~~~To be continued~~~

…………………………………….

460 H.E. November 12

            “Listen,” Raoul’s commanding voice carried over the group of silent men easily.  “Quinden is off ‘scouting’ with a group of trusted men.  He will not be back for at least three hours, which gives us time.  Here is the plan.  Quinden and a group of men will split off from us and head west to check out Mindelan.  We will tell Quinden that we are heading east, staying on Tortallan soil, to visit the fort with the mutiny.  The mutiny in reality was cleared up a few days ago.  Robert left, probably to resume his work in Scanra now that they’ve captured Kel.  We will really head up to the dungeon they are holding Kel in.  Hopefully we will be able to get her back…” he swallowed.  “Alive.”

            Dom stood and went to stand beside the knight-commander. 

            “Right,” Dom said.  “Now we need to figure out who is going with Quinden and who is going to save Kel.  All those with Quinden, hands!”

            Hands went up around the circle.  Dom pointed to five men.  “You go with Quinden.  Two of those with him now will accompany you.  Be very careful to keep Quinden in the dark.”

            They nodded.  “The rest of you are with us,” Raoul said.

            They could hear the sentries’ horn calls saying people were approaching.  After they heard the answering call meaning ‘We’re friends,’ the group dispersed; they knew Quinden was back. 

…………………………………….

Dom brushed Hoshi intently.  He was thinking about Kel. 

‘Gods,’ he thought.  ‘Why do I keep thinking about her?  Yes we were friends but we were only friends.  We weren’t even that close.  She’s just so…what was she?  She was pretty, in a natural way, she was kind, loving, always putting others ahead of herself…. always trying to improve herself…. she’s amazing.  Mithros, why am I having these thoughts?’

He sent a silent prayer up to any listening gods to protect Kel and trotted off to find Raoul.

…………………………………….

460 H.E. November 13

            ‘One week,’ Kel thought.  ‘It’s been one week since I came to  this place.  How long till I’m rescued?  Will I even be rescued?  What if they don’t know where to look.’  Generally optimistic, Kel’s mood was rapidly deteriorating due to her conditions.  Thinking of Dom with a sudden pang of sadness a cool part of her mind told her, ‘Don’t be silly.  Of course they’ll figure out a way to find you.’

            The time she had spent in the dungeon had begun to show on Kel’s body.  Covered in dried blood and mud, her lip had been split again, she thought she might have a concussion, a nasty bump covered the back of her head, her arm was a constant source of throbbing, her back was covered in whip marks.  Fainting spells had become part of her daily norm.  She couldn’t help it.  It almost seemed as if her captors were not letting her get a solid sleep in on purpose.  ‘Why would they do such a thing?’ she thought.  ‘Because tired people let more slip,’ replied a Yamani part of her mind.  ‘Of course,’ she muttered to herself.  ‘If I’m tired I won’t be able to concentrate as hard on keeping information from them.  Isn’t life just perfect?’  She drifted off to sleep, dreaming of a certain pair of very intense, blue eyes. 

…………………………………………………

            Barking?  Why was Dom barking?  Wait Dom wasn’t barking, he was standing there, amazingly handsome, blue eyes shinning in the sun, hair gleaming as the wind blew tufts of it into his face.  But where was the barking coming from?

            Something wet and cold touching her hand brought Kel back to reality.  She opened her eyes to see wall of dark stones.  The cause of wetness was a small drip from the ceiling that was falling on her hand.  ‘I was dreaming,’ she thought sadly hearing the barks of dogs in the distance.  ‘That’s all it was.  But Dom?  Why was I dreaming of Dom?’

            Pulling herself into a sitting position Kel looked around.  Through the bars near a drain she could see a figure huddled in the cell next to hers. 

            “Hullo,’’ she whispered.

            She saw the figure spring to his feet, hand going to his waist as if expecting a weapon to be there.

            “Calm down,” she said quietly.  “It’s just me.”

            The figure came over and knelt down near the bars.  “Hullo,” he said.  “Captain Marcus.  Who might you be?”

            Her throat was so dry that Kel’s answer emerged as a croak.  “Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan.”

            He looked surprised.  She could make out his features in the dim light.  They were strong; his nose, his chin, his lips, all adding to the forcefulness of his face.  “Mindelan,” he said.  “Isn’t that in Tortall?”

