-a/n- Thanks to everyone who pointed out that Fassin is the Shang Jackal, not Hawk. My tired brain combined his Shang title and his tribe! At some point, I vow to go back and delete all these stupid little mistakes…when I have time…which will likely be once I've finished actually writing Fallen. Which, I'm afraid to say, will not be for some time yet.

Thanks as always for your support! I hope you continue to enjoy…

Confusedknight xx


Every eye was staring expectantly at Kel, perhaps waiting for her to start eagerly thanking the King. Kel remained motionless, frozen in place by the tumult of thoughts overloading her brain.

'Well?' prompted Lord Wyldon, his sensible brown eyes boring into Kel's skull.

'Your Majesties…' Kel started. Regaining her trail of thought she continued, 'and my Lords. I thank you for the offer, but I cannot make such a decision without time to consider. May I return to you in the morning with my answer?'

Barely concealed shock flew across the nobles' faces.

'Very well Keladry, it was foolish of us not to expect you to consult your parents on the matter.'

'Mmm' Kel agreed distractedly, although her parents were the least of her worries; after all she had enough gold to outfit a knight and cover other expenses.

Kel bowed low with her palms flat on her thighs, before exiting without another word.

'I don't think she was expecting that,' said Thayet, mildly amused.

Kel blundered from the council room, a strange buzzing in her ears that seemed to obstruct all other sound. Stumbling away down the corridor Kel stepped through a door that lead out into the palace grounds. She crossed a bright, sunny courtyard and ended up on a path that twisted and wound its way to the nobles' stables.

Kel pulled back the stiff, rusty bolt on the stable door and ducked into the dim interior. Pushing the door to, Kel stepped forward and pressed her face into Prince's shoulder. Inhaling the familiar scent calmed Kel somewhat.

They had offered her a chance to live her dream and become the second lady knight of Tortall. She was surprised that the council had even considered it; she certainly hadn't foreseen this complication.

Kel wasn't naïve enough to believe that they had offered her the chance out of guilt. She had shown up some of the Realm's finest soldiers, evidently this unnerved some of the high-ranking nobles. Through her confusing, swirling thoughts this fact pleased her. She hated the superiority that many powerful people displayed.

Kel sniffed and laid her cheek flat against Prince's smooth chestnut coat. How could she even begin to make a decision?

Currently two instincts presented themselves; firstly her desire to become a knight, to fulfil her dream; a selfish impulse but a strong one nonetheless. Secondly was the wish to simply throw their offer back in their faces, to defy their plans to put her on a leash. This was sorely tempting, but it too was based on a selfish desire to insult them in revenge for her suffering.

The only thing that was clear to Kel was that whatever choice she made it must be for the greater good. Her duty was to serve and protect the people above all else, to ensure Alex's ascent to the throne so that the Chamber's terrible vision never came to pass.

Her loyalty to Alex, the man who had trained her, believed in her, was stronger than to anyone in Tortall. How could she swear fealty towards King Jonathan?

And yet Alex had sent her back with the purpose of proving herself worthy and enlisting Tortallan help in his campaign. The Tortallans would not trust her if she revealed herself to be allied to a rival nation.

One thought that crossed her mind was to explain about Alex and his plans to the King. After a moment's consideration Kel dismissed the idea as ridiculous. She had no idea that Alex was even still alive, or how much the King had been informed about the state of affairs in Scanra. If she suddenly came forward with new information then there would be a lot of awkward questions to be answered, not to mention that she probably wouldn't be trusted. Jonathan would never risk Tortallan soldiers based upon her word.

Besides, he might not even care whether Maggur took the throne. Kings were not bound to act by what was morally right, but rather what was good for the people over which they ruled. He was duty bound to protect the Tortallans only, not the Scanran civilians.

She could talk to George of Pirate's Swoop; he knew who Alex was…but that would still bring up awkward questions, and the spymaster was allied to the King. He would tell Jonathan anyway.

