Firstly as usual a huge thanks' to my Beta, who I swear is going to find me

IRL and throw a dictionary and an idiots guide to grammar at me one day... ((haha. Hardly! Unless it was a dictionary pillow…I wonder if they make those. That would be fun.) )

And to you the readers! Again, please review, it gives me an insight on what you'd like to see in the upcoming chapters, outcomes, likes, dislikes... so on and so forth.

My apologies about my brief absence, my motherboard exploded (not really but close enough) and I had to wait for the new computer. And needless to say its summer and my attentions were focused on enjoying the beautiful weather.

Chapter Seven

Daine said little as she met up with her escort, insisting on speaking to Numair before falling into a well needed and deep sleep. It wasn't until the following evening that Raoul and Alanna sat around table in the local tavern in attempts to hold onto what little patience they had left with a certain sleeping wild mage. Neal and Dom were at the bar, clearly bored out of their minds as they exchanged small talk with tavern owner's son. When Daine finally came downstairs the boys shot from their chairs, bull-rushing the poor woman. Pursing her lips to contain her laugher, she wiggled her way through to Alanna and Raoul, the boys quick to follow after.

"We should leave tomorrow, we've only a few weeks left before Midwinter and I feel the king would be rather upset with us for being late." Alanna nearly jumped at Daine's voice and Raoul spun around. You could see the worry in his eyes as she held up her hands to calm them. "I'll explain it all to Myles and him alone. But, I can tell you this Raoul, you would be very proud of her."

He seemed to relax a bit at the thought as Alanna just nodded. For once in her life she had a better handle on her temper than Raoul gave her credit for, even Neal seemed in shock as his jaw nearly touched the ground. He had been hoping is knight mistress's temper had found out the answers to questions he dearly wished to ask.

"We will leave tomorrow then." She turned to the boys who, from the looks of it, were about ready to burst. "No questions till we meet with council. I trust Daine's judgment. If Kel is safe, then so be it."

The gentle sound of bits of gold and silver in Kel's pouch soothed her nerves a bit. Midwinter was barely a week away and already the capitol was preparing. Lines of tapestry's, linens, and winter garb all hung out in the winter sun to air and rid themselves from the musky smell of storage. Since they returned from Stonefist, Kel had been taking whatever small jobs she could get her hands on; from watching a few of the nobles' children, to aiding in a local smith shop and fletchers.

She already had plans with her coin for her extended family, after all they deserved it. A bottle of Westly's favorite spirits and a hand written note to watch his children so he and his wife could have a night off. For Erikk she had purchased some of his favorite smoking herbs while she was carving him a wooden pip with his totem animal.

She wasn't much with a knife but Kelland had been a great help showing her a thing or two and even volunteered to help her iron out some of the details, despite his ladies' man nature he was kind hearted. Kel loved the fact that he made her feel like such a beautiful woman, without ever overstepping her boundary's. As for him, Kelland got a bit of bruise balm, along with a little note saying it was for his ego. It was a playful dig but that was the relationship they shared, harmless flirting that made her feel more of a woman then the pet names Cleon once exchanged with her.

Haden and Ian were a bit harder, and she settled on giving them each a set of cleaning and sharpening stones and supplies, practical as they were but well suited for practical men.

Rian and his son were even more difficult, but eventually she settled on sweets for the family to share. All she had to do today was pick up her gifts and wrap them to present tomorrow. Oddly enough, it was going to be a good midwinter.

Kel stirred the next morning to a yapping Onna. As she rolled over in bed she saw the wolf bouncing about, sneaking in to nip at a wrapped box before darting away from the bright paper and ribbon. The servants had already placed gifts by the hearth and taken her own away. Trying not to smile, she slipped out of bed and jumped at how cold the stone floor was. Quickly darting to the rug she grabbed the fireplace nozzle and twisted, letting more air in, and in turn letting the fire grow.

The first gift she opened was what Onna had been going after. Inside was a rather meaty smoked bone that quickly got handed off to the pup, who carried it proudly to the corner she had claimed as her own. Plopping down on a large pillow she immediately got to work as Kel pulled out the remaining gift. It was a leather harness for Onna, the straps adjustable for her size as she grew. The note at the bottom was written in elegant script "It's time your she-wolf train to match her mistress. Strength and Honor, Kaetlynn."

Pausing, she looked at the name before looking to the wax seal. The shield maiden's symbol, this had come from the shield mother herself. Taking a deep breath she looked back to the playful pup. She had proven her strength and shown why wolves were so feared when they hunted bandits last month, perhaps she was right it would be like wasting her talents.

