A/N: Can't believe I'm updating? Neither can I! But I am, and here's the next chapter! Part of my Christmas pressie to you guys! I'm sorry it took me so disgustingly long to get this up but I hope it was worth the wait. Unfortunately, I've not had it betad (apart from my usual edit) because I ran out of time in order to get it up before Christmas Day. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed! Love you guys! Only one chapter left- and a short one at that!

Chapter Nineteen- Neal to the Rescue!

The men were falling, and fast. Kel stood her ground, panting heavily, sword at the ready. But she didn't need to use it. To her surprise, the guards began to fall to the ground, arrows in their backs evidence of an unseen new attack. Her imagination had obviously over-reacted, probably due to the panic that had begun to set in. What had seemed like rivers of charging men was only about a dozen.

Kel didn't stop to muse long, worried that she was now faced with a new threat. Her hazel eyes scanned her surroundings, searching the walls and battlements for the source of the arrows that had slain the Copper Islanders. Men started to run towards her and she instinctively tightened her grip on Griffin. Then she took another look at the advancing warriors. She was sure she recognised some of them…

Kel frowned. It couldn't be… could it? She took a good look at the arrows protruding from the bodies of the Copper Islander's- and grinned widely as the fletching confirmed her suspicions. They were men from the King's Own!

When the Lady Knight looked up again, she saw Dom's squad following the other men of the King's Own. She could understand Dom's squad being here but other men as well? That didn't make sense. She wondered if one of their men was trapped in the catacombs of the fort too. If so, should she give up this chance of escape to rescue him too? She would have to send half the men back with Dom to make sure he was safe, and then try to save the other man. Kel imagined some other young woman, as worried for the life of this man as Kel was about Dom's. And how, anyway, could she leave a man to die in enemy territory? Yet, she was convinced two rescue attempts in one day could not both be successful.

'You just can't bear a day passing, can you, without using that blade of yours on something. Or someone.'

Kel whipped around to face the speaker on her left. 'Neal!' she gasped. The young knight lent up against the fort wall, arms folded across his chest and his eyes dancing wickedly. A familiar grin teased his lips and for a fleeting moment Kel was reminded of how years ago that grin would have made her stomach jump like there was no tomorrow. She shook the thought away. 'Neal, how can you stay so light-hearted at a time like this?'

'My dear Kel,' he teased, coming towards her with one arm outstretched. 'Don't worry so- I've got everything under control.'

'Don't worry so?' she demanded, fighting to keep from yelling. 'Your cousin is passing into the hands of the Dark God, we're standing amongst the dead, chatting, in an enemy fortress and you tell me not to worry?'

'Keep your voice down Kel!' Neal hissed, looking around cautiously.

'I thought you said you had everything under control!'

'I have. Stop making a fuss.'

Kel muttered under her breath something that sounded to the effect of-  "me being the one making a fuss? What about him?" Neal gave her a half-hearted glare.

'Get him on the stretcher,' Neal ordered the men. If the situation hadn't been what it was, Kel would have sniggered at the idea of Neal as leader. But Dom's squad followed his command without hesitation and produced a portable stretcher, seemingly out of nowhere, and hurriedly began to fit it together.

Neal began to walk away; Kel dashed after him and grabbed his arm, pulling him round to face her.

'You're going to just carry him out on a stretcher?' she hissed. 'Neal, have you seen how this place is guarded? And for that matter, how did you lot get in?'

'There's no time for explanations now, Kel. Yes, I've seen the guards around here. And I've also seen that they're not all that smart and, more to the point, they're afraid of magic.'

'I know all about that...' she muttered.

'What?'

'Never mind,' she sighed.

'Anyway,' Neal continued, frowning at her, 'they hate magic; I'm a mage. Simple, really.'

'Neal, that doesn't explain anything.'

He sighed, a ghost of a smile on his face. 'Your head really isn't working today, is it?' He went to rap his knuckles on her forehead but she grabbed his wrist.

'In case you hadn't noticed, I've been going through a lot of late, and I'm very tired, Neal. Don't push me.'

The male knight frowned, looking at his younger friend with concern. Finally, he explained, 'I'll create...  distractions to scare the guards while we sneak out, protected by a magical shield of mine. They won't be able to see us and we'll be able to carry Dom out without any more harm coming to him.'

'What about the other men? Those that aren't from Dom's squad? They're not all here for Dom, are they?'

'They've worked closely with either Dom or you or me before and said they had nothing better to do. Dom's a respected sergeant. And now Kel, although you know how much I love to chat with you, we must get going before the plan backfires.' Neal placed his hand on Kel's shoulder lightly and went to spin her around to walk beside him, but she stopped him.

'Full points for your thinking Neal,' Kel said. 'But you might want to work on your timing.'

'What?' he asked, frowning.

