Disclaimer: 1 a a denial or disavowal of legal claim relinquishment of or formal refusal to accept an interest or estate b a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer

 a denial or disavowal of legal claim relinquishment of or formal refusal to accept an interest or estate a writing that embodies a legal disclaimer

Chapter 4

As Kel was changing out of her sweaty travel clothes, she heard a loud pounding on her door. She hastily slipped on a fresh shirt and clean breeches then yelled,

"Come in!" Neal burst through the door.

"Kel! If you took it, I'll kill you! I need to find it right now!" Kel stifled a smile.

"How 'bout you just sit down and tell me what's wrong." She said in a soothing voice, and suprisingly, Neal obeyed. "Okay, what did you lose?" Neal took a shaky breath.

"You know that letter that Yuki sent me? Well, along with some, um, other stuff, in the letter was some secret information from the king, as well as a code I had to pass on the king's spymaster, Sir Myles. Plus a spell that only he is allowed to see. Yuki was to send it to me under pretense of a love letter, so it wouldn't create any suspicion, and then I was supposed to send it to Sir Myles. Yuki got a little carried away. . ." He blushed, then continued. "But now it's gone. I've searched everywhere, and I still don't know where it is." He sighed, then closed his eyes and put his head in his hands. Kel sighed as well, then got up and put a hand on his shoulder.

"I know where it is." She said. "But," Kel added quickly, before he could spring out of his chair, "You can't come with me when I go get it. Stay here: I'll be right back." She patted his shoulder, then left the room, closing the door firmly behind her.

Kel felt bad. She had only meant it as a small joke, but pickpocketing that letter had turned into something more serious. Her only regret was that Dom had probably already seen it, and might be reading it right now. Kel sighed. She knew Dom wouldn't tell anyone, but still she felt bad. She was also a little annoyed with Neal. If this letter had contained so much important information, he should have watched it a little closer.

Deep in thought, Kel tripped and bumped into someone.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" she exclaimed, looking up at the man who had caught her. Gods, Kel thought. He's gorgeous! The man had clear, bright hazel eyes with long dark eyelashes that would only look good on a man that handsome. His skin was clear and tanned, setting off his red, full lips perfectly. His nose was well suited to his face, which had no blemishes or marks. His light blond hair hung in his eyes and he brushed it away with a large hand.

"No, no, Lady, it was entirely my fault. I'm quite sorry." His voice was deep and masculine, but soft. Kel realized she was still in his arms from when she had tripped. She blushed and looked down, then took a step back, realizing that he was taller than she was. He was tanned and wearing a thin brown shirt that accented his eyes. Kel could see hard muscle rippling under his shirt and thought, Wow!

"How rude of me. I am Lord Durin of Malson, Tarque and Halasin. I'm here for the peace talks with His Majesty King Jonathan." Kel took a deep breath.

"Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan. Pleased to meet you." She extended her hand and he shook it heartily. Kel noticed her hand was shaking, she was so flustered. I am as stone, she thought in Yamani, as stone. Her hand stopped shaking.

"Yes, nice meeting you as well." Lord Durin said. "I have to leave you for the evening meal. Farewell, Lady Keladry!" He strode off down the hall.

Once he was around the corner, Kel leaned against the wall, dazed. I never thought a man I hardly knew could make me so flustered. I bet every man in the palace hates him. And every woman loves him. I certainly don't. I can't even concentrate while he's around. I will be staying as far away as possible, from now on! Kel though fervently as she continued walking to the Own's barracks.

She was almost there when she saw Dom walking in the opposite direction.

"Dom!" she yelled, getting his attention. Kel ran to catch up to him when he turned around.

"Kel! Hi! I wasn't expecting to see you." She stopped running beside him and asked,

"Where are you going?" He grinned at her.

"Where most normal people are going this time of the day. To eat. You know, the mess hall, evening meal? Ring a bell, sound familiar, nothing?" Kel punched his arm.

"You're the second person that's told me it's time to eat. I had to talk to you." She paused for a moment, remembering her conversation with Lord Durin, then continued. "You know that letter I gave you of Neals?" Dom nodded, eyes sparkling, and for a moment Kel couldn't breathe. She made herself continue. "Well, he really needs it back. Yuki sent some information in a love letter. The king actually gave her the information: it was for Sir Myles, and no one was supposed to know about it. So now he needs it back. Do you still have it?" She asked, sounding anxious. "Yeah, it's in my room. Don't worry Kel, I can't tell anyone what it says. I haven't read it yet." Kel wanted to hug him, but she didn't. Instead she said,

"Oh, great! I was a little worried." He laughed.

"Neal can come by and get it after supper. Kel breathed a sigh of relief, then said quickly,

"Actually, I'll come by and get it. Neal said he would kill the person who took it, and I don't want you to get hurt. I wasn't going to tell him who I gave it to. I'll tell him at supper that I'll get it to him after we eat, and not answer any questions." Dom laughed, his blue eyes alight.

"Yeah, that would be a good idea. Though I'm sure I could protect myself!" He opened the door to the mess hall, bowing. "After you, my lady." Kel swatted his arm.

"I'm no lady!" They walked in together.

Neal saw them walk in. There's something going on between those two. I'm going to find out what it is. Besides, no person in their right mind would be laughing when we have this slop to eat for the evening meal. He thought, looking down at his plate in disgust. He stood up to wave them over to his table, but caught sight of the dessert being brought out. He dashed over, leaving Yuki sitting alone staring at his plate of vegetables quickly growing cold. Kel and Dom joined her, shaking their heads at Neal's antics.

"It's sad really." Dom commented, face serious. "A grown man acting like a little child. Pitiful." He looked so sad, Kel couldn't stifle a giggle. "What? It's sad, not funny!" Dom protested, then broke out in laughter.

When Neal came back, Kel said to him quietly. "I'll get your letter after I'm done, and no, you still can't come with me." She added before he could say anything.

Once the meal was done, Kel got up to go change before heading down to Dom's room for Neal's letter.

Please reveiw.