The Tower of Perils

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I wish I own stuff by Tamora Pierce but I don't!

The heavy sounds of horses' hooves, the squeaking of the wagon wheels and the patter of raindrops has dulled Joren's mood. It was slow moving and didn't suit his taste of carefree swift moving speed. He hardly sleeps anymore, the dreams haunts him on a nightly basis and he doesn't want to disturb Kel who sleeps near him when there is no wall to separate them. He spent most of the dull journey talking to Kel, his companion. They would talk of their families and of many relatively interesting topics. It wasn't like he didn't talk to others; he just found it comforting to speak to the girl as she was indeed warmer to him after what they have been through together. He flashed back to memories when they first became a knight and his squire relationship. The times when they wrestled each other to see who was better, the times when Kel wasn't in the best of health and when they would just ride peacefully side by side. To him it was memories which he will enjoy looking back to.

Someone pulled up beside him and he regarded his old friend Zahir.

"Joren, I haven't seen you in a while. Where have you been to?" The bazhir knight said.

"I have been roaming around Maren and away from Corus." He didn't feel like telling his old friend about what happened in detail.

"So what's the Lump like?" Joren frowned, for he knew Zahir always simplify his questions.

"Can you explain further please?"

"What is she like at night?" He asked casually.

Joren found this question so unexpected that he almost lost balance in his saddle.

"We did no such thing." He said coldly, trying hard not to think of a particular lover.

"Are you serious? I hear from court you were lovers. How could you not be when you are with her all the time, it's not like she's a hag. You don't even have to search for company, you already have company."

Joren changed the subject with his old friend immediately; he certainly didn't want to be further disturbed. He also hoped rumours were not easily believed though it was unlikely.

The heavy gates of Pirate's swoop welcomed Kel to her new home; it thrilled her that she would be staying at the home of the Lioness. Also the chance she may see her idol. As she followed the train of horses that lead to the stables, she caught sight of a tall man who walks so swiftly like a bird in flight walking towards her. His nose was too big for good looks but he was still a fairly handsome man. For some reasons Kel knew he was Baron George of Pirate's Swoop.

"Aren't you a bit young to train fresh soldiers lass?" He said with humorously. Kel was at first startled that he can see she was female, but she pulled her Yamani mask over to hide the rudeness.

"I am to accompany my overlord, Sir."

"There's no need to be too formal here. My name is George." He offered his right hand, it took a while before it registered that George wants to be friendly with her. She shook it gratefully.

"Keladry of Mindelan, Sir. I mean George."

"I know who you are Keladry, or do you prefer me to call you something else like Poppy or Honey?"

Kel smiled at the man's sense of humour, she had a feeling her stay here would be enjoyable.

"I prefer Kel better."

"You know, I imagined you to look a little like my wife but in fact you aren't which I hope you don't take too personally."

"No worries."

"Who is your knight master?"

"Joren of Stone Mountain."

"Ah! The pretty lad I saw earlier, if you don't mind Kel I need to have a little chat with others. You know how people get if I greet one person a bit too long."

"Understandable."

"I'll see you later and see how you are settling down."

George left her as he went to greet a few fresh soldiers. Kel joined back the queue to the stables with Joren's and her horses, she spent that time musing over the fact that George had been friendly and liked her. After she handed over the horses to the stable boys she went to search for Joren. After an aggravated search, she found him eventually in their new quarters. Two small but comfortable rooms have been furnished with their belongings on the floor; an adjoining door separated them.

"Kel! Where have you been? It doesn't take that long to take the horses to the stables! I told you to come here directly afterwards!" he said irritably.

Kel was furious, she looked everywhere for him high and low and now he gives a mouthful at her because it too her that long to find where he was.

"For you information I was looking for you everywhere, and now that I am here I think I shall leave."

Kel closed the door between them and took a few long breaths to clam herself down. Once she was sure she was calm she began to unpack her things. Halfway through her packing, Joren came in silently, though she ignored him completely.

"Look Kel, I'm sorry for shouting at you like that. I should have been more reasonable."

Kel continued to ignore him and was unpacking her belongings as if he wasn't there. Joren picked up her glaive and began tossing it from one hand to another with it. She still ignored him, he tried to take the clothes in her hands, but she let go and did something else. He gave up; she wasn't going to listen. Before he closed the door, he spoke.

