This chapter is a little bit weird, because I'm trying to cut it down. Thanks for the reviews! Let's see how many I can get for this chapter…

Chapter 2

The tired-looking Neal walked out of the room, shaking his head. Dom rose from his chair and looked at his cousin hopefully.

"Nope, she is not getting any better…or worst. Take it as either a good sign or a bad sign. The tip of the dagger had been poisoned and whoever cast its spell had studied healing magic. I can only keep her alive, not anymore." Neal said quietly. "If we call in The Lioness, she is the only one who can help her."

"The matter is The Lioness is thousands of miles away, chopping at invaders again." Dom replied warily. "What if…" Dom's voice trailed off. Both men knew well what the sentence meant, and they each had a reason to care for Kel.

"As a friend." Neal murmured.

"As a lov…friend." Dom corrected himself in time. Neal just gave him a wry look, but that was soon replaced with a saddened expression. They both fell silent, lost in their own thoughts.

"Hey, how is my 'lance target' doing?" Roaul came up behind them, making both of them jump. Roaul's face fell as he saw his sergeant's reaction to his words. "Oh…"

"See for yourself." Neal said as he opened the door wide, inviting both men inside.

On the bed was a pale, white and unconscious, Kel.

"Great Mother Goddess saves Kel!" Dom and Roaul said in unison as they drew a god's circle on their chest.

"Oh, no." Neal said as he rushed over to Kel's bed. He caught her ghost white hands and started to squeeze his magic through her.

"What's happening?" Dom asked.

"…blood cells, low. Pause, low. Fever…oh dear, high…" Neal was rattling on.

"What's happening to Kel?" Roaul repeated the question using his commanding voice.

"Ouch, not so loud!" Neal turned around and glared at the commander. "Now I know why healers prefer quiet when they work! They don't wish a commander screaming in their ears."

"I figured if I don't ask the question loud enough, you will never able to hear me." Roaul replied.

"We might be losing her. Stop breaking my concentration if you want her to live to see either of you again!" Neal snapped.

"Sor-ry, at least, we heard something useful!" Dom apologized to Neal before they got into a fight.

After awhile, Neal got up and led them back to the halls. "I would be drained before I get her any better. Something is blocking any cures for the poison. The poison was supposed to kill Kel right away, but her strong will and strength is putting up a fight. If we keep her fighting, the poison is likely to wear off in matter of weeks. I hope she will get better soon." Neal said professionally. "I better go and make some Willowbark tea. It will get the fever down a bit." As he finished, he raced down the hall.

"Well, I guess I have to find another lance target for my daily exercise." Roaul said wickedly, forgetting Kel for the moment.

"Oh, no sir. I don't want to die!" Dom said, backing off.

"Chicken!" Roaul retorted.

"I'd rather be!" Dom shot back.

"Then I command you, as my squad leader, you are to do all the Owns a favor by being my lance target until Kel gets better. I can promise you that you won't die anytime soon if you obey me." Roaul said, grinning from ear to ear.

"How is it a favor to the Owns?" Dom muttered.

"I will tear the group apart, finding a replacement for my daily exercise." Roaul replied, "Come on, you are wasting daylight!" Before Dom can protest, he dragged him toward the practice court.

Another chapter is done! Whew, it seems very long because I run out of ideas. Hehe… Reviews would be appreciated.

With thanks,

Sorceress Shadow Rain