Gasp, second week in a row for a steady update! Scary I know!

Firstly, words can't describe how thankful I am that you are all so supportive and understanding. The amount of reviews I got for the last chapter made me so great full to know you're all still out there as well as get some ideas and input for things to come. Remember, your reviews and honest opinions can and will help shape how this writing is going and will turn out.

TheWackedOne. I'm working on it. I do hope to have it done by fall! But again depends on how many chapters end up filling it before the end! Hopefully updates will now be steady though so no more waiting on my sorry ass for months!

As for Beta reader, I am still in the hunt for a decent/quick beta reader familiar with Pierce's writing. Till then I apologize, I'm doing the best I can with my bad grammar/spelling.

Again, thanks so much and hope to hear what you think! Your opinions will definitely have a –BIG- roll in what will happen in next chapter. So give it!

Chapter 12

"Little wolf!" It was Westly's bellow that nearly caused Keladry to jump out of her skin as they rode toward the banner of black with a silver wolf upon it. At least the man was smart enough not to fly Gaul's banners in the fair but found something close enough that the maidens would recognize, though it was doubtful anyone would forget Westly.

"Stop yelling old man, your spookin the horses!" It was Kelland who was laughing as he left a saddle on a bale of hay and rushed the small party. Westly just snorted as he let another one of his men argue over the price of horseflesh and quickly strode across the road and toward Kel.

"Look at you, all grown up and the Lady of Southfall now!" He laughed grabbing the reins of the horse she rode in on. Part of her was grateful the Matron suggested she take another mount in case someone recognized Peach before her, another part she already missed her only link to home and her steadfast companion. It was Kelland who helped her to dismount before pulling her into a tight hug.

"I agree Westly, she's a right woman now, look at all the muscle and curve! The Maidens made a woman out of a boy!" HE teased, thought it only resulted in a swift punch in the chest from Kel. It wasn't enough to hurt him but at least knock the wind from him and send him stumbling back. Playboy smile was back upon his face as he looked up to see Ashely then. For a moment it was as if Kel saw the entire world stop. Their gazes had locked as he held the horn of her saddle and his other hand rested upon the girls leg. She saw it click in his eyes then, knowing all too well that his world had faded away and all he could lock in on was the young woman's stormy blue eyes. The two said nothing as he helped her dismount, his hands never leaving her waist before he finally seemed to remember his place as Westly cleared his throat. Blushing, as hard as it was to believe that Kelland could truly blush, he lifted her hands and brushed his lips over her knuckles in a kiss that would make hearts stop back at the capitol.

"It is a great pleasure to meet you Lady Ashely. I trust our modest camp will be comfortable enough for you." He managed to say as she nodded and looked down at her feet.

"Come on lad, stop being starry eyed and see to their horses. You can ask her to dance at the fire tonight." Westly clapped his hand over Kel's shoulder as he watched the two flash sheepish smiles at eachother before Kelland gathered the reins and Ashely skittered to Kel's side. "Now, I've someone I want you to meet. And I trust you can hold it together." He started to steer her toward the huge paddocks and Kel started to feel her stomach rise, this was not good. Not good at all, she knew that tone of voice and just what it could only mean.

For the second time since she rode in that afternoon, time came to a halt as she saw who exactly Westly was dragging her closer to, Raoul. Among the Gauls she hadn't placed him as he reached their own height and build. But there was no mistaking that voice, and then when he turned to nod toward Westly she swore he recognized her as her heart froze up.

"Sir Goldenlake was it? May I introduce my daughter Faola and her training companion Ashely." The blonde haired man pushed both Kel and Ashely forward as each just bowed their heads in respect.

"Pleasure Sir Goldenlake." The two spoke at the same time, though it was Ashely's grip on Kel's hand that kept the lady knight from running away in sheer panic as she looked up at him again.

"The pleasure is all mine to finally meet one of Westly's children. He's talked of them for years and now I see he does not lie in regards to their looks or strengths." Kel could tell by his tone he was clearly just being polite, it was the same tone he used to use on all the mothers that tried to shove woman at his feet in court. He thought this was a matchmaking set up, and that alone made Kel nearly burst into laughter as she turned to face Ashely.

"The maidens granted us enough leave to choose new horses papa," Kel played it up, emphasizing his title and roll of father while teasing him with it. "Perhaps we should do such so we can enjoy the rest of our get away?"

"Maidens?" This peaked Buri's interest as she slipped past her husband's side now. A clipboard in hand and bits of parchment strapped to it she looked over the girls with a keen eye. Westly's eyebrows perked at how her mere presence seemed to calm the huge knight down.