The next gift was from Erikk, and was a beautiful painting on scrolled canvas. The image was the four patron animals of Gaul around a portrait of the Maiden and Horned Man. She instantly went and hung it on the wall beside where she had her incense and lucky cats. While they may not have been her gods or even founders she had respect for them.

Westly's gift was a simple note and voucher, reading over it she blanched slightly. A full set of war and leisure tack, along with a request to accompany them to the horse faire and pick out a mount. If it was anyone but Westly she'd be at his door arguing this, but Westly would say to decide it in a duel and she knew damn well who would win.

Haden and Ian had purchased her a short sword from the weapon smiths in Stonefist, while Kelland's gift was scented oils and lotions for treating aches or pains. Rian's gift was slightly different. A strong metal bracelet that she could pinch to expand and slip over her hand before it tightened again, on the tiny pendant were seven crossed swords. She found a bit of parchment on the bottom and looked it over. The symbol was the seven virtues of the first Shield Maidens of Gaul. It made her smile at how it was feminine and simple, completely perfect for her.

The last gift was from the queen, a beautiful traditional dress for tonight's festivities. She decided not to look at it and think about the fact she'd have to wear a dress just yet. Taking a deep breath she moved to take her glaive and started toward the practice yards. Onna, bone in her mouth, followed.

"What are you doing still training?" Isabella gasped as she slipped past the empty room and had spotted Kel and back peddled to scold her. Grinning Kel looked up at the girl while her clothes hung to her form from perspiration. A man behind the young princess looked her over slowly before looking to the wolf pup.

"It only takes me a few minutes to get dressed." Kel shrugged as Isabella nearly dropped her bundle in shock.

"No, you need to bathe and apply face paint! Just because we can kick a man's ass does not mean we should smell or look like them!" Her bold statement made Kel's eyes nearly pop out of her head as the man snorted.

"Don't tell me you disagree, Xamos, or so help me I'll be sure to tell the maidens you're looking to settle down!" The man rolled his eyes as he went back to looking at Kel. He wasn't bad looking, she decided then. Ice blue eyes like the prince's that pierced you, lightly tanned skin and earthy brown hair. He was tall, at least a head or more above Kel and rather lean. The sword on his back was simple, but even from here she could see the wear in its grip.

"Xamos." He introduced himself.

"Oh, silly me. Xamos this is Keladry the," She had started to say before he cut her off bowing quickly.

"The Protector. I do excuse my earlier manners when we met in the past." He spoke quickly as Kel's mind raced to remember when they even may have met.

"Anyhow, Xamos here is a cousin." Isabella smiled brightly. "He's teaching me to use the sword."

"Not cousins Isabella, the prince's guard." He corrected as she just rolled her eyes. Kel blanched a bit remember where she had seen him, that night Byron burst into her room while she wore nothing besides furs by the fire.

"Close enough. Besides, I don't care what the council says, you're a cousin. Come on we have to get dressed and you," Isabella pointed at Kel, "have to get ready!" She smiled then stormed off. Kel just shook her head as she left, these people still shocked her with how brash and bold they were, that combined with wearing their emotions on their sleeves and treating everyone as equals had left her to wonder if she'd ever get over them. Or how to even bring such people to Tortall!

Kel stared at her reflection for a while. The gown was a far cry from the ones the women of Tortall wore. A simple yet low cut deep brown shift dress that traveled to her wrists. The overdress was just as simple in an emerald color, but had golden embroidery along its seams. While it did not have sleeves it was just as low cut, and split at her hips into four sections, the golden embroidery growing more detailed as it went down. In one hand she held the rich dark gold corset, still unsure of how to put it on herself. It was a knock on her door that made her jump.

They did not wait for a reply as the door pushed open to expose Xamos leaning against the frame. He was dressed in a rich green tunic and black breeches. Nothing over the top, save a bit of fancy stitching at the cuffs and collar. He pulled off making something so simple look stunning as his hair had been pulled back and tied, though the soft leather over the knee boots only pulled is outfit together.. He looked to the corset then shook his head before approaching.

"Turn around." He spoke rather gruffly as he took it from her.

"I am fine without it." Kel protested as he snatched it from her hands. Grabbing her shoulders he spun her back around and slipped it around her waist.

"You have not seen the queen at holidays. If she knew you thought yourself as simple as to not need this..." He started as it hit Kel. It would be insulting the queen not to wear her gift, as well as the fact that she was not embracing the strength of being a woman in these lands. He didn't hesitate as he started to lace the back, pulling tight now and then. "It's her favorite holiday, aside from Samhain, and we were lucky enough to be on duty during such."

"Why's that?"

