and gasped, her eyes widening to saucers. Suddenly blackness surrounded everything except Kel and Jainee's body. Then, directly across from where she was standing, a large orb of bright light sprang into being. Kel had to shield her eyes with her arm as the light increased in brightness to the point where it was almost unbearable. Then it began to change into the form of the most handsome man Kel had ever seen.

He was clad in golden platemail, and wisps of blonde hair stuck out from under the winged helm he wore. A neatly trimmed beard framed a perfectly angled chin, while eyes the color of pure emerald looked over the girl standing in front of him. But the most imposing thing about this being was the giant sword he had strapped to his back. His entire form was surrounded by celestial radiance. Kel found herself frozen in place. She knew exactly who this was.

Mithros, god of war and law.

Why do you look surprised young one? You asked for a god to appear before you, so here I am. What is thy name?

I am Keladry Camosille, formerly of the fief Mindelan, oh great Mithros. I am honored to be in your presence.

Mithro's eyes widened for a second, as if he had heard the name before.

Yes. I remember you. We gods had great plans for you, Keladry, but that fool Cavell decided to ignore your talents and send you away, an action that will have dire consequences for all of Tortall.

Kel didn't say anything for a few moments as she tried to take in what Mithros had spoken, but then she found her voice again.

Lord Mithros, please use your power and heal this woman of her injuries. Even though I have only known her for a short while, she has become dear to me, and I do not want to lose her now.

Mithros bowed his head, contemplating the request made of him. Kel found herself waiting on baited breath for him to speak, for good or ill. After a few tense moments, Mithros looked back up again.

Before I give to you my judgment, you must know that I go by a different name in the lands of Salivan. My name there is Auroras the Blade. Remember it. Now, I have decided...not to grant your request.

Kel winced like she had been hit, and looked away out of pure disappointment and sadness. But then, Mithros was suddenly kneeling by her side, and Kel had to shrink back a little because the holy aura around the god was so overpowering.

You misunderstand me young one. I do not need to grant the request because you already have the power within you already...or soon will.

Kel's jaw dropped at the matter of fact tone in Mithros's voice.

My lord, what do you mean? I don't possess a Gift , nor do I have any wildmagic inside of me. How can I have a power beyond that?

Mithros smiled, revealing two rows of perfectly white teeth.

But yet you do. The power within just needs to be awakened. Now, close your eyes and hold still...

Kel hesitated for a second, then shut her eyes tight. Mithros raised his right arm and touched two gauntleted fingers to her forehead. Instantly, the light at the ends of his fingers intensified, and Mithros's holy aura spread until it surrounded Kel's entire body.

Kel gasped as a pure wave of power entered her body. It felt like a key was turning a lock deep inside her soul, a lock being opened after countless eons of being closed. She closed her eyes, and took deep breaths as she attempted to handle the energy now racing through her veins. When she opened her eyes again, they were not the hazel they were before.

They were a brilliant emerald green.

Mithros lowered his arm, and the aura faded from around Kel's body.

There, it is done. Your powers are awakened now . They are weak at the moment, but they will grow. Goodbye, Keladry, and good luck.

There was a flash of bright light, and Kel found herself back in reality, surrounded by the soldiers, Blaine kneeling by her side, his tender hand slowly stroking his wife's cheek. Kel blinked. Her conversation with Mithros...er...Aurorius had to have taken at least ten minutes, but it looked like no time had passed at all. She looked at Jainee's lifeless body, and knew what she needed to do.

She let go of the older woman's hand to the ground, and took off her wool gloves. She kneeled down and placed her right hand gently on Jainee's forehead, her left on the older woman's sternum.

"What are you doing Keladry?" her uncle asked, and reached out a hand to touch the girl's shoulder. But when she turned her head to meet his gaze, the knight recoiled at what he saw in Kel's eyes. They were no longer the hazel he had come to recognize, but were now as brilliant as the most beautiful emerald he had seen in his life.

"Calm yourself uncle, all will be well. It is not this woman's time to die," she said, and flashed him the most beautiful smile he had ever seen from Kel. Then she turned her gaze back to her aunt and shut her eyes. Kel pressed her hands against Jainee's body with a bit more force, and started to mutter words so quietly that Blaine had to lean in to hear them.

"Oh great Auroras, god of valor and war, hear thine call...."

As Kel invoked the power of her patron deity, she felt something blossom within her, like a flower coming into bloom. In her mind's eye, she could see a small ball of white light, surrounded by a never ending blackness.

"....grant me the strength to heal this woman's wounds...."

As she spoke the words of power, the ball of light began to expand, pushing back the blackness. Kel didn't understand exactly how she knew which words to speak, they just came naturally.

"....by your grace and will, Auroras...."

The light of Keladry's soul radiated twice as brightly as before. The first of her powers was now unlocked.

"....so mote it be!"

The instant she spoke the last word of the incantation, her hands began to glow with a sparkling golden radiance, which quickly spread from her palms across Jainee's entire body. Blaine and the other knights could only gape at the sight as the older woman's wounds began to close, the color coming back into her cheeks. The light faded after a moment, and Kel withdrew her hands.

Jainee's eyes fluttered open, and she met Kel's gaze and smiled. Suddenly, Blaine was kneeling down by her side, opposite of where Kel was. He took his wife's hand into his, and leaned in and kissed his wife gently on the forehead. Blaine helped her sit up, supporting his wife's back with his arm.

"My love, thank the gods you're all right! I thought I had lost you to death for eternity," he said. One of his soldiers motioned for the other men to leave and give the two some space, and order which was promptly obeyed. One of the caravan's clerics finally arrived, and began to look Jainee over.

"Don't thank the gods, love, thank Keladry," she said softly. She was still a bit weak, but in no danger of dying, "Tell us child, by what miracle did you heal me?"

But they got no answer. The girl had gone pale as a sheet, and she was clutching her chest like she was having problems breathing. She was taking in gasping breaths. Suddenly Keladry's eyes rolled up into the back of her head and she passed out from exhaustion. Her spent body falling into the snow.

To be continued....

I am so sorry it took so long to get this chapter out. I have been suffering from a severe case of writer's block, which I just got over recently. Also, for a few months now after turning 21, I have been somewhat depressed. Call it a early mid-life crisis.

I've been trying to get over it, but it's hard sometimes you know. But now that I've gotten this chapter written I hope to get more coming more frequently. I'm thinking about making my chapters a bit shorter to reduce writing time.

Next Chapter: "Meeting Magnur the Red," coming soon!