Another consideration was the risk of Maggur having spies in the Palace. There was no guarantee that she wouldn't expose Alex if she told anyone about him and the silent campaign in the north. No, Alex would have to remain a secret.

If Kel agreed to their proposal then she was assenting to spend four, five, six or seven more years training. She didn't have that sort of time; Alex didn't have that sort of time. Kel estimated that it would take Maggur no more than two years to unite the massive country and turn his war machine on Tortall. When the war came Kel couldn't be sitting in the Palace learning etiquette, or waiting on fat noblemen at feasts.

However, if she refused the offer then she could only succeed in insulting the King and all the other people who had agreed to offer her the second chance. She could beat all the warriors she wanted through duels at tournaments and challenges but that brought her no closer to amassing the reputation and responsibility that could help to one day convince the King to support Alex.

Groaning at the conundrum, Kel ran her hands through her hair, fighting the urge to scream.

'Keladry?' A familiar voice rang out across the still evening air.

Kel stepped out of the stable slowly, revealing her whereabouts to Lord Wyldon.

'Walk with me for a while?' he asked coolly. Kel fell into step beside the older man.

'I was curious as to your reaction,' he said without delay. 'This is what you wanted is it not?'

'I want to help people.' Said Kel, slightly hoarsely. 'I want to protect those who can't defend themselves. I want to give a voice to those who are considered insignificant. I want to help those who are trying, fighting to make a difference in a world that's set against them.'

'Well isn't that almost a definition of a Knight's duty?' asked Lord Wyldon.

'It is, and that's why I've always wanted to be a Knight. Now though, I've been out in the world. I've seen horrific things. I've seen wonderful things. I've seen things that need to change, that must change. I'm not sure if I can spend three years in the Palace doing nothing, just so that I can have the honour of Knighthood. Why can't someone who's not a knight carry out the same tasks?' Kel didn't know why she was presenting her problem to the very man who had indirectly caused her so much suffering.

'You're worried that knighthood is but a selfish indulgence?' Lord Wyldon's voice verged on the incredulous. Kel said nothing.

'There is a reason knight training is long and hard. In reality it doesn't forge unbeatable warriors, but it does make them tough, versatile and honour-bound. One of the most important things about a knight is their title. People are comforted when they know that knights have been sent to hunt off the bandits that have been preying on them. Whether the knight treats them pleasantly or not, they trust him to protect them and their families. Soldiers who have joined the army simply to earn coin are emboldened by the sight of knights on the battlefield. It is one of the reasons why Tortall has survived as well as it has done. Tortallan knights are respected, feared even. This helps to prevent rebellion amongst our own civilians as well as wars from abroad.'

'So if knights are so important, why not have more of them?'

'It's partly their elitism that sets them apart,' mused Lord Wyldon. 'But the real reason is that there are many noble children who can't afford training, or do not wish to become so bound to the Crown. If you join an army then you may leave when you desire, but a knight is always, always bound to answer the call of those in distress. A knight can never stop being a knight, although in times of peace they can settle down and raise families. Years ago, however a knight would remain active all of his life, unless he survived to retire.'

'Then it's all just to gain a reputation?' Kel struggled to comprehend this new way of looking at the famed warriors that she'd idolised for half of her life.

'The reputation plays a large role, you'd be stupid to argue otherwise, but that reputation still has to be earned. Men like Lord Raoul, your elder brothers; they are all part of a group of warriors who are sworn to protect the realm. Some interpret this allegiance as to the physical boundaries of our Kingdom and fight off invaders. Some recognise the King and Queen as being the 'realm' and serve their wishes all of their days. Some consider the true realm to be its people, the common everyday people that walk through our lives.' They fell into silence, Kel's brain working madly. If she hadn't been so preoccupied she would have realised that it was the most she'd ever heard Lord Wyldon say in one go.

'And what if you didn't have to spend three more years as a page? The agreement was to start you at a level that was appropriate. If you are willing to work hard I'm sure I can get you to the standard of a fourth year page by the end of the summer.'

