A/N: ok peeps, here's the next chappie of…..drumroll

KELADRY OF SHANG! Lalalaladances in circles

Ok. Here's the deal. I would like recommendations for where this story should go. I mean, should she stay at the palace and fall in love, or should she join the scanran war, and turn the tide of battle, like it says in the prophecy thingy? Should there be a second as yet unknown part to the prophecy, which actually gives her a PURPOSE?

Gimme suggestions!

And now, on to the story!

Chapter 6: a stumpy duel

The tension in the air surrounded the onlookers palpitably as they held their breaths, waiting for the training master's answer. Kel watched the conservative, idly twirling her spear in what seemed like a relaxed act, but what was really a loose ready position.

Wyldon looked around him, searching desperately for an excuse. He was pale and sweating hard. Suddenly Kel noticed a bright gleam in his flickering brown eyes. She sighed. It seemed that he had found an excuse.

Wyldon sneered triumphantly at her before clearing his throat noisily. After all, he wanted everyone to hear his excuse…

"Ahem. As most of you know, though this lady does not, I was recently wounded when I intercepted an arrow meant to assassinate princess Lianne. My arm is still not fully healed and I cannot as yet fight to full capacity. Therefore I must decline Mindelan's offer, scandalous and laughable as it may be."

Kel scoffed, drawing everyone's attention. "That is complete horse dung, Cavall. I am trained in the ways of non-Gifted healing, and you are perfectly fine. Besides, if my challenge is so ridiculous, why do you need to fight at 'full capacity'?"

Someone in the crowd snickered at Wyldon, obviously agreeing. Kel's sharp eyes searched through the crowd landing on her supporter. It was the Lioness's progressive friend, Sir Raoul of Golden Lake and Malorie's Peak. She caught his eyes and gave him a hint of a smile as well as a nearly imperceptible nod, before returning her attention to the Stump. Behind her back her knighted friends exchanged impressed glances: Raoul of Golden Lake and Malorie's Peak was an extremely useful person to befriend. He was also very nice, and fun to be with.

Their attention was drawn back to the silent contest of wills between their shang friend and her former training master.

However, the fight with that particular conservative was interrupted once more. Joren, who had used this distraction in order to regain his shaken composure, growled and attacked Kel from behind. Her friends cried out, and she turned just in time to dodge the sword thrusting towards her heart. Her eyes narrowed at Joren's gall. She hated dishonorable fighters.

Joren leaped away as his attack failed, putting distance between the two enemies in order to prevent a fast counter-attack. He crouched low into a fighting stance once more. His eyes flashed madly with uncontrolled rage, and he spat at her. "Never turn your back at me, wench!" Kel's gaze only grew colder. She said nothing as she drew her sword.

Suddenly she attacked, as fast as lightning, forcing Joren to stumble backwards as he tried clumsily to parry her blows. He fell to the ground as her sword nicked his body , only lightly cutting him each time she made contact. But it was enough. Anyone could see she was able to kill him at any moment. Instead, she embarrassed him, playing with him and tormenting him. When he finally gave up, releasing his sword and begging for mercy, she sheathed her weapon. He gave a sigh of relief, but before he could even blink, she had drawn once again, and her sword rested delicately at his throat. He froze.

With a grunt, she used her other hand to lift into the air by his collar. She pulled him close, so that their noses were almost touching, and even in his fear, he couldn't help but notice how fiercely beautiful she was. He snapped back to reality and stared at her pitifully as she hissed at him, "Never, ever, call me wench." He continued to stare.

She dropped him, disgusted, and turned walking away. The crowd parted allowin her access to the palace interiors. She walked away calmly, noting wryly to herself that Wyldon had fainted.

A/N: so how was it?

I hope it was good. It was certainly fun to write. I am getting kinda concerned about wyldon's OOCness, but it's not as fun if he isn't a wimp…. What do you guys think?

Ah well….

Hey, keep it coming with ideas for where this should go, cause right now I am totally not sure. Btw, so far the poll results for k/n or k/j are:

K/n: 8 though some say that they won't seriously mind a k/j

K/j: 5 there's just one problem, when should I STOP holding polls? They can't go forever…

Also, should I maybe do an alternate ending, cause otherwise I can't please everyone… I mean, some peeps are like, " I will kill you if this isn't k/n," and others say " it has to be k/j!" what do I DO! TT

Anywayz… r/r! luv ya!