This is the REAL chapter 7. So Ignore whatever was writen in the last chapter and read this. The start is the same but Numiar did not acually die and Kel and Merric didn't do 'you know what.' Sorry haha.

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Kel looked up. Next to her, Merric gasped. "Sir, what could she possibly do that someone else could not?" he demanded. "Hasn't she already done enough?"

Wyldon sighed and looked at her. "Kel, you're a natural leader..."

"This is why we shouldn't send her to her death!" Neal interrupted.

Wyldon glared at him. "Kel, you're perfect. You managed to rescue your people. You're a natural leader, as I've just said. You can think fast in difficult situations. Not only that but you're a female."

"What's that got to do with it?" Dom asked.

"Simple," Wyldon said, "Scanra is even more male dominated then we are. A woman would be the last thing he expects. Plus it may come in more handy then you think," he smiled.

"Well, of course I'll do it," Kel answered. "But am I going by myself?"

"No, both Numair and Daine will go with you, and Dom's squad if he agrees."

Dom looked at Raoul who nodded, "I'll have to check with my men but I'm pretty sure they'd be up to it," he said.

"And what about New Hope?" Kel asked.

"Merric, you will go back with Neal and another squad we're giving you."

Merric glared at him. "What about defending the borders?" he asked.

"We're taking our forces off the borders and instead putting them in the forts and refugee camps to make Maggur think we're giving up and then he'll be less likely to suspect someone like Kel getting to him," Wyldon replied.

"So am I to kill Maggur or free nobles?" Kel asked.

Daine pointed to the map. "Maggur and his troops are stationed here." She put stones on the map making where they were. "Maggur has surrounded himself as you can see, plus he has more stationed all around the border," she said, adding more.

"The hostages are in the palace, which is heavily guarded," Numair went on. "But that's where Daine and I can help you. Basically it's up to you to decide."

Kel thought for a moment. "I think it's best that we decide as we go along," she started. "Who knows what will happen? However, to kill Maggur would stop the war completely, but I somehow get the feeling that's going to be difficult," she smiled.

Wyldon nodded. "Yes, killing him would be best but it will be nearly impossible to get to him. Go with Daine now and she will fill you in on the rest of the details."

Kel nodded and left the room with Daine.

"The rest of you get prepared, you leave day after tomorrow," Wyldon said.

Merric stayed in his chair. "May I have a word with you, Sir?" he said firmly.

Wyldon sighed and thought he knew what was coming. "Yes, of course," he sighed, sitting across from him.

Merric frowned at him. "I'm not happy with Kel going out there again," he glared. "Is there no one else we can send?"

"No, of course not and you know that," Wyldon replied, trying to remain patient.

"Well then, I demand that I go, too!" Merric thumped a fist on the table angrily.

Wyldon glared at him. "Sir Merric, I suggest you review the vows you took when becoming a knight. You are to go to New Hope and do your duty. Perhaps you should go and talk to Keladry now, before you leave tomorrow."

Merric slumped in his chair. What had he been thinking? "Yes, of course, my lord," he sighed.

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"You did what?" Kel gasped, fighting to keep the emotion out of her voice. "You're the last person I expected to go against orders."

"What's that suppose to mean?" Merric glared.

"Well, when I went to save our people and find Blayce, you were the first person to tell me I shouldn't, to think of the risks of not following the crown's orders – traitors' hill. Why is it that all of a sudden you don't care any more?" Kel asked.

"It's not that I don't care anymore," he started. "It's that I have started to care." Merric reached out and touched her cheek.

Kel couldn't help but let out a small laugh. Merric grinned.

"This will take some getting used to, Merric," Kel said seriously, pulling away. "You're a great person, a good friend and I just need some time to get used to the idea."

Merric nodded. "I know," he planted a kiss on her forehead and stood up. "I'll just be at New Hope waiting for you, Kel, please remember that."

Kel stood up and gave him a brief hug. "I know," she sighed against him.

Kel stood on the wall and watched Neal and Merric ride away to New Hope, knowing she might never see them again. She didn't leave till the next day.

Dom came up beside her. "Are you all right?" he asked.

Kel stiffened and smiled tightly at him. "I'll be fine," she replied, looking out across the land surrounding them. "I'll be just fine."

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Better or worse:p