"It's a order back home. Women pure of body, mind, and soul may join and learn how to defend and protect their village while keeping vows to the goddess." Kel knew she was bending the truth and it was close to the order back in Tortall, but for now it would be enough to sate their curiosity as her comment eased Raoul even further. Perhaps it was the fact that he knew the order engaged in no cardinal acts or was allowed to marry. Or maybe it was Buri's hand slipping into his, either way the result was the same. Had she missed their wedding while she was away? What of Neal and his new wife, what had she missed.

"Perhaps you could join us for training. Fighting others outside the order would certainly help improve our skills." Ashely covered, as Kel gave her a greatfull squeeze with her hand. Though she couldn't be with them, perhaps doing this would allow to her to overhear things from home and at least be in their company.

"That actually sounds fun, what do you say?" Buri smiled up at Raoul who just nodded. "I take it you mean morning training?"

"Yes, before we depart it will be a lovely end to a good get away." Ashely giggled pulling on Ke'ls arm then. The lady knight laughed before leaning up to kiss Westly on the cheek.

"We'll be pack papa." She called out as they both slipped into the paddocks.

"Make sure you pick your new beast out as well Little Wolf!" He called out to Kel as she waved him off, Onna yapping and bounding after them.

The field must have been filled with at least a hundred head of horses. Each seemed more impressive then the last. Though they were roped off by how old they were which also meant how much training they had received. Of course the stallions were showing off, the men and women touched with the gift over horses did all they can to keep them as calm as possible in such close proximity of each other. It was because of this and how strict the Own had been that she never wanted a stallion, to high strung and the wrong challenge or a mare in heat would throw them and she'd have no control on the field of battle. It was in the field set up for four year olds that Ashely seemed drawn to a light and nimble brown dappled mare. The creature was beautiful in its own way. Softly chiseled head marked it as having recent ancestry among the Bazhir. Long legs gave her height and Kel knew just how fast she'd be able to race across the land on such, rather than forcing her weight to a front line charge. Within minutes the mare was nuzzling at Ashely, lipping at her neck, hair and pockets for more treats.

"This is really who you want?" Kel questioned patting the mare as she looked up and gave a huff as if scolding Kel.

"I like her; she's small and fast like me. Let's face it we fit." She laughed pressing her forehead against the mares as both the girl and horse watched Kel. She knew then it was a pointless argument as they had chosen each other. Sighing Kel shook her head to keep from laughing and continued her own trek across the fields.

It was in the small paddock they kept the five year old beasts that she found herself drawn to a grazing gelding. The beast was huge, something to put shame to Peachblossom's size even. He must have had draft mixed in somewhere down the line, with his blocky head and thick leg's like tree trunks. At first Kel wondered if he was white but dusted from the road before realizing it was just his natural coloring. The dusty grey had just a hint of dapple around his hindquarters and neck, though his muzzle and legs faded into near black. She knew when he ran he would truly look as if he were fog gliding across the land.

After a few moments the gelding ventured close enough that it snatched the bit of apple from the palm of her hands. He was well over seventeen hands tall but oddly graceful for something so large. It was only after he was nuzzling her for another treat that a voice caused her to jump enough to spook the creature off.

"Beautiful isn't he." Was all the man's voice said as the horse raced circles around Kel and Xamos; before coming back to settle near her with his head draped over her shoulder protectively. "Already taking a shine to you as well."

"Thank you," was all she could say. For a moment she sat there in silence wondering what else could or should she say to him. It felt so strange for her to stand in silence with him watching her like a hawk and the babysitting horse over her shoulder. After a few moments the beast warmed up to him, letting him stroke it and look over its legs and hooves for any issues. "For everything I mean, I never did get to thank you after midwinter fest…" She never got to finish before Xamos lifted her chin and pulled her into a quick heavy kiss. She felt as if her knees would give way and the only thing holding her up was the horse that had claimed her.

"Some things are better left unsaid." His voice was heavy, almost a primal growl that sent chills up her spine and reach out for him as he pulled away. Why the hell was she thinking like this, she was a knight of Tortall that had no time for men or flings? She had a job to do in Gaul, whatever it was, and he was distracting her from that!

"He's handsome!" Ashley's voice rang out over Kel as if she had a bucket of ice water dumped over her head, and odd enough she was grateful for such.

"Zephyrus. It fits him." Xamos spoke allowed now; his own black war stallion watched them all with curiosity, taking a step forward now and then.