Kel raised her delicate brows, looking up at the usually taciturn man.

'Pardon my rudeness my Lord, but why are you so eager for me to resume my training?'

She felt it was unnecessary to add on 'As you were the one who threw me out.'

'I saw what you did for my daughter…' said Lord Wyldon, his usually gruff voice full of emotion. 'You sacrificed yourself with a selflessness few possess. You are worthy to become a full-blooded knight. I owe you Lucie's life, my sweet youngest daughter's life and on my honour I will repay that debt by helping you achieve the shield you deserve.'

'So if I pass these…tests then I will be allowed to become a squire?'

'Legally yes, and then you'd spend four years as a squire serving the realm, fighting for the people of Tortall.'

Their path had looped back to the stables.

'One knight can make a big difference Mindelan..' He bowed and turned to leave. After one step he turned back. 'I sent a letter to Lucie yesterday. I expect she'll be here within the week.'

He left, leaving Kel's thoughts even more muddled than before.

Kel rolled over on a bed that was far too luxurious. Hot and bothered, Kel threw back the embroidered cover and stepped out of bed. She padded over to the window and pushed it wide open, not caring about any bugs that she might let in. The stifling heat was suffocating her.

Clambering up onto the window ledge like a small child, Kel perched herself in the frame, her knees bent up and her head back against the cool wood.

She had spent the evening feverishly pacing Prince's stable and then returned to her rooms, only lie in bed for a few hours, tossing and fidgeting.

She was trying to weigh up every possible reason for and against her knighthood. She could always start her training; it wasn't legally binding until she swore fealty to Jonathan…

Perhaps the hardest thing for Kel to accept was that Alex could succeed without her direct help. If he managed to survive the next few years, then what he'd need was someone he could trust on the frontline, someone who had the power to command Tortallan forces. If Kel did become a Knight, then she might be able to persuade them to help Alex when the time came.

If she ran back right now, not only was there no guarantee that she'd find Alex anytime soon, but she would have gained nothing from the last year. For about the thousandth time she wished that she could talk to Alex, just for five minutes, to confirm that he still lived and obey whichever order he gave.

'Why can't you guide me?' Kel whispered aloud. 'Someone help me.'

The heavens remained as silent as they ever were. As always in life it was left for Kel to use her own judgement on the matter.

Kel tried to drag her aching mind back to her last few moments with Alex. What would he want? What did he need?

"I've lost all my family and now Rhonda. I can't lose you too." He wanted her to be safe. Well, safe from Maggur and his armies anyway.

"I need someone over there too; someone who I know understands what is at stake." Kel knew all too well what was occurring, how the freedom of millions rested upon Alex's shoulders. He wanted her to remain in Tortall, amongst the people who had power.

"You go and show them what you can do Keladry of Mindelan, you make them listen."

And it was then that the decision was made. Although Kel knew that she'd agonize over it for the rest of the night, and quite probably the weeks to come, she was going to train longer and harder than ever before so that in the autumn she would ride out as a squire.

It was the best she could decide at the present time. She would train, she would serve the people of the realm and she would serve King Jonathan. It seemed ironic that the only foreseeable way to help Alex ascend to the throne was to swear allegiance to another King.

And if there came a time when she'd have to choose between Alex and Tortall, well, she'd cross that bridge when she came to it.

Having not slept a wink, Kel rose before the sun and started a vigorous jog. She liked early mornings; few people were about to stare and judge her. It was peaceful.

Sweat trickled off of her forehead and the exercise made her muscles ache, reminding her that eating nothing the day before had been a bad idea.

When Kel returned to the training ground feeling disgustingly sweaty, but satisfied at the exercise, she was surprised to find Lord Wyldon talking to Eda Bell.

Kel unsheathed Courage and stretched her arm muscles. Her legs were limber from the run so she moved straight onto the twisting and jumping exercises that Alex always had her perform, finishing with a neat flip to land on her feet, ready to fight.

