Chapter 6:

~ Farewell ~

Dom's squad had left a fortnight ago, and days passed considerably quickly since then. The work, reports, and incoming civilians kept Kel on her toes till the late hours of the night, with Neal the only one to help her with most situations. Most of the problems between the people of New Hope, were due to space, and without being able to create new land out of mid-air, which some mages were able to do, Kel was left with figuring out the fair boundaries with paper and ink. Neal helped solve the less serious arguments, which kept the camp running smoothly.

A new squad of soldiers came and from their messenger, they were to help patrol, and assist Merric with guard duty. Merric was delighted in showing them around, and being able to have more people to spar against. More people patrolling meant that Kel had more time to deal with other aspects of the camp, but no matter how much work was set in front of her, she always would stand for a moment, looking deep of into space and remembering the goodbye she had received from Dom.

Neal had commented that something was off with her, and try as he might he couldn't find anything physically different with her, and was beginning to wonder his skills as a healer. Kel just laughed off these comments, glad that healers, and best friends couldn't read into her thoughts.

Everything was going fine, when a letter arrived from Lord Wyldon, which requested her to come and meet him, bringing the reports of the camp, along with any requests. He also noted that that Kel pack for an extended stay, so Kel added to her travel kit that would last her a few days at least. Kel took this letter like all others, and ordered a squad to be prepared for leaving the next day. Neal was to come with them, the letter read specifically, for Lord Wyldon had something to discuss with him.

So fifteen days after Dom had left Kel, Autumn, Neal, Tobe, and ten of their men left just after dawn. The mood was rather wary, for nor Neal of Kel knew what Lord Wyldon wanted with them. They arrived at the fort just after the dinner bell; Kel and Neal were quickly ushered into a private chamber, just inside the Headquarters. They were given a quick dinner, from a very busy looking, newly made squire, and were welcomed by Owen, who burst through the door as soon as they sat down.

"Kel! Neal!" His voice was extremely loud as he launched over and gave Kel a hug. "It's good to see you again. We just caught you, you see, Lord Wyldon called you here to tell you something that I'm not allowed to know, but I do have a suspicion. But, he wants to see you both right away, because we have to leave before it snows, because we have to get to Corus, because I have to go through the Ordeal, you will watch won't you?" He left out a deep breath. Kel and Neal just stared.

Finally, Neal broke the silence. "I didn't think it was humanly possible to say that much in one breath." He dipped a spoon into his stew, filled with potatoes, vegetables and chunks of venison, and continued to eat. Kel grinned, scooping up some dinner herself.

"When are you leaving?" She asked Owen.

"Tomorrow, at dawn. That's why Lord Wyldon wanted to see you… I think. He won't tell me why exactly." Owen said, plopping down in the chair across from Kel and Neal.

"And for good reason," A familiar voice came from the open door. Lord Wyldon stood there with a half grin on his face. Kel, Neal and Owen all stood quickly showing respect for the elder knight.

"It's good to see you sir." Kel said, smiling at her old training master. She wiped her hands on the napkin next to her bowl subtly.

Lord Wyldon raised an eyebrow. "Keladry, can I borrow you for a moment? A message came for you yesterday." He nodded at both Neal and Owen, turning, he paused, then said; "Owen, everything should be packed by now… please make sure another squad is set to ride in tomorrow to replace the men. Oh, Queenscove needs a room."

Kel followed Lord Wyldon out the door with a grin at Owen as she passed him. She was lead down a familiar hall, and into a chamber where she was first given her duties up in the north. Lord Wyldon sighed, and took a seat behind his desk. "Have a seat Keladry."

Kel sat down opposite him, accepting the goblet of cider he offered her. "May I ask why it was so urgent for me to come here?"

"As Owen must have told you, for he can barely keep anything I tell him quiet, we are leaving tomorrow to Corus for his Ordeal. Also, a message from King Jonathan, and Lord Raoul came in yesterday." He paused looking at Kel. "Do you have any idea of what it said?"

Kel placed her goblet down upon the desk. "I have a suspicion sir, but perhaps it would be better if you outlined the letter."

A ghost of a smile appeared on his face. "It seems that if you wish it to be, you may leave your duties at New Hope, and task up news ones… as Lord Raoul wants to give you. The choice is completely up to you."

"Sir… what about New Hope? Who will command it? What will happen to the people that live there?" Kel couldn't decide anything until these questions were answered. Even though she would love to ride with the Own again, having Lord Raoul as her taskmaster, and seeing Dom again, other things were more important.

Lord Wyldon nodded at her, "Those questions will be answered, that is mainly why I asked Queenscove to come with you. I know that I told you, when first giving you the assignment of Haven, that I was also considering Neal for the job." He paused again, looking at her.

Kel nodded. "But sir, didn't you also have reasons for not giving Neal the job?"

Wyldon continued. "But it seems that Queenscove has, do not make me repeat these words, grown more livable in the past few seasons. He will have help. But the decision is left with you…"

"How long do I have to decide?" Kel asked, knowing the answer would be ridiculously short.

