I'm SO sorry about the wait for this one. I wrote about 70% of this chapter before the chaos of term descended and then there was no time, then I was lambing on a farm, then skiing, you know how it goes... I can only justify the wait by saying that I wanted to incorporate lots of details and ideas into this chapter, I hope it's worked; I'm feeling very rusty...

I also hope this chapter finds you all well and that you hadn't given up on me! Thanks as always to the reviews/people who message me. I love you all dearly.

Confusedknight xxx

Kel departed from Mastiff as a member of a small group that included Raoul, Wyldon and Owen. They rode south through the sunshine, onto the Great North Road. Travelling to Northwatch by this route would be safer than if they traversed the rocky terrain and forests that was the direct route to the centre of the northern defences.

Sad as she was to leave behind Neal and Dom, the latter of whom would shortly ride to Steadfast to rejoin Third Company, it felt good to be on the road again. Raoul disliked leaving his men even for a short period of time, but Kel knew that Flyndan would keep the Company safe. Steadfast was under the temporary command of Sir William of Nond but as it was the Scanrans hadn't attacked since their last army was beaten so spectacularly by General Vanget.

They stopped to eat lunch on the grassy roadside, filling up their canteens in the brook that bubbled nearby. The countryside might have been similar to Scanra, but the tension and pace of journey was completely different. The knights and their squires weren't complacent; they had a squad of regular soldiers scouting around, but the chance of attack was minimal.

The reason for their journey was a meeting that was to take place at Northwatch, the main Northern fort where Vanget commanded. Raoul hadn't specifics on who would be attending, but Kel had a feeling that a lot of important people wanted to get together and discuss, amongst other things, the demise of the killing devices. Raoul had warned her that she might have to give a first hand account of their Scanran adventure.

They rode into a small town in the early evening where Wyldon said he knew an excellent Inn. Kel blinked. She shouldn't have been surprised; this was Tortall, the two lords weren't going to curl up under their cloaks on a roadside.

'Where are we exactly, Sir?' Owen asked, looking around at the thatched houses, village green and the geese and chickens that milled about.

'Queensgrace, and we're headed for the Jug and Fire.' Replied Lord Wyldon.

It took Kel a few moments to realise why Queensgrace rang a bell in her memory. This town had been where Alex had fled to when he'd left Scanra ten years previously. This was where he'd fallen in love with Annie.

Kel looked around excitedly, as though expecting to see a sign saying 'Annie's house'. Kel was intrigued by this lady who'd so enchanted the seventeen-year old Alex.

They supped early, the atmosphere at the table decidedly strange. Unlike in the Own, when Raoul and Kel would mix with the men, the regular army folk did not join the two knights and their charges in the private room. Kel, who was usually much better at listening to other people's conversations and nodding or smiling when appropriate found it all slightly awkward.

The ride had exhausted their conversations about the war and defences in general. They sipped their soup in a silence only interspersed with Owen's occasional random comment.

'I received several letters this morning,' Wyldon spoke up as he laid his soup spoon carefully down. 'One of them from my youngest daughter. She sends her regards to both of you and hopes that once this war is over that you will visit her in Cavall.' His mouth twitched. 'She is finding life rather dull with all the young fighters up here in the North.'

'I forgot you were friends with Lucie too,' said Owen, using the last of his bread to soak up the remnants of his soup.

Raoul and Wyldon both looked away, suddenly busy refolding their napkins or arranging their cutlery; they knew of Kel's sacrifice for her friend.

The silence was uncomfortable. Then suddenly, the door burst open making Owen nearly fall of his seat with fright. The three others reached for the hilts of their swords. Framed in the doorway was an extremely short woman with fiery-red hair. Raoul leapt up and embraced his friend so enthusiastically that her feet left the floor. They pounded each other on the back.

'Goldenlake it's good to see you,' Alanna exclaimed wearily, when Raoul put her down. 'Even if I do need to heal my ribs every time you do that,' she massaged her ribcage. Holding out a hand, one of the chairs stacked in the corner of the room flew over in a rush of purple fire. With a sigh, Alanna plonked herself unceremoniously on the slightly smoking chair.

She raised a hand tiredly to acknowledge Lord Wyldon, the other hand reaching for the bread on the centre of the table. 'I'm famished.'

'How long've you been on the road?' Raoul asked, resettling himself in his chair.

'Nearly four, very long days,' Alanna replied after she'd swallowed her mouthful of bread. 'Still, at least I'm out of that godsforsaken camp.'

Wyldon raised his eyebrows.

