Before questioning Kel further about the spell he had just seen, Raoul went to see if it had done anything for Dom.
Passing by Solan, Raoul noticed that his breathing had regulated and color had returned to his flesh. Pleased that the priest recovered from whatever it was he had done, Raoul finished the short walk to Dom.
Raoul reached Dom, nervous about what he might, or might not, find. Apprehensively, he bent down to investigate the fallen solider.
His trepidation rising, Raoul forced himself to study Dom harder. At first, no sign of breath could be seen, Dom's chest was not rising, and his mouth was hanging slack. Discontented with this evaluation, Raoul grabbed his sergeant's wrist.
There! After a few moments, Raoul felt a weak pulse. It was slow and sluggish, but it did exist. Following this discovery, Raoul placed an ear to Dom's torso, and held his breath.
Gradually, Raoul heard a muted and slightly irregular thump. Finally exhaling, delight filled Raoul, it seemed his friend still lived! His heartbeat slowly grew, and once Raoul was satisfied that it would continue to strengthen, he walked back over to Kel.
The hopeful, yearning look in Kel's eyes almost knocked Raoul back a step, its intensity was that fierce. Smiling, Raoul answered her unspoken question, "He's still alive."
A large smile broke out over Kel's features, and with surprising agility she jumped up and gave Raoul a hug, before making her way to Dom.
As he watched Kel take a seat on the ground at Dom's side, Raoul shook his head in disbelief. How did I manage to miss this? He looked at Kel, seated by Dom with his hand pressed to her cheek, I'm not sure how, but the truth is, I did.
-
After getting Kel and the newly awaked Dom and Solan back to the fort, Raoul let Neal check the first two over. When Neal voiced his concern over Solan's condition, Raoul told him that he would see to it, and that he and Solan had something pressing to talk about, now.
Seeing that Raoul would book no arguments, Neal nodded consent, and took his two new patients away.
-
Gently, Raoul supported the still frail Mithran to his quarters. Once there, the knight Commander helped him to sit up on one corner of the bed and then went to go get him some food.
Upon his return, Raoul set the food down next to Solan and said, "You want to explain to me what all that…" Raoul paused, as though looking for the right words, "stuff… was about?"
Slowly, Solan raised his head and looked Raoul straight in the eye, "No."
The absolute refusal in Solan's tone startled Raoul, but it made him all the more compelled to chase the seemingly elusive answer. Leisurely, Raoul helped himself to some of the food on the tray between him and Solan.
Warily, Solan watched Raoul through half-closed eyes as the knight sat there and did nothing more than chew his food. As the silence mounted, Solan grew increasingly uncomfortable.
Although Raoul had asked no more of him, Solan almost unconsciously repeated, "No."
"Hmm?" Raoul asked, as though he didn't understand what Solan was talking about. Still moving at a relaxed pace, Raoul got up to wash his face, using the basin standing in a corner.
As he gently scrubbed his face and neck, Raoul heard Solan behind him rustling and stirring up the bed clothes. Unhurriedly, he ran a clean cloth over his head to dry it, then turned back to Solan.
Solan had his face covered by his hands, but after a minute he lifted his face from behind the cover of his fingers. With a tinge of remorse in his voice he said, "Fine, I'll tell you."
A fleeting smile crossed Raoul's features as he walked over to sit beside Solan again. "I knew you would," he whispered.
All Solan did was nod his head.
-
Placing her tray on the table, Kel ran her hand through her hair before taking a seat. The dinner in front of her, her first food since the battle of day before, looked to Kel like the most succulent feast ever prepared.
Before eating her food though, Kel snuck one look at Dom, seated three tables away. Although she longed to have him sitting beside her, after they had talked about it with Neal, they decided that it would be best if no one yet found out about what had happened.
With a sigh, Kel returned her gaze to her food. Soon, she would be able to hold hands with Dom, but until then she had to remain patient.
Sticking her fork into a piece of beef, Kel began to eat.
Chapter 14, done. I won't be able to update for a couple of weeks, I'm going on vacation over break, but as soon as I get back and get another chapter written, I will, I promise. It shouldn't be more then two and a half weeks, that at most.
I feel like responding to all my wonderful reviewers, because they are my life-blood on this site. So I shall…
Atlanta Enchanted- Of course he's not dead, I couldn't kill Dom! He's in the title, after all. Thanks, I hope everybody likes it. And thanks for being with my story from the beginning, you've really helped!
Patronus99- Yea, Solan. Even I don't know whether or not to trust him, and I'm the author… I updated, see!
Lady Angelique of mystiqu- Yes I saved him! I had to, I didn't want to upset Kel! Thanks for all the reviews, I'm glad you like the story!
bookworym- I'm glad you think it's interesting. I try! You'll see soon enough!
Swapneshwari- Thanks, and yea, I agree. No one will be able to beat Tammy at her own game. She'll always be the best.
laurashrub- You've caught on to Solan quick, I give you credit for that. Thanks! I'm glad you like, and I want to tell you thanks from being here since the beginning too! I appreciate it, and I'm glad you didn't loose interest.
someone- I'll try. Thanks for reading!
Annmarie Aspasia- I'll try to unconfused you, I promise! I updated! Thanks for always reading! I hope you still like the story!
FanFictionFantom- You'll find out. That's for reading! And, I was thinking, if you want me to do an alternate ending after I finish, and make it K/N, I'll do it, just for you! If you want, that is.
jamie lynn- Thanks, I did, and I will!
I LOVE the Irish- I couldn't kill him. shakes head I hope you like the story so far!
horsiegurl- Thanks, I will!
Redneck Girl- Thanks! I'll try!
phanogyph- Haha, your review made me laugh. I'm glad I satisfied you. I'll try not to kill any main characters in the future, but I can't promise anything. It may be necessary. I'm glad you like so far, and you flatter me with your "TPC1." Thanks!
Steelo- I'm really glad you like my story. And, I'm really grateful that you think I could be an actual author. That made me feel all warm inside. To tell the truth, I'm in the process of writing my own book now, and I hope to get it published when I finish. But thanks for your support, I appreciate it!
Everyone else- Thanks for all the reviews! Much appreciated!
Until I return from vacation!
Sull