Disclaimer: This is the last disclaimer because everyone knows that everything (in this story) belongs to the famous Tamora Pierce (except for the plot) and I am only depressing myself by mentioning it in the beginning of every new chapter!

Thanks to all reviewers – I am always over the moon to open my e-mail account and to see that I have REVIEW ALERTS! Keep them coming, guys ... I love your opinions!

Atlanta Enchanted: Thank you. Yes, I prefer the new chapter 6. I am sorry this has taken so long, but I seem to not find the time and the ideas don't seem to flow. I mean, I know where it is going, but I don't seem to be able to write it.

Luna y sol: No, Kel didn't miss the hint, but she doesn't want to belief that Dom would actually like her. Thanks for your support.

Lady Angelique of mystiqu: I want them to get together too. Soon, they will. Next chapter, or the chapter after... I'll see!

Dreamerdoll: I feel so privileged that you read my story. I have read most of yours and I love them! I agree: it's so cute to write about Kel and Dom flirt, they just go so well together. Don't worry about the ranting; if it's good advice you're giving, I am happy to read it!

Goddess Usagi: Thank you!

Vedalynne: Yes, major Kel/Dom goodness is still to come! Thank you!

b2okworm1: Yeah, Dom is a great guy. It's hard to write about him because I feel like I am not doing him justice. Thanks for reviewing.

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So without any further chin wagging ... here it is ... the one you have all been waiting for ... Chapter 7!

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That evening they set up camp under a peppercorn tree. The low hanging branches hid them from view and the scrub surrounding the tree kept out the wind.

Darkness fell quickly in the forest. Dom and Kel had enough time to find some firewood and light a small fire before it was completely dark. While Kel unsaddled and fed the two horses in the dim light cast by the crackling fire, Dom prepared a small meal of bread, leftover ham from lunch and pickled onions.

They sat in a comfortable silence on their rolled out bedrolls, one on each side of the fire and munched on their food. One of the horses snorted and the flames danced around the logs.

Kel glanced up from her food and looked across the fire at Dom. He was bend over with his brown hair hanging in his face, fully concentrating on his food as if there was nothing more important than it.

She couldn't help herself; her eyes wondered lower and she could help but think how well his broad shoulders filled out the grey blouse and tunic under the dark cloak.

As if he could feel her gaze, he looked up. Kel quickly pretended to be scanning the darkness behind him and than returned to her plate.

After a while, Dom broke the silence by announcing, "I am done in. My nice warm bed calls me. Do you mind to take first watch? I would probably fall asleep."

Kel shook her head, "No, that's fine I am not particularly tired."

Dom sighed gratefully, "Thank you, Kel, wake me whenever you feel as if the Realm of Dreams calls you."

He stood up, put his plate back into his saddlebag, which was lying next to him, and walked past his bedroll while calling over his shoulder, "I will be right back, just have to relieve myself." He winked at her and disappeared into the darkness.

Kel shrugged, pulled out her sword, Griffin, her sharpening stone, sat cross-legged on her bed and went to work on honing the blade.

Dom returned, pulled of his tunic, his boots and socks and than stared pointedly at Kel, who had been watching him.

Now she smiled sweetly and said, "Yes?"

Dom ginned an obvious fake grin and replied, "Dear Kel, turn around and no peaking so that I can change in private."

Kel pretended to think about but then turned her back to him and continued working on her sword.

She could hear Dom moving around and the rustling of cloth.

Finally he called, "You can look."

Nodding, Kel turned again to the fire to see Dom slip into his bedroll wearing some kind of white shirt.

He yawn hugely before murmuring, "Good night, Kel, wake me when you are too tired."

Kel grinned and replied, "Sweet dreams, Dom."

Everything was quiet. All Kel could hear was Dom's even breathing, the crackling of the fire and an owl calling in a nearby tree.

After finishing Griffin, she wrapped a blanket around herself, leaned against the tree trunk and watched the darkness. She knew that there wasn't a big chance of visitors, but she didn't want to take any risks.

The wind toyed with the low hanging branches of the peppercorn and the fire cast dancing shadows on their surroundings.

Despite of herself, Kel shuddered. She felt watched and for some reason lonely.

'Stop it,' she told herself, 'You are being silly.'

She pulled Griffin closer and settled down to watch the darkness. But instead, her eyes kept on drifting to Dom, lying on the other side of the fire.

He was lying on his side facing her. His head rested on his arm and the blanket was pulled up to his chin. A single dark strand of hair had fallen into his face. He looked peaceful sleeping. The corners of his mouth were raised upwards slightly and he seemed to be dreaming of something pleasant.

The king's words flashed through Kel's mind: "It is your mission, Lady Knight, which makes young Masbolle your responsibility."

Yes, it was her mission and she would see it through. She would bring Dom home again and make sure that no harm befell him. That shouldn't be too hard.

Later that night, Kel got up to check the horses. Peachblossom nuzzled her and blew into her face while Whistler stood by and waited for his own cuddle. While the two horses stood around her and competed for her attention, Kel faced the trees.

The wind had picked up and was buffeting the trees, making the branches and leaves dance. There was something spooky about the way the great trees bent to the will of the wind.

Not even the might oak could stand against it and she was the mightiest of trees, their queen.

Remembering a book Myles had made her read as a page called The Great Chain of Being, Kel wondered where the wind's position was in it. The book talked about how everyone and everything was arranged in a certain order.

First came the Gods, followed by the Immortals and then by the moon, sun and stars.

Then came the King and her royal majesty the Queen followed by priests and priestesses and then by the royal family and nobles. Men were placed before the lion who was placed before all other animals. The oak and rose ruled above all other plants and gold followed them. Finally came the minerals.

But there was no mention of the wind. Maybe that was so because the wind was free and didn't have a fixed position. One moment it was up with the gods, next it was down with plants. Kel liked that idea. The wind was equal to everything. There was no order where the wind was concerned only freedom.

Freedom. Kel let the word roll around on her tongue. It was spoken so easily, but giving it was hard. Sure, she had freedom of sorts. She had freedom of thought, freedom of speech and could act independently. But still she served the Realm of Tortall and had to obey its rules. She was bound to her homeland and did what the king asked her to do and what people expected her to do.

The one time she had gone against the wishes of the king, she had committed treason and only her friends speaking up for her and her training master supporting her had spared her the noose or exile.

It had been worth it, but freedom often came at a too high a cost.

Kel snapped out of her thoughts when she felt Peachblossom lean past her to clamp down of Whistler's neck. Quickly Kel pulled the two apart and picketed Peachblossom further away from Dom's mount.

She then returned to the campsite, gently shook Dom awake and slipped into her own bedroll. She listened to Dom make himself comfortable and then concentrated on her breathing. Within minutes, she was asleep.

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Wolfy