(-a/n- I know this was meant to be up yesterday, but my epic bike ride took a bit longer to recover from than initially expected! I hope you all continue to enjoy, and once again thanks for all the wonderful comments! I love you all!)

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Thanks must also go to elfie-may, for her constant nagging at me to get this chapter done!

Confusedknight xx

Kel stared down in shock.

'Is this how you great an old friend?' asked Alex.

Kel offered him a hand mutely and pulled Alex to his feet. No sooner was he upright when she flung herself onto him, holding on tightly. Kel inhaled deeply. Alex smelt like a masculine mixture of sweat and horses.

Alex returned the hug. 'Someone's been busy whilst I've been away,' he chuckled. 'Has Rhonda been teaching you?'

'How can you tell?' asked Kel, loosening her grip.

'Oh Rhonda's thrown me many times,' smiled Alex. He held Kel at arm's length and examined her face as best he could in the poor light.

'I'm fine,' Kel assured him. 'And you?'

'Never better,' Alex grinned.

'How was your trip?'

'I'll tell you later,' he replied, slinging an arm around Kel's shoulders. 'If I'm not much mistaken, you're meant to be duelling at the moment.'

The shock of seeing Alex had completely driven any thought of the tournament out of Kel's mind. Kel made a small 'Oh' noise.

Alex began to walk out of the alleyway, steering Kel back towards the crowded practice court. Within minutes Alex was pushing Kel onto the court, to face another opponent.

It took her less than a minute to disarm the wiry man, using a "butterfly sweep" and smiling, she walked off the court, feeling her token still nestled safely in her pocket.

'Kel you've definitely-'

'Ana I was wondering where you'd got to-'

Kel's blood froze. Two voices, two names, two people who probably shouldn't meet.

Kel looked up slowly, as though dreading what she would find when she did. The crowd was still bustling around them, noisy and all jostling for a better view of the practice court. But the two blond-haired men stood absolutely stock still, staring straight at each other.

'Uh…Tor this is my brother,' Kel introduced, but neither man even acknowledged that she'd spoken.

It was Tor who spoke first. 'You're dead.' He said finally. 'You died five years ago.'

Kel's stomach sank. They knew each other. Tor knew who Alex was. She'd blown Alex's cover; why did she have to be so stupid?

'Maybe this isn't the best place,' said Alex quietly, looking for the first time at Kel. His expression was unreadable and his voice dangerously calm.

Tor nodded, his eyes flicking between Kel and Alex, confusion evident.

Her heart pounding in her chest, Kel followed Alex. Any second now Tor could call out, have her and Alex arrested. It would all depend on whatever Tor had heard had happened at Rathhausak. Their lives depended on hearsay and whatever connection Tor had had to Alex before this whole sorry affair had begun.

Alex led them away from the crowds, weaving through Somalkt as though he had spent extensive hours exploring the city. Tor followed his footfalls heavy as he tramped after Kel and Alex.

It wasn't until they rounded the corner that Kel realised where Alex had been leading them. It was the watch tower, where Tor had brought Kel all those weeks ago when she had first discovered who he was.

The guards didn't pose any questions when they saw who the third member of the group was. They bowed to Tor and then shut the door to the tower with a thud.

The three of them emerged onto the top platform and finally Alex turned to face Kel and Tor.

'How?' asked Tor weakly. 'They said you died. All of you.'

Alex ran a hand through his hair and looked up at the inky black sky, as though seeking strength from whatever gods he believed to be up there.

'Everyone died except me. I survived,' his tone was full of self-loathing.

'Then…' Tor was struggling with words.

'It was Maggur,' said Alex. 'He killed the Chief. Then it was Jonai who killed everyone.'

'Then why did you run? You wouldn't have left Rathhausak to Maggur.'

'I didn't have a choice,' he said heavily. 'I was hurt and rescued by a friend, but by the time that I came back, Maggur's lies had turned everyone against me.'

'Why should I believe you?' said Tor in an uncharacteristically harsh voice.'The things that I hear of the Rathhausak armies these days…How do I know that you're not lying?'

'You have to believe him,' said Kel wretchedly. 'He's done nothing but fight Maggur ever since I've met him.'

Both men's gazes dropped to Kel.