'We've spent all year fighting over that lump of rock,' Alanna said grouchily. 'And now both sides have come to a stalemate of sorts.' Kel realised that the Lady Knight was referring to Frasrlund.

The serving girl began to clear away their plates, her eyes downcast. Kel was reminded of herself when she'd served her own brother in a village north of Mindelan all those years ago, so she smiled and thanked the maid when her own plate was taken.

'Inform Alvik that there'll be an extra guest for dinner,' Wyldon instructed. The girl curtsied and left the room.

Alanna stretched out her back with a groan and looked over her dining companions.

'Pleased to have your squires back?' she asked innocently.

'I don't know what you're talking about,' said Raoul airily pouring his smaller friend a drink.

'Come off it Goldenlake, I can tell when George is lying.'

'How did you find out? I thought we'd contained-'

The serving lady wheeled a tray back in, laden with food. Kel and Owen leapt up to serve their knight-masters, leaving Alanna to the maid.

'I miss my squire sometimes, I could do with a few good arguments to break up the monotony of border life.'

When they'd all got food. The Lioness explained.

'I was scrying one day and to my surprise saw Neal and a bunch of King's Own soldiers and those two,' Alanna waved a fork at Owen and Kel, 'settling down in a camp with a whole herd of children and Scanrans. You all looked in a pretty bad way so I called Baird, who explained before I did anything stupid. I look forward to hearing the story.'

Kel nodded politely but didn't launch into the tale and Alanna seemed content to chat with Raoul, moaning about Lord Dandred of King's Reach whose command post neighboured her own.

Just as Kel was starting to feel like she couldn't eat another bite, there was a knock on the door. Wyldon stared, a slight frown on his face.

'Another guest?' he asked dryly.

The door swung open and a tall, hazel-eyed man with a slightly crooked nose stood in the door way. His stance was casual, his dress simple; shirt sleeves rolled up to reveal tanned, wiry forearms.

Kel barely had time to register George Cooper before the Lioness had flung herself on her husband. The energetic kiss lasted for quite some time. Lord Wyldon averted his gaze, Owen stared in wide-eyed surprise whilst Raoul simply looked amused.

'I've missed ye laddybuck,' Alanna whispered into the Baron's shirt. George tucked his wife firmly into the crook of his arm.

Raoul got up to shake George's hand, followed by Wyldon.

'How did you find us?' Alanna demanded, looking fondly up at George.

'Knew you'd be coming this way,' George shrugged. 'Lass you're not exactly inconspicuous. Arrived here about twenty minutes ago. Asked but two shop owners and they led me here.' He kissed the top of her head. 'I won't be sending you out into the field any time soon.'

'I can handle me own, Cooper,' replied Alanna, imitating her husband's speech.

Kel watched the exchange, realising for the first time why this unlikely pair were a happily married couple. Before she'd only ever seen the two apart. George, shrewd and silent involved in a complex world of trickery and secrets. Alanna loud and quick-tempered, fighting her battles where everyone could see. It had been hard to see just how well they complimented each other. Rumours told that Baron Cooper had once been a thief of sorts. Kel would dearly have liked to know just how they'd first met.

Their party retired to the sofa and cushioned armchairs by the fire. Alanna and George shared a chair, the lady knight encased in his arms. Raoul took the remaining chair and Kel, rather than squeezing between Wyldon and Owen on the sofa, sat down on the rug by the fire, curling her knees round to the side of her.

'What news from the South, George?'

'If my lady would oblige,' he grinned and Alanna sent her purple fire to stopper up the door and windows.

'The chimney?' Kel suggested innocently, causing George to roar with laughter. Another stream of violet fire blocked the chimney whilst the others looked confusedly between Kel and the chuckling Baron.

Alanna prodded her husband. 'What?'

'I once brought our daughter to a...' George hesitated -'Business meeting. She felt that climbing down a chimney would be a good way to spy on her father.'

'Why am I not surprised? snickered Raoul.

'But how did Kel know?' asked Owen confusedly, blushing when everyone's attention turned to him.

'It came up in conversation once,' said Kel, perfectly calmly. 'When we were hunting those raiders at Bay Cove.'

'I reckoned squire Kel here would get on well with our unruly daughter. They both seem to be fans of crazy stunts.' George observed Kel evenly with his deep hazel eyes. 'The things I've been hearing.'

Kel had no doubt that George would've been informed by the smugglers the moment that they'd left Tortall. Maybe, if she could speak to him alone at some point then she could inquire about Alex. The thought cheered her.

