Disclaimer: Everything recognizable belongs to the lovely Tamora Pierce. I am now starting to use events that have occurred in the books, so there may be some familiar dialogue or scenes that she has written.
AN: If you have any interest as to the long wait between chapters please feel free to read the longer note at the end of the chapter, otherwise enjoy and look for the next chapter which will be coming sooner than it took this one to appear.
Dom gently stood up from the middle of the animals that loved his Lady Knight and began to follow a still frowning Daine. When they reached the heart of the camp she looked up to see her husband and Raoul. "It's Darkmoon, he's near. What is Alanna doing out here? Last I heard she and George were at the Swoop." Both men shrugged their shoulders. She sighed, "Well they're only a mile out, we'll know soon enough. I told Darkmoon to head this way."
Numair looked worried. "You would normally tell it is him within three miles sweets, are you feeling alright?" He quickly placed his hands on his lover's forehead. Dom couldn't help but smile. He just hoped that he and Kel would end up like this couple in front of him.
Daine gave Numair a small smile while taking his hand, "I was with Kel's animals, they're in a right fit." Her eyes finally lit up as she turned to Dom and gave him a beaming smile. "Don't worry Captain, you now have a powerful healer here to help with your lady."
Dom gave her a tight smile, "I'll only be relieved when she wakes up. Even then I might have to restrain my urge to lock her away for her own protection." He raised his eyebrow when Daine gave out a giggle.
"I am sure those are going to be some amazing kisses. I know I like them." She looked up at Numair and giggle again as she blushed. She then started to walk towards one end of the camp; the others followed and heard a horn sound from their sentries, which was quickly followed by a return call for friends.
Raoul stepped forward to greet Alanna as she dismounted, "What do we own this honor to?" As he pulled her into a bone breaking hug Dom noticed that he whispered in her ear so no one could hear, and he thought he saw a slight nod in return.
"Well, we have been hunting a large group of bandits, they are a ruthless group. They have been moving around more than a normal band. They seem to like the violence, not really interested in pillaging." She looked around quickly, a slight frown on her face. "They would have passed by here about a day ago."
Raoul smiled grimly, "Ah yes that group." And with little hesitation he continued, not sure how his friend would take the news. "Lady Knight Keladry had the pleasure of meeting said group yesterday morning."
Alanna's eyes lit up, "So they were brought to bay?" She looked around, not finding what she wanted she looked up into the grim faces of Raoul and Dom. "Raoul?"
He sighed, "She was leading her group back towards us. We have completed our mission of rounding up those Tyran raiders." His horrified eyes looked up from his hands to his friend's furious violet eyes. "They were ambushed Alanna." He saw her visibly pale, her red hair looking even more like flames than normal.
Dom finally jumped in, "She was injured, badly." He watched as Alanna stalked off in the direction of the healer's tent leaving the others to follow behind her.
It had now been months since her family had moved to the Islands and things still were horrible for Kel. All of the children either ignored her, or when forced to interact they were insulting. She had been learning the Yamani language by leaps and bounds and could now understand just what they were saying around her. It had been a tough fight, but she had now mastered her emotionless mask. There were only a few times in which there was a momentary flicker, but she was quick to hide it. These children were always looking for reasons to pick on the young stupid foreigner.
Knowing that she had to do this herself, Kel never told the rest of her family. Her parents had already told her their own fears of trying to help, and Adie and Oranie were having their own problems, even if they seemed to be more accepted by the Yamanis than Kel. This did not stop her from trying to fit in and make friends with the children of her own age.
It was one day as she walked slowly behind her sisters through one of the many beautiful gardens around the Imperial Palace that she made her first friend. Just after crossing one of the many low bridges, Kel heard a small giggle coming from the other side of some bushes. Deciding to leave her sisters who were too busy discussing boys to notice her absence, Kel made her way around the bush and found a Yamani girl who seemed to be just a little older than Kel. The girl was on her hands and knees looking through the bush. When something hopped out towards her, she giggled again. Kel came closer to get a better look; accidently stepping on a branch and making the girl look up. Kel noticed right away the laughter within the eyes that met hers.
Pointing into the bush, the girl stated, "It is trying to hide but I know I will catch it." She turned back around and giggled when a cricket hopped out chirping. She looked like she was about to catch it when it quickly hopped away back into the bush. Looking around at Kel again she politely asked, "Would you like to help me catch it?"
Kel was taken back for a moment then blurted "A Cricket?" in common, forgetting in her shock to speak Yamani. The girl smiled, it truly reached her eyes. This shocked Kel who had never seen a Yamani smile, young or old.