"You'll find out next year that much I am certain of." He chuckled as he yanked tight enough to cause Kel to grab onto the chair. Granted it wasn't as tight and binding as the corsets the courtiers from home wore that flattened and pillowed their chests, it was still enough to leave her a bit breathless. He finished with a small tug before letting her stand up. Her fingers traced the sudden curve of her body as if she couldn't believe it. It was when he put his arms over her head she froze. A single teardrop emerald on a knotted gold chain now rested at the hollow of her throat.

"From Byron. He wishes it known of his friendship."

"This is more than a gift of friendship." her words were dry as she spoke. The prince was handsome but he was a friend, someone she spared and learned to joke with not... Xamos laughed at her panic as he laid a hand on her shoulder.

"I will warn you the prince is planning some type of announcement tonight in your honor. I came to give you forewarning about it. He is a gentle man, but a man of privilege none the less."

"What is that supposed to mean?" She whirled to glare up at him. "He's your cousin is he not, and here you are speaking ill..."

"It is because he is my cousin I say this. He is a good man you are right in that aspect but, I will be blunt and not tell you of how many countless maidens have been broken upon his spear." He dropped his voice at the last bit. Kel barely caught herself before a blush leapt to her face.

"I would never... he's just a friend, Xamos." She choked out as he nodded.

"You are a strong woman Keladry, the Shield Mother has such plans for you and the High Shaman speaks of the winds shifting all due to your presence. If your pure soul can help to save our lands, then I would swear to you the oath I swore to Byron." He laid his hand across his chest, fist over his heart in a type of salute. Kel didn't dare speak or look him in the eye as he took her hand and lead her toward the door. "We must leave else we will be late." He managed to say while opening the door.

"Happy Yule, Keladry!" Westly's wife laughed as she was closing the door across the hall to her own rooms. The kids were already down the hall and rushing around the corner. The woman couldn't help but shoot her a devious grin before her eyes flitted up. "Mistletoe." Was all she said before starting down the hall. Kel looked up a bit confused before Xamos caught her eye.

"It is said Mistletoe is the only thing in this world that can kill a god. That no shield, be it physical, mental, or magical can protect someone from its effect." He didn't smile as he spoke, but there was something there at that spooked Kel. His eyes were almost like Joren's, so full of anger and madness. But for that moment there was a hint of clarity in them.

"And what are its effects?" She managed to say without faltering.

"It is said because mistletoe grows upon another tree it has no roots of its own. It can prosper near anywhere. They say that the goddess of love once had a son that was killed by mortals, poisoned by the red berries. She tried everything in the world to bring him back." As he spoke Kel could feel the brush of knuckles across her neck. "But everything seemed to hold roots in the mortal world. It was her tears while holding the sprig of mistletoe that had killed him that brought him back from the dead. The purity of her love and tears turned the berries white. It is tradition to honor the goddess with what she represents." He purred as Kel felt her heart flip when his fingers continued up across her cheek before moving to cradle the back of her head. She felt like a deer caught in an archer's path, as she looked up at him. "Each kiss brings hope and good luck." She didn't back away as he closed the distance and kissed her. It was only a matter of seconds before he melted through her frozen form and her hands found their way to rest on his hips. When he finally pulled away his hand moved from the back of her head to pluck the berry's off the branch and popped them into his mouth. He didn't smile, or say anything else, but his eyes focused on her trying to see into her as she looked away trying to hide the blush that raced up her neck and cheeks. Without another word he took her arm and escorted her to the Yule Feast.

"Kel, you are like the first blossom after a winter's snow! Come sit!" Kelland called out the moment Xamos brought her to the head table and bowed. She was too nervous there in her dress and under the eye of everyone else to move. Was she still flushed? Could they tell what had occurred?

When Xamos slipped away from her side, she moved to sit next to Kelland. He didn't hesitate to pour her a drink that looked almost like thin honey before putting his arm around her.

"Mead. It's honey liquor." Westly smiled as he raised his glass in a salute. "So did you enjoy your Yule gifts?" His smile was sly almost daring her to challenge it.

"I did, they were most generous, and I can't thank you enough!" The politically polite response ruffled his feathers a bit before the big man burst into laughter. Dinner passed with small talk of gifts and plans to celebrate in private after. After the plates were cleared Byron stood, raising his tankard as the room quieted.

"Merry Yule!" he called out and a few people followed in chorus. "As many of you know, things in Gaul are changing. I would personally like to think so for the better! Our people have been looked down upon for years as barbarians, fools, tribesmen of the north. It is time to change that! Something is coming, and I for one cannot wait to see it!"

