Chapter 13:

"Dom…Dom!...DOM!" Neal yelled as he shook Dom.

"What? What's going on?" Dom opened his eyes and sat up, ruffling his hands through his hair.

"Come one, its time to go." Neal lifted himself off the ground, dusting the back of his trousers with his hand. Dom gathered his sword and stood up, sheathing his weapon. He looked up as Neal put his hand on his shoulder. "She's going to be okay. She will be okay, Dom."

"If she hasn't wiped out their entire army by now." They both laughed halfheartedly as they walked together to Alanna's tent and stepped inside.

"Good Morning gentleman, I was hoping you would show up before you missed my entire speech." Alanna chimed in. Dom glared at her and took a seat between Numair and Raoul. "Our spies reported back while you were all asleep." She pointed to a small map of the forest. "There are two camps, one with most of the Scanran army. The other is just a few small tents; one is guarded buy only two foot soldiers. No doubt this is where they are keeping Lady Keladry. Sir Nealan and Sergeant Domitian with go to that camp and rescue Lady Keladry. The rest of us will make sure that none of those dirty Scanrans can get in their way. Understood?" There was a chorus of groans of agreement as the party began to stand up.

"Alanna," Numair said from his seat, "Shouldn't I go with Dom and Neal? If they meet up with that Shadow Mage, there is no telling what could happen."

"We can't risk it Numair. You are the most powerful mage in the realm. You are Tortall's only defense if there should be more of these mages. We can't risk the danger of sending you in unprepared. You come with us, and then when Kel is safe you can get to the bottom of this new magic. Understood?" Numair nodded and exited the tent quickly. "Neal, Dom, I'm sorry I can't send more help for you. But two of you, even in itself, may be too many. Good luck."

"Thank you Milady," Dom nodded, expressionless, and left the tent.

IIIIIIIII

Moonlight etched itself through the twine of the hut. Kel's slow steady breath was all she could hear. "Anytime now, anytime." She whispered as she watched the door, outlined by the faint glow of a campfire. She'd accepted death, she had accepted it as a child when she was even a page. Reality was nothing different, except the pain and the twitch of fear infusing its way into her soul. Unless…once more she attempted to stand, he legs twitched and fell numb as she slammed back onto the ground. "Great." A small tear fell down her cheek; she quickly wiped it away and forced the others back.

"What! Intru…" a male voice screamed then suddenly silenced. Kel listened.

"I can't find something to pick the lock with," said a familiar voice.

"Oh move aside." Another familiar tone. Seconds later the door came swinging in by its hinges. Dom ran over to Kel's side, "Neal lets get her out of here!" Neal ran over, lifting Kel onto his cousins back.

"It's about time." Kel tried to joke, but sound barely edged past her lips. Secured on his back, Dom began making his way back to the door when a sharp pain grabbed at his neck. At the sudden pain he dropped Kel onto Neal. Dom fell to his knees, grabbing at his throat.

Sergeant Domnitan, what a happy surprise. Well, not quite so happy for you.

Dom looked around wildly, he saw no one there. "Who's there?"

"Who are you talking to? What's going on!" Neal asked from the corner of the room.

"Stay with Kel!" Dom tried to scream.

Hm…a lot of good that will do. Once I kill you, then I will kill your cousin and then my plans for Keladry will go as planned.

Dom lunged toward the wall, grabbing at air.

Tsk tsk, you'll have to do better than that. I am night, sergeant, I am black, I am shadow.

He lunged again, air running through his fingers. Pain seared through his neck, the very tissue ripping.

Stubborn aren't we?

Dom ignored the pain, the tearing. He searched around the room. A small glint caught his eye. He untied a dagger from its wrist holder.

"What the hell are you doing Dom!" Neal yelled at his cousin's hunched figure. Dom flung his wrist sending the dagger flying into the blackness beside Neal's head. The tent became brighter as early morning approached. A pale hand stretched itself out beside Kel and Neal. "What?" A mans voice said. "This cant, how!"

Dom stood up and walked over to a hooded figure. He flipped the hood back and stared into eyes of pure white, grabbing the mans throat. "I heard you, mage," he spat, "I concentrated hard enough on your voice and where in my mind it was. You failed. Shadow my arsh." Dom's face grew plum with rage as he tightened his hand. Breath went into the air, and the already lifeless eyes of the man remained that way. He released his hold and let the black robe fall to the ground, carried by its dead occupant. With a heavy sigh he stood there for a second before falling to Kel's side.

"How did you do that!" Neal asked, shock on his face.

"I concentrated, something you have none of Meathead. Neal stuck out his tongue.

"Can you heal her?"

"I do have brains oh dear cousin of mine. And yes, I have healed some of her minor tissue and bone abrasions and many other things that I am puzzled about. But she should be fine."

"I am fine Meathead." Kel said weakly as she sat up on her own. "Come on boys, let's go home."

"I couldn't agree more Lady Keladry," Dom helped her stand, securing her with his arm. "Nealan, go find Alanna and tell her we have her."

"Yes sir!" Neal saluted and ran out the door.

Dom braced Kel as he walked her out of the hut. "Watch your step." He called, stepping over a deceased guard. They continued walking, saying nothing. After a few minutes Dom sprang to life, "Dangitt"

"What is it?" Kel looked at him, her eyes about ready to close.

"It seems, Lady Knight, that I might be lost."

"Why don't men ever ask for directions?"

"You know what Milady!"

"What Sergeant Domnitan?"

"I just finished rescuing you and you can't even utter a thank you? Not to mention you have been through torture, yet you still find time to put me down"

"Well then, what do you want my good sir?" Dom looked at her, placing his hand on her back. She looked at him, puzzled. "Dom?" As the sunlight swept over the trees he wrapped her in his arms and pressed his lips to hers. Passionately kissing the woman that he knew he loved. He broke the kiss, looking her in the eyes.

"Kel, I love you. More than life itself, more than words, more than…" he was interrupted by a soft peck on his lips.

"I love you too, Sergeant Domnitan." Once again, with the wind blowing around them, they fell into each other.

A few feet away, an assembly gathered watching them with approving smiles. Bloody, bruised, and tattered, Alanna, Raoul, Neal, and Numair shook hands and exchanged glances of victory, both in battle, and in love.

"Well, Alanna, you were right." Raoul whispered in the Lionesses ear.

"Of course I was." She smirked and audibly cleared her throat. Kel and Dom broke their kiss and blushed together at the audience. "Ah, I see that you have brought Lady Keladry back safe and sound, Congratulations."

"Uh, thank you." Dom said, his face red as fire. "What's wrong with him?" he asked pointing at his cousin.

Neal was in shock; his mouth hung wide open, eyes staring. He spoke, "It worked? I can't believe it worked!" Kel and Dom looked at each other with confused looks.

"What worked?" Kel asked looking from Neal to the rest of the line.

Alanna rolled her eyes, fluffed her cuffs above her wrists, and slapped Nealan of Queenscove upside the head as an audible cry of pain filled the wood.

THE END

A/N – OMGSH I know it's the end! Thank you all for reviewing and im so sorry it took so long. Please tune in to my other fan fictions and I hope you all enjoyed Of Plots and Plans.