(-a/n- I LOVE ALL OF YOU WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO REVIEWED!!! As always they are much appreciated and inspire me to keep working on this fic. Sorry for the delayed update but I have been working on Fallen in other ways. I've made a map of Scanra, (the link is on my profile page) just in case you are getting confused as to where all of the Clans are! I've also been finalising plot details for the next few chapters :D )

Yabberli, seven3eight, Rauntail, Night-Player, Hiedra, lady knight keladry, eternityfalls, ObSeSsEd WiTh ROXAS, LadyKnightSusan, onyx-jade potter, Tsumetai Taiyoukai, NotAfraidToLive, zeurin, Lady Sapphirea, Rycr, Skyline Romance, hyperbookworm, the. dead. addict., Rycr, TheBrassPotato, darkjewelledassassin, qtktkat, theknightofkonaha, CelticGoddess09, x17SkmBdrchiczxx, Triaides, epobbp, Adamantium Rose, Transfiguration, Erynfaer, Macko, Mint Tea Rose, SaoirseWaveglow, Kitcat, Lady Muck, Forget Me Not Blue, seyyada, Brokenflamesrebel, 13.shimer.13, Erytha, brezzybrez, I love Fallen!, Waiting To Be Inspired Arsera345, Grace of Masbolle, killinguwithumbrellas, Frog's princess, Nyleve, oirishgoddess, bookworm-4-ever2012, Krae Z. Rokke, peacockgal17 GuitarBlonde, Elentariel, ILuvAnimesNManga, Kathy, Abbs of the faeries, The Sherberty Lemon, Me, Xx-Hazelnut-xX Kelly, Stoned Lorikeet tygerliilly, Evil Bunny of Death, Orohippus, Uncertian Destiny, crazylittlefox, Devouring Sarcasm Phantasm, the yellow pages ate my llamaBlackWidow12, jesi ki kage, asdf & Deep Purple Sky.

SarahE7191 I've added in Lucie just for you! As for your other questions, you'll have to wait and see!

Right or Ryn Well…um the caravan we stayed in was like an RV but it doesn't have an engine or anything, you can't move it about…it's plumbed in and has got electricity etc :D It was fun :D

On top of cloud 9 As I said above, our caravan is like a stationary motorhome, minus the engine!

fairydust000 Yep, I made the history and stuff up, because I'm trying to portray Scanra as a different, but not bad country. It's just Maggur that is making it bad… Wow! Five hours! You're a very dedicated reader :D –sends you a large choccy chip cookie- And you read all my other fics ?!? –grins broadly- it's nice to know that people are still reading them :D

JaBoyYa There ya go! I didn't forget you this time :D

Confusedknight xxx

Within minutes Kel, Rhonda and Alex were speeding away from the village on the sled. The sun was barely up and Kel was utterly confused.

'What did you overhear?' asked Kel again.

'A lot,' said Alex grimly, 'some good, but most of it bodes very ill for our cause.'

'But why is it so urgent that we leave that village?' asked Kel directly.

'Because Maggur has plans for Sekholm,' said Alex quietly, 'big plans. As you know from the conversations you overheard at Vishnaucht's, Maggur has been trying to ruin the alliance between Sekholm and Rokang for a while now. Fortunately, we've been able to prevent him from doing so. Unable to persuade Sekholm to join him out of fear of Rokang, he plans to take the Clan by force.'

'There are good iron mines at Sekholm,' said Rhonda, not taking her eyes off of the horizon, 'with that iron he can outfit an army.'

'So what can we do?' asked Kel, peering up into the serious faces of the two adults.

'Warn Sekholm,' replied Alex, 'so that as soon as it is possible they can evacuate the women and children.'

'But first we have to deal with someone,' said Rhonda, her voice hard.

'Maggur has instructed a spy to perpetrate the Clan,' said Alex.

'I thought that Maggur had spies in all clans?' asked Kel.

