POP! Another squeaky new chapter just for you!
Thanks to all the people that left reviews (when finally let me read them) it made me the happiest child alive :D I chuckled at how contrary some of you are! When the story was in Scanra all you wanted was for Kel to return to Tortall, now she is there you all want her to go back to Scanra! -sighs- Anyway, I know that these chapters are partly filler ones but without these there can be no exciting ones later; I can't simply write 'In 3 years time blah...' because then you won't have a clue what's going on. Bear with me ;)
Confusedknight xx
When Kel had collected her meal from the servers, she scanned her eyes across the busy mess hall. Raoul was eating with Flyn and Glaisdan, immersed in a conversation that Kel didn't want to interrupt. Not able to spot Dom either, Kel settled down next to Qasim and tucked into her meaty supper.
She didn't try to wait on Raoul in the mess. Amongst the Own he liked to be treated just the same as all the others; it was a good policy Kel thought, and one which she had already seen Alex use. Men were more likely to respect you if you sat amongst them, got to know them. Kel reflected that it was perhaps the reason why both Alex and Raoul were followed and obeyed without question; they made every man feel valued, needed.
Mulling this over and only half listening to the rapid conversation all around her, Kel worked her way through the mound of food. Upon seeing that Raoul had finished, Kel gobbled down the last of her meat and shoved her bread roll into a pocket so that she could hurry out after him.
When she arrived in Raoul's suite moments after he did, her knight-master smiled and gestured that she should pull up a chair. For the next few hours they continued Kel's lessons in supplies and logistics, Raoul needing to get the work done before they rode out again to join the rest of the progress. This was an exercise, unlike jousting, in which Kel was confident. Her time as a clerk in Somalkt having armed her with a good grasp on mental arithmetic. She neatly printed the answer for Raoul after just a moment's pause for thought.
'Show-off' he muttered. 'Begone!'
Kel bowed and bid Raoul goodnight, her mind only now turning towards the meeting that Dom had requested.
In her room Kel pulled off her squire's uniform and struggled into some loose brown trousers and a burgundy coloured shirt. She pulled her hair free from it's horsetail before slipping out of the room.
Kel moved silently through the castle, her worn boots making no sound as she trod lightly along corridors and down staircases. Outside the air was warm and the smell of cut grass wafted up her nose. Bats and swallows swooped low over the grounds in the gathering darkness, but Kel didn't pause to watch.
Reaching the outbuildings, she wondered exactly which stable she was meant to be meeting Dom in.
'In here,' a voice whispered.
Dom, dressed as she was in civilian dress, was just finishing tacking up his dapple-grey gelding. He lead his mount out of the stable.
'Up you get,' he nodded, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
'Dom what-'
'You'll see,' he cut across her.
Rolling her eyes, Kel heaved herself up onto the horse, who was only a little smaller than Prince. Dom swung himself up behind her a moment later. Kel moaned in pain as Dom accidentally knocked her bruised back.
'Sorry,' he murmured, gently threading his arms around Kel's waist, simultaneously spurring Thief into a brisk walk.
Kel settled back into Dom, more aware of the heat he was emanating and his comforting smell, than the ache in her back.
Kel was very glad that not only was the Palace empty, but nightfall seemed to be falling fast. In the near darkness their identities would be concealed. Dom appeared to share this thought because as they passed into the city he brushed Kel's hair over to one side and moments later Kel felt his lips press into a soft crook of her neck; it was very distracting.
On and on they rode through the city, Kel not even noticing where they were now that Dom had moved from her neck to kissing the inside of her bruised wrists. When she could bear it no longer she clumsily dismounted, closely followed by Dom and pulling him into the shadows she kissed him properly.
Bathing in the warm feeling that kissing gave her, Kel walked hand in hand with Dom for a while, leading Thief.
'Mithros I've missed being able to do this to you', Dom breathed, twisting his hand so that his fingers could stroke Kel's. 'And I doubt we'll get much chance on Progress either.'
