Hello people!

I have finally completed my exams and am now able to once again continue with this story.

Hopefully the break in writing hasn't been too long and I am very sorry to keep you all waiting. It won't happen again, I promise.

I have redone CHAPTER 6, because I noticed that it was a bit corny and didn't really go anywhere. So I totally changed it and hope that it is now better!

Thanks for bearing with me,

Wolfy

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Disclaimer: I own nothing that belongs to Tamora Pierce. That's why it's published on !

Thanks to all reviewers – you guys make my day!

The show continues with ... chapter 6!

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At the arranged time, Kel and Dom met in the Own's stables. Kel had left a note for Neal asking him to look after Jump, the sparrows and Hoshi for her. None of them were coming.

Silently, Dom and Kel saddled their mounts and attached saddlebags filled with supplies to the saddles.

The sky was only just beginning to turn pink at the horizon as the two companions led their horses outside and after a quick check over, they mounted up and trotted out of the side gate and into the Royal Forest.

A grey mist hung under the trees making the air clammy and Peachblossom, Kel's trusted gelding, was fidgety. She kept a tight rein on him, but it didn't stop him from jumping at the sight of branches and rocks on the rough path.

Every now and again, paths forked off from the main track and Kel continuously inspected the map Dom had given her to make sure that they didn't take the wrong turn by accident.

When the sun was high in the sky, Kel and Dom reached a little clearing. Deciding that it was time for a small meal, they dismounted and let Peachblossom and Whistler, Dom's dark chestnut gelding, graze while they made do with cold ham and a roll each. Soon after they mounted again and moved on.

They had been riding single-file for most of the day. The width of the path hadn't allowed them to ride next to each other. But when the path widened, Dom nudged Whistler into a little tort till he was riding knee to knee with Kel.

Kel tightened her grip on the reins quickly; Peachblossom had perked up suddenly and now was eyeing his prey out of the corner of his eyes. Dom laughed and gently flicked Peachblossom on the neck with the end of his reins.

Both Kel and Peachblossom glared at him.

"That wasn't overly smart, sergeant," Kel scolded Dom, "He prefers picking on those who annoy him."

Dom rolled his eyes and said, "Dear Peachblossom, I am very sorry that I hurt you. Please forgive me, it won't happen again!"

To Kel he said, "Happy?"

Kel just smiled.

A about hundred meters further, the path become wide enough for three horses to ride comfortable next to each other. But instead of moving away, Dom remained right next to Kel, his knee still touching hers.

Kel glanced down and then across to the man. He was looking straight ahead and Kel could see that he was fighting to keep a straight face.

When Kel coughed meaningfully he turned his head to her and followed her gaze down to their touching legs.

Grinning he asked, "Yes, milady? Something the matter?"

Kel sighed dramatically and just starred at him. His grin was frustrating her, but it was also infectious.

Telling herself that he was only flirting with her like he did with every other court lady, she gave him a meaningful look telling him to back off even though she didn't mind the contact in the least.

"Dom," she said, "shove over! Peachblossom isn't happy with the closeness of Whistler."

As if on cue, Peachblossom struck, teeth closing on air because the other mount had at that moment decided to drop his head to rip off a few grass strands.

Kel couldn't help snigger and Dom joined it moving over a bit to give Kel's testy gelding more space.

After a while their laughter subsided and the twitter of forest birds could be heard. A cuckoo called and the morning mist had fully evaporated, letting the sunlight flitter through the crowns of trees. Only the breeze was cool, reminding the travellers that it was autumn.

Kel and Dom nudged their horses into a canter and, for the first time in months, Kel felt free. Here there were no conservatives watching her every move and she wasn't expected to attend any balls our public occasions.

The beat of hooves on the hard ground was energising and the wind in her face was calming; Kel couldn't help smiling.

When Peachblossom jumped a fallen log and instead of falling back into a canter started galloping, Kel let him. There weren't too many roots on the path on which he could hurt his feet and Kel could feel his muscles bunching up till he just felt like a huge pack of energy under her. At that moment she loved no one as much as him.

Soon the path narrowed and Kel gently pulled Peachblossom to a stop. Dom quickly caught up to them. His cheeks were red and Kel could tell that he was having trouble from keeping from smiling. Noticing he own smile, she quickly turned Peachblossom around and continued walking along the track.

Dom fell in behind her.

After a while, Dom called, "I wonder what kind o f reward his Majesty was talking about?"

"Probably just a purse of money." Kel replied.

"Aw, Kel, that's boring. After all, this is a pretty big mission, which will probably last for quite a long while. It's got to be more than that! Maybe pouch of jewels? I quite like sapphires and I am sure that jade would suit you."

Kel snorted. "Domitan, what would I do with jewels? They don't help me. They are only good for jewellery and I don't wear any!"

"It's about time you get your ears pierced, Keladry. Even the Lioness wears earbobs."

Despite of herself, Kel raised her hand to her ears and rubbed her earlobe.

Shuddering, she replied, "No, thank you! I don't need holes in me to impress people and to look nice."

Dom laughed. "I head the Lioness fainted when she got hers done!"

Kel turned around to him. "You're joking!"

"No, asked Sir Meathead."

Kel sighed at the mentioned of her best friend. She probably wouldn't see him again until spring. Pushing the thought to the back of her mind she listened to Dom.

"Maybe his Highness will give you some land and a title. Duchess Keladry or Baroness Kel. Not bad!"

Kel just shook her head. His Majesty had better things to do than give her an estate.

"Or he might give you a dowry so that you can one day settle down with a respectable fellow."

Kel interrupted him, "Dom, I wasn't planning to marry or settle down for a long time."

"Understandable, my dear, but one day, a deserving fellow might just steal your heart and carry you away to a far away castle where you will live happily ever after."

Kel couldn't help herself; she blurted out, "A deserving fellow will fall in love with a beautiful woman fresh out of the convent, not with a lady knight who has more scars than she can count, a muscular body and prefers fighting for the kingdom than battering her eyelashes."

Embarrassed, she straightened her back and looked straight a head. Behind her, she heard Dom sigh.

"To be honest, Kel, I much prefer a fighting woman to a lily from the convent. True, it would be nice if I could protect the woman from harm and so feel strong and heroic, but on the other hand, I would rather have a wonderful woman by my side, fighting with me for what we both belief in."

Kel turned around and smiled at him. "Good luck, Dom, I don't think there are that many woman who would fit that description."

"Ah, my dear Kel," Dom replied, his eyes dancing, "that's were you are wrong! You are the perfect example of such a fighting woman and I am sure there are a few beautiful ladies in the Queen's Riders, who would also suit me!"

Kel just shrugged, "Just be careful, they all carry weapons with them and I am sure that if you come to close without their permission they will gut you before you can say 'fighting woman'."

Dom laughed. "True, Kel, which is a perfectly good excuse to stay in the Own for a few more years and so am off-limits too all matchmakers."

Kel smiled. This was perfect. Dom was honest with her, reliable and a good talker. This mission might take a long time to complete, but at least it would be enjoyable. Once again she moved Peachblossom into a trot.

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Please REVIEW and tell me what you think!!

Thanks,

Wolfy