Both the Shang and the nobleman made their way towards Kel.

'I'll do it,' said Kel firmly, before she could let any doubt enter her tone of voice.

Lord Wyldon said nothing, but gave a curt nod of the head. Not expecting thanks or praise, Kel waited.

'I've asked Eda to oversee your hand-to-hand combat, which she assures me is acceptable at the very least.'

Kel didn't protest that he'd asked Eda even before she had given him her answer. God's curse it, he knew I'd do it all along.

'Your swordplay I assume is beyond that expected for even knights?'

'See for yourself,' said Eda with a slight smirk, curling the corners of her lips.

'Keladry?' Kel shrugged in agreement.

They moved back, away from Eda and began to duel. Lord Wyldon, as Kel expected him to be, was a strong, sensible fencer. He didn't waste his time on moves that he hadn't perfected. He used strong blocks and equally strong, efficient attacks. In a battle situation he would be a feasible opponent, for due to their surroundings fights on a battle field rarely lasted more than a minute. However, he was not dedicated to learning every intricate move to perfection, like Kel was. Within four minutes his long sword had flown away across the court, and Courage, yet again, was victorious.

'It is as I thought. There is nothing more that I can teach you. We will not waste your training time on swordplay; you can do that on your own.'

'So what must I do?' asked Kel quietly.

A few hours later Kel had been thoroughly beaten by a short Yamani man with a wooden staff and bruises peppered her body. She also wore a harness with several kilos of lead weights that weighed her down.

Currently Lord Wyldon was putting her through her paces on Prince, assessing her horsemanship and her ability to check for lameness, sores or other ailments.

'Must you always have such big horses?' Lord Wyldon had muttered darkly when Kel had led all of Prince's seventeen hands from his stable.

Nevertheless, giant or not, she and Prince had an understanding. They worked as a true partnership, Prince perceptive to when he had to turn or jump poles. Lord Wyldon took a practice sword and made Kel fight him from horseback.

Alex had trained her in this too, and although it was awkward she blocked Lord Wyldon without hurting Prince. Prince, who was evidently fed up of a man constantly trying to smack him with a wooden sword, reared, and came down safely. This put an end to the practice, with Lord Wyldon satisfied that they could defend themselves on horseback.

However from here, the training only got worse. Kel was handed a lance which felt heavy and cumbersome in her hand. She tried to remember how natural this had once felt and was rewarded with buffets from the sand bag on every single attempt.

Prince shied and danced away. Jousting was not something that was practised in Scanra. The warriors tended to be either axemen or swordsmen, with a smaller number of archers. Prince wasn't used to being asked to charge down a lane so that Kel could aim at a dummy shield with a large stick.

Kel finished the exercise frustrated. Lord Wyldon didn't seem bothered by her lack of expertise.

'We'll work on it Mindelan,' he said simply.

For the rest of the morning Kel practised on the archery range. Her shooting with a recurve bow, similar to the one she'd used whilst hunting in the desert was passable. Her accuracy with both longbow and crossbow, dire. The arrows thudded all over the large target, many of them missing it all together, with no apparent consistency.

'Raise your elbow Mindelan,' Wyldon growled. 'Hold your arm steady and then release.'

The barely healed wound on Kel's right arm throbbed as the scab pulled. Exhaling slowly, she looked up at the target with a fresh calm and loosed her last arrow. It thudded into the target frame. Sighing, Kel collected the arrows and returned them to their barrel in the corner of the range.

'That's enough for this morning,' said Wyldon. 'I've got an idea about what you need to improve. At two bells past midday go and visit Master Prithen who has agreed to assess your academic work.'

Kel bowed and left, her jogging made twice as hard by the harness that weighed her lithe frame down.

Kel ate far more at lunch than she'd intended to, suddenly realising how ravenously hungry she was. The meaty casserole was rich and tender and slid easily into her empty stomach.

A shadow fell across her plate and Kel glanced up.