Kel nodded behind him; he looked that way and blanched. A group of Copper Isles guards stood in the gateway, bearing both weapons and malicious grins.

Neal swore. 'Quick, we'll take the other gate out- tell the men.'

'Neal-'

'Don't argue Kel! Go!' Kel sighed and complied, all the while wondering how Neal expected them to get away without the Islanders following.

She rushed to the King's Own. 'Is Dom ready? We need to leave now. We're taking the back way out. Follow me.'

Dom was picked up on his stretcher and they quickly followed behind Kel, drawing their own blades as they moved. Kel glanced at Dom. He was still unconscious and very pale. She held the gate open for the men with the stretcher to come through and looked back at Neal.

He was standing with his arms outstretched, fire dancing around his hands. She could hear him shouting something about summoning his minions if the men came any closer; one Copper Islander took a half-step forward and an assortment of creatures appeared around Neal. Kel knew the lions, pumas, hyenas, wolves and eagles were only illusions, made to look twice as large and twice as scary by the power of Neal's Gift, but she guessed the Islander's probably didn't. And if they did, they were so scared by magic, they were probably more terrified knowing than thinking the creatures were real! Kel had to smile; Neal knew his stuff.

Neal said some more threats, made the magical beasts roar some more and soon the men rushed off. A pause; then the creatures disappeared with wisps of green and Neal joined Kel at a run.

'Right, that's sorted out then,' he said with a tight grin. 'Next bit.' He called the men together. 'We need to stick together for this to work. If we break up, so will the spell. I'm going to create another illusion so that we won't be seen. However, we will be heard so keep your mouths shut. Understand?'

Neal's words were confirmed by nods all around. He set to work, mumbling a few words under his breath. When he had finished- and the green light streaming from his hands had created a bubble around their group- he looked at Kel.

'I thought you didn't usually use words,' she commented.

Neal shrugged. 'We're a large group, and it'll hopefully make the spell stronger.'

Kel shrugged in return. 'You're the mage. Let's get going. Have you got a boat ready?'

'Ready and waiting. Men, to the ship!' Neal flung an arm into the air dramatically and the men shook their heads, setting off to the harbour.

Luckily, they managed to sneak out without any more mishaps and made it all the way down to their boat without having to shed Neal's protective invisibility spell. Quickly and efficiently, the men slunk onto the ship. They covered the stretcher to try and make it seem less suspicious and took Dom straight below deck. Neal rushed to the captain- an old friend of his family's- in order to get away from harbour as soon as possible.

Kel was hanging around, waiting, when Neal came to her side. His face was grim.

'What is it?' she asked, leaping immediately to his side.

Neal sighed. 'Captain Morgan can get the boat sailing straight away but it's not going to be easy. There's hardly a wind and in the cramped harbour he can't hope to get the vessel out by manual rowing. He'll try, but he reckons that once we get out onto the open water of the Emerald Ocean it'll be harder still.'

Kel bit her lip and fought the sudden, overpowering urge to cry. She swallowed the rising lump in her throat. 'Well, as long as he tries his best, that's all we can hope for.'

Neal nodded. 'That's what I told him, in so many words.' He put his hand on her shoulder. 'Kel-'

'Neal, don't. Thanks, but don't.' She shrugged his firm grip away and turned, placing both her hands on the bulwark for support. Gods, she had never felt so terrible in all her life! She felt torn apart, splintered into a thousand little pieces, each small enough to pass through the eye of a needle. And this, this was the only way she had come to accept her love for Dom! Could she only love him when her soul was shattered by emotional turmoil? Could she only love him in pieces?

Gods, she hoped not. But she would never know if- after all this was over- she didn't give them a chance.

Neal sighed, bringing Kel back to her surroundings. She turned her head slightly, catching his worried and crestfallen face out of the corner of her eye.

'I'm going down to check over Dom.'

Kel said nothing as he walked away, not trusting herself to speak. Once he was gone, she let the determined set of her shoulders droop and become limp. Her limbs shook slightly and she sunk down on the deck, pressing her back against the solid bulwark of the waist.

Kel had no idea how long she gazed unseeing at the sky and the unfurled, barely flickering sails. She only came back to her senses when she heard footsteps approaching her. She looked up, assuming it was just another sailor. It wasn't- it was Neal.

Neal crouched down next to her and ran his hands through his hair, casting his eyes around. Kel knew Neal, and knew his behaviour meant something was wrong. Suddenly remembering he had been going to see Dom, the colour drained from her face faster than an arrow leaving Daine's bow and she felt violently sick.

'Kel, I'm worried about Dom. I can do some healing to make him comfortable but a lot I can't do until we're on steady land.'

Kel glanced up at the sails; they were still hardly registering a breeze at all. Every one of the ship's sails had been unfurled in a desperate hope to catch what little wind there was. 'At this rate it could be days before that happens,' she said, her voice unfaltering.