'Not any more,' Rhonda said with a hint of satisfaction, 'but he's putting someone a bit more important there to make sure that everything runs smoothly. But Mithros forbidding the spy isn't even going to arrive there.'

'Why not?' asked Kel.

'Because we're going to kill him,' said Rhonda simply, no trace of sorrow evident in her voice.

Kel's eyes widened in surprise, not least from hearing this shocking piece of information in Rhonda's casual tone.

'Um…when are we going to do this?' choked Kel.

'In about half an hour,' Rhonda replied, ignoring Kel's sickened look.

Rhonda's plan was simple. They stopped the sled and hid in an empty barn, until their victim approached on his sled. Then Rhonda ran out into his path. Upon catching sight of Rhonda, who was waving her arms around as though in distress, the man slowed his dogs and gradually came to a halt. Rhonda staggered towards him and then in one decisive movement she had slit his throat.

Scarlet blood blossomed onto the white snow and Kel felt bile rising in her throat. There was nothing remotely honourable about the man's death. He hadn't even had a chance. Alex turned away and Kel was relieved to at least see a little bit of remorse in his eyes.

'It had to be done Kel. In the long run more lives will be saved.' He then added, 'Anyway, he works for Maggur,' as though that settled and justified the violent killing.

Kel watched, still shocked at what had happened, as Rhonda loosed the dogs so that they could return home and then thoroughly searched the man's supplies.

Returning, Rhonda helped Alex and Kel to manoeuvre their sled outside again and once again they sped off across the ice and snow.

It had all happened so fast that Kel barely had time to comprehend it. It was difficult to feel any satisfaction with the man's death. She hadn't seen any evidence of his wrong-doing. She didn't even know his name. Trying to rid herself of her overwhelming sense of guilt, Kel concentrated instead upon wondering how Sekholm's inhabitants were going to pick up their livelihoods and flee.

It took them all day to reach Sekholm's Retreat and night had really fallen by the time that they arrived. Kel dozed on and off, occasionally listening in to Rhonda and Alex's conversations about people and places that she'd never heard of. When they finally arrived, her leg muscles were cramped and she felt immensely tired.

Maia was surprised, but pleased to see them back and seeing the state of Kel's exhaustion tried to usher her to bed, but Kel wasn't going anywhere without Alex. She wasn't going to be left out of any plans that he might make with the Clan Chief of Sekholm.

Sure enough, as soon as their belongings were stowed away, Alex sought out the clan chief, Rhonda and Kel trailing behind.

'I request an urgent audience with Chief Llatimor,' Alex said bowing low and naming the current Clan Chief of Sekholm.

'The Chief has retired for the evening,' said a stiff-faced guard haughtily.

'It can't wait,' said Alex urgently.

'I'm sorry but-'

'Don't you understand?' shouted Alex, 'it's urgent, that means I need to see him now!'

'Well, on your head be it,' said the guard, slouching and stepping behind the curtain that obviously led to the Clan Chief's headquarters.

'Come in,' called a deep voice that was not the stuffy guardsman's.

The three of them stepped around the curtain and stopped on the other side, bowing low.

'Chief Llatimor, I come bearing urgent news-,' started Alex.

'I had surmised that,' said the man who sat before them, 'judging by the way you were shouting at my guard.'

'I'm sorry, but I had to,' said Alex, a faint pink tinge colouring his cheeks. 'Sir, my sister and I were travelling to Miltrak with my friend here, and on the way we stopped at an Inn. What we overheard there...' he trailed off. 'You are a clever man Llatimor, it might not be public knowledge but you know as well as I do that Maggur has been trying to ruin the alliance between you and Shimunght-'

'That is old news,' boomed Llatimor, 'Shimunght and I remain on good terms as ever. If he thinks his petty rumours will-'

'I must interrupt,' said Alex impatiently, 'Maggur has changed tactics, and as soon as the snow melts his is planning to attack Sekholm.'