A chorus of warriors' bellows, whoops, and howls echoed throughout the room. Kel felt the very sound and spirit of it sink into her bones like a cold chill. The room started to go quiet as Byron turned to face Kel, the panic starting to rise again on her face. Kelland just gave her a squeeze hoping to calm her nerves.

"Keladry of Mindelan came here on a shaman's vision." He began as the room silenced. "She is a knight of Tortall; the first true knight in centuries, in my opinion. An outcast and yet hero in her people's eyes, they once dubbed her as the Protector for her deeds, but do not give her the respect that should be awarded with such a title!" A few whispers danced around the room. "And so she came to us, a stranger, and to some, a threat." He scanned the room. "I've heard the whispers and gossip. But tell me you would not call her brave with what she is doing to protect her very people. To give up your life, love, family and even risk the hangman's noose for treason as a deserter, doing all this to protect our people. It is to her whom even the likes of princes should bow."

He held a hand out as Kelland nudged her. Her hand shook as she took it and was pulled to her feet. One could hear the panicked whispers from men and women about the room. "It is because of her unconditional love and respect that I wish to announce her as a Sword Sister to the court." The whispers turned to cheers from those she had met, and fevered conversations from those she had not. Kel's heart started to settle and the ringing in her ears too began to fade.

"You look ready to faint." He whispered to her as she jst looked up at him. He couldn't help but laugh. "So will you be my Sword Sister."

"What's...?" She managed as Kelland laughed leaning forward in his chair so he could talk in a more hushed voice, allowing only Kel and those close to hear.

"It will grant you the right of nobility in Gaul, along with the protection that comes with it. Should your king mark you as a deserter and demand your life, it would mean you can claim citizenship and act as our ambassador of sorts. It would allow you to speak on Gaul's behalf and have power behind it." Byron nodded at Kelland's explanation as she raised her chin proudly.

"I would be honored." She spoke loud enough that it carried across the room as a few men and women loudly protested. Byron turned to glare at them.

"Jessica of Tears Peak, do you have a problem with this!"

"What you speak is noble enough but there are men and women of your own people who have done much and deserve such titles and privileges!" She nearly yelled. "But instead you offer it to this... this..." She tried to fathom the word before blurting out. "Whore." Westly nearly rose out of his seat by this point.

"You insult an honored guest Jessica." The king called out.

"Forgive me for stating my opinion, but I know I am not alone. She trained with men, then rode with an entire squad of men and men only. I doubt..."

"Enough." A growling voice echoed the room as Xamos moved to stand beside Byron, his hands resting on the pommel of his sword. The woman went quiet as he looked at her. "You insult the virtue of our guest, of the prince and blood heir's sword sister. You spit evil and hushed words every time your mouth opens. You do so again I will not hesitate to take you to the practice fields, or worse. Remove it." When she finally sat down he slipped back as Byron nodded to the man.

"If anyone here questions her virtue it will be put to the test. With such honor, if Keladry wishes it, she will begin training as a Shield Maiden if she is true." The Shield mother spoke now as a few of those who spoke against Keladry nodded in approval. Kel just nodded as well. "Then it is settled."

The rest of the night passed with dancing and laughter, though Kel didn't leave her seat. Jessica had proceeded to glare at her every time she passed the table and was swept up in another man's arms. Haden had tried to get her to dance but she easily dodged it when his mother came up with a young maiden to introduce to him. Kelland had tried and she politely denied him a few times.

"You owe me a dance." Byron made her jump and she spun around to face him.

"I'm no good, surely the other ladies..."

"Keladry, sword sister, you owe me a dance." He insisted as she threw up her mask and he led her to the dance floor. It was a simple styled waltz and all she had to do was follow him. "You need to pick an escort to show you the pool if you wish to join the order." He finally spoke up. "It's tradition; if you want I can pick a guard." She just nodded.

"Why is Xamos so protective of you?" She finally asked as the prince sighed. "Your sister called him 'cousin'."

"Technically he is, but it's complicated." He managed before looking down to see her stern face. He knew all too well she'd not give up. "Xamos is my uncle's bastard son."

"I thought here you do not need to legally wed..."

"You don't, but it does not give you the legal right to have a child not from your wife or lover." A mistress, Kel's mind raced at the thought. "His mother passed when he was still young. So of course my uncle brought him to the palace. But he is no better than a commoner here despite his training."

"Then why do they back down from him."

"You remember the tales of the Horned one and Maiden. Well, the helm is still in our possession should we march to war again. But only one of noble blood can wear it." It took a few minutes for it to click in Kel's mind.

"That's..."

