Never before had the ride back to Tortall seemed to take such an eternity, thought Kel as she rode on Hoshi. Neal just as impatient by her side. Normally Kel never worried about time or grew irritable but this time she was on her way back to see Domitan, formally sergeant and now commander of the King's Own. Dom had been promoted when Raoul retired to marry Buri.

Finally Kel rode through the gates of Tortall, a great cheer in the crowds lining the street. To them she was a hero that could not fall. She smiled down at them embarrassed. Was this how Lady Alanna felt constantly? Kel thought.

She rode into the palace stables and dismounted and brushed Hoshi. Tobe was sure to be around somewhere. She looked up and there stood Dom, more handsome than ever, his blue eyes glistening mischievously, a hand on his hip. She looked down quickly and continued brushing Hoshi. How long he had been standing there Kel couldn't guess, nor could she as to why he was standing there.

She still had her punishment to fulfil from Lord Wyldon. She was to be in charge of yet another camp for the rest of its time. So far it was looking more like a village everyday and there were many willing people under her command. They all knew the risks she took to bring them back alive and appreciated that aspect of her.

"Well aren't you going to say hello Mother?" he asked her still using the nickname they gave her several months ago.

Kel sighed and laughed despite herself. "Hello Dom, how've you been?" she replied.

"Okay. I am commander now, if you haven't heard. I have a patrol out overseeing the border," he replied somewhat sourly.

"Yes I did hear and congratulations. How do you find it? As good as you thought it would be?"

"Well for one, my heart feels empty!"

"And why's that?" asked Kel, her heart fluttering.

"Hmm well I guess I'll fill you in on it later Lady Kel. Till then let me escort you to your room then onto lunch." He said and held out his arm.

"Since when have you cared to escort me to lunch Dom? What is going on? And isn't this Owen's job? Please don't tell me he's in trouble with my Lord again?"

"No, no don't fret mother. Owen is in my Lord's good books I would just like the pleasure of your company. Things look a lot different when a man grows older. He wants to start thinking of settling down and. . . . . . ."

"Oh really?" replied Kel. Kel shrugged off his arm and walked out the door. I bet he'll ask me to help him look for a wife, she thought as she walked down the corridor towards her room. She walked off, lost in her own malicious thoughts.

"Kel!" came Dom thundering down the hallway after her. "Kel! Please wait!" Kel continued on her way and then decided to see the Chamber Of the Ordeal again. Surely the Chamber wanted her to do something else now or at least talk to her, even if it was just to congratulate her. She reached the doors and just as she was about to set foot inside, a hand grabbed her arm. She half turned to see who it was. It was of course Dom.

He looked a little hurt but very curious and his eyes glowed brightly. He smiled and Kel looked down. She didn't want to do this now. She had too much on her mind and she needed to talk to the Chamber. She should see Iaani, the seer she saved in Scanra in the war not long back. Iaani would know how to help her. Iaani had followed her to the new "village" that Kel was in command of.

Throughout all the time she had known Dom, she'd wish he'd like her in not just a comradely manner. He'd always been thoughtful and he had always looked after her but never cared about her as a lover.

Where was Tobe when she needed him? "At least look at me Kel!" he pleaded. Kel continued to look down, not trusting herself to look at him for it would weaken her newly found wall of strength.

He turned her gently by grabbing hold of her elbows in his massive hands and pulling her his way. Kel allowed herself to be like soft clay, yielding to his touch. Although Kel had trained her body to move at her will, she could not permit herself to do so on this occasion. She wanted him so badly and yet was afraid of him. He lifted her chin up with one massive hand while the other came up to tenderly stroke her face. She was tingly where he touched and secretly wished for him to continue.