'You said that he was your brother,' accused Tor.

Kel flushed, 'not in a literal sense of things…'

'She's as good as,' said Alex. 'Tor I can't make you believe me, but can you honestly think that I would murder my whole family and then run away to leave the clan, my clan, my Rathhausak to that' -Alex called Maggur a very rude word indeed-.

Tor stared up at the twinkling heavens, watching the stars that burnt millions of miles away. 'I don't know what to think anymore Alexei. Can I trust anyone in times such as these? I hear of the fates of other clans and wonder can anyone halt the armies that Maggur now rides at the head off?'

'We can,' said Kel quietly, speaking once more. Her tone was steady, laced with determination. 'We fought at Sekholm, and managed to escape with the majority of the clan.'

'Sekholm was a tiny clan, Maggur wouldn't have cared that much,' dismissed Tor. 'Somalkt has an army seven-hundred strong with possibly five hundred more civilians able to bear arms. One thousand-two-hundred people would be a big addition to his army.'

'If you trust me as you once did,' said Alex, 'then I will do everything that I possibly can to save Somalkt. But time is shortening. Every day Maggur's armies are stirring, restless. I fear that Somalkt stands between Maggur and his next target.'

Tor gulped, 'I cannot see my clan fall to a murdering usurper.'

'It is your choice,' said Alex. 'Either you surrender or you risk everything and stand against Maggur.'

'It is not my choice to make,' murmured Tor, 'but my father's.'

'Then you must inform him of the situation immediately. I have just come back from Maeslund. Haroi has become clan chief in the wake of his father's suspicious death. It is common thought that Somalkt is the next target of Maggur's campaign.'

Unable to hold in her question any longer, Kel asked; 'How do you two know each other so well?'

'When Birtrus used to visit my father he used to bring Jonai and Alex with him. We used to run around Somalkt together.'

'Causing havoc,' smiled Alex cautiously, remembering a distant time when his world was not so full of pain and suffering.

'Speak to your father in private,' suggested Alex. 'If you want me to leave Somalkt I will do so immediately, but I know Maggur, understand him more so than perhaps anyone else does. I could help you if you choose to fight.'

'I'm still not sure I believe you,' warned Tor.

'Yes you do,' said Kel quietly, 'because if you really thought that we were spies for Maggur then you wouldn't have let us be up here alone with you.'

'Is that so?' said Tor, raising one eyebrow.

'I've never seen Alex bested in a sword fight,' shrugged Kel.

'I have,' said Tor, his gaze softening, 'Jonai used to beat him all the time. Of course no one else could even get near the pair of them…'

'He was good,' said Alex, his voice choked.

'Which is why I find it hard to believe that Maggur killed him.'

'Oh Maggur didn't do that,' said Alex roughly, 'I killed him after he murdered Sammy. Maggur whispered poison in Jonai's ear until he killed them all. My mother, my sisters…' Alex turned away, his voice only just above a whisper. 'And then we fought. If you'd seen us fight before then it was nothing compared to how we fought that night.'

'And you won.' It was not a question.

'Just. Rhonda Evarna's maid got me out of there and we fled.'

'So where does Ana come into all of this?'

Both men turned to their young companion.

'I made Alex a deal,' said Kel quickly before Alex could answer. 'If he would give me lessons in swordplay, then I would assist him.'

'In what way?' asked Tor.

'Initially spying on Maggur's associates. But now…' Kel shrugged. 'I want to see Maggur dead and Rathhausak returned to Alex.' As an afterthought Kel added, 'My name's not Ana either, it's Kel.'

Alex glared at Kel, who met his gaze defiantly. 'I trust him Alex.'

'Did you know who I was all along?' asked Tor. 'Was that all an act?'

'No!' protested Kel. 'I had no idea that you were the son of the clan chief. I just wanted a new practice partner…'

'So that's how you met…' said Alex.

'Yes,' said Kel more irritably than she had meant to. She trusted her gut-feeling that Tor could be someone that Alex could depend upon. If only the two men were more trustful…

Eventually, after many tense minutes of conversation, the two men swore a blood oath that neither would betray the other to Maggur. They shook hands and Alex wiped his bloody one on his clean shirt.

