Disclaimer: All the characters are the property of the famous Tamora Pierce – all characters excluding the ones you don't recognise that is! But, the plot is all mine! Yippee!

Goddess Usagi – I don't like to keep my readers hanging for too long, but I'm going to slow down now because I've got exams coming up!

Gwen of Helmsgrove – Sorry about Jonathan's attitude. I really value your opinion (and don't take this the wrong way!), but I was actually quite happy with it! I'll add a note at the end of the chapter and ask other readers to comment on the scene and if I get more unhappy reviewers, I'll change it! No, I'm not going on a holiday. This is the beginning of term 4! And I am terrified because I have exams coming up!

Snowflake – I wrote you an email (again) about the whole Betareader thing! Thanks for correcting me! I'm planning to repost all the chapters and fix and spelling mistakes in the next week or so!

Dreamerdoll – Thanks, you really boost my self-esteem!

Wake-Robin – Thanks!

DestinyHunter – Hope your holidays are good. Don't worry, the story won't run away!

Lady Angelique of mystiqu – Glad you liked it!

Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together for Chapter 5 of The Gift of Freedom!

Outside King Jonathan's office, Kel took a deep breath before moving further into the dimly lit corridor looking for her future travelling- companion, Dom. She spotted him a bit further along, sitting on the floor with his back leaning against the wall. He had his knees drawn up to his chest and was looking into the opposite direction. Only when Kel stopped next to him did he look around.

Dom smiled at her and came to his feet. "How did it go?" Kel rubbed her face before replying, "I don't think this is a good spot to answer that. Come, will go to my rooms!"

They walked in a comfortable silence and once back in Kel's living room, they poured themselves drinks and settled down in the same chairs as before.

"So?" Dom put his glass filled with juice down and looked at Kel anxiously.

Kel took another sip of her drink and stared into the hearth where a new fire danced merrily. Finally she pulled herself out of the trance and sat up.

"Dom, I leave tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn." Dom nodded his gaze never leaving Kel's face. Once again emotions flashed through his eyes, but Kel couldn't pinpoint them. Instead she continued, "I make for the border of Tyra and travel in secret with no one the wiser. Once inside the country, I spy. I am supposed to watch the meeting of the mages of Tyra and find out their intentions. Then, either I report back to the King via a message of try to interrupt things and stop the mages."

Dom had listened in silence. "By the Goddess, Kel, I know you are an incredible fighter, who everyone looks up to, but this is a immense task, and you know it!" He added when Kel opened her mouth to protest. "I can't belief that his Majesty is sending you into enemy zone on your own!"

Kel smiled suddenly. She had wanted to tell Dom at the end that he was coming with her, but now was a good time too! "Dom, I'm not going on my own!" The sergeant perked up. "Who else is going?" "You are!"

Dom was stunned. He blinked a few times and opened his mouth to say something, but no sound came out. Kel felt guilty; she could have told him gentler and not forced it upon him. Also, what made her think that he wanted to go? He had third company to take care of and Raoul always had something for him to do. What had she been thinking involving him with out asking him first?

Annoyed at herself, she rose to her feet and pretended to need to refill her glass using it has an excuse to turn her back on Dom.

After settling down again, she sighed and said, "Look, Dom. I'm sorry. You don't need to come if you don't want to! I just assumed you wouldn't mind, but I understand you have other obligations." Embarrassed, she stopped and looked at her shoed feet. She heard Dom get up and come around the small table to kneel in front of her.

He placed one hand on her shoulder and the other hand under her chin and forced her to look up. Their eyes locked and for an instant Kel thought Dom was going to kiss her.

But the moment past and instead Dom whispered fiercely, "Kel, I can't think of anything I'd rather do than come with you and help you to the best of my ability. You are one of my closest friends and what his Majesty has asked you to do is worrying me sick. You can't stop me from coming! You can promise me the world, jewels money or other riches, but I will not stray from your side till this task is done!"

Kel smiled weakly. She could almost feel her heart dissolve and she felt giddy with relief. Dom grinned back and pulled her up into a standing position and then against him in a rib-crushing hug. Kel buried her face in his shoulder and mumbled, "The King is making your excuses to Lord Raoul. He said that we take a horse each and enough supplies to last us till the border."

Dom released her from the embrace just as the bell rang to announce the hour before midnight. He grimaced and said, "If I want to be fresh tomorrow morning, I better go and get my beauty sleep. Don't worry about provisions; I'll take care of those. I'll meet you a bell before dawn at the Own's stable."

Kel had to swallow the lump in her throat before she said, "Thank you, Dom."

She walked him to the door were he turned to her, smiled reassuringly and ruffled her hair.

Soon after, Kel slipped into bed and dreamt of a certain blue-eyed sergeant of the King's Own.

Ok, people! This is important:

I have received a review stating that in the scene where Jonathan is telling Keladry about the mission, Jonathan is having mood swings and that I really need to change it.

In the review, that you're about to send to me (hint, hint, nudge, nudge!) please tell me if you think the scene needs editing!! That would be great!!

Thanks

Wolfy