Disclaimer: Is this really necessary? Every one knows that it belongs to the great Tamora Pierce, so why do I even bother!

Goddess Usagi – I'm writing as fast as I can without rushing it!

Gwen of Helmsgrove – Sorry about the spelling! blushes That's really embarrassing, because I'm always correcting others! Thanks for pointing the problems out to me. Keep doing it, please! The thing is, I do check in the books, but my spellchecker is always changing them into 'correct' words. I'm not too happy with that chapter ... like you pointed it out: it went nowhere! But you have to admit; Dom can't go blurting his secrets out to Kel in the third chapter. He has the whole story to make a fool out of himself!

Fantasizing-Lady-Knight – I'll try!

Wake-Robin – Thanks!

Dreamerdoll - Of course the messenger had to come at that point! There has to be some excitement and disappointment in the story. But don't worry; Dom will still get to speak his mind ... soon! ;)

Lady Anqelique of mystiqu – Thanks!

Allimba – I agree, Dom would certainly be of help if he went with Kel!

DestinyHunter – Great review: so nice and long! It might be the way I expressed myself, but (until now) Dom is only accompanying Kel to the office of the king! Of course it will be a bit more complicated when the time comes ... have a nice trip to where ever you're going and I hope you manage to read this before you leave!

I give you ... the magical ... the marvellous ... Chapter 4!

Taking a deep breath, Kel pushed down the handle and stepped into the private office of King Jonathan IV, leaving Dom waiting outside in the corridor.

The study was brightly lit with numerous candles. The walls were lined with shelves all cramped with books and roles of parchments. Jonathan of Tortall sat behind the big desk in the centre of the room and watched Kel come in. Closing the door, Kel turned and bowed low the monarch murmuring, "You send for me, your Majesty?"

"Come closer, Lady Knight, and take a seat." Jonathan pointed towards one of the chairs in front of the desk and Kel sank into it, not know what to say.

"You might be wondering, why I send for you at this hour of the night, during a ball, no less! The thing is, Keladry, that what we are about to discuss is strictly confidentially and will depend on speed as well as moving unnoticed. The whole kingdom depends on you and you will be rewarded for the deed. But if you are unwilling to go on this mission, I must ask of you to speak to no one of this. Do you understand?"

"Yes, your highness!"

The King sighed and leaned back in his chair. Kel saw a few grey strands in his otherwise black hair and a few wrinkles were beginning to form around his eyes. Pushing the thoughts to the back of her mind, she listened to the man speak. "You might have noticed that Tyra is growing edgy. This afternoon, we received a message telling us that King Artus of Tyra has given the command for the mages of the kingdom to gather. Our spy has let us know that the King is planning something, something big, to make him and his kingdom more powerful than we ever dreamed to be. Sadly, the agent was caught before he was able to tell us what King Artus is planning exactly."

Jonathan got up and began pacing the room like a caged tiger. "All we know is, that his plan involves us, Tortall, in someway! And as long as I am King, I will do all in my power to protect it and it's people from harm! He hit the tabletop with his fist making Kel flinch despite of herself.

"This is where you come in!" Jon spoke quietly and Kel had to strain to catch the words. "You are going to sneak in, find out what it's all about and either report back to us or even try and break the whole thing up! But you aren't supposed to draw too much attention to yourself."

Kel sat there mutely. That was harder than she had expected! Picking her words carefully she asked, "Sire, don't you think this is all too hard for me? I am still a green knight, only 22 years old! Shouldn't something important like this be handled by someone with more experience than me?"

The King sat back down again while answering, "Keladry, you have a clear headed and aren't guided by emotions. You are young, true, but you handled the Scanra affair amazingly well and many powerful people in the realm think highly of you. You are a fantastic fighter, but you don't rush into anything and are extremely reliable. You would do me a great honour to accept this task, Keladry."

Kel wasn't sure, but she thought that she had heard a bit of pleading in that last part. Not knowing what to say she looked at her hands. No matter what the King said, she knew that this assignment would be risky, and all of a sudden, she was scared. She looked up and saw that Jonathan's eyes rested on her. She was aware that her face betrayed no emotion, but deep down in her stomach, she knew that she would end accepting this task. The look the King of Tortall gave her was so sad and filled with so much desperate hope that, even though she wasn't particular fond of the monarch, she pitied him.

Warily, Kel nodded, "Sire, I accepted the assignment!" Jonathan's face broke into a smile. "When do you have me leave, Sire, how, where and with what?"

The king stood abruptly. "Keladry, I have decided that one person may go with you. Chose the person wisely!"

Kel slowly came to her feet. Bowing, she said, "Thank you, your Majesty! It would make me feel better!"

"Do you have a person in mind?" The King asked suspiciously.

"Well, Sire, yes, his name his Domitan of Masbolle and he is a sergeant in the King's Own ..." The King interrupted her, "I know whom you speak of, Keladry. It would be a great loss for the Own, but on the other hand, I know him well and think that he would help you. But it is your mission, Lady Knight, which makes young Masbolle your responsibility. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, your majesty." Kel replied bowing.

"Very well, I will make his excuses to Lord Raoul. Prepare yourself, Keladry, you and Domitan leave tomorrow at dawn. You will have one horse each and take enough supplies to last you till the border. Goddess bless, Lady Keladry!"

Kel bowed murmuring, "Farewell, your Majesty."

Turing she left the office.

So, will Dom agree to go?

Will she make it to the border?

Questions that will only be answered if you read on, and to read more chapters, you need to REVIEW!!!

Wolfy