"Dinner will be in an hour's time, and you are to wear a dress tonight."

The slammed door stopped Kel from her act. She sighed; she knew she was wrong to ignore him like that. After all he did apologise meaningfully. The sense of guilt in her made her to search for a dress, which she brought with her. Finally she pulled on a blue dress that Lalasa made for her, and was guaranteed it was the latest fashion. She took a few seconds admiring her in it but hurriedly knocked on Joren's door.

The door was opened to reveal a half dressed Joren with a look of annoyance on his face.

"I'm not done yet as you can see. Give me another minute."

"Well you did have an hour to dress, what were you doing?"

"I was grooming myself."

"I'll help you so we get there on time."

Kel marched in the room and found a silk shirt, tunic and Joren's boots neatly arranged ready to be worn.

"If you put on the shirt and tunic, I'll help you put on you boots."

Joren sat on the bed gracefully and began to put on the remainder of his clothes as Kel did his boots. The next moment they were walking to the Hall where dinner was held that night.

It was a plain hall where everyone ate together. The nobles and the higher rankers in the army ate at the far end of the hall, which was where Kel and Joren walked. The soldiers who arrived earlier that day had joined the other fresh soldiers who were recruited for the war. They were all giving looks at Kel but turned away when they met Joren's eyes.

Kel spotted two seats opposite George and so she walked up to George politely.

"Are these two seats reserved?"

"No Kel, but sit here so we can chat."

Kel sat down delightedly and Joren sat on the chair beside her.

Dinner started with delightful food and there was a space reserved next to George, which Kel couldn't quite think whom it was for.

She drank out of her cup of water when she saw a short redheaded woman dressed in shirt, tunic and breeches. She almost choked on her drink when she realised it was who will be sitting opposite her.

"You have a big reaction to when you see the Lioness." Said Joren as he patted her back. It was when she recovered did she notice Alanna acknowledging her, since a long time Kel was practically speechless.

"Good evening Kel. Are you feeling better?"

"I'm fine thank you Sir Alanna."

"See, I told you she was very polite and well brought up." Interfered George.

"Yes George you don't have to point that out for me." She said sarcastically, she turned to Kel.

"It's really nice meeting you at last. I have been so keen on meeting you but I was rudely asked not to."

"I understand what you mean."

"Right, I think you are being to polite now. You can relax I honestly don't bite."

Kel smiled and giggled, it was in her dreams she would meet Alanna but she never thought the Lioness would joke with her. Dinner carried on smoothly as everyone wolfed down his or her food. Kel has just finished her meal and was about to get up when someone's hand gripped hers firmly.

"Don't go yet."

"Well Joren I have finished and I am no longer required here." She whispered, furiously she snatched her hand out of his warm ones. "It's been a tiring night Alanna; I think I should sleep early tonight."

Alanna nodded her head and Kel walked out of the hall, not noticing the longing look that was given to her. George however saw it and being the understandable man he was, he leant over the table and gave his word of advice.

"You like her don't you Joren?" He said in a low voice.

There was a pause in Joren but he smiled uneasily.

"Yes she is a good squire, she's an excellent fighter and amusing to be with-"

"You know what I mean."

George looked at the frozen expressionless Joren, waiting patiently for an answer; it came in a barely audible whisper.

"Yes, I do."

George nodded, "You should go after her."

Joren rose and left the hall with a slight sprint in his steps, watched by the smiling Baron.

Kel didn't go to her room, but she went up to the wall, which faced the sea. It was silent apart from the clashing and ripple of waves against the cliff. The crescent moon shone a beam of light along the water, the small clouds drifted across with ease.

"Shouldn't you be at dinner?"

Kel jumped and swiftly drew out a dagger hidden in her belt, but was only greeted with a warm handsome face with a nose which looks familiar. The man raised both of his hands up.

"I'm not going to attack you. You can be sure of that, now if you don't mind, put away that dagger."

Kel flushed slightly as she put away her dagger as smoothly as she has taken it out.

"Why would a lovely lady like you be here alone tonight?"

She giggled; the man was flirting with her.