George filled them in on the events from the capital; general information such as the goings on in the King's court down to how Alanna's son Alan was getting on as a page. It was about three bells to midnight when Alanna and George stood up. Still tightly clutched in George's embrace, Alanna explained that they wanted an early night.

Raoul snorted. George grinned lazily. 'I'd get an early night yourself Goldenlake, I hear Commander Buri's riding to Northwatch as we speak.' Raoul coloured but his face filled with a boyish excitement.

'Night gentlemen,' George saluted. 'And gentlewoman,' he added as an afterthought, whisking his wife away.

'Why don't we all get early nights too?' asked Owen, stretching. Kel winced. Raoul held back a chuckle as Wyldon struggled to find words to deal with his squire's obliviousness to euphemisms.

'Goodnight.' The chair creaked ominously as Raoul stood up. 'Kel,' he beckoned her. 'Our rooms are up this way.'

'Sir I'd like to check on Prince,' Kel fished an apple out of the pocket of her breeches.

'I may as well come with you,' said Raoul. 'It's far too early to go to bed, I'll never sleep.'

'It's a pity Buri's not here.'

'And why would that be, my insubordinate squire?'

'I'm sure she could entertain you for a while,' Kel shot back, grinning wickedly, 'The commander's an interesting conversationalist.'

Raoul followed Kel out to the stables muttering about how in "his day" squires had more respect for their knight-masters.

'Oh but I do respect you, I respect your choice-'

'You're beginning to sound horribly like Queenscove.'

Raoul's last remark shut Kel up and the silence of the stable yard allowed them to hear a horrible thump followed by a child's yell.

'I told you not to be out 'ere foolin' with them horses. Not when there's real work to be done.'

Raoul and Kel quickened their pace in synch. Rounding a corner they came to a stable, empty but of a bale of straw and a man raising a leather strap over a huddling form.

Kel felt anger rising within her. Raoul looked similarly angry and they moved forward together, Raoul catching the leather whip as it began it's descent and yanking it from the pot-bellied man's hands. Kel reached for the scrap of a boy on the floor. He flinched at her touch, wild blue eyes finding Kel's.

Kel gasped. Alex's eyes stared out from beneath a familiar wide set brow and nose, almost hidden by dirty lank hair. The boy couldn't have been older than ten, scrawny and ragged he simply sat their, observing Kel.

'What's your name?' Kel croaked.

'Tobeis, milady.' He looked completely bemused as to why the two nobles were interfering on his behalf.

Kel helped the boy to his feet, her thoughts swirling. She hated people who beat children.

'Please tell me he's not your son,' asked Raoul, disgusted.

'This worthless piece of animal dung? No, he works here. Tis an act of charity, he's but a fatherless scanran whelp. I've the right to discipline him as I see fit.'

'He's not a slave,' said Kel, her voice dangerously quiet. 'And I think the district magistrate would be interested to know what's been going on here.'

'The magistrate won't bother himself over this scrap,' replied the innkeeper confidently.

'He will if I tell him to,' Raoul replied calmly, though his black eyes burned with anger.

'All this fuss over some whore's son,' the greasy man shock his head in amazement. 'Ain't you nobles got nothing better to do?'

'This boy is ten times the man you'll ever be,' Kel had her arm encircled protectively around Tobeis.

'He ain't done a decent days work in his pathetic life,' protested the innkeeper.

'Then you won't mind if we relieve you of such a burden,' Kel shot back. 'How much did you pay for him?'

'Hang on now-'

'How much?' She demanded.

'Five Copper pieces.'

'Liar,' Tobeis spoke suddenly, making the three adults jump. 'You didn't pay three. And I ain't never been given no wage.'

Kel dug around in her belt pouch, pulling out four copper bits. She wasn't in the mood to haggle over the young boy.

'Raoul'll stand as witness to this,' Kel warned the man, 'so you'd best destroy whatever paperwork you've got. You're not laying another finger on this boy.'

The Innkeeper snatched the money, shot Kel a filthy look and slouched away, muttering about jumped up, interfering sluts. Kel held out a hand to stop Raoul from starting after the man. 'Leave it. I got what I wanted.'

The Knight and Squire looked down at the dirty sack of bones that gaped up at them.

'Come on Tobeis,' said Raoul kindly, 'Why don't we go and get you cleaned up?'

The boy looked suspicious. 'What do you care about the likes of me?'

Raoul raised his eyebrows, amused. 'A forward little chap.' They both looked to Kel.