'I know,' sighed Neal. He hesitated. 'Kel, I can... I can try and perform a spell a weather witch taught me. It's designed to make the wind reach our sails. Merchants use it.'

'But?' she asked, knowing there had to be a downside.

Neal chewed his lip momentarily. 'For all my efforts, I might not be able to do it. I'm not a weather mage, I'm a healer. I surpassed myself with those illusions, and that's only come from close work with Master Salmalín and Lady Alanna. It might go wrong.'

Kel sighed and closed her eyes. Why could nothing ever be easy? 'What if it goes wrong?' she asked.

Neal shrugged. 'Who knows? One shouldn't abuse the Gifts of the Gods, and neither should one play with the elements.'

Kel rubbed her forehead, pinching the bridge of her nose. Eventually, she looked her friend straight into his emerald eyes. 'Neal, its your choice. You are the mage. It's your risk. I will not disapprove of you if you decide not to do it, and I will not hold you to blame if it goes wrong. It's your decision.'

He set his jaw determinedly and a slight sparkle returned to his eyes. Kel knew then that he would try anything to help her and Dom.

'Good luck,' she whispered, tugging his right earlobe before getting to her feet and making her way towards the helm. She would watch him, then go down below to Dom.

Neal made his own way in the opposite direction and only stopped when he reached the farthest point of the prow. He closed his eyes and held his arms out, his cloak gently billowing around him now and then. He looked every bit the stereotypical mage.

The Captain came to Kel's side. He joined her and the helmsman in staring avidly at Neal.

'What's he up to?' the Captain asked.

'He's trying to catch the wind and drag it to the sails.'

The Captain paled. 'Is that wise? I know the boy, he's not a weather mage.'

Kel set her jaw, just like her friend had a few moments beforehand. 'Neal would not risk his life- or the lives of others- needlessly. If he felt incapable of completing this, he wouldn't have started.'

The Captain sucked a noisy breath in through his nostrils and puffed his chest out. 'Of course miss. I don't doubt the lad's ability at all.'

Kel nodded, and neither said anything as they watched. To them, not much seemed to happen. Sometimes Kel fancied she saw green sparks flicker around Neal but that was all. She began to worry after nearly three quarters of a full hour had passed and there had been no change either in the wind or in Neal's posture.

Then eventually, the sail's suddenly bloomed and filled with air. Impulsively, the sailors began shouting, cheering and leaping about, energy filling their souls as suddenly as the wind filling their sails.

Kel looked to Neal. He hadn't turned around yet, but his hands clutched tightly to the boat's side and his frame shook. Frowning, Kel quickly made her way to his side.

'Neal?'

He beamed at her. 'I did it Kel.'

'But at what price? Look at you- you're shaking like a leaf!' She slung his arm over her shoulders, supporting his weight with her own body. 'Are you all right?'

'I'll be fine in a moment. It just took more out of me than I expected, that's all.'

Kel helped him down into the waist of the ship, then slowly towards the stern. The Captain rushed down to help her.

'Well done, lad!' he congratulated Neal. 'Always knew you could do it. Here, come into my cabin.'

Kel nodded in thanks as Captain Morgan helped her put the exhausted Neal into a seat. As he left, Kel sent for some tea to help revive her friend. Neal put his head against the back of the chair and closed his eyes with a sigh.

'I'll go and examine Dom probably in a minute,' he mumbled.

'Not yet,' replied Kel firmly. 'Not until you can walk by yourself at least.'

'Oh Kel, don't fret so- I'm fine.'

Kel snorted inelegantly. 'And I'm the Queen of Galla. That weather spell has drained you, Neal and don't try to convince me otherwise.'

'Fine, Mother.'

Just then one of the men brought a tray in. He put it down on the desk and bowed himself out. Kel got up, and added some herbs to the tea. She left it to stew a moment, looking at the other gifts on the tray.

'Neal, perhaps you should eat something. There's some biscuits here, some bread and some cheese.'

He groaned and mumbled, 'Be a dear and make us a cheese sandwich, Kel.'

Kel rolled her eyes but knew it was the least she could do. She slapped two chunks of buttered bread together with plenty of cheese between them. Neal bit eagerly into the food as she poured him some of the tea. She hoped both the food and the herbs would give him back some of his spent energy.

Luckily, Kel's thoughts proved correct and Neal was soon better. Together they left the Captain's cabin and went below to Dom. Kel stood just inside the door while she watched her friend re-examine her lover.

It was painful torture for Kel. She felt as if someone had reached inside her chest and held a tight grip on her heart while she waited, every now and then twisting or squeezing.

Eventually, Neal turned to her. He took one look at her anxious face and sighed. How could he tell her? Dom was in bad shape.