"Cricket." The girl said delighted with a new word. She then nodded as she repeated the word for cricket in Yamani.
Kel got down on her knees and started to help capture the elusive cricket. They spent hours within the garden hunting and giggling. They never spoke much, just staying "cricket" whenever it came into view.
Eventually a worried Ilane rushed into the garden right as Kel caught the cricket within her hand, causing both girls to jump up and down. Kel ran proudly to her mother and opened her had to reveal the cricket sitting peacefully in her hand. The Yamani girl had quietly disappeared, never giving Kel her name, but leaving her feeling light hearted knowing that she had a friend at last.
Before Kel knew it, she had turned five and life had gotten better for her a little since meeting Cricket, as her new friend wished to be called. The other children were still distant and she only saw Cricket once a week, but she was happy to have someone to show her all the children's games that others would play but never invite Kel to join.
It was one of her first visits to the temple, she knelt before an alter with two swords placed upon it, both sheathed in shining gold. A lady-in-waiting knelt with her explaining the mythology behind the swords. The smell of burning wood reached her nose causing Kel to look around, a fire would be dangerous. The temple doors crashed open to reveal her mother, wide eyed and pale.
"Please excuse me," she told the lady-in-waiting, as calm and polite as any Yamani in danger, "but we must get out of here and find help. Pirates have attacked the cove and are within the palace."
As her mother finished swords and axes came through the wall behind the alter, Kel felt an arm around her pulling her up and she was moving towards her mother. Then the lady fell, sending Kel sliding a short way down the polished floor. Turning she saw the arrow sticking out of the woman. Her mother quickly grabbed the swords before cutting the heavy chords that held up the oil lamps, efficiently stopping the pirates from following them for the time being.
Eventually Kel and her mother became trapped. The golden swords were thrust into her hands by her mother before she was pushed into a corner. Her mother took a stance before her, holding the glaive level. She held the attackers at bay, killing four of the men before guards came to finish the remaining men. When she had gathered the swords and face the guardsmen, they bowed as one, heads touching the bloody floor. They were quickly escorted through the twisting halls.
By the time they had exited the temple, the raid was over and cleanup had already begun. Instead of being lead to their lodgings as Kel had expected, they were led to the safety of a protected room. Quickly, the guards and her mother dropped to the floor in a deep bow. Kel was slower, having the swords still in her arms. The emperor stood before them. Kel was in awe and did not follow the conversation that was being held.
By the following day, many things had changed for Kel. As she would walk past, adults would murmur and do such a slight bow that Kel believed she had imagined it. As they were still rebuilding after the attack the previous day, none of the children were out so she was unable to find any changes in their behavior. That came a week after the attack.
Having built back most of the damaged palace, the parents began to allow their children to go back out and play. Kel took no notice of them as they started to move around her. She was shocked however when the same boy who had taken the toy and pushed her in the nursery a year ago came up to her and asked if she would like to play with him and the toys he had. Kel, not wishing to be rude agreed.
More children came and joined in their game. She was more than grateful that Cricket had taught her these games. The group eventually broke up when parents came to collect the children. Still feeling strange at the sudden turn around, Kel went home and expected that this turn around would end the next day.
The following day, Kel received an invitation from one of the children to join their family for tea. This time Kel paid more attention to the eyes, and while the child seemed more than happy to ask Kel to join them, Kel now knew the truth. Their eyes were still filled with distaste at having to be around a foreigner.
Kel was happy to see that her friendship with Cricket had not been altered. She still was polite to the other children when they approached, but she was less guarded with her. It was Cricket who informed her that their parents were just trying to get into favor with the Emperor, as Kel's family now held true power in the Yamani court.
Very few things changed until Kel turned six. It was at this age that the arms mistress of the imperial court, Nariko, finally allowed Kel to begin training with the other children. When the children began to gawk and mutter at Kel's appearance she snapped them into line, "Lady Ilane of Mindelan, a foreigner to this country, may be a hero, but remember, Heroism is endurance for one moment more. If the Lady had faltered a moment sooner than either all those raiders were dead or the guards came, she would not be considered the hero of our swords. Therefore it is my duty to train you to be able to fight a moment more, not so you can be heroes, but so you can live!" She marched in front of the awaiting children, Kel's sisters had been practicing arms since they had arrived on the Island so they were nowhere in view of Kel.