Silence filled the cave and Llatimor stared at Alex, his light blue eyes glued to Alex's hazel ones, as though seeking to see a trace of a lie there.

'Do I know you?' he said finally.

Alex bowed,

'Hans Strongarm at your service. I beg that you heed my advice; you have to evacuate the women and children. There are no defences here at Sekholm. They must flee to Rokang.'

'I do not have to do anything,' pointed out Llatimor, 'and who are you to advise me Hans Strongarm?'

Alex stared defiantly at the man.

'I know a fair bit about fighting,' he said vaguely. 'From what we overheard, Maggur is planning to attack in the first week of March. In other words when the snow has mostly melted and the good weather returned.'

'The passes are closed,' said Llatimor wearily, 'even if I wanted to evacuate my people they can't get to Rokang.'

'In the week before he attacks you should be able to, with the God's blessings,' said Alex.

'And then what is to stop him from looting our homes and following us up the mountain path?' asked Llatimor sharply.

'A defending force,' replied Alex.

'So you think that any group of fighters that we can conjure up can hold their own against Maggur's army?' asked Llatimor incredulously.

'It depends upon where you fight your battle,' said Kel, speaking for the first time.

Instantly, four pairs of eyes were upon her. Swallowing, she continued;

'Well, I mean,' she said inhaling deeply, 'if you start the fight on your terms, at a narrow place in the mountain pass, then you should be able to gain a significant advantage and defend yourselves adequately. Well,' she amended, 'for long enough to allow the women and children to reach Rokang.'

Llatimor's eyes scrutinised Kel and a minute of silence passed following her comment.

'She's got a point,' put in the pompous guardsman, 'if my Chief permits me to speak?' he asked Llatimor graciously. Llatimor waved an impatient hand.

'At Basin-point, the pass narrows to about thirty metres across and the ground is flatter there, which would allow us to fight. We could also lay traps and suchlike before then. Besides, just above Basin-point is a small plateau where we could make our camp.'

Llatimor stood up.

'I have the sight,' he said slowly 'and I can tell that you speak not only the truth, Hans Strongarm, but that you speak it for the good of our homeland. We shall hold a meeting in the morning with my council to which you and this young lady, shall attend,' he said, gesturing at Kel. 'We still have time, which is the important thing. I thank you, all three of you for the service which you have done Sekholm this night.'

Recognising their dismissal, the three of them bowed low and departed. As Kel and Alex returned to Maia's cave, Kel wondered why Rhonda hadn't spoken up in front of Llatimor. Maybe she felt intimidated by being in front of the Clan Chief, mused Kel.

Kel hadn't been in the least bit awed by Llatimor, finding that after having lived at Yamani and Tortallan court for most of her life, a Clan Chief sitting on a wooden block in a cave wasn't all that imposing.

Early the next morning Kel found herself sitting next to Alex and observing the council of Llatimor of Sekholm. The aforementioned man sat at the head of the circle and on either side of Kel and Alex sat the fourteen men who advised the Chief on matters concerning the Clan.

Kel wondered vaguely whether there was anything symbolic about having fourteen advisors; whether it was related to the fact that there are fourteen clans. Llatimor's deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

'We gather this day to discuss alarming news about Maggur's continued campaign of dominance. Last night I received news from Hans and Elinah Strongarm that in the first week of March, when the snows have melted enough to allow so, Maggur's army will advance upon Sekholm and attempt to take our Clan by force. This cannot be allowed to happen. We must defend our families and our Clan's honour at all costs.'

'We have no defences,' pointed out a man with hooded eyes, 'our home was not built for such purposes. How can halt an army the size of the one that undoubtedly will be sent against us?'

'I do not believe that Maggur will pit his entire force at us,' said Llatimor slowly, 'he thinks that we will be easy-pickings, not expecting to be attacked, unarmed.'