            Kel nodded and the captain’s face broke into a smile.  “Mithros!” he exclaimed.  “Finally, I’m not the only Tortallan in this dump.”  He looked down at her, face thoughtful.  “My you look like you’ve been through a lot.”

            Kel tried to force herself to smile.  Managing a weak grin she said, “Nope.  I’ve only been through a little.”

            “That’s right,” a deep voice boomed behind Kel making her jump what felt like a mile.  “You’ve still more to go through, or did you forget about your little meeting with the Master today.”

            The man in the next cell saw Kel wince and close her eyes.  There was obvious discomfort on her face as the guard yanked her up by her bad arm.  ‘He seems to have a nice little habit of doing that,’ she thought to herself as she was dragged away.

…………………………………………………

460 H.E. November 16

            Neal watched his cousin thoughtfully.  'Mithros, please help us find Kel,' he thought.  Adding as an afterthought, 'Alive.'  Dom's eyes were red as if he'd been weeping again.  Trying to keep a cheerful face Neal strode over to him.

            "Hey lover boy," Neal said clapping his cousin on the shoulder.

            Dom scowled.  'How can he joke at a time like this?' he thought.  "Hi Nealan," he sighed.

            Neal's worry deepened.  He couldn't remember the last time his cousin had called him by his full name.  To Dom, Neal was always Meathead.  "You okay?" he asked.

            Dom could not take it anymore.  "Do I look okay to you?" he rounded on his cousin.  "Kel's captured, for gods' sake she's probably being tortured right as we speak, before she was taken she had heartbreaking news and there isn't a damn thing I can do for her.  This stupid blizzard will put us behind at least week if not more and you expect me to be okay?"

            Neal watched his cousin.  Dom had had friends captured before.  Sometimes it was months before they were able to attempt a rescue.  Of course Neal had seen Dom worry over his friends but he had never been overly emotional.  'I think there's more to Dom's feelings…maybe he really does love her,' he thought.  "Sorry Dom," Neal said and walked away.

……………………………………………..

            Camped in a cave, waiting out the end of the blizzard, made everyone on edge.

            "How much longer?" Alanna asked Raoul.

            He looked down at her, "Two more days at least.  Numair said he was in contact with the weather mages at the palace and they say were in it for at least that if not more."

            "I'm sorry," she said.  "I know you care about Kel."

            "If she died out there," Raoul told Alanna.  "I'll never forgive myself.  After all I was the one who sent her on this mission."

            "You didn't know what was going to happen.  No one could have known," Alanna tried to comfort Raoul.

            "I guess," he sighed.  "If she gets out of this alive I want to adopt her," he said, abruptly changing the subject.

            Alanna smiled.  "I think that would be very good for the both of you."

            Raoul's coal-black eyes were bright as he looked at the Lioness.  "She's barely eighteen, she didn't deserve the heartbreak that comes with loosing your family."

            The Lioness nodded grimly as she recalled her own experiences of family deaths.

            "Gods I'm stupid," Raoul muttered with a crooked frown.  "Here I am going on about that when I know full and well that you too lost your family.  Sorry Alanna."

            She grinned up at the man who had been her protector in her page days, "I came to terms with it a long time ago.  Besides I have Sir Myles now and Eleni….and George."  She said her husbands name with a playful wink.  Raoul smiled but Alanna saw the worry creep back into his eyes.  She took one of his giant hands in her small ones and gave him a reassuring squeeze.  "We'll get her back, Raoul.  Trust me.  I know we will."

……………………………………………..

            "Sir Meathead!"

            Neal grimaced.  He thought he'd been able to sneak around Dom and head for the fire.  "Yes Dom?" he asked.

            "Care to take a stroll with me?"

            "Sure," Neal replied uncertainly.

            "Great," Dom said slinging an arm around Neal's shoulders.  He led him towards the cave entrance.  Dom sat on the stone floor and motioned for Neal to do the same.

            They sat in silence, watching the swirling white snow dance outside.  After a while Neal cleared his throat.  "Dom, what if we get there too late?" he asked.

            Dom looked down.  He had played the scene out many times in his head.  "I suppose we will fetch the body and conduct a proper burial," he said, sorrow present in his voice.

            "I'm so worried.  I'm also sorry about this morning," Neal admitted.  "I should be more aware of others feelings."

            "It's ok," Dom said.  "Mithros knows we need the humor."