'I wanted to say good luck to you my Lady,' it was gloomy-faced Gower; the footman who'd served Kel when she was a page. 'There are a lot of us amongst the servants that want you to succeed, Salma especially. And my niece speaks very highly of you.'

'Your niece?'

'Lalasa Isran my lady.'

'I didn't know that Lalasa was your niece,' said Kel surprised.

'Aye, she's my sister's daughter, the only one of that family left alive after raiders gutted their village.'

Kel wasn't sure what to say.

'She told me how you saved her,' Gower said in his voice that sounded like he was reading at a funeral. 'You treat us commoners well miss, and there's a lot that won't forget that.' He bowed and left Kel to her thoughts and lunch.

Prithen was a young, eager-faced Mithran priest, who was to take up a teaching position at the Palace in September. He had agreed to help Kel to gain experience.

Pages were expected to be able to read and write fluently, something which Kel could do easily in not one, but three languages. She recited Tortallan poetry, showed the man the correct way to address a letter and commented on a piece of prose.

'We test the pages by giving them a piece of writing and ask them to read aloud and comment on it,' he told Kel. 'It's not hard but you're expected to be able to compare it with another piece of literature studied. Every day I'll give you something to study which we can discuss the following day.'

The priest was also to teach Kel mathematics; a subject that Kel enjoyed far more. Since working as a clerk, Kel was able to utilise even the most complex of algebraic formulas to calculate supplies. What she wasn't adept at was the use of trigonometry to analyse catapult projectiles or such like. She was handed a large number of problems to complete for the following day.

Master Oakbridge, the Etiquette teacher for the pages came bustling into the room. 'I have discussed this area of your training with my Lord and we both agree that certain areas are unnecessary for you to study. Learning how to court a lady, or lead dances are irrelevant. We do not test the pages on their serving skills…' He checked off his mental list on his fingers. 'This leaves you to learn the basic etiquette of our neighbouring countries.' He banged a large book down onto the desk. 'Learn this.'

Kel wanted to bury her face in despair.

Kel ate early and deciding that there was no point wasting the lovely evening, went straight back outside. She saddled Prince and charged him down the tilting lane again and again until his chestnut sides were dark with sweat. The only reward for her hard work was a single run where she got past the quintain without a demeaning blow from the sandbag.

Her arm aching from the weight of the lance, Kel rubbed Prince dry and set him onto pasture where he could graze for the night.

It was still light, the air alive with humming midges and burring crickets, so Kel returned to the archery range and shot arrow after arrow.

'I thought I might find you here,' said an amused voice, looking down the range to the spattering of arrows that covered both target and wall behind it. 'Having a fun day?' he inquired innocently.

Kel scowled at Dom's cheerful expression and turned to shoot another arrow into the outer ring of the target. As Kel selected her next arrow, Dom stepped up behind her.

'Move your wrist,' he murmured, his breath soft on her cheek as his warm fingers rearranged Kel's hand position on the longbow. 'Then bring this arm up and the other down so that it's more horizontal. Now look down your arm to the target.' Kel did as she was told. 'Pull back,' again Kel obeyed, bending the taut cord backward. 'And release.'

The arrow flew much truer, landing closer to the centre of the target than her previous shots had been doing.

'Much better,' whispered Dom, not moving from his position behind Kel.

Aware of just how close they were, Kel turned carefully and lifted her face up to meet his eyes. Dom's arms slid around her waist and pulled her so that they were touching.

'Do you treat all of your trainees like this?' Kel asked, one eyebrow raised.

'Only the really good ones,' Dom muttered impishly as he bent to kiss Kel.

Against her wishes, Kel broke the kiss quickly and wiggled out of Dom's hold. She couldn't let Dom distract her from her training.

She slotted another arrow to her bowstring and Dom sighed, taking a seat on the fence. They stayed this way until the sun's disappearance made it impossible to see the target.

Dom was a good teacher and Kel wished that he could take her archery lessons instead of the grim-faced Lord Wyldon.