When Nariko stopped in front of Kel, she had to stop herself from trembling. "I want all those who are new to stand behind Keladry. Everyone else, get started on your drills." She quickly pulled out a staff. "Once you can weld this, you may move on. This will teach you discipline. Discipline is the refining fire by which talent becomes ability. Not all of you will have talent, but by the end, you will have the ability to fight."
She quickly passed out staffs to the younger children and began by showing them proper warm ups, holds and stances. After allowing them to perform a few practice swings, she called over some of the slightly older children to help. Kel was paired with a girl with a round face and mischief filled almond-shaped brown eyes, she appeared to only be a year older than Kel.
This exercise seemed to go smoothly, until Kel, who had been focusing on her hands and her opponent's staff slipped on a rock and ended up falling in a heap, banging herself with her staff in return. Trying to hide her embarrassment, Kel took the offered hand. When she looked up, she saw the girl's eyes crinkle in the corner as she told her with a small bow, "I am Yukimi noh Daiomoru, I may be of help if it would please you to practice with me later."
Kel returned the bow and spoke, "I am Keladry of Mindelan, I would be pleased to be helped, if you do not mind being around a failure as myself when it comes to pole arms."
Once again there were crinkles around the girl's eyes as she answered, "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." She bowed once again, "I would still be honored Keladry of Mindelan to help. And please, I believe we will be friends, so you may call me Yuki."
Kel once again bowed back, "You may call me Kel."
Alanna pulled back the purple magic that had entered Kel's body, letting out a heavy sigh. She looked at the expectant faces of Raoul and, if she remembered correctly, her former squire's cousin, Domitan of Masbolle. "Everything is healed and in working order, but there is nothing more I can do." She took a breath to continue but Raoul cut across her.
"What do you mane nothing you can do? Can't you bring her back by looking into the fire like you did for Jon as a page?"
"She's not dying Raoul!" Alanna snapped at her large friend. Seeing the shocked expression at her outburst Alanna softened her voice and face. "She's not dying, she's just…" Alanna shifter her eyes over to the quiet young man still in the tent, noticing with interest that he was running his fingers gently over the Lady Knight's. She continued when she finally found his worried but curious eyes.
"She's just searching. There is something she is searching for to break free of the abyss she has fallen into. There is a clear drive for her to live; otherwise she would be in the Dark God's Realm." She saw him tighten his grip on the hand he held. She stood, "I can't tell you how long she will be like this, but once she finds what she is looking for, she will sleep naturally. I estimate she will wake up about a day or so after that."
Without a further look at the knight in the bed, Alanna turned around and started for the exit. She turned before she left and caught Raoul's eyes. Once she had his attention she beckoned him out. Once out of earshot of the tent and the men lounging about she turned to her big friend. "I can stay until tomorrow morning, I'll check on her again sometime before I go." She waited for Raoul's nod before continuing. "You asked me to help get in contact with Jon earlier, what is so pressing?"
Raoul looked around to make sure no one could hear him, "Just meet me in my tent in ten, I'll find Numair and between the two of you we can discuss it all with Jon. If you spot Buri and Daine bring them with you."
Alanna watched as her big friend casually strolled off to find the mage in question. Shaking her head she figured she might as well find Buri and Daine before meeting Raoul in his tent. If he needs both Numair and myself it's going to be a long night. Alanna thought gloomily to herself.
The next two years on the Islands had past like a blur to Kel, even while reliving them in this sort of limbo she felt herself in. She spent more time training under Nariko's watchful gaze. She knew the things she learned would never leave her, from the basics on how to land after being tossed to the golden rule, never drop your weapon. The training was intense, but she had her friend Yuki to help her. Occasionally Cricket also joined them during practice.
It was one such day when Kel was eight and the girls had decided to play a game of fan toss using the shukusen that she made her third friend. Kel loved this game, watching the fan fluttering in the air. As their game was coming to a close and Yuki and Cricket were talking Kel looked around. She noticed a boy who, while remaining a perfect Yamani seemed troubled and forlorn. Seeing that her friends had no need of her, she made her way over and politely started conversation. She was pleased to see that he did not reject her as so many other children would do.
By the end of their conversation, Kel realized that she had now made another friend on the Yamani Islands. Shortly after he left her friends approached her with their eyes crinkled in laughter. It was through their teasing that Kel found out her new friend was one of the many Imperial princes.
Their friendship continued to grow steadily and before Kel realized what was happening she had a crush. She hid it well, as there was not much to base any form of relationship on. She knew from court life that all princes and princesses of the Imperial court, no matter if they are in favor of the Emperor at the time or not, had or would have arranged marriages.