            Neal smiled as Merric and Owen joined them at the cave entrance.  Merric avoided looking at Dom and sat himself on the other side of Neal, who in turn noticed this.  'No use worrying about it now,' he thought to himself.  'I'll ask Dom later.'

            "It's going to be jolly, us riding in and rescuing Kel," Owen said.  The others smiled at Owen's endless optimism.

            "Everything's 'jolly' to you," Neal said, his voice dripping with mock-disdain.  "Even early mornings."

            Owen punched Neal lightly on the arm.  "Mornings are the best part of a day," he said before getting up and retreating farther into the cave.

            Neal scowled in mock-disgust at Owen's disappearing back.

……………………………………………..

            "That's it?" Numair cried.  "That's all you have for me?"

            "Keep your voice down," a hushed voice said.  "Do you want to wake the whole camp?  Look I told you this was farfetched to begin with and I said you probably wouldn't find out what you wanted to know."

            "But Daine, you've done it before," Numair whispered.

            "I know that but before I wasn't in the middle of an overcrowded cave, stuck in the middle of a blizzard and trying to reach animals in the middle of another country.  Use your brain Numair."

            "Sorry Daine," he ruffled her hair.  "I was just thinking how much it would mean to Raoul and Alanna if we could actually get a precise location on Kel.  Thanks for trying."

            "No problem," she said and started to walk off.

            "Daine," Numair called.

            She turned around and faced him.

            "I love you," he whispered, drawing her into a tight hug.  "Thank you so much for trying to help.  I didn't mean to sound so ungrateful before."

            She kissed him and said, "I know silly.  You're stressed and I understand that.  We all care about Kel.  Everyone knows she cares about animals as much as humans.  At the palace she is one of the kindest people when it comes to looking after animals.  I'm worried about Jump.  He misses Kel.  So does Peachblossom."

            "Don't worry about things you can't control," Numair said before he swept her into a passionate kiss.  He slowly let her go, taking her hand and entwining his fingers through hers.

            "Oh you hypocrite!" Daine teased and allowed herself to be led to the bedroll they shared.

……………………………………………..

            "So how's my ex-squire holding up?" Alanna asked Neal cheerfully.

            "About as well as a Carthaki soldier facing a…" Neal began to reply.

            "Stop," Alanna interrupted Neal.  "Sometimes you are just too frank for even me.  Seriously though," Alanna added.  "She is your best friend."

            Neal picked up on Alanna's use of the word 'is' instead of 'was' and smiled gratefully at her.  "Yes.  She is," he reflected.  "I don't know why I'm not getting more worked up about this.  I mean after all she has been captured and faces possibly death.  I have this gut feeling though.  It's like I know we will be able to get her back.  As much as she and I cluck over each other, we really do have confidence in the others abilities.  She can handle herself until we get there."

            Alanna eyed Neal skeptically.  "Do you really believe that?" she asked cautiously.

            Neal actually paused a moment and reflected.  "No," he finally admitted.  "Not really.  But I feel better saying it."  He took a deep breath and became unusually serious.  "Lady Alanna, I'm scared for her.  She knows something important.  Raoul didn't mention what she knew but it's no trivial matter.  They won't stop at anything till she gives them the information.  If I know Kel she won't ever give them the information if it will endanger Tortallans.  I don't know what I will do if we get there too late.  She's my best friend."  He looked down, tears in his eyes.

            "Neal," Alanna began softly.  "We'll get her back."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::

460 H.E. November 20

'Two weeks,' Kel thought grimly.  'Two weeks I've been here.'

"Hey," a distant voice interrupted Kel's thoughts.  "Hey!" the voice cried a touch louder.

Kel moaned.  It was all she could manage.

There was loud creaking nearby, Kel tried to open her eyes to see what it was but found she didn't have the strength.  All she knew at the moment was pain.  'They still haven't gotten anything from me,' she reflected with satisfaction.  It had been a long two weeks, filled with torture, insults, beatings, but she had gotten through them—the guards hadn't even come to her in two days.  'I know I should be wary of what they'll do next, no doubt they're cooking up something really nasty, but at least they've left me alone the past two days,' she thought to herself.

"You there," a nearby voice said.  "Come on.  Wake up."

Kel wanted to, but try as she might she could not snap out of her oblivion.  All she could do was moan.  She tried to keep quiet but her body forced sounds out of her.  Something cool was pressed against her forehead.  Her pounding headache eased ever so slightly.  A soft yellow light penetrated the darkness inside her head.  'Where's the yellow coming from?' she asked herself.