Kel suddenly remembered that she was still meant to be participating in the tournament. After being assured by both Alex and Tor that neither would hurt the other, she hurried off, eager to be away from the unease that had settled in the air.

The two men watched her leave. They stood there together for several minutes, on top of Somalkt, surveying the glittering and dancing flames of the city below. Both tall, muscular and blonde-haired, they were physically alike. And yet one had lost everything and one was fighting to hold on to everything.

'You know I've never met anyone quite like her,' said Tor softly. They both knew of whom he spoke.

'I doubt you ever will,' replied Alex. After a pause he said. 'You know, whatever danger I put her in, whatever situation, she's never given up or complained. This isn't even her country that she's fighting for.'

'Then why does she follow you so faithfully?'

'I think I showed her a way out,' Alex said hesitantly. 'A way out of the life she had been living before, a way to help people. At heart I don't think she cares if Gentlund, Moshaus or Rathhausak has control, she just hates the injustice shown towards the people.'

'Well, whatever her motives, she's a darn good fighter,' said Tor.

'Oh yes,' replied Alex. 'She's got a winning combination; talent and more determination than I've ever seen in a single person. That girl is going places, and as she does things are going to change.'

The other man nodded in silent agreement.

The small leather purse chinked happily in Kel's hand. She hefted it, trying to guess it's weight. Not that it mattered. She threw the purse to Alex who caught it, surprised.

'It's your prize money,' he reminded her.

Kel shrugged. 'What would I spend it on?'

When Alex didn't answer, she replied; 'Exactly.'

The purse stuffed full of coins had been Kel's rewards for coming runner-up in the tournament. She had lost narrowly to a burly commander named Rennan, but the prize money was still substantial.

Now Kel and Alex were both sat, waiting in a private chamber that belonged to Tor. Although Alex appeared outwardly to be unfazed by the outcome of the meeting that was occurring between Tor and Gemmel, Kel knew that he was on edge. A lot of lives depended upon the decision of the clan chief and his son.

The door opened suddenly and Kel jumped. Alex rose smoothly to his feet and strode into the room, Kel following close behind.

Gemmel indicated that they could have a seat, but Alex ignored him, remaining stood up.

'Well?' he asked urgently.

Gemmel sighed, sensing that the Alex would not allow the topic to be delayed any longer.

'We give our people the choice,' he said. 'If the civilians want to leave then they must be allowed to do so, but the Somalkt army will defend this city until my dying breath.'

Alex inclined his head, accepting the decision.

'Our armies will be ready for him Alex,' said Tor steadily. 'We have time and forewarning; that is the most important thing. We can build up the walls, fortify our foundations. I will have every mage in this city spelling the buildings and our weapons. A hospital will be prepared, our horses readied and our soldiers training increased. We will enlist all willing men and by Mithros we'll build an army worthy of remembrance.'

'So mote it be,' murmured Alex and Gemmel simultaneously.

Gemmel called for his manservant and began handing out instructions. Over the next hour men came and went, each burdened with a specific task to perform. The head of the blacksmith's guild was charged with mass producing weapons. Gemmel's head mage was tasked with rounding up all mages and hedge witches to start upon enchantments. General Hurth, the head of the army also arrived. He was given the daunting prospect of assembling the army from the squads and weapon-bearing civilians. He had to put together cavalry, units of archers, foot soldiers, commanders…the list was endless, but the grim-faced man accepted his orders without complaint.

Kel sat to the side, observing the proceedings. She noted the way that the chief could change his tone in such a way that every minor query of a guild master was conveniently sorted out.

'You there,' said Gemmel's leathery voice suddenly, and Kel looked up.

'Yes sir?'

'Aren't you the lass that came second in the tournament?'

'Yes chief,' said Kel, meeting Gemmel's gaze.

'Good,' he said shortly. 'I want you down on the practice courts boosting moral. You're promoted to the position of Sergeant. I want you out there every hour of the day fighting, challenging the men. I'll have Lene assign you a squad.'

After a split-second pause, Kel bowed to the chief, and sensing she was dismissed, left the room.