'Its nothing I can't handle,' he started finally. The effect those words had on Kel was astounding: she looked like she would break down with relief. Neal waited for her to gratefully take a seat opposite him before continuing. 'As you thought, his right leg's broken. He's also sprained his left ankle and torn ligaments in his elbow, here-' Neal traced a cool finger down Dom's left arm. 'The bump and cut on his head is nothing to worry about luckily. Like you told me, his back has been whipped repeatedly. It's terribly sore. I'll have to help with the pain and aid new skin to grow over the wounds but he'll have scars. The arrow wound behind his left shoulder- which I believed started all this off- has become infected, but we've caught it in time to control the infection. He's also cracked three ribs, broken a thumb and two fingers. Plus he is suffering from a general lack of food, water and exercise. And he really needs a bath.'

Kel stared at Neal, stunned beyond speaking. Vaguely she felt a traitor tear slip down her cheek. 'But will he be ok?' she eventually managed.

'Yes,' Neal replied firmly. 'He's not in good shape but I can help him. I'm going to give Dom a general boost now, and try to reduce the pain. I'll give him energy too, so he can begin to heal naturally. Then I think I'll eliminate the infection. There's no point me healing his wounds and setting his fractures if his body becomes riddled with corruption. That'll take a lot out of me, but it needs to be done sooner rather than later. I'll also try and set the fractures and splint them, and roughly bandage his wounds. However, I might have some trouble setting the breaks if they're bad. I might need manual help, or I might even have to wait until we get onto steady land.'

Neal reached across Dom and took Kel's hand, squeezing it gently. 'Don't worry. I'll be able to help him. It just might take time, that's all. The greatest risk is the infection. Once we get rid of that, I'm sure everything will be fine.'

Kel nodded, breathing deeply. She trusted Neal, she had to.

There was a loud rapping on the door.

Glancing at Kel, Neal called out, 'Come in.'

It was the Captain. 'Sorry to interrupt lad but I just wanted to discuss the journey. Where in Tortall would you like to land, Sir Neal?'

Neal pursed his lips together, thinking. 'Where's quickest?'

'Well due to the direction and strength of the winds and currents, the quickest course will take us a few days ride south of Port Legann,' replied Captain Morgan.

Neal and Kel looked at each other.

'Go for it,' Kel said. Neal nodded in agreement; the Captain left.

Kel took a deep, shuddering breath and held Dom's hand between both of hers for a moment, watching his pale face. Finally she let it drop again, and rose.

'I'll leave you to work, then Neal. Just don't overreach yourself.' She made for the door. Just before leaving, she looked back over her shoulder at the cousins. 'Oh, and Neal? Thank you.'

Neal grinned. 'I haven't done anything yet.'

Kel smiled. 'Oh, but you have.' And with that she walked out, quietly shutting the door behind her.

~

'So you came anyway?'

Neal nodded at Kel. 'What did you expect me to do- leave you?' He eyed the untouched plate of food Kel had pushed aside. 'You going to eat that?' he murmured. Kel shook her head and handed him the plate; he began to greedily shovel food into his mouth.

'Anyway, Father would probably see this as wonderful experience and a test of my healing abilities.'

Kel wrapped her fingers around her elbows and stared glumly into the main campfire near them. It was their first night home on Tortallan soil, and she was longing to speak with Dom. She didn't even know if he was awake! If he was, he was probably exhausted and in too much pain to want to talk to her. Although Neal had just spent another few hours healing him…

Kel sneaked a glance at Neal. She was worried about him. His skin looked nearly grey and decidedly clammy. He seemed to have gained lines on his face that hadn't been there before, making him look older than just twenty-five.

Neal caught Kel watching him and grinned before throwing the last forkful of food into his mouth.

'How many times do I have to tell you not to worry, Kel?' he said between chews. Pausing, he swallowed the mouthful and, with a grateful sigh, stretched himself out. 'And if you insist on worrying about someone, don't worry about me.'

Kel grimaced. 'How is he, anyway?'

Neal ran his tongue over his lips, relishing the last taste of Kel's supper. 'Better, and on the mend. The fracture in his leg wasn't quite as bad as I expected and I managed to set it easily. I've knitted the bones together but it'll still be sore for some while yet. Dom will need to wear a splint for a couple of days and will need to rest a lot.

'I've seen to the cut on his head; as I said before, it was only small. I've done some more work on his back but I'm going to have to treat that daily. I'm helping fresh skin grow over the wounds and I need to keep an eye out for infection. I successfully removed the infection from his shoulder on the boat- there's no sign of it now- but he'll still need to wear his arm in a sling for some while yet as he gradually regains movement.

'I've begun to knit the other broken bones- his ribs, thumb and fingers. I think the end of one of his fingers is permanently going to lie at an odd angle, but there's nothing I can do about that. He was lucky- the broken ribs didn't damage his organs or any other internal structures.

'Finally, I've dulled the pain from all his muscular injuries- mainly his torn ligaments. Oh, and he needs to take some concoction every three hours to help him regain energy and strength. But he's in my good hands now Kel, he'll be fine.'

