Disclaimer: Everything you recognise is Tamora Pierce's except for the song which is 'I Can't Break Down' (first verse and part chorus) by Sinead Quinn.

A/N: As always, thanks to the reviewers, and I hope this chapter lives up to your expectations.

Min - I always wanted him to be redeemed in some way and when the opportunity arose *grins* it only has a tiny bearing on the story, but hey, I just wanted it there.

Rose - Don't worry, I have something very special planned for our dear Sergeant!

Kenta Divina - Yes, I thought it would be more effective to show both sides of the story, especially as I wanted to have some scenes that Kel doesn't witness.

Chad - Do be quiet. You knew I was working on it *sticks tongue out* and don't sully my review box with your disgraceful language!

Cornered

Zahir ibn Alhaz was undoubtedly one of the best swordsmen at court. As a result of this, Kel knew she would lose before she even agreed to the duel, and lose she did, though it was a near victory for her opponent.

There was a minute during which hazel eyes met black, both acutely aware of the sword point that rested lightly against the bare skin of Kel's throat. Then, Zahir sheathed his sword and held out a hand to her. "You are a worthy opponent, Keladry." they clasped forearms, and Kel knew that this regal, aloof man accepted her at last. She had never tried to win his praise in any way, but if someone so utterly against the idea of Lady Knights honoured her as worthy, then it was possible that others might. At least, that was what she could hope.

She was collecting her sword where it had fallen after Zahir disarmed her, when Neal strolled in. "Who won?" he asked casually, picking up her glaive.

Kel shrugged and pointed, wincing slightly as the re-opened wound in her back pulled again. She'd had problems with it since the bandit raid, and sword fighting just made it worse.

Neal's mouth flattened to a grim line and he turned her around, probing at the wound with gentle fingers. "You're bleeding," he murmured quietly, and Kel wondered if he noticed how tense she was.

"I know - it's an old wound." she hoped that he didn't think Zahir was responsible for it - the last thing she wanted was Neal challenging him!

"Your room, now." Neal ordered, withholding the glaive as if he believed her too weak to carry it. She raised her eyebrows at him, and to her shock, saw him turn a dull crimson.

"That sounded like a proposition…sorry," he muttered awkwardly. Kel knew that she was openly staring, but couldn't help it. Neal was acting strangely - even for him. What was going on? Mentally shrugging, she wandered away, not bothering to look back to see if he was following her.

**************

Neal shut the door firmly behind him, apparently forgetting about Lord Wyldon's rule against it, but Kel thought better of protesting. She suspected that the Stump would object more if he found out about this healing.

"Take your shirt off and sit down." this time, he turned a rather impressive shade of scarlet and put a hand over his eyes whilst Kel gaped, slightly bemused. Second time in as many minutes! Eventually, he continued in a world-weary voice. "This situation just gets worse. What I meant to say was: Kindly remove your shirt so I may inspect your cut."

Kel laughed quietly, partly in embarrassment and partly because she had never seen Neal lose his composure as spectacularly. She slid the sweat-soaked shirt down her shoulders, biting down on her lower lip as the material snagged on her raw skin. Neal drew in a horrified breath, and Kel heard him swear softly.

"How did this happen?"

"I couldn't get my back to a wall in time," she answered noncommittally, biting back a sigh of relief as cool magic drew the pain from the jagged scar that paralleled her spine from shoulder to waist.

"Would this be in the bandit raid that you neglected to mention?" Neal's voice was accusing and she craned her neck to look at him.

"Dom told you, didn't he?"

His face became unreadable and he fixed his eyes on her back, every thread of concentration going into his magic. "He shouldn't have had to,"

"Neal, I -"

"No secrets." he said in a tone that brooked no argument. Kel nodded, guilt flooding her, and echoed her agreement.

A sudden knock disturbed the uncomfortable silence and the door swung open before either of them had time to react. "Well…this is cosy," said a harsh, familiar voice. Kel's heart sank and shrugging Neal's hands away, she pulled on her shirt and turned around.

Now I know I can handle this

The tall, redheaded knight leaned against the doorjamb, eyebrows raised sardonically as a stormy grey gaze swept over what Kel knew to be an extremely compromising position. Neal shifted, and she allowed her eyes to stray to him. He was hunched over his knees, staring guiltily at Cleon, and for a moment Kel wondered what it was that he had to look guilty about - it was hardly like their friend would object to the healing! Unless…inwardly she cringed - what if Cleon thought that they…?


I'll close my mouth and clench my fist

Kel balled her right hand and bit down on the knuckles nervously. As of yet, none of them had said anything. However, Cleon began to smile tightly. "Neal," he said darkly, with the merest nod towards his friend before he looked at Kel. She squirmed, despite her iron resolve not to show how edgy Cleon made her. He was even more handsome than the last time she saw him, if that was possible when covered in dust from the road.


I've lived this day in a thousand ways

Although she knew she would have to face him at some point, Kel had never imagined that she would have a witness. Neal didn't seem to have any intention of leaving, and to be truthful Kel didn't want him to. In battle, when a warrior lost or broke their shield, it was usual - if not entirely honourable - to use the body of an enemy as a human shield in its stead. Is that what she had been reduced to? Using her best friend as a shield to deflect her ex-lover's scathing remarks?