'Let him come,' grunted a large muscular man, sat directly opposite Kel, 'we will show the traitors who answer to Maggur the might of our Clan.'

Murmurs of approval broke out at this suggestion, but Kel alone heard Alex's incredulous snort. Kel privately agreed, all the courage in the realm couldn't stay Maggur's army with a fighting force so small. Llatimor, to Kel's relief seemed to have more sense than half his council put together because he held up a hand for silence.

'Brave words,' he told his advisor, 'but I have spent the night assessing our situation and we have no choice but to flee.'

Several mouths dropped open at this statement and Kel felt a stab of impatience; surely these people had realised that they had no other option.

'But my Chief,' wheedled another blonde man, 'we have lived here since the time of our grandfather's.'

'We must flee,' said Llatimor, his tone final. 'Our alliance with Rokang holds firm. We shall evacuate the women and children as soon as possible. Our fighting force shall then hold the army at bay in the mountain passes, fighting them on our terms. In the passes, we shall have the advantage as it will be difficult for an army to travel their. Once we reach Rokang we will be able to withstand siege. We can then set up a temporary settlement between Rokang and Moshaus. As long as Rokang holds firm, we shall be safe from Maggur.'

'And what does Shimunght want in return?' asked a shrewd, thin looking man who sat next to Alex.

'He will undoubtedly ask for fighters to help defend his fort. But I see no reason for difficulties to arise between us. Our two Clans have been allied for many years.'

'I see that my Chief has made a decision,' nodded a hard-faced man, 'now all that remains to be decided is where we make our stand, and how we shall organise our warriors.'

There was no more trifling. For another two hours the men debated and by the end it was generally agreed that they should fight at Basin-point. Kel said very little, occasionally contributing when she saw a flaw in the men's plans. When she explained her suggestions the looks of barely contained disdain changed to that of mild respect.

'How is it that one so young knows so much about warfare?' asked the shrewd, thin man.

'I read a lot,' said Kel quickly. 'I've read all about the battles of many countries and have examined their fighting styles. I find it fascinating…' she trailed off, pretending to be abashed.

'Don't forget that she is a warrior herself,' said the hard-faced man. 'She was the one who beat Rnishct on the first day of Midwinter.'

Kel nodded her head, allowing her cheeks to colour slightly and hoping that the men would believe her lies. In truth she had heard most of the stories of battles from the warriors themselves. Mainly the Yamani soldiers, but her old history teacher Sir Myles of Olau had described Tortallan battles so well that they had seemed to come alive in Kel's head.

In truth Kel had never even seen a battle, except perhaps the spidren hunt with the King's Own. The King's Own. How many times since then, in long, lonely hours at the Convent had she dreamed of leading a group of men into battle, of discussing battle plans with great warriors such as Raoul of Goldenlake. She had played out great scenes of victory in her head, as her men fought heroically against Scanrans. Against Scanrans. How ironic that she was now fighting for the Scanrans.

Someone was tapping her on the shoulder. It was Alex, interrupting her tangle of thoughts.

'The meeting's over,' said Alex, one eyebrow raised, 'you seemed to be quite far away.'

Kel's insides squirmed in embarrassment.

'It's alright little one,' said Alex, heaving her up, 'you didn't miss anything important.'

Together they returned to Maia's empty cave.

'Um…well…' Kel struggled to find the right phrase, 'did you think that was a waste of time?' Kel finished bluntly. 'I mean, we'd pretty much established all of that last night. Only the last half an hour was really discussing anything important.'

Alex smiled, his expression amused.

'I quite agree that only the last half an hour was covering any new ground, but as to whether it was a waste of time…' He sat down, 'as you noticed, Llatimor had decided last night when and where to evacuate the Clan to, but he has to have the approval of his Clan. In discussing it with the men, he made them feel as though they were part of the decision. He's a clever man Llatimor, in doing what he did he ensured that the men will help enforce his rule instead of objecting it. In short, he makes the men feel important, as though each of them has a direct contribution into the running of the Clan, when really, half of them have got less intelligence than a-' Alex stopped himself before he said anything rude and ruffled Kel's hair.