Once back in her room Kel set about the written work that she'd been neglecting all evening. To her dismay, the mathematics was a lot more complicated that she'd realised and Kel didn't finish until late into the night. Exhausted in both body and mind, Kel collapsed onto her bed.

Kel's new timetable was relentless. She rose early for her own run and swordplay practice. By the time this was done, she joined her mother and the other ladies to practise her glaive. Then, there was time to grab a bite or two of breakfast before meeting Lord Wyldon for tilting, archery and staff work. Just before lunchtime Kel fought with Eda Bell, acquiring more bruises with each passing day.

After lunch she struggled through her class with Prithen, commenting on the use of verbs in a poet's text, or some such nonsense. Once she learned the basic rules for the maths, it came easily to Kel, who was now solving problems set to third year pages.

As for etiquette, Kel was making herself read a chapter every night before bed. Fortunately, having living in the Yamani Isles, Kel was able to skip a large chunk of the book, as she already knew the correct greetings for various Imperial warriors.

To Kel's amusement, the Scanran section of the book was remarkably short. It consisted of one page detailing a few Scanran words of greeting and not much else. Evidently the books author didn't think Scanran society was dignified enough to have etiquette!

One new, and interesting addition to her timetable was history. Sir Myles of Olau had requested Kel's presence in his chamber on her second day of training. His subject was the history of Tortall, but unlike Master Prithen, he didn't teach her as he would a whole class of boys. Instead he had asked;

'Do you play chess Keladry?'

'A little,' Kel had replied, remembering the matches she used to play against her father.

'Indulge an old man,' said Myles, gesturing to the marble set laid out upon a mahogany board inlaid with pearl. 'You can learn as we play.'

And so she did. Kel let the old man make the first move.

'What is your view on the monarchy?' he asked, watching Kel move her first pawn.

'I think it's a good thing,' said Kel, sitting back to watch as the knight began to slide his second pawn forwards.

'Always?'

'If you look at Tortall, having a King unites the country. Without him and his Queen, who ran the country would be ambiguous.'

'A council of selected members could,' mused Myles.

'But council's can split. Without a monarchy there is more likely to be civil war.'

'But what about Sarain? They have a King, and yet their country has been at war with the Kmir tribes for years.'

'And that is why their country does not prosper,' said Kel, trying to pre-empt what trap Myles could be laying down for her. 'It's like Scanra. They have fallen behind other countries due to the inability of the clans to unite under one banner.'

'That's an interesting example,' said Myles seemingly off-hand.

Kel's guard went up. This man, Neal had once told her, was the King's Spymaster. She had to be careful what she said around this placid scholar.

'How precisely then, does having a King prevent civil war?' he prompted.

'A council consists of several different members, all of whom are likely to be seeking maximum profit or gain for themselves, be it their clan, tribe or whatever. A good monarch would make decisions that appease the majority of the powerful people in the country. With the powerful people on their side it would deter others from seeking to overthrow them. In Sarain the K'mir protest against the warlord because he persecutes their people and their way of life. They buy mercenaries to control their people; that isn't good leadership.'

'So which is better; a bad king or no king at all?'

All of Myles' lessons took this form, debating, discussing over a game of chess. Kel found herself enthralled in the stories that he told. The old Baron had a knack for making history interesting and Kel found that as she began to understand the history and the battles that had shaped the Kingdom of Tortall and its outlying realms, then the more she understood about people, more about why Alex's campaign was so important.

When Kel trotted down to the practice court after breakfast one morning, she found three people standing waiting for her. Lord Wyldon and the Shang Wildcat, who was immersed in conversation with a man whom Kel had longed to see these past few months.

'Fassin?' Kel asked, scarcely able to believe that he stood before her.

'Elinah?' he stepped forward and the two embraced like long lost brothers, pounding each other on the back. 'I seem to run into you wherever I go!'

'Kel mentioned that she'd studied with a Shang,' said Eda's dry voice.

Fassin's eyes showed confusion, but he didn't voice his question, evidently thinking that Kel was undercover.