"My name is Keladry of Mindelan."

Realisation spread across the handsome face. "I know you. You are the one my cousin meathead is always talking about. I'm Dom."

"Nice meeting you Dom. If you don't mind me asking who is your cousin?"

"My cousin meathead is the one and only Neal. He's always talking about you whenever he sends me a letter."

"And I thought he was writing bad poetry to the Ladies of Court." Dom laughed.

It clicked to Kel that Dom was her best friend's cousin and how similar do they look.

"So why are you here my Love?"

Kel couldn't help herself from giggling at the flirting. "I'm here to help train new recruits for the army; and you?"

"I'm here with the King's Own but I played a little prank on the Commander and now I'm stuck here on guard duty. But I was luckily saved by an angel."

Once again she giggled, "I'm sorry Dom, and I'm not used to the flirting."

"And I thought they gave you all the attention at the palace. I guess I'm wrong about that."

"Well it's been delightful meeting you Dom." Kel have her right hand and instead of shaking it, he kissed her hand lightly.

"I'm hoping to see you more."

Flushed and giddy she turned and left, slowly she held onto the wall and began to walk down the steps. Her hand caught onto something, it seemed to be a lot of soft white thread, but for some reason she looked closer to see it was a lock of blonde hair, Joren's hair in fact.

For some reason she knew Joren was here and must of seen her and Dom having an interesting talk. Her stomach seemed to of drop for a reason which seems unclear to her, but she had a sense of dread and awkwardness when she will be face-to-face to the blonde knight. She moved like a ship on the calm water where there was no wind to move her along. Finally she entered her room and found the adjoining door slightly opened. Curious she took a fleeting look to find Joren hunting his bags and all his belongings, he took off his tunic and his shirt was in disarray.

"What are you looking for?" She asked politely.

He sprang to his feet with a look of surprise on his face.

"Oh Kel; I was – looking for a particular shirt but it's alright now." Kel frowned at the randomness and slowly closed the door when a hand stopped her from doing so, and the door was fully opened.

"Actually I wanted to talk to you about something which concerns us. So make yourself comfortable."

Kel sat on Joren's bed curiously as he sat next to her, they stayed like that for a long time, neither wanted to break the silence. Finally it was Joren who did.

"I wanted you to know something."

Kel looked up and was surprised to know that she was being kissed.

AN: I love leaving people on cliffhangers! Well I am writing chapter 3 at the moment and it's half way done. So it won't be too long. Thanks for reviewing people it made my holiday in Hong Kong and Japan much more happier (as if it could get even better b/c it was great!)

Soccerchick-08 – I'm glad you like it and I will definitely continue to write J/K fanfics (because that's one of the only things I do really well on)

VampiricEternity– Aw! You make me so happy! Well I hope you liked this chapter. And you're so lush!

BloodSoakedTiger – Please tell me what makes you go 'hm…'

PsychoLioness– I thought I add section breakers into this, but I think must have been evil and taken them away. I'll sort that out in a moment. I'm sorry I scared you, but I'm glad you have come out from behind the sofa and read this chapter.

Evilstrawberry – You are so funny. I love you! Yes scary person at the end but beware! There is plenty of other scary stuff on its way! How did you know I'm desperate for one of your productive and helpful reviews? So review me!!!

Mystic Moon Empress – and thanks for reviewing honey!

Lady of Masbolle – Well you never know if he is a stalker or not. But I'm so happy you like it.

Ossini – Well there is Joren/Kel romance around the corner. I'm glad you like the Master, I don't think anyone else does though.

Alianne of conte – thanks very much for your appreciation.

Ti-Ti – J/K romance is around the corner!! You need to run and catch it! And I agree Joren is slow but that is the way how normal people would react if their love died.

DragonDaine – Yay! You like it! I hope you liked this one too.

Oceanspike – Wow you reviewed me!! I'm so happy!

Chicken puffs – I hope you liked this chapter.

Phew! That is a lot of replies. OK now I can get on with my chemistry cousework (which is what I am supposed to be doing) and know I have satisfied my readers with bad grammar but a wicked plot to be revealed.

Please review about what you think and if you noticed if I had any incorrect grammar.

Love you people very much!