'But why on earth would Gemmel think that I could boost moral?' asked Kel in utter confusion. 'I mean, it's not as though I'm some hero from war that they can all look up to. I'm shorter, younger-'

'And a better fighter than most of the men out there.' Alex sighed, and rubbed his tired eyes. 'Kel those men will respect anyone who can beat them on the courts. It's the way that they live, the way that they think. They've been trained to respect anyone who has talent with a weapon. If a man can beat you then you owe him your respect. It's simple'

To Kel, this was an odd concept. In Tortall your status depended, for the most part, upon which book of nobility you family was in, and the way that you behaved around court.

'Most of the men out there will have watched you fighting Rennan. From what I've heard he's won the tournament most years. And you almost beat him. You certainly beat away all of the other competition, including Tor.'

'You would've beaten me,' Kel pointed out.

'To be honest Kel, you've improved so much that I couldn't guarantee that anymore.'

Kel made a sceptical face. 'Yeah.' She said, disbelievingly.

'Just give it a chance Kel. These men are scared; a lot of them will never have seen battle before, especially the younger ones. You keep them fighting, psyched up for this battle and the odds in our favour will improve.'

'One-two-three-four,' Kel hollered. 'High-low-slice and switch. One-two-three-four…'

She had been put in charge of a squad comprised of seven regular soldiers and three volunteer civilians. Kel had been drilling them incessantly in what she thought to be the most useful sword drills. Her men were forced to rise with the sun and from then, till the time when the sun set, Kel trained them. They ran, ate, fought and relaxed together, Kel's theory being that to work as a team on the battle field, they ought to act as a team all the time.

At first this didn't sit well with some of the older men who'd been in the army for a long time. But after a week or so, they began to trust the civilians more, and when the time came for practice fights against other squads, Kel's normally came out on top.

Due to her squad's success, three days before she had been allocated a second squad to command, and now had twenty men under her charge.

'High-low-slice and stop.' Yelled Kel. 'Alright men, that'll do for today. I'll see you back here at sunrise tomorrow. There's a lovely run I want to take you all on.'

The men groaned half-heartedly and left. Once the last man had left, Kel's posture changed from that of a commander to a tired girl's. She sipped water from a pouch and winced as it slid over her raw throat.

'Hello Sergeant,' called a familiar voice.

Kel spun around to find Alex, his sword out.

'If you're not too tired?' he asked, gesturing with his sword.

'Alright,' said Kel, placing her sword in the dirt point first, so she could tie back the locks of hair that had escaped her horse-tail.

She flicked her sword up, letting it flip over once and then catching it in her right hand. Alex raised his eyebrows, impressed.

'One of my men taught me,' Kel smiled.

'You're a good leader,' said Alex, as they moved through a few warm-up passes.

Kel didn't reply, but was secretly pleased at the compliment. The weight of the responsibility that she held for the twenty men was something that worried her late at night. However, in true Kel fashion, she worked through her anxieties.

'Ready?' asked Alex.

Kel nodded, concentrating solely upon the position of her body and Alex's sword. The sword became an extension of her arm as she whipped it round rapidly, attacking without the slightest hint as to what she was about to do.

The match was so fast that Kel's brain barely had time to process the information from here senses. Her movements were autonomous, blocking Alex's strikes almost as soon as they appeared. They wove back and forth across the practice court, locked in a deadly and beautiful dance. As they both wielded live blades, the speed at which they fought was dangerous; one wrong step could result in serious injury, however both Alex and Kel had faith in their abilities.

As Alex fought, he could sense that something had changed with Kel. They hadn't fought for several months now and yet Kel's fighting style had matured incredibly. She wasn't focusing on defending, or desperately trying to stay in the duel, but rather was fighting him as an equal; confident in what she was doing.

Finally the duel was over before either of them could realise what had happened. Kel's sword was at Alex's throat. They both froze. Hazel eyes met hazel, and the world seemed to crash to a quivering halt.

Kel stumbled backward, uncoordinated in shock.

Alex's smile stretched from ear to ear. In two years he had transformed Kel from a girl desperate to learn the sword, into a woman whose fighting skills rivalled his own. Yes, he thought, Kel was ready for the battle of Somalkt.

(-a/n- So…What did you think? Kel finally beat Alex. And the next chapter is gonna be huge! I'm not sure when I'll update next, but it shouldn't be too long…)

Please review,

Confusedknight xxx