She couldn't tell this boy that she suspected she knew his father. Instead Kel voiced the reason that would've served had she not recognised him. She squatted so that she was at Tobe's level. 'If you can believe it,' she said quietly, 'I was once like you. I've been sold, ill-treated and beaten by men who think there's naught wrong with it. But there is. And I'll not turn a blind-eye, no matter who the bully or the victim is.'

Tobe's eyes were wide and he seemed satisfied with her answer.

'How long had you been working for him?' Kel asked.

'Alvik took me on when old Eulama died, uh four years ago, milady.'

'And Eulama was?'

'The midwife who raised me.'

'Do you know who your parents are?'

'Eulama told me my ma was Annie,' he hung his head. 'But I'm a bastard child.'

If only you knew, Kel thought, You're the rightful Prince of Scanra.

Kel's initial instinct was to cover-up the truth about Tobe's parentage, but once the boy was cleaned, bandaged and sleeping soundly on a pallet on the floor, Kel sought out her knight-master.

'He's sleeping,' she said quietly, slipping through the door.

'Good, we can get Alanna to heal him properly in the morning,' Raoul ran his fingers through his hair. 'Have you thought what you're going to do with him?'

'I thought perhaps to enquire of a position at Northwatch,' she mused. 'If not Fanche or Eron will take care of him.'

'Good,' said Raoul, stretching his spine with a small groan.

'I'm not sure, sir,' said Kel, although she was almost one hundred percent so, 'but I think he may be the son of one of my Scanran friends.'

Raoul shot her a questioning look.

'He mentioned a woman called Annie from Queensgrace, and I saw his looks in Tobe.' For Tobeis had insisted on being called Tobe.

'Does he know that he has a son?'

'I'm not sure.' Kel wanted to say no, but Alex had visited Tortall, shortly before they'd met. Had he gone to check on Annie only to find her dead and a babe in her place?

'But I owe him, it's the least I can do to keep his child safe.'

Kel gaped. The fortress that rose before them was as big as Kel had ever seen. Built from stone, rather than hastily constructed wood, the walls towered at the same level as the trees of the northern forests. Trenches ten metres wide and four metres deep were filled with spikes, preventing anyone from getting near to the fort, except by the bridge that led up to steel plated doors.

The others who'd all visited Northwatch before seemed relatively unimpressed, all except for Tobe who whistled.

'Cor it's bigger than the whole of Queensgrace,' he breathed. Alvik the innkeeper had apparently not managed to beat the spirit out of the young boy. He'd been surprisingly inquisitive about Kel and where they were going. Completely besotted by the warhorses, he appeared beside them anytime they took a break from riding, crooning and muttering softly to the huge beasts.

Alanna had healed the boy's assorted injuries. By the time she was finished she was in a towering rage, and it was all George and Raoul could do to stop her from hunting down the Innkeeper and dealing out her own brand of punishment, whether by sword and fist or the crackling magic that danced across her palms.

Soldiers in regular army uniform heaved the doors to the fort open, admitting their small group to the centre of Tortall's northern defences. Their horses were whisked away, and Zahir, a knight who'd been a fourth year page in Kel's probationary year, lead them through the fort, past massive two-storey barracks and row upon row of stables, to a central building that was the size of a large manor house.

'General Vanget awaits you in his study.' Zahir bowed politely to the two lords, his dark eyes slipping sideways to stare at Kel, who pretended that she hadn't seen him.

Raoul knocked and they all trooped in to the biggest study Kel had ever seen. Not only did Vanget have two massive oak desks, but also a huge oval table that stood in the middle of the left part of the room. It could have seated twenty easily. The walls were covered from knee-height to the ceiling in detailed maps. More, three-dimensional maps of the border were constructed on yet another table by the window.

Paper work was stacked feet deep on one of the desks. An untouched breakfast tray on the other. Once she'd got over the shock of the room, Kel's eyes were immediately drawn to the General himself.

He was shorter than Raoul, just under six feet tall, and had a sort of wirey stringiness about him. The hair on his head was cropped short, flecked with grey streaks. A well-used sword hung at his hip and Kel could see the scars that littered the stringy arms. This was a noble man who was used to hard work.

'Raoul, Wyldon,' Vanget stode forward, a half smile on his face. 'Alanna, It's been a while.' Vanget also shook Alanna's hand. Kel approved that he didn't seem to hold anything against lady knight's.

'Well you're the one who's been keeping me on the godscursed coast!' Alanna pointed out, only pretending to be angry.

'And I see the salty air has done your sharp tongue no good at all, pity.' Vanget shook his head. 'And George Cooper,' the General shook the Baron's hand firmly. 'Not a day goes by when I don't thank all the gods I know for having you on our side.'

