~Firstly, I would like to thank everyone who left reviews! I know not everyone reviews and actually doing so means so much to me! For those who don't review but still put me as a author, or even story watch, thank you so much as well! You all have no idea how happy it makes me to write something others enjoy! As always, much thanks to Dares, my Beta. You've no idea how much of a lifesaver you are, I swear you have the patience of a saint!
~As for the mythology, Pierce brought such amazing renditions of Greek mythology in her past works that I loved. I intend on bringing in some other more northern maybe touch on middle eastern down the line. We shall see!
~Will it be as Long as Fallen? Who knows, I love that story and I look up to her writing and style. But I can state that this will NOT be a short bit of work. I am hoping for weekly (Or bi weekly depending on my muse) Updates. And intend to finish it!
~And yes much to my stupidity, Anonymous reviews are now accepted. I didn't realize I had them off!
~And now for chapter four! Remember your voice counts and can help mold what may come of our characters. I love others input and ideas to help form the muscle and flesh of a story around it's base skeleton.
Chapter Four
Numair paced the room as Alanna stared in disbelief; her jaw had gone slack from what Numair had spoken just moments ago.
"You…can't find her?" Each word was sharp and to a point. The rage noticeable despite the leash she tried to have on her temper with the man.
"No, I was tracking them till they entered the pass. I cannot get pass it. It is as if the moment I reach the pass, a wall is blocking me." He snapped as Diane patted the chair trying to get the man to calm down
"Stop pacing, you're making kitten nervous." She frowned as he sighed and slid into the seat. Daine took to rubbing at his temples.
"So now what?"
"Aside from sending someone there, nothing. They protected her though, even their formation around her. I doubt they wish her any harm, for they had far too many opportunities.
"Doubt…" Alanna muttered.
The next two days passed in a whirlwind for Kel. Each meal was held by a celebrating village that acted as if she was one of them. Men and women tested skills against each other, flirted danced. and sung. And each village sat about her, teaching her more of their language, history and the world around them. Often times the elder women clad in leathers in furs but still bearing arms would present her with some type of token. In the mornings before practicing with her axe she continued to work with her glaive, and women of the village joined her, but only bore pole arms much like the figure had carried. She had never seen so many women bearing arms or beating men in a test of skills, it just felt so natural. These women were just like her; strong, protective, and fiercely loyal. It was when they reached a certain village Erikk motioned toward the wall.
"They wish to meet you Keladry, they wish to know why their mantle has called upon the Protector of the Small rather than their own maidens." He motioned toward the two women posted by the gate.
Turning Peachblossom toward the opening, she tried to still her nerves. The women watched her with curious interest as she passed, careful to stay away from Peachblossom's teeth and hooves as the beast held its ears flat, knowing without having to see that the whites of his eyes were showing. It was then that one woman stepped forward, her hair white with age and wrinkles pushed at the corners of her eyes and lips, though it did not seem to slow her.
"So you are the Protector from the west. It is an honor to meet the maiden the prophet sought out." Her words were crisp and dry as she looked Kel over. Suddenly before her and the other women at arms, Kel felt incredibly small. Slipping from the saddle, she approached and offered an arm to the woman. "And I see the King's guards taught you well already." She grinned before grasping Kels arm in a firm shake. "Come, let us speak of your lands for a change. The men can camp outside the gates." Kel followed the woman, only daring to look back once and see that they had already started to set camp.
The woman wandered through the hall of the barracks before stopping in what seemed an office. Kel froze as a huge dog in the shadows raised its head, the growling loudly before seeing its mistress relaxed.
"This is similar to the goddess's temple where I am from. No male may enter it."
"Correct, we train many Shield Maidens here in this sacred village, mostly common born women that seek the shield and calling before they find their place in the world." She nodded before sitting down. Motioning toward a rather large leather chair, Kel slipped into it and relaxed as she looked back to the dog. The beast nudged a pup from its side as the little beast gave a playful yelp and growl before the litter bounded towards her, clearly intent on greeting and seeing if the newcomer wished to play. "It is good they like you, so tell me of your lands and the women there."
"Most think I dishonor my family. Women are not meant to be fighters, only bear children and run households." Kel tried not to smile as she spoke, her hands running over each of the puppies.
"That is interesting; I heard your lands were progressive
"Becoming. Long ago there were women knights, but for some reason they stopped. Years ago the King's champion disguised herself as a man to learn and train. She revealed herself and caused a whirlwind at court. They made it legal then, and I was the first in ten years since the law passed to dare try."