"Zephyrus?" Kel questioned as Ashely nodded in agreement holding out a halter and lead line for the lady knight. Kel didn't 'argue as she took it, pulling the grey gelding along behind her as the three headed back toward Westly.

"The Eastern wind, bringer of spring. It's said he was a grey stallion that road in on mists and shadows and brought spring through the winter snows. Each of the four seasons is represented by a horse." Ashely explained as they neared the gate. Kel tried to smile as another piece of a puzzle slid into place, and once more rooted her deep in Gaul with no chance of leaving till the task was complete. Now though, she was starting to wonder if she ever truly wanted to leave.

For a moment Neal swore he saw her. The flash of dreamer's hazel eyes, that warm honey gold flecked with emerald. The woman was at least as tall as his Keladry, and had a huge beast of a horse even if it wasn't the pain in the ass Peachblossom. But the moment the woman and her companions laughed and smiled, he knew it was not true. The Keladry he knew never was so open with her emotions. The shield maiden was foreign save for those eyes that was all she truly shared with Kel. The dark honey hair with touches of red, lean but curvy body that he would pin against and put any courtier in Tortall to shame with should have been sign enough. Still he couldn't help but wonder had she met Kel? Perhaps they had trained together even. It was only as he thought that the white blonde woman cleared her throat as she had been watching him as eagerly as he had been watching the woman with the dreamer's eyes.

"Careful lad, she bites." She teased as Neal's eyes moved to see what lay at the woman's feet while she helped prepare supper with the others. While the wolf was still a pup and far to lean to be mature he knew when it rose it stood to the height of Weldon's hunting mastiffs. Back home they would have killed it on site as a dire wolf.

"Who?" he managed to say before the white haired woman laughed and shook her head.

"That is the Lady Faola." The woman held her hand out to Neal who took it and offered her a firm shake. The woman ignored this and grasped his forearm which confused him for a moment before shaking as well. "Married but still chasing wolves eh?" Her question was enough to get him to blush.

"Happily, we just had our first." He managed to say before spotting Dom wandering toward them. The man had found time to bathe before the nightly festivities began and was looking around as if he was stalking prey of some sort.

"Congratulations are in order then!" She laughed letting go of his hand. "The names Frost by the by."

"Odd name." Dom piped in as he slipped up beside his cousin.

"Our names reflect where, who, or what we are and come from." She explained then narrowing her gaze at the young man.

"A pleasure Lady Frost. I am Neal and this is Dom, my idiot of a cousin." Neal explained as the woman tried to smirk though once again Dom jumped the gun.

"You're from Gaul right?" It was more a statement then a question as the woman bristled and stood tall.

"I am." She was growing nervous then, no one noticed the man rise from the fire he sat at beside 'Faola' and the others and strode toward her.

"Do you happen to know Keladry, she…" Dom jumped down her throat before she could finish speaking..

"Lady Kel of course we know her." The man spoke as he draped his arm across Frost's shoulders. The action eased her tension but it was clear she was still unnerved.

"Is she here?" Neal nearly jumped out of his skin drawing looks from those around him as Frost shook her head no. Both men looked as if they had been beaten dogs then. Shoulders slumped and heads pitched forward.

"No she is not."

"Is she safe?" Dom finally managed to say. It was then however the woman with Kel's eyes called for Frost. Beckoning her over, the four wandered toward Faola and her companions by the fireplace. Definitely not Kel, Neal assured himself as the woman acted as if she owned the world itself.

"Faola, these are men from Tortall." Frost explained with a smile. "Neal and Dom."

"A pleasure." The woman bowed her head as she noticed Dom's eyes raking over her body. For a moment she looked as if she had been punched in the gut before it turned into a look of disgust. "Tell me Dom, are you always so blunt?" she issued the challenge as Neal nearly snorted in laughter as his cousin was taken aback.

"I'm sorry milady I meant no disrespect only I was in awe and shock of your beauty that I misplaced my manors." He quipped. Even Frost rolled her eyes; he was good and quick to. No wonder he was a lady killer.

"Best find them then Dom, our woman are not like yours." Frosts' guard was the first to snap at him.
"I think a grown woman can defend…" he started before it was the wolf that had risen and was snarling at the man.

"Careful, only those of great honor are gifted with the wolf." Frost explained to Dom. "Not to mention she's sword sister to our prince." The entire group went still and quiet for a moment before Neal finally spoke up.
"Why would nobility…"

"Dance?" The man cut Dom off as those who had instruments out earlier struck up a festive song. Frost laughed taking his hand and let herself be whisked away leaving the men from Tortall to bicker.