Kel shook her head sadly, letting Dom lead her through the darkness. At intervals they ducked into corners and alleys, celebrating their rare ability to be able to express feelings without the worry of being overheard.
'Do you think people suspect us?' whispered Kel.
'Well, a lot know that we were…involved before you became Raoul's Squire, but I haven't heard much talk of it.'
'They're a good bunch,' said Kel, relieved that no gossip would be reaching Raoul's ears of their continued relationship.
'Careful, you don't want to make me jealous,' warned Dom, wrapping his arms around Kel and drawing her in close.
As they kissed again, Kel made an involuntary grunt of pain; Dom's broad hands were applying too much pressure on Kel's painful back.
'Sorry,' he muttered. 'Let me have a look at those.'
Despite Kel's feeble protests, he pushed her out into the lamp light and lifted up her shirt.
'Great Mithros' beard Kel! You're black and blue!'
'So would you be if you'd gone ten rounds with my Lord!'
'We should take you to a healer,' Dom began.
'Nonsense,' Kel said firmly, 'I've had a lot worse than a few bruises.' And to distract Dom, she told him off the reactions of the ladies in the baths.
'Blimey, Raoul will have to watch out!' said Dom chuckling.
And, still laughing, they made their way back up to the Palace.
Two and a half weeks later a very official summons arrived at the palace, and that evening Raoul addressed his men in the mess hall.
'My dears it is time for us all to leave our comfortable domain and descend into the misery and chaos of his Majesty's Grand Progress.'
Mingled laughing and cheering broke out at this news. Raoul waited for the noise to die down before, slightly more seriously he said; 'The First Company will ride with us until Whitehorn and then they will bear up north to replace the Seconds who've been up there for too long.'
At this news there was more cheering, the men of the First Company being clapped on the back; border work was serious and well-respected.
Raoul let them all get back to their meal.
'It'll be our turn next,' said Dom, his blue eyes particularly alive.
Kel didn't smile. North was where she wanted to be, where she thought Alex wanted her to be, but she knew better than anyone the war that was waiting to erupt.
The next morning, bedecked in their smart uniform of loose, dark trousers, chain-mail shirts, blue tunics and white burnouses, the Third and First companies of the King's Own rode out of Corus, Kel at the very head, on Raoul's left hand side.
Kel and Raoul looked oddly out of place in their forest green tunics with Goldenlake shields strapped to their saddles. Normally Raoul, as Knight Commander could wear whatever he wanted, often varying between his own Goldenlake green, the blue of the Own, or even casual reds and browns. For formal occasions however, he was a Knight of Goldenlake and was required to dress as such.
It took them several days to catch up with the Progress, although Kel knew that Raoul, not particularly keen to join in the festivities and banquets at Eldorne, was not pushing the companies hard. When they finally did ride into Eldorne, people stopped to watch.
Whereas during the days travelling she had dropped back to ride amongst the soldiers, shortly before they arrived in Eldorne everyone had stepped back into their formation, two columns wide. Kel felt very proud to be riding amongst such an elite fighting force.
Raoul rode the company up through the main campsite; people everywhere parting to let the impressive cavalry through. When he found the royal party he stuck up his hand and signalled for a halt. A chop downwards through the air and the men dismounted, standing to attention.
Raoul joined Kel on the ground, handing her Amberfire's reins. Kel watched as the giant Knight Commander approached the King of the realm. Jon, whose expression bordered on a frown, accepted Raoul's curt bow.
'Master Oakbridge has found you space to set up camp on the far side of the town. I will not tolerate lateness to any social events.'
'As you order, your Majesty,' he said in a cold tone that Kel had rarely heard Raoul use.
Some more terse conversation was exchanged. Kel took her eyes off the King and looked at his companions. There was Prince Eitaro and Lady Haname, who were accompanying Princess Shinkokami. Sitting next to the Princess was her betrothed, Prince Roald. Roald caught Kel's gaze and smiled, eying up her uniform. Kel smiled back. She liked Roald, and hoped that she'd have a chance to speak to both him and Shinko at some point during the Progress.