'Oh I'm just keeping myself busy, out of trouble like.'

Alanna snorted. 'I don't think you've ever gone one day without causing trouble, laddy.'

'He was knocked unconscious for that Midwinter though,' Raoul pointed out.

'And all that trouble I took to ride, heavily pregnant to his bedside?' Alanna growled. 'This man causes me grief even when he's not up and about.'

Everyone laughed, George grinning apologetically at his wife.

'Squires Owen and Keladry.' the General spoke again. 'I've heard good things of both of you,' Vanget's brown eyes were direct and Kel dropped her gaze. She knew he was talking of their foray into Scanra.

Once the greetings were over, Kel followed Raoul to the suite he'd been assigned in headquarters. It was a spacious room, fitted with bed, desk and a table at which they could eat. One door to the right of the desk led to a privy, whereas the door on the far wall opened to reveal Kel's sleeping quarters, a small box room with just enough room for a bed and a chest in which Kel could put her things.

Without any official meetings to attend, Kel and Raoul spent an enjoyable afternoon outside. To the amusement of the watching soldiers, Raoul and Kel took several runs at each other down the tilting lane. Only the first ended in Kel flying from Prince's saddle, however. After that she firmly stuck out the arm-shattering impacts.

'Barbaric sport,' Kel muttered as she wiped the sweat from Prince's chestnut coat. She had her revenge later on, when they fenced against each other. Halfway through the afternoon, Kel lost her sparring partner to a small dark K'mir woman that had just ridden into Mastiff.

With a slightly apologetic grin, Raoul hurried away, trying to pretend that he was only politely interested in the new arrivals and failing miserably. Kel continued for another hour, fighting Lord Wyldon and a couple of other, younger knights.

Tobe, who had become a small blonde shadow watched the fighting patiently. Kel couldn't help but think that if circumstances had been different, if Alex had been able to stay with his family, then Tobe would've grown up with a sword in hand. Did she owe it to Alex to start teaching the boy? She didn't even know what to do with him...

Sighing, Kel stopped her practice session, stretched out her legs and went to try and sort Tobe out, with a temporary job at least, in the massive stable complex.

To Kel's slight disappointment, the first meeting was just for the various commanders to attend, to give detailed reports in person to Vanget. Raoul told her that she wasn't going to miss much; it was tomorrow's meeting where they would discuss future strategies.

Kel had a thorough wash in the small women's bathhouse and decided to get an early night. Tobe was sleeping safely in one of the lofts above the stables with the other hostlers. Those hazel eyes of his had sparked fresh memories of Alex in her mind, and she fell asleep to those comforting thoughts.

When she awoke, a thin beam of sunlight was fighting it's way through the very small, opaque window set high in the wall of the rectangular cupboard that had been designed for use by a squire. She changed somewhat awkwardly in the near dark and small space, and then realised that her only exit would take her into Raoul's chambers where he undoubtedly still slept.

Not knowing what time the meeting had finished the previous evening gave Kel no guess as to when her knight-master might wake. Picking up her boots in one hand and her scabbard in the other, Kel crept mouse-like through Raoul's room and out into the corridor. Kel closed the door slowly behind her, relieved that the two figures hadn't roused. Pulling on her boots and buckling Courage onto her belt, Kel headed out into the fresh morning. The fort was already abuzz with activity. A whole company seemed to be drilling, taking up most of the practice courts. Not wanting to get in the way or attract staring eyes, Kel sighed and decided that she'd settle for a run instead; Northwatch was big enough for her to really stretch her legs.

It was a beautiful day, the sky deep blue, not a wisp of a cloud in sight. She felt her face grow hot as her run progressed, but the light breeze was enough to stop it from being unpleasant.

'Squire Kel.'

Kel slowed, turning her head to seek for the source of the voice.

'Up here.' She lifted her gaze and saw George Cooper silhouetted against the dazzling sky. Kel changed the direction of her jog and trotted up wooden steps until she too was on the wide ramparts, staring out across the treetops.

'Well ye're not like my lass,' commented George. 'She's not one to rise this early.'

'It's well worth it on a day like this,' replied Kel, using the view as an excuse to not look into those strangely penetrating hazel eyes.

Kel glanced sideways along the wall, the nearest guard was nearly forty metres away.

'Have you heard?' The question burst quietly from her before she could help it. 'From him?'

'Not directly,' replied George after a pause, his mouth barely moving as he spoke. 'I hear all sorts of whispers, something here, something there. Not been able to put a solid location.'

