I'll say sorry in advance for the short chapter..."Sorry"

Thanks everyone who's reviewing my story

Making her way back to Merric, Kel checked in to see how most of the people were doing. They bombarded her with questions on why they were still getting raids and she just told them the war wasn't won yet and that she would try and figure out what the enemy was doing as soon as possible.

She made her way up to her rooms and plonked herself down next to the sleeping Merric. He looked so peaceful. She was tired too after having to get up so early. Resting her head on the end of his cot, she too went to sleep.

Merric woke up wondering where he was and what had happened. Scanning back, he vaguely remembered being carried up stairs after being cut down by a raider. Looking around, he saw he was in Kel's room.

He felt movement at his feet. His heart leaped when he realised it was Kel.

"You look so worried," he teased as she opened her eyes.

Kel quickly straightened, wincing at the cramp in her back from having been bent over for so long.

"Yes, I guess I just didn't realise how much it meant to have you around," she said slowly.

Merric looked at her. Did she like him too? Or was she still in love with Dom?

His head hurt.

Kel watched him lie back against the pillows. Reaching out, she took his hand in hers.

"Go back to sleep," she whispered, "I want you better as soon as possible."

He smiled and closed his eyes. Soon he drifted back to sleep.

Kel slowly stood. She fetched some water and some cold cheese and sausage and left it beside his bed. He would be fine tomorrow, stiff but fine.

As she made her way outside, a messenger ran up to her, puffing slightly.

"Daine's come, my lady; she says it's important."

Fetching some clothes, she walked over to an eagle perched lightly on someone's arm.

A mouth slowly formed where a beak had been.

"Hello Kel. Is there somewhere I can get changed?"

Kel showed her a small room and left her at it. "Meet me in Merric's room after you're done," she called.

She rounded up Lukus and a couple of sergeants that weren't on watch or patrol and they made their way to Merric's rooms.

"So why are we here and not in your rooms, Kel?" Daine asked as she entered.

"We were attacked by raiders and Merric got hurt. He's in my room recovering from a healing," Kel replied.

Daine raised one eyebrow at the blushing Kel but continued. "You were attacked by raiders, too," she frowned. "How many were there?"

"About a dozen, ma'am," replied one of the sergeants who had been out there fighting.

"Hmmm, same at Steadfast," Daine frowned. "As soon as Merric's able, Lord Wyldon would like you both to come and report to him. Perhaps you'll be able to figure out whether or not it was just the last of the enemy or if they were just having one last attempt at killing some people."

They all discussed for a while other issues at Steadfast and then Daine took off to report back to Wyldon.