"Until tomorrow at dawn, preferably tonight though. So if you're to leave, you will come with Owen and I tomorrow."

"I understand. I think I have my decision now though." Kel said, picking up her goblet and twisting it around in her hands. She took a tentative sip before continuing. "I will go with you to Corus, for it will be nice to have a change of scenery. And if it's okay, I would like to see Owen go through his Ordeal. May I ask you something?"

"Of course." Wyldon leaned back in his chair. "Why did the King right the message with Sir Raoul?"

Lord Wyldon grimaced. "I was hoping you wouldn't reflect on that. But as you might know, or have suspected, a confrontation has been going on at the Tyra border. Their King has just passed away, and the heir is all to eager to take his place. The King has been trying to keep that under control, because some refugees keep coming into Tortall, and raiding villages. We can't say that it is because of the new King, but Jon does have his suspicions."

The Tyra border. Dom was sent there two weeks ago. "Have there been any casualties?" Kel asked, hoping that it wasn't too obvious why she was asking.

Wyldon didn't seem to get her meaning behind her words, but thankfully he shook his head. "Not on our side, but it is only time until it does happen. King Waerfrith seems to think that after our war with Scanra, we are weakened. Unfortunately, he is right. This is the perfect time to attack for him, while most of our forces are still guarding the Scanra border for further attacks."

"I see." Kel was silent, thinking. He mind switched to another question. "Who will help Neal with New Hope?"

"Owen, once he gets his shield. Those two will compliment each other, Neal is calm enough to keep Owen in line, and Owen can help Neal keep his tongue in check."

Kel nodded. "But sir… what if Owen does not pass the – Ordeal." She dared to speak the possibility, even though it hurt to think about it.

Wyldon looked directly into her eyes. "I have no doubt in my mind that Jesslaw will pass the Ordeal. Just as I was with you. He will make a fair and just knight." His upper lip lifted slightly. "No doubt."

Kel smiled, "Thank you sir, I'm glad you approve. But what about Tobe? He is promised to me for at least three more years, and I dare not to leave him. He wouldn't forgive me. Not after Scanra."

"Tobe will come with you, of course. I wouldn't have placed him in anybody else's care." He nodded. "If that is all Keladry, I must let you go."

Keladry nodded. "Thank you sir."

"Oh, and Keladry?" He asked, as she rose from her chair. "Please ask Queenscove to come in here… and don't mention anything to him. I want to surprise him."

Keladry smiled at the smirk on Wyldon's face. "I promise. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Keladry." Kel left the room, and walked up the hall to Owen's chamber. He directed her to Neal's room, and after Neal was on his was to Lord Wyldon, Kel went to the temporary room that Owen had showed her. She plopped down on the bed, leaving her things packed.

She was going to see Dom soon; the thought filled her insides with a warm flowing feeling, starting with the tips of her toes all the way up her body. But also, a flash of nervousness came through her. After Cleon had kissed her for the first time, she had ignored him like the plague. What if Dom regretted what he did? What if he just did it out of courtesy, or worse, sympathy? Was it obvious that she liked him in more ways then friendships?

Sighing she rolled over, staring out into the now dark sky. It was too much to think about. She left herself relax, believing herself calm. She closed her eyes, and drifted slowly off into sleep.

To Be Continued…

Author's Note: First and Foremost: I'm sorry. Horribly sorry, will-you-ever-forgive-me-sorry. It's been a little bit more then two months since I updated, but I was just so busy with finals, my job and training. I barely have had time to breath, not write. So, I'm apologizing. Also, I'm going on vacation this Thursday (the 24th of July) and I'll be away for 2-3 weeks…. So no updates till after that.

Valencia22: Sorry about the long wait, and for the fat that this chapter is virtually Dom-less… but expect Dom to be in the next chapter… a lot.

Lady Satine Threepwood: Who ever said that Dom wasn't already in love with her… just holding back what he feels…?

Kelly: Wow… that's the most positive review a person can get. I'm flattered that you think that I write like the books, that was my goal. Thank you.

Aurora Yuy: Thank you so much for reviewing.

Seadragon: I think I have read you story before… but I'll check just in case.

WildMage789: Okay… major plot hints in this chapter… you have the setting and such… but expect twists.

AB-scribere: I have it all planned out… even the fact that Dom can't marry… and believe me, the ending will be different from what you expect.

Modern Guru: My main goal was to keep it at a nice pass… also I noticed that many K/D fics are very rushed… not set up at all… Kel never rushes into anything… so that's why I made the story like that. Thanks.

Lady Swathi: I was aiming for a perfect kiss. Glad to see I succeeded. Thank you.

Burn: That makes perfect sense…. Really, it does.

Ayjita: Thank you so much for the positive review.

White Phoenix Erialis: Aww.. that was a cute pun. It was funny.

Superalicea: There are plot clues in this chapter… lots.

PsychoLioness13: I updated. Thanks for reviewing.

Peanut: It was your review that made me start to finish this chapter. It was like a wake up call. Thanks to you!!