But there's a flaw to add to my list

"I trust you are well?" he asked, voice quiet and the anger bright in his eyes. Kel's annoyance rose, as did Neal's, apparently.

"Does she look well?" he snarled, gesturing at the scar tissue on Kel's cheek. "Don't look at Kel like she's done something wrong because she hasn't! Did you not see the scar on her back? And do you really think Lord Wyldon would have let her get it healed?" Kel shot to her feet after her best friend who seemed to be on the verge of lunging at Cleon.

Cleon himself raised his hands defensively. "I didn't say anything!"

"You didn't need to," Neal growled, folding his arms over his chest, "the accusation was obvious. And anyway, you should know us better than that."


Go on squeeze a little more

Kel felt the blush start somewhere in the region of her ankles and begin to work it's way up. No, Cleon might know that Neal would be far too honourable to do such a thing, but as her internal dilemma earlier that morning had proved, she had a fickle heart.

Coughing embarrassedly, Cleon turned to her. "Kel, I'm sorry…I just…well, you know how it looked…"

If you scream I'll just ignore you

She nodded silently, wondering whether Cleon's betrothed would be sorry if she just killed him now. It wasn't like he had any right to say who she may or may not court now that they weren't together anymore.

"So," began Neal to break the atmosphere that had developed, "how is it you're back from Kennan so early?"

"There was really very little I could do that mother hadn't already taken care of, and we had to return for the Ordeals in any case," Cleon grinned mischievously at them.

Neal groaned. "Thanks for reminding me. But…" the edge of his lip curled into a smirk, "who's 'we'?"

Oh no…not… Kel prayed to the Yamani gods that Cleon didn't mean who she thought he meant. Cleon's eyes widened and said quickly - "That reminds me - there's someone I want you both to meet," he rushed out of the room and they heard his footsteps echo away down the hall.

Meanwhile, Kel hurriedly buttoned up her shirt and dragged a comb through her hair in an effort to make herself look more presentable.


I've rehearsed this scene in a million dreams

"Kel, Neal, I'd like you to meet Ermelian of Aminar," he said somewhat breathlessly, "Lian, this is Keladry of Mindelan - remember the one I told you about - and Nealan of Queenscove." Cleon was beaming his arm around the woman that Kel had dreaded meeting since she received his letter some weeks previously.

Ermelian of Aminar was everything that Kel was not. Her ringlets of blonde hair cascaded down her back, and she regarded Neal and Kel with bright blue eyes. She also had dimples. Of course Kel could never compare to this vision of beauty!

Inexplicably, Neal looked rather unimpressed - Kel would have expected him to be already composing one of his dreadful poems about Lady Ermelian's flaxen hair, or her sylph-like figure.

As she curtseyed politely, Ermelian smiled at Kel. "Keladry, I have heard so much about you,"


You're getting closer to my core

"R-really?" she glared briefly at Cleon who didn't appear to notice, staring as he was, at his betrothed.

"Oh yes, Cleon told me about your quest to stop the hazing of younger pages and of how you jousted with full knights this summer! I have to say, it all sounds terribly exciting."

"It has it's moments." Kel replied dryly, observing Ermelian's perpetual smile fade at her lack of enthusiasm. "I'm sorry, Lady Ermelian, Cleon, I have rather a lot of work to finish before dinner,"

"Oh! Of course! We won't detain you any longer, Keladry," exclaimed Ermelian, digging her elbow into Cleon's ribs, "It was very nice to meet you both."


I'm so damn frustrated,
Losing breath and now I'm shaking

They left the door open this time, and Kel flopped down onto her bed, burying her face in her hands. Gentle pressure on her shoulders reminded her that Neal was still there, and she looked up at him.

"Another thing you forgot to mention?"


Got to keep myself from breaking down,

Someone get me out

Narrowing her eyes, she tried to pull back from his touch, but he didn't let her go. Kel had forgotten quite how strong he was. "It wasn't anything to do with anyone but Cleon and me." she said shortly, wishing that he would just drop the subject.

"Don't you trust me? Is that it?"

She stared at him incredulously. How could he think that? Just because she hadn't felt like telling him everything didn't mean that she didn't trust him. Kel told him so.

Neal sighed and knelt down so that his face was level with hers. "I wish you would let me help you. Or will your Yamani training not even let you do that?"


Tear don't you fall,
Eyes don't you cry

She was so tired, and everything was just too much right now. The concern she saw on Neal's face scared her as it warmed her. Why was he being like this? Why couldn't he just leave her alone? In a moment Kel would start to cry and not even her Yamani mask could hide that. She didn't want her friend to see her weaken so.


While I'm open and you can read me
I can't break down, break down

"Please leave, Neal," Kel implored, beginning to tremble from exhaustion that the healing brought on, and fighting the tears that threatened to well in her eyes.

He looked so betrayed. In that instant, she hated herself even as Neal stood up and walked away.

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