Abruptly, Raoul had turned back to the Own and had mounted up. His men scrambled to follow. Lerant raised the Standard of the King's Own and they trotted smartly away to their designated campsite.
Whilst the men of the Own had to set up their usual tents, a large tent had already been erected next to a much smaller one; being the Knight Commander had it's advantages.
'Excellent,' said Raoul cheerily, gazing around at their new home.
For the rest of the day Kel shadowed Raoul as he met with some of the Kingdom's most important people. For Kel, the most enjoyable had been the meeting with the Yamani delegation and Kel's own parents, who were members of the small party.
Kel had almost blushed with pleasure when she overheard Raoul praising her fieldwork to her father Baron Piers. Kel made polite conversation, even exercising her somewhat rusty Yamani. She was pleased to see Lady Yukimi again and she was invited to join the ladies for morning glaive practise, pending Raoul's permission.
That night they made for the Eldorne castle, Raoul bedecked in his finery and utterly morose about the whole situation.
'It mightn't be so bad,' Kel consoled him. 'You might be partnered with someone interesting, Buri for example.'
Raoul had perked up a little by the time Kel left him. She was ushered into a side room off the banquet hall and was instantly face to face with the majority of all her old page friends.
'Kel!' exclaimed Neal. 'Someone said that the Own had ridden in today, but I didn't see you because I was with my beloved Knight mistress curing a family of pox. Which of course, we could've left to the local healers except for the fact that I have been loaned out as a-'
'Shut up Neal,' the giant, red-head Cleon tapped Neal sharply on the head with the tray he was carrying. Neal scowled, rubbing his scalp.
'We've been wondering when you'd turn up,' piped up Merric, 'but of course everyone knows Lord Raoul does his best to avoid things like this.'
'Up until two weeks ago we were busy.' Pointed out Kel.
'Gallivanting after bandits or so I heard,' drawled Neal.
Kel didn't have time to answer because a harassed-looking Master Oakbridge bustled over to break up the group. Sighing, Kel collected a tray and began to transport the tureens of soup to the table she was serving.
Although Kel had missed out on years of practise serving as a Page, she had worked in all sorts of places as a slave or servant and her hands were steady. Kel spilt not a drop.
To her immense relief, Joren had not joined the Progress and although Vinson and Garvey were part of the group of squires, they didn't bother to create any ruckus without their ringleader.
As Kel started to serve she was relieved to see that Raoul was seated next to Lady Alanna, her flaming red hair making her easily identifiable despite her having donned a dress for the occasion. Well at least he has someone he likes to talk to she thought, delicately setting down a bowl in front of a noblewoman who had the skinniest arms Kel had ever seen. Hurrying back to collect more bowls, Kel felt suddenly conscious of her arms. They were muscly yes, but Kel didn't consider them chunky, compared to that woman however… she smiled at her own folly. That young noble lady probably ate very little and wouldn't even be able to pick up a sword. She satisfied herself with the thought that Dom seemed to love her just the way she was.
The next few weeks saw Kel's duties take on a much more traditional role. The men of the Own were occasionally called upon for guard duties or to help out on hunting trips, but none of this involved Raoul and by extension not Kel either. Kel was now required to wait on Raoul at all meals and gatherings.
She would also help Raoul armour up and see to both his mounts, something which she hadn't had to do whilst on the road.
The nobles loved the jousting exhibitions and Raoul was called frequently to the tilting lanes. He won without exception. Kel didn't really understand his eagerness to accept every challenge that came his way. Her daily lessons were about as much jousting as she could stand. Then one day, as Kel was tightening Raoul's wrist guards, he explained it to her.
'The conservatives haven't found the courage to tilt against me in years,' he said gleefully.
'So why now Sir?' Kel asked.
'Well, they think because I've taken you on as a squire that I've lost favour with the Gods, which is nonsense of course.'
