The Threads of Life

Chapter 6: Threats and Tactics

A/N: Thanks to my reviewers. Hey, I would reply, but I myself don't like it when half the story is taken up by replies that I haven't read, so just imagine what I would have replied, and that's that. Hey, and stuff actually happens this chapter to get Kel un-depressed, or at least get her mind off the past.

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"There have been reports of attacks on some of the Northern fiefs. This isn't good – it means that Scanrans have gotten past our northernmost defenses and are starting to make their way into Tortall itself." King Jonathan of Conte's face was screwed up with concern. The others in the room could tell that he was having problems. Kel was starting to feel sorry for him. No one ever said ruling was easy.

They were ensconced in a miniature conference room originally intended for a commander to talk with his second. Unfortunately, there were ten people in the room. Jonathan and Thayet obviously were there, along with Raoul and Buri, as they were commanders of the Own and Riders respectively. Kel was there because of her involvement in the Own, and Dom because he was the only available second of the Own. Daine was there acting for herself and Numair who was off doing business. Duke Baird was there for delegating Healers along with both Gareth the Younger and Older to take notes. Alanna was on leave at her home in Pirate's Swoop. Kel was surprised as when she had first looked in the room, she doubted that she herself could fit in.

"Jon, what if we sent small groups up there to scout out the areas, send us news, and possibly find out about further attacks?" That was Raoul.

"It's a good thought, but where are there groups that have worked together long enough? The Rider groups would work, but I think they're too big for your plans," replied Jon.

"Yes, but there are groups of Knights and others who have worked together for a while and if they brushed up on small group commanding and other things, they could be good," piped up Dom. Jon looked at Dom, and a small smile formed on his face.

"That could work. Raoul, could you talk to Wyldon and possibly Padraig to dredge up some good working teams of squires and knights? There should be one knight per group, and the groups should be about, what say? Five or six members large? You too Buri, find Riders who work well together."

"Yes sir," Raoul replied and bowed his head before dismissing himself, along with Buri.

"As for the rest of you. Duke Baird, if you would be so kind, could you get together a list of Healers? Preferably ones that have some scouting and fighting background. We need them in our groups too." Duke Baird also nodded and went out.

"Daine, you should probably just scout around, same as Numair. Try to find out as much as you can about these attacks. See if there is a pattern. Basically your job is the same as the Rider groups." Jon then turned to Kel.

"Keladry, if you want to have more time here, I will understand. But we do need you." Kel struggled to get anger not to show on her face. He just assumed that she was too emotional to cope! Just like the man. She calmed herself and replied slowly and evenly,

"Sir, I think it will help if I was put out with the others. It will help keep my mind off...things."

"Very well," Jon replied. "You and Sergeant Domitan will report to Raoul when the time comes. He will tell you your jobs." He dismissed them both with a slight nod. Kel and Dom walked out together into the deserted hallway.

"That was one of the shortest meetings in history. I guess Jon doesn't like long meetings anymore than the rest of us," Dom said. Kel grinned up at him.

"Just as well," she replied, "If it had been any longer, I think m'lord would have refused to help him."

"And he got out earlier than we did!" Dom mock groaned. "What is this world coming to?" He wondered aloud. They both laughed, then walked in companionable silence for a while. When they reached Kel's turn off, they stopped. Once again, Kel noticed Dom's uncanny handsomeness, then realized that he could never possibly like a girl like her. She was too bulky and muscular, not pretty and petite. Suddenly, she realized that he had been saying something.

"What?" she asked. Dom grinned.

"I said, what groups do you think m'lord will put us in? I hope they don't put Meathead in my group." He pretended to swoon. "Whatever would I do?"

"I think it would do you good," Kel replied. "You could practice your marksmanship on him."

"I must admit he would make a good target," Dom said thoughtfully. He looked down at Kel, and for a moment, she thought she saw him swallow, a thing she had noticed he did when he was nervous. 'He's nervous around me?' she thought, but then dismissed the idea when Dom next spoke, concentrating on his beautiful, rich voice. She shook her head. What kinds of thoughts were those? She would be proclaiming her love for him next!

"I must take my leave of you, ma'am, though I am sorry to be leaving such a radiant beauty to find her way back to her quarters." Kel laughed, and said goodbye, walking to her rooms in a much happier humor than before.

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A/N: Sorry, I would make it longer, but if I did, I wouldn't post nearly so often, so its six of one, half dozen of the other. I'll be back for more! And, I'll try to make it more romancy...there hasn't been very much opportunity for it yet, but there will be, mark my words. PS: Remember to review!