'That's something at least,' Kel breathed.

'You want to find him?'

'Not a day goes by when I don't wonder what they're up to,' Kel admitted. 'Where they are, what they've been doing,' she swallowed, 'Who's still alive.'

'And yet you never go to join them? asked George slyly.

'I'm not about to betray Tortall if that's what you're asking?' Kel said bluntly, and sensing George's next point, she continued, 'I went after the refugees because that was about Blayce and how five hundred people deserved their lives and their freedom.'

'I'm not about to reprimand you for that, though Vanget might try,' George replied. 'Between you, me and the gatepost it's a bloody good thing that someone did away with Blayce. The outcome of another year fighting those machines would've been a bleak one.'

'Why couldn't your people find him? Why didn't Alex know where he was and let you know?' Kel voiced the questions that had bothered her for months.

'My people,' snorted George, 'are few and far between and no one even considered Rathhausak, it's become so isolated, so avoided that no news filtered to the capital or the other clans that could've done anything about it.'

They fell into silence.

'An interesting boy, that Tobe,' George commented mildly.

Of course Kel hit herself mentally. George would've picked up on Tobe's Scanran heritage.

'He's surprisingly good-natured, given what he's been though,' Kel replied equally conversationally.

'You think it a good idea that he travels with warriors on the front line of a war?'

'He's been granted a position in the stables here,' Kel explained, well aware that for all her evasive conversation, George knew Tobe was Alex's.

'The safest place along the entire border,', George said approvingly. 'An heir of Scanra, hidden under Vanget's nose.'

'They can't know,' said Kel, suddenly serious, turning her intense gaze upon the spymaster. George raised his eyebrows.

'He can't become leverage or a face behind which we ride to war,' Kel gripped her sword hilt unconsciously. 'Alex has got to be the one to get rid of Maggur or that country will never be united. The people won't accept a King that Tortall has put on the throne.'

'You're a very astute young women,' said George quietly. 'And you can relax, this will be our secret.' Kel let out the breath she'd been holding. 'But at some point, when this all comes out, you'll have to face those you kept things from.' He nodded to Kel and walked away, leaving Kel to ponder his warning message. Somehow she felt he was referring to more than simply Tobe.

Kel completed her run and arrived out of breath at the door to Raoul's quarters. Cautiously she peeked inside and saw that Raoul and Buri were tucking into breakfast. She opened the door properly and entered.

'Goodness have you been for a run already?' yawned Buri. 'Raoul your squire is putting you to shame.'

'I'm used to it,' shrugged Raoul, simultaneously pouring glasses of juice and beckoning Kel to join them.

Kel rolled up her shirt sleeves and quickly washed her face and hands in the basin before seating herself at the table.

'Was anything interesting said at the meeting last night?' asked Kel, buttering some bread.

'Not really,' replied Raoul through a mouthful of food. He swallowed, 'Reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of the border, our losses, their losses, submitted our supply requests...'

Kel thought of the extensive documents drawn up by herself, Raoul and the clerks at Steadfast.

'Why Vanget had to have the meeting now, I don't know,' said Buri, lazily tracing a finger across Raoul's wrist, 'It would make much more sense to have it in a couple of months time when we're sure the fighting is over for the year.'

Raoul shrugged, 'I'm sure Vanget has his reasons. And I'm not complaining.'

'Where've you been stationed Commander?'

'Buri' said the dark-skinned woman interrupted. 'Up by the City of the Gods.'

'Oh,' said Kel, who had made an impressive effort not to display any of the feelings that thoughts about that city bought up. Raoul was not as subtle and his head jerked upwards, scrutinising Kel. Buri hadn't missed this.

'Oh I forgot you'd lived up there,' said Buri, 'Have you ever-'

'Buri,' Raoul cut his lover off short.

'What?' she demanded.

'You didn't tell her?' Kel asked quietly. She had half assumed that Raoul would've explained to his best friend and lover about why she'd disappeared all those years ago.

'It's not my story to tell.'

By now Buri was looking thoroughly confused at the exchange between knight and squire.

'I don't mind,' said Kel, putting down her half-finished bread. 'I think I'll go and warm-up, I'm meant to be fencing against Alanna this morning.' She slipped out of the room, appetite gone.

'How did you know that Sergeant Domitan liked you?'

Kel was somewhat thrown by Owen's question, but quickly realised that this day was simply destined for awkward conversations when Owen continued;

'It's just...well I like someone but she seems to, I don't know if, she's nice to everyone, sometimes especially to me, but I can't ask if, he wouldn't like it but she probably doesn't...'