Kel sighed. 'Thank you, Neal. I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you.'

'You don't need to Kel. I just wish I could do more.'

'More?' she echoed incredulously.

'Yes, more. Like be able to take all the pain away and heal him immediately. But there's only so much I can do.'

'And we're all very grateful to what you can do,' interrupted a man from Dom's squad. Kel and Neal smiled.

The healer yawned. 'Anyway, he's well on the way to a swift recovery. But-' he added, raising his voice and looking around at everyone- 'with the illusions, the weather spell and all this healing I'm near enough tapped dry. So you all better be extra careful until I'm back to full potential.' A couple of men chuckled nervously.

'Can I go and see him Neal?' Kel asked quietly.

He looked up, surprised. 'Of course! I can't guarantee that he'll be awake but feel free to go sit with him. If he does wake up and he wants food, he can have some herbal broth.'

Kel screwed up her nose as she began to walk towards Dom's tent. 'That's mean Neal.'

'I don't want him eating rich or heavy food and then throwing it all back up again!' he cried as she pulled the flap of the tent shut behind her, closing the world out. She had to wonder exactly when Neal had become such a competent, thorough healer.

Kel was anxious to make sure Dom was unhurt- all Neal's reassurances would do nothing until she saw proof with her own eyes. Her heart hammered heavily in her breast, and she licked moisture onto her suddenly dry lips. Her thoughts spun wildly through her mind.

As Neal had pre-warned, Dom lay asleep. Moving to his side, Kel noticed how calm he looked- like he was oblivious to the torture his body and mind had gone through. Fleetingly, she wondered how she appeared when she slept.

Settling herself in a chair, Kel took Dom's hand in her own as she had done so before when talking with Neal, and studied the Sergeant.

A number of his body parts were bandaged and she could see the rigid outline of the splint on his leg under the bedclothes. He didn't look as wan, or drawn as before. Kel sighed and rubbed her eyes.

'Kel,' whispered a hoarse voice. There was an element of surprise in that tone. Kel's eyes snapped open and met Dom's- with a touch of their old sparkle back in, she was relieved to see.

'Dom,' she breathed. He was not only alive, healing and out of the Copper Isles- he was awake and talking to her!

'Yeah, that's me,' he gave her a weak grin and squeezed her hand. But it was his left hand and Kel was appalled to feel how weak it was. He grimaced, stifling a groan of pain, and momentarily turned his head away. When he had mastered the pain that shot through his arm at his feeble attempts to use his damaged muscles, he looked over himself.

'So Meathead does come in handy for some things.'

Taking his lead, she teased, 'You mean Sir Meathead.' She smiled at him, needing to jest with him to relieve all the tension and emotions she felt. Her heart was beating furiously and her skin felt clammy.

He grinned. 'Forgive me for my lapse in manners.' His words deteriorated into hoarse coughs that wracked his body.

Kel was aghast, not knowing what do to. But his coughs quickly stopped and he settled back with a sigh.

'Would you like some water, Dom?'

'Please,' he whispered. She nodded, and left the tent. Going to the larger tent used to store supplies, she filled a pitcher with cold water, trying to convince herself that her hands weren't really shaking violently.

She knew there and then that upon returning to Dom, she had to confess her true feelings. She would not be happy until she had; she would not be at peace.

Kel returned with the water and helped Dom into a sitting position. Then, supporting Dom's head, managed to help drizzle a good amount down his throat.

'Aah- that's better,' he commented afterwards, his voice sounding a little better. 'Thankyou Kel.' They watched each other for a moment, happy in the silence enfolding them. Finally Dom sighed. 'Kel, I wish I could hold you, even for just a moment.'

She frowned. 'You can, Dom.'

'How can I when I can barely move without pain shooting through some part of my body?'

She tried to think of a solution, remembering the pain evident on his face when she had helped him sit up. 'Well, I can sit closer to you if that's any commiseration.'

He smiled. 'Come sit on the edge of the bed and hold my hand, please? Until I am well again I can't do much more.'

She perched on the edge of the bed, thinking how an outsider might view Dom's request as pathetic. She took his hand and clasped it as firmly as she dared, then reached up to gently brush his hair away from his face.

Dom ran his right hand over the lower half of his face. 'Gods above, I need a shave!'

Kel grinned broadly. 'I have to admit Dom, a beard does not suit you.'

A look of disgust graced his features. 'When you go, tell Neal he's to shave me immediately. I'm not staying in this awful state any longer than I can help it.'

'You're sounding much more like yourself,' Kel said quietly.

Again, he feebly tried to squeeze her hand. 'That's because you're here.'

'Dom, about us-'

'Kel,' he cut off. 'Thank you.'

'For what?'

'Thank you for keeping your word. Thank you for getting me out of there. Thank you for not letting me die.'