"Secretive people." Dom whistled as Neal just shook his head.

"To secretive."

The night went on in song and dance as mead and ale flowed freely. People from all places and walks of life enjoyed themselves, dancing about the fire to the music and singing some even returning from their own camps with instruments. Faola had been scooped up in a few dances by her father, and even Ashely before she finally sat down to a slow and winding song in hopes of catching her breath. Looking about she found it was in fact Riaan who was on his fiddle playing the piece, and couples rose to dance with each other while those alone were drawn into embrace.

"Dance?" The now all too familiar purr of Xamos in her head rang through her body, still causing her to jump as his hands quickly darted out to keep her from tripping over the fallen log. Turning about she couldn't help but smile, as usual he was dressed in all black though the color suited him just fine. She couldn't say no but instead took his hand and lead him through the other couples before her arms wrapped around his neck and his hands found her lower torso and hip. Right shoulders pressed together they both started to move clockwise, shifting every few counts. They moved like mirror images to a vaulta, something most courts would say was far too sexual, however for where they were it worked just fine. Every fifth step the men would lift the women, bringing them back down as body's slid down the other, hands raced across stomachs and chests and arms. The dance itself was all about passion and fire, and around the huge bonfire and fiddle and drums being played it was all too perfect. She could feel his lips brush across her neck, ear, bust line and even inner wrist before the music suddenly ended and she was left standing there, head swimming as he kissed the back of her hand and lead her to her seat.

"It's rare to see two who move in sync like that." Neal commented as Kell blushed. Apparently they had not been the only one as Kelland had asked Ashely to dance. "I am half tempted to ask you to teach me so I may show my wife."
"We can teach you!" Ashely piped up taking Neal's hand and forcing him to stand.

"I want to learn." Dom joined in as Ashely just nodded.

"Faola, teach him!" The request had made Kel groan but she stood and took his hands in her own to place in the proper spots. After a few passes he seemed to get the hang of it, finally being so bold as to joke as they danced.

"You truly are an amazing woman Faola." He whispered coming to close to her ear for her liking. All the past emotions she had managed to shove away were starting to surface and brew once more.

"I bet you say that to all the women."

"Not all." he laughed pulling her closer after yet another lift.

"Don't you have a wife back home?" She paused faltering on her own words. "Or a lover."

"They are not here, nor are they you." He spoke before closing the distance to kiss her. At first she gave in, for years she had wondered what it would be like to kiss him, to be held by him. Though with each passing second it started to click. He had a lover, and she was nothing but a conquest for him tonight. Pushing him away she was wide eyed with anger as her hand came back and then cracked him across the face loud enough to silence most conversation and music.

"You dare!" She groped for words as her face was a twisted mask of anger and pain. "Am I a game to you, is that it!" Every emotion spilled out of her then, erupting on him in one fell swoop. "It was just a… a conquest! Another notch in your headboard to woo or bed me!" Neal was rushing to his cousin's side then as Onna was crouched at Kel's, shoulders down and ready to pounce at him if he dared throw her for a loop again. Something in Dom clicked as his eyes went wide and he crossed the distance disregarding Onna as he tried to grab her.

"Kel!" His proclamation was bold as Xamos's blade was drawn and between the two in an instant.

"Kel?" Kel truly laughed now. "You mean the lady knight you tossed aside?"

"We did nothing…" Dom started to argue before he was cut off.

"Liar! Everyone knows of how the common people big her goodbye but her own friend would rather be in some whores bed!" Xamos snapped. "She was our lady, our salvation and you threw her aside like trash! We treated her as she should be treated!" Maybe it was the way he worded it, or his tone but Dom's face went slack like he saw a ghost, even Neal went limp as he watched.

"Your precious Keladry of Mindelan is dead." Her words hung in the area and in that instant she regretted saying such.

"She… She cant." Neal shook as Kel turned and walked away from the group, Onna following after her. After a few minutes the music piped back up again at someone's request, trying to lighten the mood as Neal and Dom sat on the log their head in their hands waiting. It was Xamos who finally moved and looked to dom.

"I swear by the moon and stars, if you hurt her Dom, I will kill you." His words were cold enough to send a chill up the man's spine and know the truth to him. Xamos did not wait for a reply as he strolled toward the tent the woman had rushed off to. Westly stood in his way.

"Don't break…"He began before Xamos met his gaze.

"Westly, it would be wise to move." The man needed no coaxing as he stepped aside for the young man, praying he held the key to please and comfort her.