'That seems very…sneaky,' said Kel, in slight disapproval.

'I'm sure your King in Tortall does exactly the same thing,' said Alex chuckling. 'If ever you're in charge of a large group of people, call the powerful as well as the intelligent to "guide" you. If you make decisions without them, people who have power can make your life difficult, make them feel included and manipulate them into agreeing with you…' he shrugged and got up. 'Shall we work on your swordplay?' he asked.

Kel grinned and stood up, ready to empty her head of all of her confused, conflicting thoughts and immerse herself in the art of fencing.

The next five weeks of Kel's life seemed to pass faster than the time it took Peachblossom to decide he liked biting Neal. Every hour seemed to be filled with swordplay. Alex was pushing her harder than ever and she could feel her body responding to the increased challenge. Her muscles became rock hard and her reflexes grew ever quicker.

There was much organising of the supplies and possessions that the women, children, old and infirm would be taking with them to Rokang. Those who had volunteered to form the fighting force, warriors which included Kel and Alex, trained day in, day out, sparring against each other and honing their skills.

Many had been shocked to discover that Kel would be staying behind, but not so much because she was the only female fighter, but because of her age. However no one kicked up a fuss because of their limited numbers, they needed every person who could heft a weapon.

One afternoon, when Alex had disappeared to discuss something with Rhonda, Kel had found herself watching a group of horribly inexperienced boys. She didn't like to think how long they were going to last in battle. Going over to them, Kel began to subtly teach them. She just pointed out little things; a change in grip or a change in the angle of their blade, little things which might save their lives. At first they had seemed reluctant to follow the advice of a girl, but once she had disarmed their leader three times in quick succession, they seemed more open to her suggestions.

The anniversary of her flight from the Convent came and went, without Kel even realising it. She was busy from sunup till sundown, the Retreat a hive of activity.

After about three weeks, Alex had taken her back to the forge and helped her create a second sword. It was slightly longer than her current one and without the gleaming finish, but Alex had examined it and pronounced it at usable weapon. Kel had a sheath made, the same as the one for her dagger, and had taken to wearing both swords. Alex had done the same, after explaining to Kel that if she was disarmed in battle the extra sword would save her life.

Alex had also had to make Kel some armour, because the ones that the Clan were supplying were miles too big. He hammered away, using Kel's measurements, to create her own, individual armour. When he had finished, Kel had tried it on and marvelled at how light it was.

Alex had made it from a special alloy of steel which was strong but light and because it was made to her own measurements, it didn't restrict her movement in the slightest.

The armour consisted of a fitted breastplate that ran from her hips right up to her neck. This covered her front and back from attacks. Her arms were protected by light chain mail and her forearms by protective metal cuffs. The chain mail also extended into a skirt that covered her upper legs. The mail was attached to a black tunic for added warmth. She had also been given a small helmet which fitted snugly on top of her head. The final piece of her outfit was a pair of soft black, knee-high leather boots, which had small metal plates sewn into the leather.

Kel had been surprised to learn that she would not be wearing any type of gauntlet and when she had asked Alex about this, he had simply explained;

'If you wear something over your hands, you decrease your grip on the weapon.'

Fully kitted out, Kel felt ready, well as ready as one ever could be, for the impending battle.

Although Kel had forgotten that she had been missing now for over a year, others didn't. Lucie of Cavall spent the day in quiet contemplation of the girl whom she had been so privileged to know, even for such a short amount of time.

Kel had sacrificed herself to save Lucie and that would forever be a debt that Lucie couldn't pay.

As soon as Lucie had recovered from the shock of the attack, her father had escorted her home personally, and Lucie had been at Cavall ever since. She didn't complain, after all, without Kel she didn't have many friends at the Convent anyway. She contented herself with drawing. Hour after hour, she stayed locked in her room, drawing everything from flowers to images of Kel as Lucie imagined her, when she was a page.