'Yes,' said Kel distractedly. 'I lived with the Bloody Hawk tribe for a while.'

'Mindelan are you ready to start your training or are you too preoccupied with this happy reunion?' Wyldon demanded.

'Please excuse us for just two minutes,' said Fassin, bowing politely and tugging Kel over to the far side of the open space, to where they couldn't be overheard by Eda or Lord Wyldon.

'Fassin, I need to tell you something.' Said Kel, glancing above Fassin's shoulders to where a blackbird fluttered to the ground. 'I am Keladry of Mindelan and I've been offered a chance to continue my knight training.' She said in a rush.

His dark black eyes widened. 'Keladry of Mindelan,' he repeated, slightly incredulously. 'How in the name of Mithros did you fall in with him?'

'It's a long story that ended in one of those chance meetings, where your life suddenly veers off in a whole new direction…' said Kel.

'Well never mind then. I've just returned from Fraslund, I was to collect messages for the Shang elders and managed to arrange a meeting with a man called Shem-'

Kel cut across him, urgently, desperately.

'There's been news?'

'He was alive a month ago, escaped Somalkt.'

Kel let out a long shuddering breath, relief washing through her system.

'Thank the Great Mother.' Moments later she asked, 'Were there any instructions?'

Fassin shook his head. 'Nothing other than confirmation that one of Shem's men had briefly met with Alex.'

Kel didn't complain, she was too relieved that Alex was still out there, fighting for what was right.

'I will continue my training then,' she murmured, 'until he contacts me. Speaking of which,' she looked over her shoulder to where Lord Wyldon waited impatiently. 'Come on, I'd better go.'

She hurried back over to Lord Wyldon, Fassin following her.

'Sorry my Lord,' she apologised, wondering what training she was going to do now.

'Shang Jackal will you fight Keladry so I can assess her progress?'

'It would be an honour,' said Fassin. 'Swords, hand-to-hand?'

'Anything,' said Lord Wyldon.

After a short warm-up, the two fighters faced off, swords in hand. Kel leapt forward, bringing Courage to clang down onto his blade. Gracefully she skipped aside and blocked Fassin's sweep, dodging his leg that whipped out to try to knock her off of her feet.

Several intense minutes of fighting followed. Fassin nearly sent Kel flying backwards by a well placed kick, but she blocked with her wrist, letting it absorb the impact instead of her stomach. Grunting in pain, Kel continued to slice and jab faster than ever, soon sending Fassin's sword flying. As she darted in to press her sword to his neck, Fassin flipped backwards avoiding Courage's tip and smashing the sword from Kel's hands with his feet.

Weaponless, Kel leapt forwards and peformed one of the punches that Fassin himself had taught her. Still slightly off balance, Fassin's block was weak and Kel managed to follow it up with a kick to his ribs. In a move that was only possible due to his strength, Fassin wrenched Kel forward by her painful right wrist. Only her reflexes prevented her from flying to the floor. Instead she managed to anchor one leg around Fassin's. With her free left hand Kel pressed the cool blade of her wrist knife to Fassin's neck.

'Gotcha,' she panted.

As they separated, Lord Wyldon scowled disapprovingly at the slim knife that Kel was re-sheathing up her sleeve.

'You did say anything,' Fassin defended his friend.

'So I did,' replied Lord Wyldon, his face unreadable.

-a/n- Okay. So I really, really wish that I hadn't left it on a cliffhanger as there seem to be literally hundreds of you who wanted Kel to say no. I briefly considered this and then decided to plough on the way that I'd planned it. I hope I've explained the reasons for her decision in this chapter. I just think that Kel, possibly unlike Alanna, or another character, wouldn't take such a momentous decision out of spite or revenge. She puts other people before her own happiness. If it's any consolation, this was the way it's been planned since the beginning and I only hope you trust me with where this is going. I promise everything will be sorted out in the end!

Wishing you all the best for 2009,

Confusedknight xx