To Kel's relief, her crush only lasted a week. He moved to a different Island and Kel's life continued in a routine that lasted for the remaining time she was on the Islands. It was a few months before her tenth birthday that she was informed about their return back to Tortall. Her parents had finally secured a marriage contract between the two countries and their party, now slightly depleted, was to travel home. Only Kel remained behind with her parents.
After being informed of the move, Kel quickly found her two friends and told them of her departure in less than a week. Although saddened by their friend's news, they carried on in polite conversation until Cricket finally asked Kel what she planned to do while back in Tortall.
"I plan to go into Page training at the palace. The king has said that girls may join, but none have come forward that we have heard of. I wish to be a knight, help those who need help. I just hope they treat me fairly and that my cup does not have a hole in which my dreams will leak until I have nothing but a damaged cup."
Both Yuki and Cricket assured Kel that her dreams were worth following, even should her dream of being a knight did not bear fruit, then she could also join one of the other fighting forces that allow women to fight. For although women warriors were not common on the Islands, all Yamani understood the need of a woman to be able to defend themselves.
The trip back to Tortall was one that passed by Kel. She had learned how to control her sea sickness as they had traveled between Islands with the Imperial court so she had no need of the tea her mother had given her on the trip over. Once they had landed it was a three day trip to the Royal Palace.
Having only been to the palace once when she was really young, Kel couldn't help but look around her with wonder. While the Imperial Palace was a place filled with thin paper walls, polished wooden floors and impressive statues, the Royal Palace was stone and almost felt cold after the light colored paper she had grown accustomed to. But she did have to admit that the stone allowed for them to hang lovely tapestries and paintings along the halls.
It was while her parents had to attend a meeting with important people of the realm that Kel went wondering around the Palace. With the help of servants, she eventually found her way out onto the practice courts. As she stood there, she couldn't help but feel in awe of the pages that were practicing. She was too far away to actually pick up on what they looked like or what they were saying but her attention quickly fixed on a boy who stood taller than the others and appeared to be older than the rest. Although she was unable to hear what he said, she could hear the lazy drawl of his voice as he talked back to a stiff looking man with his arm in a sling.
Shortly after this incident, they all filed out of the practice court onto another activity. She wished to follow them and see what she would possibly need to know but mentally kicked herself, she had yet to inform her parents of what she wished to do and it would be foolish to watch and try to imitate without proper instruction. And a small part of her thought you wouldn't want to be disappointed to find that you have nothing new to learn.
Their stay at the Palace was brief, for the following day they left to make their trip up to Mindelan. Once there, Kel could not help but feel as if she did not belong. Although she was born in this castle, she had spent most of her life on the Islands, and if her dream came true, then she would not spend much time here. She enjoyed being able to catch up with her brothers, luckily Conal was not at home.
The day following Kel's arrival she was trying to reacquaint herself with a place she barely remembered. As she neared an open door she could hear the voice of her sister-in-laws. She was planning to move past without disturbing them, but stopped when she heard her name.
"Did you see Keladry?"
"Yes, she is so big."
"Nobody would want to marry a girl built along the likes of a cow."
They all jumped, including Kel when a door slammed open announcing the presence of her mother. Her face remained detached from her internal emotions, but Kel could tell from the fire in her eyes that she was not pleased with what was being said about her youngest daughter. Kel watched in awe as Ilane scolded her daughter-in-laws and sent them to work about the small castle. Kel kept her face blank when her mother then came to the door she was frozen behind and told her to follow her.
Kel was lead to her father's study, which he already sat behind the desk, clearly awaiting their arrival. As Kel sat, her mother filled her father in on what had been said and the punishment that had been given. Both her parents turned their attention to Kel.
"Well dear, I hope you do not listen to what those silly women say. Marriage is something wonderful, and only fulfilling when it is with someone you care for dearly." Her mother started.
"Kel, we would like to know what you wish to do now that we are here in Tortall once again." Her father stood and began to pace as he thought. "You can go on to the convent like your sisters and be prepared for the life of a lady of court." He turned his gaze upon Kel and sent her a rare smile, "Although I don't think that is what you would enjoy. You could then wait until you are old enough to join the Queen's Riders. Or if you do peruse an education at the convent, you may hope to become one of the Queen's Ladies. Or you may return to the Yamani Islands in eighteen months with us."
He waited patiently for Kel to think it over and was able to hide his shock when she finally spoke up. "Papa, Mama…" Kel hesitated. "The king has amended the law stating that females could try to become knights of Tortall." She met the eyes of both her parents, "That is what I would like to do. If they are willing to allow females to train, I would wish to enter page training in the fall."