Kel looked at him, horrified, too stunned to know what to say. 'Dom,' she began eventually. 'How can you say such things? Of course I wouldn't let you die in there! You couldn't seriously believe...?'

She stopped and studied his eyes. His eyes betrayed his soul to her at that moment, lay him open to her. The pain, the shame; the determination to keep silent, yet at the same time the obvious hopelessness of the situation.

'I always trusted you, Kel- always believed in you. But you're only human and you can't change the will of the Gods,' Dom said softly.

'I wouldn't let the Gods keep me from you,' she said in a sudden rush of emotion before she had thought her words over.

Their eyes locked and a wealth of knowledge and understanding passed between them. Then she was leaning towards him and they were gradually coming closer and closer. Their fingers entwined tighter, and she could feel his warm breath on her face...

There was a sudden rush of air as the tent flap was opened. 'I was asked to-- oh, sorry, Sergeant.' The man disappeared as quickly as he had come. Dom sunk back against his pillows and made a disgusted noise at their interrupter.

Kel had turned bright crimson with embarrassment. Her eyes darted everywhere. She wanted to tell Dom so much how she loved him but the moment was gone. The atmosphere had been ruined and she could think of nothing to say.

'I'd better leave you to rest, Dom,' she said, standing up. 'Neal wants you to get plenty of sleep.'

'Kel, you don't have to go-'

'It's all right, Dom. I need to check on Neal, anyway. And give him your message.' They both smiled. 'Just concentrate on getting better,' she added quietly, giving his hand one last squeeze before leaving. Closing the tent flap, she just made out Dom's weary sigh.

~

Two days later, they were leaving camp. Dom, still having trouble with movement, was unable to ride yet but Neal felt they were too exposed where they were. Neal had continued his job as leader of the little troop, and he was worried they would not be able to protect themselves if attacked. He wanted them to get to Port Legann as quickly as possible.  Once there, he would be quite willing to let one of the men ride back to Corus to let Lord Raoul know what had become of them all. Against the mens' protests, Neal would not let a messenger go now. To lose one man, he said, might not seem that disadvantageous until they were caught by a group of fighters larger than themselves, but which could have easily been defeated with the help of that one man they had sent off. A few days delay would make no difference.

And so they set off, Dom carried on a weird stretcher constructed between two gentle horses. Clean-shaven, bathed and in fresh clothes, he was beginning to feel generally better.

Kel smiled at the memory of Neal's face when she passed on Dom's request.

'As if rescuing him, saving him, healing him and washing him isn't enough, he now wants me to shave him as well?' he had cried. 'Who does he think I am? His mother?' But Kel had smiled, knowing Neal was just being his usual over-energetic self. But the shock on his face was a priceless memory.

The sun was warm as they travelled and they stopped often. Even though he was being carried, Dom tired easily. Neal also wanted to regularly check his cousin's wounds, in case the journey re-opened any injuries. Due to the dust kicked up by the horses, Neal decided at midday that Dom's bandages all needed re-doing, which doubled the expected time for lunch.

The men of the King's Own were unused to this slow, stop-start way of travelling, but complained in no form. After all, they could see just how much it was benefiting their Sergeant. And it was true. After a couple of days, it became evident that Neal's efforts were paying off. Dom was getting better by leaps and bounds. It was taking nearly twice as long to reach Port Legann as expected, but everyone felt the longer journey was worth it.

Kel was both relieved and immensely joyous to see the improvements in Dom's condition. But her mind kept dwelling on their conversation in his tent and how they had come so close to kissing. She wished she had told him then that she loved him, regardless of the situation. She wished she had kissed him, regardless of their interruption. It seemed almost to have set back their relationship again. Almost as if a stepping stone had suddenly disappeared, leaving her teetering on the edge and she had to make a leap to safety.

But it wasn't as easy as just jumping. If one stepping stone vanished, so could the next and then she wouldn't be safe, she'd have fallen straight into the cold water. So she hesitated, and chased the thoughts round and round her mind. She slept fitfully and worried that some intervention would stop her ever telling Dom.

She couldn't go on like this. She knew she loved him, and she knew he reciprocated. It had taken her so long to admit her feelings to herself; would it be the same telling him?

~

They were only a day away from Port Legann. The morning was early, and dew hung in the air. Kel shivered as she crawled out of her tent and made her way down to the nearby stream to wash her face.

But someone had beaten her to it. Kel smiled at the shirtless Dom before her. He was gasping at the icy coldness of the water.

'Is it that cold, Dom?' she teased.

He whipped around, and smiled when he saw her. 'Kel! Yes, it is that cold.'

'Nice to see you up and about,' she commented, coming to his side and kneeling. Dipping her hands in the stream, her eyebrows shot up. 'That is cold.' However, she splashed the water generously onto her face and ran her wet fingers over her neck and forearms.