'You shouldn't have to joust to defend my honour,' said Kel seriously. 'I can do that myself.'
'I know you can,' replied Raoul, 'But I like sending conservatives flying; it's the most fun I've had in years!'
So Raoul kept on jousting, winning what Kel considered to be a small fortune in gold. Kel was still too inexperienced to joust in the proper matches, but occasionally Raoul asked his friends if they would take a few runs against her.
Kel didn't enter the sword-fighting either, something Raoul was surprised about.
'I'll just keep training,' said Kel, not wanting to continually flaunt her skills in front of the entire Realm.
It was all too easy for Kel to slip back into her life as it might have been had she come to squirehood by the conventional path. She rose early and worked on her glaive skills with the Yamanis before doing a little fencing and then eating breakfast with Neal and the others, rebuilding friendships after years of separation. She would then accompany Raoul to various meetings, or to his jousting. In the afternoons she would joust with her knight master and then help with the continual paperwork involved with running the Own.
Most evenings she was required to serve at banquets but after that she might visit her parents, take a stroll with Dom, or simply return to Raoul's tent to join in whatever was going on. Despite the evenings getting colder and darker they pitched campfires and sat outside until late into the night. Many men of the Own were often present, and so too was Buri and occasionally even Lady Alanna. Kel liked both women a lot, especially Buri whose humour matched Raoul's in nature.
Some nights Kel went to bed disgusted at herself for having slipped back into this cushy lifestyle that she had hated so much from within the depths of Scanra. She found herself praying with increasing frequency for Alex's protection, feeling vastly inadequate as she did so. Alex didn't need prayers, he needed fighters.
One early morning, as she took a short cut back across the campsite at fief Malven she heard a harsh voice ring out across the cool misty air.
'Look if it isn't Goldenlake's slut!'
Kel whirled around at the sound of the familiar voice. She hadn't been mistaken; there in the brightening light stood blond-haired Joren of Stone Mountain.
Kel turned back the way she had been walking, not going to give Joren the satisfaction of riling her up.
'It proves what we've all known for years,' a different voice spoke now. 'Goldenlake is a pig who's always enjoyed consorting with scuts and wenches; now he's just moved on to tumbling his filthy-blooded squire.'
Kel whirled about, enraged not at the slur on her own name but on her Knight-master's. Within two strides her sword point was at the Knight's throat. Looking down at the badge on his grey tunic Kel saw that Joren's friend was a knight from fief Groten.
'We'll see what you say after I beat you on the fencing court,' Kel all but growled.
Groten took up the challenge as she'd known he would.
'No whore could best me,' declared Groten.
'Midday?' asked Kel, her eyes glittering.
The Knight nodded and with a contemptuous glance at Joren Kel strode away.
When Kel returned to her tent Raoul had already gone for breakfast. Not feeling remotely hungry anymore, she began to stretch out her body as Alex had taught her to do in preparation for a big fight. She changed into a green shirt and laced the sleeves up so that they didn't flap in her way. Her hair was secured back and her boots tightened, but she didn't pull on another tunic. Today she fought as Keladry of Mindelan, not as a Squire of Goldenlake.
Raoul's head poked through the tent flap, shortly followed by the rest of his enormous frame.
'Kel it says on the boards that you're duelling Ansil of Groten?' he asked, black eyes concerned.
'I am,' said Kel shortly, standing up.
'You do realise that it's a proper duel? Not just a tournament match.'
Kel hadn't realised, but there was not much she could do about it now.
'He'll be aiming to kill you,' said Raoul, as though Kel hadn't understood his previous comment.
'People usually aim to kill me in battles too,' said Kel lightly. 'If I could only fight in risk-free situations then I'd make a pretty poor warrior.'
'What made you challenge him?' he asked.
Kel's face darkened, but she didn't reply.
'Kel!' Dom came bursting into the tent, 'you're down to-' he caught sight of Raoul and smiled sheepishly.
'We've just been covering this topic,' said Raoul.