She looked up from her current drawing, a picture of two girls sitting together on a window seat, as she heard a knock on the door.

'Come in,' she called, twisting in her chair.

Her father entered the room, his face pink with cold.

'Father!' Lucie exclaimed, as she jumped to her feet, 'I didn't know you were here!'

'We're just riding through,' explained Lord Wyldon. 'I'm going to catch up with the Company in a couple of hours.'

Lord Wyldon looked down onto the desk, on which the half-finished picture of Kel and Lucie still lay. He looked from the picture to his youngest daughter and then hugged her tightly.

'You still miss her?'

Lucie nodded miserably into her father's chest.

'But she might still be alive,' said Lucie, almost to herself more than her father.

'We can only hope,' said Wyldon, although in his heart he didn't believe it.

'I sometimes dream about her,' said Lucie quietly, 'and she's fighting, she's still fighting.'

'I wish-' Wyldon's voice cracked. 'I should've let her stay-'

'We all make mistakes Daddy,' said Lucie, 'what happened at the temple wasn't you fault. It was our decision that took us up there in the first place-' Lord Wyldon hugged his youngest, and favourite daughter even tighter still.

'Lucie, I think you have to prepare for the worst-' he felt Lucie tighten in his arms, 'she's been gone a year and…and I don't think she's coming back.'

And he left, quietly shutting the door behind him. Lucie returned to her desk and sat there, fat tears rolling down her cheeks and dropping on to the picture in front of her.

On the day of the evacuation of the Retreat, there were many tears as people finally had to accept that they were leaving their homes, both summer and winter behind. How many of their summer homes would still be standing when they returned, Kel didn't like to guess, but she was heartily relieved when the groaning, wailing and chattering crowd moved out of sight along the path.

Several hours later, ready for battle in her armour, with a thick cloak and headscarf for warmth, Kel began to march next to Alex as part of one of the ten squads that would be protecting the fleeing inhabitants of Sekholm.

Rhonda had gone ahead with the women and children and Alex explained that while Rhonda was deadly when armed with knives and daggers, she had no experience in warfare and couldn't handle a sword, axe or a bow.

Despite being the third week of February, icy winds still howled down the pass and they moved slowly on foot. The few dogs they had found were being used to transport supplies, and by the end of the first day, Kel was dead on her feet. She ate a hurried supper and buried herself deep in her bedroll in the tent that she shared with Alex.

The second day was much the same as the first. Occasionally the squads would stop to build traps for the enemy, but as one man had pointed out, once they were wary of traps the enemy would probably find the most of them anyway.

The sun shone down upon the marching soldiers, but the air was chilled and gusts of freezing air tugged and teased at their clothes and packs. Kel marched on and trying to ignore the growing pain in her aching feet began to acquaint herself with the nine other people in the Fifth Squad. The men told her all about their children, what they normally did for a living and how long they had lived in Sekholm.

The more they talked, the more Kel felt that she understood the Scanran people. They in turn asked her questions and on more than one occasion Kel found herself improvising as their questions became more and more detailed.

In the evenings she huddled around the fire with her comrades and listened to stories old and new about Scanran history.

'It's your turn Elinah,' said a voice, jerking Kel out of her sleepy reflections.

'What?' said Kel bemusedly.

'It's your turn to tell a story,' explained the man called Jackoyb.

'I think we've heard pretty much every Scanran story tonight,' Kel pointed out, running a hand through her tangled hair.

'Well it doesn't have to be a Scanran story,' yawned Michd.

'I remember one that a travelling storyteller once told,' said Kel slowly. 'I think it's from the Bazhir, you know in Tortall.'

All of the men sat up interestedly and Kel glanced warily over at Alex, who was immersed in a conversation with members of his squad.