"So you are truly a rarity." The elder woman spoke, the hint of a smile at the corner of her lips.
"There are others who want to, but it is very costly, and cannot be done without support and patronage." Kel frowned at the thought. "There are the goddess's warriors, any many join them but they never have the freedom what your maidens do."
"Most forget that the goddess also loves and bore children when they bind women to her. We do not." The woman's face broke down a bit as the bitch put her head on her lap. "So why do they call you the Protector?" Kel blushed a bit at this.
"I am just. I do not see what separates nobles and commoners, children or adults, even animals. I believe they should all be equally protected. I cannot stand to see injustice or harm come to any of them."
"So you take it as your mantle to protect those who cannot protect or speak for themselves."
"Yes." The woman looked her over for a moment before rising.
"Then perhaps they were right about you. Perhaps it is new blood our lands need to shake the fear of leaving our mountains. So I wish to give you a gift, Keladry of Mindelan, Protector of the Small." She smiled as she walked toward the girl before the wiggling mass of pup's massed around her feet. Kel looked panic stricken as the woman towered over her before leaning in and taking a hand. Only her Yamani mask kept a grip before the woman broke into a smile.
Erikk sat mounted and holding Peachblossom's reins as they awaited Kel that morning. The men were anxious to finish their journey, with barely a two hour ride down and around the mountain to the capital. When Kel finally made her way out of the gates it was Westly who sat straight up in the saddle looking at the bundle in her arms.
"What in the gods…" He started before Erikk offered her the reins and held his arms out for the bundle.
"It is a rare honor, Keladry, to be given such a gift from the high mother." He looked to Kel's smile as the bundle squirmed. A tiny nose and still floppy eared pup peaked out of the wrapping. Most of the men smiled then as she slipped into the saddle and took the bundle again, offering it a bit of meat.
"Shall we? I don't think she'll eat or nap for long before wanting to run about." Kel grinned as Westly nodded and let out a sharp whistle. Kel didn't look back to the village as they rode, but she couldn't help but smile as she rode and the pup napped in her lap.
The city that lay before them when they rounded the mountain and started their decent was so similar to Corus she couldn't help but shake her head in hopes it was a mere huge walls kept the outer city from the inner districts, fields separated the way from the city to the castle, but it was the castle itself that was awe inspiring. It appeared as if the mountain itself had formed the castle from its craggy face. Towers picked along the cliffs edge as the main bulk of it protruded out.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Ian finally spoke before they all kicked their horses into a canter and rushed towards the walls.
It was as they passed the first gate into Catheia, that activity picked up. The moment they entered, a pieball pony flew straight at Westly, and a silver bundle flung itself from saddle to his arms with a squeal.
"Leah!" He laughed, tossing her in the air before sitting her before him. Her hair was a few shades lighter than his, but her dancing blue eyes were his. From her size Kel took her to be around eight, especially with the fact that her breaches were now too short for her, a clear sign that she had entered the 'growing like a weed' phase of life.
"Whatcha bring me Papa?" She laughed as he mussed her hair.
"You'll see, and why are you not in class lassy?" He started to lecture as she grinned.
"Cause I whopped Lyle's ass, so momma said I can see you in!"
"Did he at least put up a good fight!" Haden managed while he laughed.
"Ya, but momma thinks he likes me so lets me win!" She nodded as Haden just rolled his eyes.
"Figures your son would go after my baby girl!" Westly called out as Rian nodded to Kel.
"Welcome to city life."
The only thing she noticed as a difference between both capitals was that this city lacked a temple district. Only two long halls lingered where one would have been, and beyond that lay the castle. It had no dainty spires or awe inspiring beauty, but it held a different type of beauty; practical and perfect in Kel's opinion. The moment they entered the gates men called out and women leapt training fences rushing the horses with smiles and even some with tears. They nearly tackling men out of the saddle, some pulling them down onto the ground where they sat on them and leaned in for a kiss. Kel felt a blush creeping up her neck as she watched this before slipping from the saddle. Left standing, she tried not to look at the couples and focused on the squirming pup in her arms. It was a group of people that approached and cleared their throats that got the men's attention.
The man in the center screamed deadly, down to his simple tunic. He must have stood at least six and a half feet tall, broad shoulders that tapered down into a barrel of a chest and small waist. He wore nothing to separate him from the others, but like her own King he wore a unseen crown. Chin held high, with calculating sharp green eyes. Dark rust colored hair and neat trimmed beard framed his angled face as he just looked Kel over slowly. She bowed her head as the woman to his left chuckled.