'Owen,' said Kel, interrupting the ramblings.

'-Oh and I didn't mean to treat you like a girl, well you are a girl, but that doesn't mean I'd have to come to you, but it's just you know her and I wondered well...'

Several things were clicking together in Kel's mind.

'You like Lucie?'

Owen flushed an even deeper scarlet than usual. 'We spent quite a lot of time together whilst on Progress and at Cavall. She writes to me too...but I don't want to betray my Lord.' He finished miserably, looking down at Kel, who was suddenly struck by how serious he was.

'I think,' she said carefully, 'That my Lord would be proud to have you as a son.'

'A son,' Owen gulped.

'If you're serious about Lucie, and you must be,' Kel's tone carried an unnecessary warning. 'Then I think you should court her properly when you're knighted.'

'But what if-'

'Owen,' said Kel patiently. 'I can't speak for Lucie, you've got to decide between you if the feelings are mutual. I can merely advise that you wait until Midwinter. Ask my Lord's permission too if it makes you feel better.'

Owen nodded, still looking concerned. He then brightened. 'Midwinter's not too long to wait. And with all the men up north...'

Kel had a sudden jolt as she realised that it was only a couple of months away from Midwinter. The Midwinter where she'd be knighted.

Two big moments stuck out for Kel in the evenings meeting. The first being her task of relating a concise version of their trip to Scanra to an audience of some of the most influential people in Tortall. Kel was surprised, but pleased to see Prince Roald involved in the discussions. She was not one to mistake a quiet demeanour for stupidity, but Roald had to earn the respect of and learn from this war council. He was to be his father's hand in the north (although he'd later admit to Kel and Owen that this involved little more than paperwork, the odd skirmish, boosting moral and assisting with magical workings.)

Although her face was pinker than normal and her hands felt cold and clammy, Kel told her tale and answered questions without stuttering, trying to resist the temptation of sliding into a Yamani mask. Eventually all were satisfied, if only a little bit disgruntled that Kel had led her own expedition into the North, disobeying orders.

The second startling revelation came from a radiant Daine, who announced that she was pregnant. This was greeted by slightly stunned looks from a lot of people, genuine pleasure on the faces of her friends, and a slightly smug look from Alanna, who'd probably already known about the wildmage's condition. The dark-haired father-to-be appeared to be dazed with happiness. Buri leapt up immediately to hug Daine, congratulating both her and her husband.

When the clamour had died down, Daine admitted that she wasn't sure how a pregnancy would affect her shape-shifting, but at the very worst she could stay at Northwatch and be a relay from the animals to the "two-leggers" about Scanran movements.

'I've also noticed,' she continued, 'That new boy in the stables, scanran-looking, I think the one that arrived with you Raoul, well he's brimming with horse magic. If I am confined to Northwatch then I might be able to train him up, at the least see how far his gifts will take him.'

Raoul thanked Daine and Kel smiled her gratitude at the pretty woman with bouncing curls and sky-blue eyes. Tobe was going to be well looked after.

The meeting finished late and Kel fell into bed fully clothed, dreaming of scanran festivals and their interweaving of music and magical illusions.

Their trip to Northwatch lasted only three more days and soon Kel's possessions were packed into saddle bags and she was saying goodbye to Roald, Daine, Tobe and Buri. When the Commander of the riders gripped Kel's arm, her expression told Kel that Raoul had indeed shared the truth behind Kel's disappearance.

'I have no doubt, Lady squire,' she said quietly but firmly, 'No matter what route you got there by, you are going to do Raoul, and the Realm proud this Midwinter.'

Kel accepted the compliment with a bow of her head. Buri's respect meant a lot to her.

The outward-going party was composed of the same soldiers and guards, the two lords, the lady knight and her husband and Kel's fellow squire Owen. In fact, the only person who would be remaining at the fort was Tobe, who was enjoying a life that revolved around horses and not beatings.

They rode steadily throughout the day, appreciating the cool breeze that played with strands of hair and tugged gently at their clothing. Midafternoon a guard came trotting past Kel and their nonchalant riding companions slipped into a tight formation. There was movement on the road ahead. As they draw closer they saw that it was three figures, two of which wore army uniform. Kel turned back to her conversation with Owen. A few minutes later the entire group halted.

Kel sat deep in the saddle and gently touched both reigns, indicating that Prince should stop. To her shock, the horse kept going. Kel pulled her reigns properly, surprised that her responsive gelding wasn't listening to her. Prince's ears were pricked up and forward, tossing his chin in the warm summer's breeze and kept on walking forward.