'It's the legend of the Burning-Brightly One and the Night one and how they slew the Nameless Ones.'

Everyone was listening now, and it was clear that this was a new story to them. Kel recounted, with a little embellishment, all that she could remember of the Bazhir legend. She remembered the first time that she had heard it; during a history lesson with Sir Myles of Olau. Sir Myles's classes often went off topic and in this particular class they had wandered unwittingly into the subject of the Black City and those who had built it. Zahir had made the sign against evil at this point and Sir Myles, as sharp as ever, asked Zahir to explain the Bazhir beliefs and legends involving the City. After about half an hour of discussion of the Old ones, Sir Myles proceeded to explain how his adoptive daughter and the King had defeated the Nameless ones.

As Kel finished her tale, she became aware that Alex was watching her. She smiled at him and, excusing herself from her squad, she joined him at his squad's fire.

'How many more days travelling have we got left?' asked Kel, stretching out her hands to warm them in the fire's glow.

'Four, until basin-point and another two days after that, although on horses it will only take about half a day' replied Alex. 'As soon as the refugees arrive, Rokang will send us horses and we can escape up the pass. We just need to hold our position at Basin-point until the horses arrive.'

'Mithros willing,' said a man whose face was hidden in shadow.

'I think I'm going to go to sleep now,' said Kel, yawning again.

The men in Alex's squad bid her good night and Kel retreated yet again into the comparative warmth and comfort of her bedroll.

Basin-point did indeed look like a large basin, surrounded on all sides by mountains, and the pass that continued on the other side of the "basin" had narrowed down into a twenty-five metre wide gully that continued on into the mountains.

They crossed the "basin" and continued a little way up the pass until there was a plateau upon which they made their camp. Being so high up in the mountains meant that there was very little wood, only enough to make a few small campfires; certainly not enough to build any fortifications with.

Instead a few loose rocks were piled up in the pass to serve as a sentry post and a place for archers to shelter.

Kel helped everyone to set up their tents. Eight squads had stayed to guard the pass and two had stayed with the refugees. Eighty men, pitted against whatever Maggur would throw at them. Having finally settled in the place that they were going to make their stand, a grim mood had settled over the soldiers.

Kel herself was cold, tired and dirty, wishing for nothing more than a hot bath. She was just fantasizing about great mugs of hot green tea from the Yamani Isles when a great commotion banished all thoughts of hot drinks from her mind.

'They're here already? Are you sure?'

A harassed looking man, seemingly in his late thirties was trying to fight his way through the crowd to reach Llatimor. Kel, now completely alert, watched as he bowed low to his leader.

'My Chief, I just went for a scout around, and there is a point further up the path there, where you can see right down the mountain and there is a small army about two miles away from us.'

'Are they stationary? Have they settled down for the night?' Llatimor wanted to know.

'No my lord,' said the man miserably, 'they're marching straight at us.'

A murmuring broke out among the crowd and in a great crescendo the murmurings got louder and louder until;

'Silence,' roared Llatimor. 'The enemy is here earlier than we expected, but no matter. It's going to take our women and children another day and a half to reach Rokang and another half day for the horses to be bought back, so we've got to defend this pass until sundown in two days time. I want every man to prepare himself for battle immediately and for squads one, three and five to stand alert in the pass. All other squads are to grab as much rest as possible, because I fear it's going to be a long night.'

Kel adjusted her armour nervously and picked up her helmet from where it sat on the ground beside her. It was time to fight.

(-a/n- Please don't be mad at me for the late update … I hope the length of this chapter will make up for it. Don't forget to check out my map of Scanra (the link is on my profile page) as it took me HOURS to make!! Anyway, I promise you're gonna have a major battle scene next chapter :D Hopefully I'll update soon, but that depends on my GCSE results which come out tomorrow…if they're good then I'll be happy and update soon :D )

As always please review, it doesn't take long and I love to know what you think!

Confusedknight xxx