i am so sorry for taking so long. i just cant seem to get the words to flow, i decided to post this anyway even though i am not particulary happy with it. i feel it could be better.

for those who are reading Return as a Rider. i have not given up. i have had the same problem with that one as i have had with this one. it doesnt seem to portray what i want and it doesnt flow. i have the most of the plot written and what happens in each chapter, i just cant seem to write it right though.

thank you to all my reviewers and everyone who added me to alerts and favorites. i really appreciate it and makes me want to write more. hope you like this chapter. Sorry it is short.

Kel walked out of the mess hall with Dom's squad tailing behind, but she had not gone a few steps before Tobe came running up to her.

"Lady Kel" he called to her. "A message has arrived from Mastiff" he said to her while waving an envelope around. "it only just arrived by messenger. Supposedly it is urgent" he then saw the men behind Kel and laughed at their appearance. The men glared at Tobe and grumbled words like "not that funny"

Fear seeped through Kel's skin; it felt as if cold water had just been poured onto her. Kel's mind was reeling. What could be so urgent that a messenger had to be sent specifically for her? Had there been an attack? Had Diane discovered new information about Scanra's army? Had another mage created new killing devices? Her imagination on countless ideas of what could be held in this message were cut short when Tobe thrust the envelope into Kel's hand.

Quickly she opened the envelope and pulled out the message.

Dear Kel

Where are you? You should be in Mastiff with your best friend. You are her maid of honour. You are supposed to be helping me. I need you here immediately. No exuses. I don't care if there is an army in front of New Hope or a refugee needs you. I need you in Mastiff now! If not, everyone is going to hear of your embarrassing childhood moments and all your secrets. I am not bluffing. Lord Wyldon has already agreed so that is not an excuse!

Well hope everything is pleasant in New hope and I hope to see you soon.

Your Yamani friend

Yuki

P.S. Make sure Neal does not come.

Kel looked up from her letter to see the questioning and worried look from Tobe and the squad of oddly looking men. She said immediately to Tobe "go fetch Sergeant Jacut's squad and tell him to prepare his men to ride to Mastiff as soon as possible. But make sure Neal hears nothing of this." Tobe didn't move except for lifting one eyebrow for explanation. He had grown a lot more outspoken since he had been with Kel and inwardly Kel was overjoyed that he was starting to speak out but sometimes Kel wished he was still that meek child she had found.

"I have been requested to go to Mastiff immediately for wedding plans"

All of the men let out of a sigh of relief.

Wolset then said "is that it?"

Kel nodded a small smile on her face. Tobe then ran off to get the sergeant and Kel was left with the pink haired men.

" I have an idea to solve this problem we have with you pink hair. I have an idea for a great prank you can use on Dom, and possibly Neal." Each of the men's faces grew mischievous expressions because Kel was not only just a brilliant commander but n excellent prankster.

"well……."

It was afternoon by the time Mastiff came into view. She was glad for the first time to be away from the bustling New Hope, and a certain person. For the whole of the ride she was quite and thoughtful. The men saw the expression on the commanders face and knew that they should not go near the Lady Knight unless they wanted to be glared at or spoken coldly to. In their opinion it was worse than Lord Wyldon screaming.

By the time they had passed through the gates the day was coming to an end and they were greeted by Lord Wyldon and Yuki.

Kel was dragged off before she greeted Lord Wyldon. Hoshi was taken by a holster and Yuki started talking rapidly fast about the upcoming wedding of hers. Kel didn't listen to one word until they were in Yuki's rooms.

"kel" yuki shouted snapping Kel out of her thoughts. Yuki looked worriedly at Kel and asked "what's wrong?"

Dom opened his eyes, his head throbbed with a headache and his world was slightly out of focus with sleep. Something wasn't right. He tried to move his arms, but he couldn't move them. Dom groaned and blinked. Around him were buildings and it was dark. He tried to figure out where he was. The last thing he could remember was drinking with Neal then seeing the men of his squad. Dom looked around and realised where he was. He was at the flagpole in New hope. The flag pole he was currently tied to. He looked down and he groaned again at what he was wearing. The memories started to floodback. He was wearing one of Kel's dresses. The men of his squad had put it on him when he was drunk and they had covered him in makeup. One thing he was glad about was his Meathead of a cousin was in the same situation.

"Neal?" Dom called

He heard a groan.

"Neal?"

" You do realise we are tied to a flagpole in Kel's dresses"

"WHAT!!!!!" Neal screamed. Dom flinched in pain with the loud sound.

"Any suggestion about how we are going to get out of this situation?" dom asked.