Kel gestured that perhaps they should continue outside; her tent really wasn't large enough for all three of them.
'Well you've got about two hours,' Raoul said, 'perhaps we should go and find somewhere to slowly warm you up.'
'Aren't you going to arm up first?' Dom asked.
Kel shook her head, looking down at her sole piece of armour; her wrist guards. She disliked fighting in her armour and wanted to humiliate Ansil of Groten as much as possible.
Raoul gave her a calculating look before saying;
'If you go and get yourself killed, I will never speak to you again!'
'Then I'd better not get killed,' replied Kel with a smile.
A huge crowd had gathered to watch the fight, not only because it was a proper duel, but also that it was between a fully-fledged knight and a first year squire, the girl to boot.
Kel wasn't sure how many of the crowd knew about her tournament victory. The conservatives were probably passing it off as a fluke or that she had somehow bewitched or slept her way to victory. Not that it really mattered what she'd achieved in the past. This was here and now. A time to vent some of her frustration by teaching this knight a lesson.
Ansil turned up clad from head to foot in expensive, gleaming armour. Kel by comparison looking like a local village lad with a sword. Still, now was not the time to be taking all of this in. Kel cleared her mind of her surroundings, her angry feelings towards Groten, even the memories of Alex that duelling brought her. She was calm. She was a lake on a tranquil day. A breeze played across her face. She was ready.
Kel stepped forward, bowed and as the herald signalled, began the fight. Ansil started by taking a few great steps towards Kel, swinging his sword in an almighty loop to bring it crashing down. Kel caught the blow on her sword, bringing his to a jarring stop and not even letting hers drop an inch. Through the visor Kel saw two dark eyes widen. He had experienced her strength, now let him feel her speed.
She broke away abruptly and began to jab her sword about lightly. She didn't make contact, pulling it away before it touched his armour, far too fast for him to even attempt to block. Kel twisted her sword round in such a way that it flickered out of his field of vision for a split second and then darted back in, having dropped or risen in that moment obscured by his ridiculous helmet. She could see sweat beading above his eyebrows.
Now she began to land blows, Courage switching between easily batting away his attacks and hammering down on his fancy armour, sparks flying as it did so. Kel was lost in a dance so intricate that even she couldn't have consciously planned what she was going to do next. Flicking her sword casually underneath the bottom of his helmet she yanked it off of his head, in much the same way that she had lost her original helmet at Somalkt. Now the crowd too could see the fear in those dark eyes.
Her footwork immaculate, Kel only had to block every other swing of Groten's sword, having stepped out of it's way before it even needed defending against. She toyed with him like this for about five minutes, making it clear to any who were watching, just who was in control of the fight. She never became overconfident; knowing it could be a fatal mistake. She always did just enough and made sure that her linen-clad flesh was nowhere near Ansil's blade.
Bored of the fight, Kel pretended to tire, slowing to a more sedentary pace, blocking every blow with her sword, all the while watching, waiting, until –
Twisting her sword round and underneath the very hilt of Groten's sword she tugged it from his grip so that it span upwards briefly before falling. Kel stretched out her left arm and deftly caught the blade.
If this were an exhibition fight, this would be the point where Groten would yield. It being a duel, the fear in his eyes showed that he didn't know what Kel would do next.
Darting forward Kel hooked her leg behind his knee, dodging a punch so that Ansil fell to his knees. Tapping his own sword pommel sharply on his head Kel knocked the unpleasant knight into unconsciousness, dropped his sword with a clatter, and walked off the field.
Her friends all greeted her jubilantly, but Kel wasn't really listening, she was looking for Raoul. Surely he'd watched the duel? Then suddenly he appeared, grinning and jangling a rather full moneybag.
'I placed several bets on the fact that Ansil wouldn't even draw your blood,' smirked Raoul, clapping her on the shoulder. 'Knocking him out with his own sword was a nice touch though.'
Review my lovelies and there may well be another speedy update,
Confusedknight xx