"No need for formalities Keladry of Mindelan, you are equal here." She smiled as Kel rose to meet her gaze when she slipped into sight. She wore a simple dress, though a sword was belted at her side, her long blonde hair braided back and out of harm's way. Though she wore a pleasant smile, she seemed just as dangerous as the man to her side. From the very way she walked, her posture, and stance it was a dead giveaway that this was the queen of Gaul. To her far right a younger man stood and Kel could barely keep herself from staring. Like his mother, he had blond hair falling to his shoulders, as well as a neatly trimmed beard that framed his all too perfect bone structure and nose. Ice blue eyes stared into her own before he stepped forward and offered a hand. Kel grasped it like the men taught her and shook. He didn't hold back his strength as if testing Kel, before smiling as he saw her arms bulge to keep her hand steady.
"A true honor, Lady Protector." He bowed his head before stepping back as his father smiled. "And I see the Sisters already gifted you with the highest honor. I will be sure to see to it that you have items in your quarters for the pup." He flashed a smile as Kel forced herself to look now to the king.
"I am Balthasar, this is my wife Aubyre." He smiled finally as Kel opened her mouth and he held up his hand.
"No formalities unless there are outsiders, and you are anything but that to us. This is my son Byron, my daughters are out riding but you will meet them soon enough." He smiled as he looked her over before nodding to his son.
"Come, you must be tired, I will show you around." Byron smiled offering an arm as Kel leaned into Peachblossom.
"I must tend to my mount first, he's rather…" She started as a woman walked up. She was dressed like most, but had an odd mark around one of her eyes. As she neared, Kel noticed it was knot-work, a brand like some military men she knew had. Unlike the basic brands Kel had seen in the past this one was delicate, the knot work itself thin and feminine, swirling as it came to the form of a horse over her left eye.
"Our horse mistress, your mount will be well tended." The king spoke as Peachblossom's ears flattened then perked and she giggled and offered the beast a hand. Kel watched slightly amazed as he nuzzled it.
"He's a smart boy, says the Other made him so. He'll be fine, I promise." She whispered as Kel handed over the reins. Other, Kel pondered, What other? Less she was gifted with horse magic. Taking a deep breath to settle her thoughts Kel grabbed her packs as Westly grabbed the other and followed after her, and the three royals.
As handsome as Byron was, Kel could do nothing but feel comfortable around him. He was much like Roald was when she was a page. Offering a pleasant smile as he talked, noticing her eyes falling on bits of art and explaining them. Though the further they ventured into the mountain's stronghold, the more confusing the paths became. He explained it as a way to trick an enemy, by leading them in circles that looked alike, and true to his word paintings and sculptures were repeated every few halls with only slight variances.
"The one drawback is the lack of windows." She mumbled as they reached a long stretch of hall that was guarded by a maiden and her guard. Two huge wolfhounds lay at their feet.
"Come winter you will not be saying that." He laughed before nodding to the guards. "Those closest to the royal family live in this hall. Your quarters will be here as well." Westly explained in common as Kel's jaw fell.
"But..."
"You are a guest of the royal house. It would be rude otherwise." He just grinned, knowing that he had her pinned with those few words. Sighing with defeat, she followed after the men. Byron continued to ramble about the history of the castle and mountain and the new expansions before stopping at a large wooden door. The figurehead of a wolf was mounted as a knocker along with a nameplate over it reading 'Mindelan'.
"That was fast. How did you..."
"Raven, your lands send word by carrier pigeon, even hawk. Well, pigeons here freeze, and hawks or eagles are hard kept through winter months." He offered that smile that would have made most women's knees melt before swinging the door open.
The first room was a sitting area. Overstuffed chairs and lounges lay about the room and over a plush emerald carpet. Pillows were scattered here and there, and panels of silks or velvet lined the walls. While the halls were rough plain stone with a painting here or there, the rooms were anything but. Moving slowly she wandered about, spotting bits of art here or there, decorative weapons hung on the walls.
The next room was the sleeping quarters and it was every bit as elaborate. From the bed, she swore could fit at least four of these huge northern men, to the armors. Her packs lay gently beside one of the dark wooden chests while the pup instantly darted for a metal bowl in the corner.
Westly and the prince leaned against the door frame as she wandered around, letting her finger tips brush the smooth wood, stone, velvet, silk, and furs. She knew she was shaking, this was far to elaborate, even the King of Tortall didn't have such luxury. Opening the final door she just stared for a moment. A private bathhouse. The tub literally carved into the stone as a privy sat behind another door. Closing it she turned to glare at the men.
