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Chapter 3

A Surprising Victory

Kel took some time to walk around the gardens. She knew that they would be empty with the weather beginning to turn frosty, so she could have a chance to think quietly to herself. She couldn't believe that it was less than a month to midwinter and that she had been a knight for almost a year. It was also almost a year ago that the chamber of ordeal gave her the task of killing Blayce the Gallan, creator of the killing devices, and his dog, Stenman. She prayed that no one this year would have to deal with something like out. She did, however, look forward to seeing Owen join their ranks as a knight. She couldn't believe that the Owen she saw now was the one she saw eight years ago as a new page. The chubby, clumsy and tactless boy who came blundering in had grown into a smart, tall young man.

Kel came out of her daydreaming to see two young faces looking at her from inside the palace. She rose to meet the girls who had chosen to follow in her footsteps. They were both at the tail end of their third year, and would soon face their third set of test on the way to squire. One of them was tall and slender with long dirty blond hair plaited down her back, an upturned nose and warm, brown eyes; her name was Cassandria of Kings Reach and her brother was a friend of Kel's. The other girl, called Karean ibn Baghud, was of Bazhir decent with the signature dark skin and hair. However, unlike the most Bazhir, she had piercing blue eyes.

They asked her how they could improve enough to keep up with the boy pages and many other about training, war and her adventures.

Raoul was sitting at his desk, going through long lists of new applicants for the Own and dreading the prospect of meeting them and testing who was ready to join. There was a knock on the door, which opened to reveal Flyndan, Captain of Third Company and Raoul's second in command. Flyn had taken a number of harsh wounds in the war and needed a stick to walk with.

"Flyn, sit down," Raoul greeted him wearily, "what can I do for you?"

Flyn limped up to the desk and pulled up the second chair. He nodded and replied "I know t'isn't the best time, Milord, what with you recruiting new soldiers..." He trailed off nervously.

"Speak up, Flyn, it's not like you to hesitate," Raoul encouraged.

"Milord, I've chosen t' retire from the Own," Flyn sighed, "my injuries were too severe t' be any use in battle.

Raoul nodded uncomfortably, "I understand, Flyn. You've been a great friend and a good warrior, you deserve to settle down now, find a wife, be happy..."

Flyn thanked him and rose, but before leaving, he said, "Milord, if I may, I have an idea for who could take my place."

Kel was in her room collecting what she would need for her session with Raoul when there was a knock on her door. She turned to see Dom standing there, panting heavily.

"Kel," he gasped for air.

"Dom, breath! Did you run here from the palace?" Kel beckoned for him to sit down. The run to her townhouse

Once in the chair, Dom nodded, "I need to talk to you!" He said between breaths.

"Catch your breath first, then talk." Kel replied.

Kel poured them both some water while Dom sat, slowly breathing more steadily. "Kel," he said finally, "Flyn left the Own!" He said quickly.

"Dom, did you sprint the two miles from the palace to tell me that?" Kel asked, slightly confused. Why would her friend run so far only to tell her that?

Dom shook his head, "No, there's more, but I wanted you to hear this from me, not from anyone else."

"Dom, what is it?"

"Raoul has asked me to take his place, which means I start the recruitment process tomorrow morning, and I could use some help."

"That's great news, and of course I'll help!" She said with a smile, then asked, "Who will be taking your place, Captain?"

Dom smiled, "You'll like this one Kel, since corporal Wolset has become a sergeant.

Kel laughed. She had promoted Wolset, Dom's short, hot headed corporal, in the field when they lost Symric in an attack by a killing device, after Dom was wounded. Dom had made it official shortly afterwards.

Dom picked up some of Kel's things, offering to help her carry her things to the training field. "Didn't you get enough of this as a squire?" He asked.

Kel smiled, saying, "Apparently not."

The pair chatted together while walking toward the stable where Peachblossom was housed. There, they parted ways, Dom for the new piles of paperwork he had just inherited, and Kel for the stalls to saddle her warhorse.

Raoul was already in the field when Kel arrived, wearing the padded coromanal armor. He greeted her as she led the stubborn horse into the field.

"I heard that Flyn resigned," Kel said as she armed up.

Raoul nodded, "I guess Dom probably told you," he sighed, "I'm disappointed but it was no surprise."

"Dom's a good choice though," Kel pointed out. "He's a good leader, the men respect him and he gets along with everyone." And he is incredibly attractive, part of her mind mentioned.

Raoul nodded again, "As soon as Flyn suggested him, I knew he was right. It'll just take some adjusting to."

"He asked if I could help in the recruiting process," Kel said, "I wanted to make sure that it was alright with you."

"Absolutely" Raoul replied, brightening a little bit, "It'll be nice to have you around to help.

She was finally done putting on the padding so she mounted her horse, and he was only a step behind her.

They went several rounds, neither one knocking the other from the saddle. A crowd had begun to form to watch the two knights joust, waiting tensely to see if either one knocks the other. After her lance shattered, Kel looked out to see who was there; Merric was there, having had his leg treated by the healers, so was Seaver, Faleron and Owen. Standing beside Owen was his knight master, Lord Wyldon, his face unreadable.

She called to Raoul that this was going to be the last run. Her back was starting to ache and she was certain she was covered in many new bruises. She settled the new lance in her grip and waited for the signal. She whispered to Peachblossom "Charge" and the horse shot down the field. She positioned her lance perfectly and struck. After reaching the end of the field at a trot, she turned to find Raoul standing, wiping dirt from his back. She had unhorsed Raoul!

The crowd cheered as she dismounted and, once again, turned to them. She now noticed Dom and Neal applauding, standing next to Merric. Dom's grin was enormous as she walked towards her former knight master.

"Are you alright?" She asked, slightly concerned.

"Just bruised," he said, "I'm impressed, you've gotten so much better." He smiled and patted her on the back.

She smiled up at him as they led their horses from the field. Her friends pounded her back and cheered. Lord Wyldon merely nodded approvingly, which, from him, was a huge compliment.