"When my uncle passed on, the role would have to gone to me. My father refused and declared Xamos to be the bearer." He seemed upset as he spoke, while Kel was purely disgusted. The king had sacrificed his own nephew to the torment of the cursed armor. No wonder Xamos's eyes reflected a hint of madness; he knew his fate better than anyone.

"Why would he do that to his own nephew, his own blood?" She nearly yelled.

"It was him or me, Kel. Xamos was little when he took it; he loved the stories. We never expected to even think of war as we are now..." Kel took a deep breath before looking up at him rather boldly.

"Then I want him to show me the lake."

"As you wish." He stopped and looked up at the mistletoe before leaning in to kiss her cheek. "Happy Yule Keladry." When he started to slip away she looked up at the white berries.

"Byron, why do some men eat the berries?" He paused to look her over. Kel looked to him and saw the rage building in his gaze.

"Did anyone..." He started before she nearly choked and shook her head.

"No, no, I saw some...well..." She started to blush a bit as he laughed, the tension falling off of his body, much to Kel's thanks.

"A man will eat the berries from the branch he kisses under to prove his intention is pure. If it is the berries will not make him ill, if he's not..." He laughed before wandering away.

By the time Kel made it back to her room she swore she was going to fall asleep from sheer exhaustion. After Kelland caught her dancing with Byron he pressed his luck, and then Westly followed by a gaggle of children that wanted to hear stories of the Immortals. She had barely reached her bedroom door before a man cleared his throat from the hall before her. Xamos stood watching Kel as she turned around and paled a bit.

"I am told I am your escort to the lake. Grab your weapon of choice and a cloak." She groaned as he perked a brow. "Come, I've a present for you as well after the lake." The corner of his lip turned up as if he would smile, but it never happened. Grumbling the entire time, she did as she was told and plodded after him half asleep.

The huge cave they entered had taken a sheer labyrinth, three guard outposts, and a huge stone door to reach. Kel had started to wonder if they were ever going to find their way out before the hall widened into the mouth of the cave. The place itself was amazing, the huge pool of water seemed to glow, reflecting off spires of stone that went from floor to ceiling or were trying to reach their way. Xamos ran his fingers over the stone as he walked about it.

"This is the very spring that the maiden found the Horned one at." He began, as if reciting a book. "This is the water in which our land was born from."

"Why does it glow?" She nearly whispered as he shrugged.

"The stones, there's flakes of metal in it that just do. They have only been found here though." He dipped his hand into the water before bringing it to his lips. Kel took a step closer watching him now, he seemed relaxed here. When she reached for the water he jumped to grab her hand.

"Not till you take the rites, this is a sacred space. Women are brought here to understand fully what they train for." She nodded as she looked around the room before she heard the sound of steel being drawn. Spinning to face Xamos, she looked to the naked sword in his hand.

"Come, we practice. Guard." And she did just that.

It felt as if they had been drilling for hours, and she never once could last longer than a minute against the man, the longer they continued the shorter the matches got. He moved like a snake but had strength that she had never seen before. He did not go easy on her, or tell what she needed to fix gently. Instead he barked and snapped orders that would bring a tear to Wyldon's eye. She doubted even Haden would have held a candle to this man. When they left he led her by a different way to the stables. Peach seemed happy to greet her as she grabbed for a bridal.

"No saddle, it will take too long, hurry!" Xamos snapped, and all she could do to keep from smacking him was slip the headgear on Peach.

They moved quickly, slipping out of the stables and through the quiet city. No one was up at this hour, and Kel doubted they would be until many hours after dawn if they celebrated anything like the nobles had. Once outside the city he nudged his mount into a trot and up the trail that circled up into the mountain that supported the castle.

As they rode, the houses they passed seemed to grow fewer in number before it was just a thin trail through the thick woods. An hour in the saddle they finally came upon the crest. Kel froze in the saddle as Peachblossom followed the other horse to bring her in full view. Surrounded by stars with mountains peeking all around her, she was transfixed on the sky. Blue and green swirls danced around, flickering as if they had a life of their own. Occasionally the tips would take a red hue before disappearing.

It reminded her of the thin veils and skirts some dancers wore, other than that she had no words for the beauty she had found in the least likely of places. She couldn't help but look to Xamos in wonder. He just sat, a smile on his face for the first time since she'd met him. She couldn't help but look back to the sky as he moved so that he was right beside her. She wanted to ask him so many questions; how often did this happen, what was this, why was it happening? But she couldn't find the words as her eyes were mesmerized on the endless sky and the swirling colors. He just leaned back and watched as well until he, in a very hushed tone, answered what she was unable to say.

"You're welcome."

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