"Before you protest, you must know we are a rich land. While we do not have your university's and mage schools we have hard working men, women, and nobles. Furs, war steeds, gems, ore. These are our lifeblood and sustain us quite well." The prince spoke up proudly. "We have spent our years hiding in our mountains and building our forces and lands. Generations of peace, aside from raiders, have left us stronger than people think." His sly grin let her in on their little secret.
"Because no one suspects the dumb barbarians of the north..." She muttered.
"Exactly, Little Wolf." Westly grinned, moving into the room. "We may be barbarians but we know of comfort when it comes to our own homes. Now, you should dress and join us for supper. You'll want to rest before training starts."
"Training?" She perked a brow at that.
"Oh yes, you start in the morning. Mother and Westly here are overseeing it." Byron didn't laugh but one could see his eyes dance as Kel looked up.
"Goddess help me."
King Jonathan paced his office as he waited for the last few he had summoned to arrive. Already his wife sat beside his empty chair. She was on edge herself for not knowing what exactly was going on.
Alanna, George, Numair, Diane, Dom, Neal, Wyldon, Roale, Buri, and Roald all sat around the room.
The moment the door opened and Gary walked in the King stopped his pacing.
"My lord." He nodded as Jonathan just returned the nod, waiting for him to sit down.
"For those who don't know but have heard rumors because of palace gossip, it is true. Keladry of Mindelan was escorted north by a group of barbarians claiming themselves to be from Gaul." Wyldon blanched at this as he looked over the group. "We need to discuss possible outcomes."
"Outcomes... you mean like not go after her!" Neal nearly jumped up before being lanced by Alanna's glare.
"I will not start another war sending knights and other men on a wild goose chase Queenscove, while I wish there was another way I cannot risk the whole of the kingdom"
"What if we volunteer?"
"No, winters coming and it's too dangerous. The ambassador of the warlord will arrive at any time and we cannot give him any reason of doubt in this treaty." Gary spoke up now.
"So we leave her to die, or worse!" Dom spoke up.
"He's right, Jon, if it were Alanna of anyone of us you'd send a squad after them."
"Because she is my champion and you the leader of the Own, damn it Raoul don't make this harder then it is." Jonathan snapped as he took his seat, running fingers through his hair.
"My lord, you forget Keladry is a hero of the people, not just the nobles. While the nobles rule the lands we do so from the back of the commoners who adore her. From her tales in the north to protecting a seamstress from a nobles wraith the people know and love her. You risk the peoples love doing nothing." Wyldon spoke up. Neal's jaw nearly dropped at that fact alone.
"And what would you have me do?"
"That is not my choice. But she is the first true Lady Knight. No offense Alanna but the goddess's hand was upon you and guiding you. Keladry did this without gods' graces, without the gift. Since she's been knighted and the people have heard of her and seen her joust we've had what, a double in women to the riders? How many girls have joined ranks as pages and are sending in their papers ever year?"
"She is a true knight and doing nothing..." The king got up and started to pace.
"The nobles will brand her for abandoning her post if they find out. Her parents are our best ambassadors Jon, if they are mourning for their daughter and a King that does nothing, how do you think negotiations will go?" The queen spoke gently as she laid a hand on her husbands arm.
"There is one way..." Diane spoke up.
"You know magic won't work, we've tried..." Alanna started before Diane shrugged.
"Maybe not your magic, but they wouldn't think anything of a sparrow or owl in the dense woods." She smiled as Kitten looked up to chirp at her. "I'm sure, if we can get an escort to the closest town, I can go in. See if she's okay, even bring news. Not to mention it would not take as long, a full ride then the way a bird flies, I'm sure it would work." Numair gripped her hand as she looked up to him.
"Are you sure?"
"Kel has always treated the People with such respect. She treats them no differently than she does any human and for this I respect her. I want to help the best I can. Do you authorize this?" She looked to the king as he sighed now.
"As of this moment. What Kel is doing is kept quiet, do not speak a word. If the nobles start demanding her stripped of titles as a deserter, then she is following her parents footsteps as ambassadors to learn more of our northern brethren. I expect you back by midwinter." He glared at Diane would just nodded. "Who is accompanying you?"
"Alanna, Raoul, Dom, and Neal." The king nodded as she spoke. "And we leave in the morning."
"So mote it be." Alanna rose as the others muttered the phrase.