After a few moments she found she could open her eyes.  She looked around for her source of newfound strength and found it in the man Marcus who, at the moment, was leaning against the wall of her cell panting and looking somewhat pale.  Seeing her open her eyes he smiled.  Kel tried to sit up but couldn't.  Strong hands gripped her and gently pulled her into a sitting position.

"Thanks," she tried to say, but it emerged as a breathless croak.

The man held a small bowl to her lips and said, "Drink."

After a few sips Kel leaned back and closed her eyes, the effort to drink had exhausted her.  In the two weeks she had been in the dungeon she had gone from being extremely healthy to being on the brink of death.  Her captors failed to acknowledge a prisoner's need for food, sleep, and water.  Her last meal had been a scant bowl of watery soup four days ago and before that a piece of stale bread two days before.  She hadn't had water in days.  Finally she could sleep, her captors had been leaving her alone for the most part.  But sleep did not help her much when she lacked food and water.

Her pounding headache had returned.  Once again she felt coolness against her forehead and the blackness that enveloped her was pushed away by a soft yellow light.  Opening her eyes she found Marcus's hand on her forehead, worry in his eyes.  "You've lost a great deal of blood," he said.  "And you have a pretty bad concussion.  You need a serious healer.  I don't have much power.  If we don't get you to one soon…" at this he broke off and shrugged as if he didn't know what would happen.

Kel knew.  'I'll die,' she thought.  'I'll die and never see my friends again.  No I won't let that happen.  I've got to be rescued soon.'  She attempted a smile and managed a feeble one.

However it was good enough for Marcus.  "You should sleep," he said ruefully.  "I will check up on you in a few hours."  He helped her to lie down and left for his own cell.

……………………………………..

            "Keladry it's time to wake up," a soft, masculine voice said close to Kel's ear.

            Her eyes fluttered open and she mustered a half smile up at Marcus.  He helped her sit up and held another bowl to her lips.  She drank the contents, watered down soup, and leaned back against the cold wall.  She pressed her head against the cool rocks.  It felt good.  Marcus noticed what she was doing and held his hand to her forehead.  "You've got a fever missy," he said grimly.

            She nodded to show she understood but stopped when she found it made her head pound.  "Oh well," was all she could think of to say.  "What are you in here for?" she suddenly asked.

            Marcus turned a brilliant shade of red and looked down.  "Aiding and abetting a criminal."

            Kel looked surprised.  'He doesn't look like the type who helps criminals,' she thought coolly to herself.

            Marcus noticed her look and said, "The criminal was a Scanran woman who wanted to join the army.  I helped her.  She disguised herself as a man and I helped her get in.  We were found out though.  She escaped on a ship bound for the Yamani Islands.  I wasn't so lucky."

            Kel looked stunned.  "I'm sorry," was all her tired mind could come up with.

            He smiled at her crookedly.  "I'm not," he said cheerfully.  "She got what she wanted and I was able to help.  So you're a knight from Tortall and you're a woman?"

            She nodded again stopping quickly because of her sore head.

            "Amazing," Marcus whispered.  "I haven't been to Tortall in years.  Well to be more precise, decades.  Two if you really want to get technical.  Last time I was there I was eight."

            Kel raised one eyebrow ever so slightly, startling a bark of laughter out of Marcus.

            "Our crops weren't doing well and father decided he'd had enough.  He sold our farm and we moved into Scanra; he wanted to become a fur trader.  He was furious when he found out about the Lioness, even more so when I said I wished that more were like her.  Father and I never got on well so when he passed a few years ago mother and I moved closer to the border; we we're trying to eventually make it back to Tortall.  Still there was a lot of fighting there and like any good son I was concerned for her safety so we stayed well away from the border.  We never got much news of the goings on in Tortall.  When father was alive he never wanted it and mother just wasn't interested.  I guess her disinterest didn't quite pass on to me.  I have always wanted to return to Tortall.  She died about two years ago so I sold our land and began to make my way into Tortall.  That's when I ran into Anna.  I helped her get into the army.  She got away and here I am."  He finished his long story with a gorgeous smile similar to one that belonged to a certain blue-eyed sergeant she knew.

            'Dom,' she thought with a pang of sadness.  'Mithros I miss Dom!  He's so handsome and I'm sure he'd have figured out a way to escape here by now.'

            "Sorry," he apologized.  "Normally I don't give long speeches."