Smiling, Dom passed her his towel. 'Yeah, I'm feeling so much better. Neal said the brace could come off my leg today and I can start taking my arm out of its sling for intervals.'

'That's really good, Dom,' replied Kel, with a genuine smile. 'Look, Dom, there's something I want to tell you.' She paused; he raised his eyebrows. 'I love you.'

He smiled. 'I know.'

Unhearing, Kel rushed on. 'I've wanted to tell you for so long now but-' his words caught up with her- 'you know?'

'I've known for a while now, Kel. But thank you for telling me. Its so very different from knowing it and hearing it from your own lips.'

She smiled at him. 'Thanks.'

'And I love you too.'

'I knew that,' she teased, reaching for him. He lent over and kissed her, and she kissed back, feeling the passion deep within her bloom at his touch.

'Hey, lovebirds!'

Dom and Kel pulled apart and looked up. Neal was standing at the edge of the clearing, hands on hips.

'Hurry up!' he cried. 'Or we'll leave you behind!'

Neal disappeared and Kel smiled at her lover. He kissed her again, quickly and sweetly. Then she helped him to his feet and they walked slowly back to the disintegrating camp, hand in hand.

~

A group of twenty-three warriors rode into Port Legann on the early wings of night. They were all tired, and in dire need of food and warm beds. Led by a young, green-eyed healer, they made their way to the first large resting house, rented out rooms for the night and promptly fell asleep.

Morning came and woke the sleepy warriors.

Neal wasted no time. While he saw to Dom (who still needed daily work on certain of his injuries), he sent one of the men to Lord Imrah, to explain everything that had happened. The man soon returned. Lord Imrah found the story incredulous and wanted to hear it from Neal and Kel themselves. He warmly opened his home to them.

So the troop moved to the fort slightly higher than the rest of the port. While Dom slept, Neal and Kel related the story to Lord Imrah.

'And how is Dom now?' Imrah asked, when they had finally finished.

'Much better,' replied Neal. 'We took his leg out of the splint yesterday and he can walk on it- although he does have a slight limp. His left shoulder and arm is probably the worst at the moment but he's got a great deal of movement back in it now. I still need to treat him daily and redo his dressings for his whippings at least once a day.'

'What does that involve?'

'Oh, I have a special salve that I rub into his wounds after bathing them. Then I just put clean bandages on him.'

Lord Imrah shook his head. 'Your parents will be so proud of the both of you,' he muttered, for all as if they were ten year olds. 'But silly me! Here I am chatting and you must be exhausted! Off to bed with you both now!'

'But your Grace,' protested Neal. 'It's only midday! Let me at least take a walk beforehand!'

'Do what you like, Sir Neal,' replied Lord Imrah. 'But I can see Keladry is dead on her feet.'

Kel smiled distantly. She was so tired she felt like she would sink to the floor at any moment. Vaguely, she felt a maid take her arm and show her the way to her guest room. There, Kel kicked off her boots, removed her belt, curled up on the bed and- believing that at last they were safe- fell immediately deep asleep.

She didn't wake until late that evening and she felt greatly refreshed. But she was hungry. Forgetting her boots, Kel padded out into the corridor, glancing to her left and right.  Just as she thought the way was clear, someone came around the corner, nearly losing his or her balance. Their arms were full of something…

Kel frowned, then recognised the figure and the limp: Dom.

'Dom,' she hissed. He jumped. 'What are you doing?'

'I was hungry,' he replied, holding up a large bread bun. 'So I went and got some food. Do you want to join me?'

Kel slipped down the passage and followed Dom into his room. He dumped the food on his desk and fumbled with lighting the candle.

Following him through the darkness, Kel tripped on the rug. Caught unawares, she lost her balance. Luckily, Dom caught her in his arms. He helped her to a secure standing position but didn't let go of her. They chuckled in the dark.

Suddenly his lips found hers and she kissed back with all the love she felt for him. Her fingers entwined in his hair; his hands roamed her body. Impatiently, Kel tugged at his shirt, pulling it out of the waistband of his breeches.

He broke away from her reluctantly. 'Kel-'

'Don't talk Dom,' she whispered. 'Just love me tonight.'

'If you're sure you're ready?'

'Gods, this should have happened between us ages ago, Dom,' she answered.

'I know, love, I know,' he replied, kissing her forehead, her nose, her jaw. They stumbled towards the bed, yanking at clothes.

'Gods, I love you so much Dom.'

'I love you too, heart.'

Their endearments disappeared into the night as they showed each other their love.

~

Kel stood on the edge of the harbour wall, staring out to sea. The world was grey around her, and the wind tugged ferociously at her clothes and hair.

She was confused and had been from the moment she had woken. That was why she had crept out of Dom's bed, dressed and walked through Port Legann. She had ended up here, trying to unmuddle her thoughts to come to a conclusion.