Her parents shared a look in which she knew they were reaching a decision without speaking. Kel waited patiently knowing that they had most likely not considered this option when they had talked together before speaking to her.
Finally her father spoke, "We will send a letter inquiring about your request. It has been nearly ten years since the law was changed, and no one has stepped forward. Don't be disappointed if the answer is one that you would not wish to hear."
Knowing she was dismissed Kel bowed to her parents and walked out. When she reached the end of the hall she heard her mother call softly to her.
"Kel, this isn't because of what your sister-in-laws said is it?" She had now reached Kel and her hand cupped her face making Kel look into her eyes.
"No Mama. I have been thinking about this since before we left the Islands. I want to learn. I enjoyed what I learned there, but I wish to know more to help others. If this does not work out, then I will consider my other options. I promise Mama, I could care less what they were saying; I am not interested in marriage."
Ilane nodded. "Your father is writing the letter now. It shall be sent out with the currier tomorrow morning."
"Thank you Mama." Kel gave her mother a hug before leaving the castle to go outside and preform some pattern dances.
The week seemed to drag on. Kel wished she knew when the letter concerning her future would arrive. She mentally scolded herself. It would take days for the letter to reach the palace. It could take weeks before it is read, and more weeks for a decision to be reached, then the days for the letter to reach Mindelan once again. She would just have to be patient.
Two weeks had passed since the letter had been sent out. Kel watched from across the courtyard as a dusty rider trotted in through the gate, currier bag hanging from the horse's saddle. She watched with slight hope that she would have an answer.
Almost an hour after the currier had left; Kel was summoned by her parents into her father's study. Heart pounding, Kel reached for the letter that they handed her, their faces as blank as any Yamanis. She read through the letter quickly easily controlling her emotions at what she had found in there.
Rereading she heard her father speak, "It is not the reply we expected. His declaration of ten years ago was that girls could become pages. Nothing was said of probation then."
Kel was angry. She knew that everything about this was unfair. She could either go into training and be treated differently than the boys. Or she could refuse and give up on her dream. After her mother interrupted her thoughts Kel relooked at the letter before she spoke fiercely. "It isn't right. No boys have probation. I'm supposed to be treated the same."
Kel left shortly afterwards, her parents bidding her to think before she made her decision.
AN: I know it has been over two months since my last update. I swear this story has not left me; I have plans for it to continue for quite a few chapters (although I never thought it would end up this long when I started writing it). I would love to tell you that this chapter has been written over a month and was just awaiting posting, but that would be a lie. I can tell you some of the reasons for me not writing, they include having 3 weeks straight in which I had to give in class presentations (1 on tunicates, 1 on males in a hermaphroditic community of fish, and lastly what my dreams and inspirations have been and what I wish to accomplish after I graduate college), then there were finals.
That took up one of my two months. The week following the end of classes composed of traveling from Northern California to the L.A. area (when I say northern, I mean less than 100 miles south from the Oregon border) a drive that on a good day takes about 11 hours. Then after spending a few days at my boyfriend's house with his family, it was a drive from the L.A. area down into Riverside County (still a good hour and a half drive without traffic). I then spent the following week either with my grandmother (this was her first visit from Mexico to the US in 10 years) or cleaning the house so that she would be comfortable. I also attended my youngest cousin's graduation. There was then the 2 weeks that I was at home spending my time trying to keep an 82 year old woman from feeling useless, let me tell you that is not an easy task (especially when she only speaks Spanish, and I only have a basic understanding of Spanish and have very little capability of actually speaking it).
It was during this time of having my grandma over that I finally managed to start writing again, but sadly, I had no internet to post what I had created for you my lovely readers! (I have been without internet for a full 17 days!) I have not spent my weeks in vein, for before I began to write once more, I have been revisiting PotS to find parts for Kel to remember events. Don't worry I am not planning on writing every last thing our dear Tamora Pierce wrote, I have just been picking apart the books looking for events that she glossed over that I thought should have more light shed on them. I had help from one of my good friends who has spent some time finding places in which she wished to hear more of the story.
Well sorry for a long rambling AN at the end of this here chapter, but I wish to inform all of my loyal reader that I have not given up on my story, and that, while I do have a continuation of my story Coming Back Home in which our beloved Third Company comes home from the war to find that while things have changed, not all changes are for the worst, I have no plans to post any new stories until I finish this one, and believe me, I have 3 that have been on the back burner. If you are interested in what those are, feel free to PM me! I would love other people's input on some of the ideas coursing through my head.
Till next time, Aly