'Prince,' Kel hissed. She was pulling on her reigns firmly now, but Prince barrelled his way past Raoul's warhorse nonetheless.

Kel was so busy concentrating on her disobedient horse that she didn't see just where Prince was headed. Prince lifted his head, fighting her instructions. Annoyed, Kel looked up and saw that they had almost reached the two guards. It was not the guards that Prince was heading for however, but the blonde man that stood between them.

Kel's heart leapt so suddenly that she was surprised it didn't jump clean out of her chest. Her eyes fell upon a face that she'd dreamt for so long about, met another set of hazel that she knew so well.

Kel flung herself from Prince at the same time that Alex slipped his hands from the bonds that he'd only been pretending still bound him.

They crashed into each other somewhere on the road between them and the world just seemed to melt away. It was just Alex, as plain as day. They were hugging each other, gripping tightly as though terrified that they'd lose each other again. Tears of happiness rolled unashamedly down Kel's cheeks as they rocked from side to side latched onto each other, murmuring nonsensically.

Eventually they held each other at arm's length, eyes greedily feasting on the finer details of the faces that time had erased. Words failed. They embraced again, Alex pounding her happily on the back.

'It's been too long, little one.' Alex eventually spoke in her ear, the familiar Scanran voice finally breaking through Kel's disbelief.

'What are you doing here?' she exclaimed. 'I thought, I tried...' she gabbled, 'How?'

'I saw your flag, and decided it was time.'

'It's been far too long,' the massive grin on her face preventing the statement from sounding like an accusation. 'Are there others with you?'

'Not here,' Alex brushed a stray tendril of hair from Kel's face. 'But I know where to find them.'

Alex looked up to a point behind Kel. She turned and was almost surprised to see the three knights staring down at her; she'd completely forgotten her surroundings. The two soldiers who'd thought they'd had a prisoner stood looking shocked, unsure as to whether they were meant to re-arrest Alex.

Kel wiped her face, the smile still plastered across it.

'Maybe Squire Keladry could introduce us?' Lord Wyldon prompted, his eyes flicking from Kel to Alex. Raoul was staring, his expression a cross between shock and intrigue.

'Lady Knight Alanna of Pirate's swoop, Lord Wyldon of Cavall and my Lord Raoul of Goldenlake, this is Alex.' Kel's formal introduction sounded unnecessary. 'He's a very good friend, a brother to me.'

'I am honoured to be in the presence of such famed warriors,' Alex's Tortallan was only slightly tainted with a Scanran accent.

'Why was he under arrest?' Lady Alanna demanded.

'We caught this 'un skulking in the woods not two miles back. Armed he was, we reckon's he was a Scanran spy.' Lord Wyldon raised his eyebrows, clearly thinking that these slow-witted guards would've been very lucky indeed to catch a trained Scanran spy.

Kel looked at Alex her face questioning, what had he been doing?

'I decided the easiest way to get to a fort would be under escort,' he shrugged. 'Just had to walk noisily through the woods and these fine fellows appeared promising to take me directly to Northwatch. I wasn't expecting to find you quite so soon I must admit.'

Kel laughed, truly feeling like the happiest person alive.

'And what business have you at Northwatch?' asked Alanna, who was scrutinising Alex with her violet eyes.

'I was rather hoping to have a word with your husband, Lady Knight,' Alex replied politely, acting the commoner but not at all intimidated by his company.

'Oh you know George do you?' Alanna looked as though she wasn't sure to make of this new information.

'We're old acquaintances, Lass.' George moved forward through the ranks of the warriors surrounding him and dismounted. He strode forward wearing an expression that was as close to shock as Kel thought she'd ever see on the collected man's face.

The two men clasped each others forearms. Kel saw the respect in George's eyes and the smile that broke out on his face. 'It's been a long time.'

'That it has,' agreed Alex. 'Life has been busy.'

George let out a snort. There was a pause in which Prince snuffled Alex's blonde hair affectionately and Kel simply gazed through her damp eyes, barely daring to believe that she wasn't simply dreaming.

'If you are prepared to vouch for your...friend, might I suggest we continue on? I was hoping to reach Mastiff by night fall.' Lord Wyldon interrupted the silence.

'What of our prisoner?' asked the dumpier of the two guards.

'I think he'll be coming with us,' Lord Raoul replied slowly.

-a/n- THERE! Done at last. I'm exhausted.

Please, please review :D If you do then you might get another chapter before I return to uni :P

Confusedknight xx