She had spent the most wonderful night with Dom. They had made love slowly, sensually, and laid in each other's arms for the rest of the night. She had no regrets what so ever- indeed she had enjoyed it. But she was confused as to what this meant to their relationship. Yes, they loved each other, and they both knew this. But still, they had taken a leap last night; would they be able to hold their footing now?

The sun was beginning to rise, sending pink fingers through the grey behind the fort above Port Legann. It was starting to rain, too- a little drizzle whipped by the wind.

'Kel?'

Startled, Kel turned. Dom was standing a short distance away, his hair tousled and a frown on his face.

'Are you all right?'

Kel hesitated. 'Yes, I'm fine,' she said finally. He came to her side. 'How did you find me?' she asked incredulously.

Dom smiled. 'I could find you anywhere. I would travel leagues to find you.' She smiled back as he ran the back of his hand down her face. 'Why did you leave? Are you... upset about last night?'

'No. I just... I just didn't know where I stood anymore. I didn't know what effect this had on our relationship. I was confused and worried and needed to be alone, to think.'

'And?' he asked. 'Now you've had time to think?'

Kel shrugged. 'I still don't really know. I know one thing though.'

'Oh, what's that?'

She smiled. 'I love you more than life itself- you are life.'

Taking her in his arms, Dom kissed her sweetly. When they broke apart, he pulled back to look in her eyes and said, 'Kel, marry me.'

Somewhere, deep within her, she had known this would happen. She turned to stare out at the rolling waves once more, thinking how much they were like her conflicting emotions.

'Dom, I long to say "yes". I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my days by your side.'

'But?' he whispered, his voice nearly giving away his fear and anxiety.

'But I have to look at the practical side too. I love you dearly with all my heart, but we can't exist solely on love.'

'We could try,' he put in helpfully.

She smiled. 'How will we get by when you're forced to leave the Own? They don't accept married men in their ranks and I barely get any money for my work. How will we bring money into our home? What happens when we want children? I wish I didn't have to think like this but I can't help it.' Kel sighed. 'If there's no way for us to finance our married life, I would rather ruin my reputation and live with you unmarried so that you can keep you job with the Own.'

He smiled, albeit weakly. 'Thank you Kel for being prepared to sacrifice that for us. However, I would give up my job long before you could ruin your reputation.'

He was being romantic and brave, but Kel could tell he was really crestfallen. She knew he understood, but she knew that didn't help him deal with the rejection either.

She grabbed his shirt. 'Let me think about it while we travel home. As soon as we enter Corus I'll give you a definite answer. Deal?'

Dom beamed. 'Deal. I love your practicality.' The sun burst the sky into colour as they kissed but the rain and wind still hung in the air.

~

They were riding hard. All of them- Kel, Dom, Neal and the Own- couldn't wait to be home in Corus again. Especially Kel and Dom after their whole ordeal. Hopefully, they could sort their relationship out and settle down and leave this behind them. Kel knew Dom would always be affected by his time locked away; she had spent some nights on their journey comforting him after he had woken from torturing demons of the night.

Dom was unbelievably better now. His leg and arm still gave him occasional trouble- and he still limped- but he was more or less the old Dom. But his back was still being treated daily by Neal and riding tired him quickly.

Neal was tired too. He had infuriated Kel when she found out that while they were supposed to be resting during their two day stop at Port Legann, Neal had been using the little of his Gift he had recuperated. He had been treating some of Lord Imrah's people. Kel was also furious that Imrah hadn't stopped Neal. Over their whole "adventure" Neal had been using his Gift too much without giving it a chance to recover. Plus, he was still treating Dom daily and shielding their camp by night. He was worn to the very barest of his Gift and energy resources.

The men of the King's Own were as ready as ever, just lacking a true leader. Leadership fell down to Kel, Neal or Dom and neither of the three felt like making heavy decisions. They were also two men short: two quick riders had been dispatched while the others rested in Port Legann to let the palace hear of their success. It was hoped Raoul would ride out to meet them.

Kel was emotionally and physically tired again. She longed more than anything to spend a few weeks in the Yamani Isles, where life was so calm and straight forward. But she also wanted to see Corus again- her home- and spend time with Dom- her lover.

They were only half a day away from that home: by evening they would be riding through the gates of the Royal palace of Tortall.

They rode over the crown of a hill, then followed the meandering path through a valley. The path was narrow, and they were forced to ride in single file. On their right was a steep, rocky hill; on their right was a thick forest.

Kel shifted uncomfortably atop her horse. Her eyes darted from side to side, and her hand tightened around the hilt of Griffin. She didn't like this...

Suddenly, there was the sound of inhumane war cries from the forest. Bandits crashed through the vegetation and leapt at the riders. Kel's horse whinnied and tried to throw her off; she gritted her teeth, and turned her mount. The cry of metal as Kel drew Griffin reverberated through the valley.

~

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

~Fyre Thief.