            She smiled up at him.  "It's ok," she said truthfully.  "It was nice to have a distraction.  I'm sorry about your mother."

            Sadness crept into Marcus's eyes; a sadness Kel was all too familiar with herself.  "It's ok.  She's happier now," he forced himself to say.  "What about your parents.  What are they like?"

            He saw Kel quickly look down, but not before he noticed tears forming in sad eyes.  "They were the best parents I could ever ask for."

            Marcus picked up on her use of 'were' as opposed to 'are'.  "I'm sorry," he told her quietly.  After a moment of slight hesitation he prodded gently, "I don't mean to pry, but when?"

            "October 30th of this year," Kel managed to say.

            "Oh I'm so sorry Keladry."

            "I'll get over it," she said to him, falsely bright.  "I suppose all pain passes in time."

            "Most pain," he said.  His eyes became distant; hate crept into them along with sadness.

            'Wonder what happened,' Kel thought to herself.   She didn't notice that concern crept onto her face; being tired kept her from being able to hide all of her emotions.

            Marcus observed this and forced himself to smile.  "Life is what you make of it," he told her with a sigh.

            Kel forced herself to grin; thinking of her parents had brought back emotions she didn't want to deal with.  Her headache was getting worse causing lines to crease across her forehead.  Marcus noticed.

            "Time for sleep," he said.  "I'll wake you the next time there's food or water."

            "G'night," Kel said already drifting off to sleep, a very gorgeous, blue-eyed sergeant entering her dreams.  She did not notice a cool hand rest on her forehead or the concerned face of Marcus leaning over her, pouring as much healing magic he could spare into her.

……………………………………..

            "Lady Keladry!" a male voice shouted.  "Wake up!"

Groggily Kel opened her eyes.

"Someone's coming.  The guards are calling on the horn and everyone's yelling," Marcus told her.

Kel looked around and could see Marcus straining to see down the hallway.

"Hope it's a good thing," Kel muttered.  She put her hands to her throbbing head and closed her eyes.  Marcus saw this and walked over to Kel.  He put his hands on her head and tried to relieve some of her pain.

            "Maybe this is a rescue attempt," he tried to keep his voice optimistic.

            Kel's moan was the only response.

            "What the hell are you doing?" a rough voice shouted nearby.  Looking up Marcus saw a guard swooping down on him.  Scrambling out of the way just in time he avoided a hard blow that had been aimed at his head.  Instead the guard's fist smashed into the solid iron bars that made up the cell wall.  Cursing fluently the guard looked around for Marcus.  "Why the hell are you helping that wench?  She's worth nothing."

            Marcus spat at the guard's feet.  The guard charged at Marcus who leapt out of harm's way at the last possible second.  The guard went flailing into the iron bars.  Screaming in rage he picked himself up and looked wildly about for Marcus.  "I'll deal with you later," he swore and yanked Kel up by one arm, dragging her out of the cell and slamming the iron door shut behind him.

……………………………………..

            Something hit Kel hard in the ribs, making her wince.  She tried to look around but found she was blindfolded.  Kel bit down a feeling of panic.  She was shackled; wrists in cuffs that felt as if they hung from the ceiling, ankles bound together by chain and coarse rope.  'Good thing these cuffs are holding me up,' she thought ironically.  'If not I think I would collapse.'

            "Now you little hoar," an oily voice said from behind her.  "Tell us what you know or we shall be forced to dispose of you."

            "Never," Kel spat.

                       A hot flash of pain streaked across her back.  The man had picked up his whip.  "Tell me!" he roared.  This time he did not wait for a reply as he repeatedly struck her.

            'Water,' Kel desperately thought.  'I am as stone; I am as water.'  It kept her thoughts together, even if it did nothing to lessen the pain.

            There was a harsh banging on the door to the workroom.  The man stopped his menace and went to answer the door.  The sound of a sword slicing through bone startled Kel.

            "She's in here," an elated, male voice called.

            'I know that voice!' Kel thought, her spirits brightening.  "Owen?!?!" she cried.

            She could hear footsteps running down a hall.  They were very close.  Hands were fumbling around her head trying to remove her blindfold.  The first face she saw was Dom's.

            "Kel!" his blue eyes became misty, voice shaky with relief.  'Thank you Mithros for helping us get to her,' he thought.  'Gods she looks like she's almost dead.  She's so thin, and her injuries…  Great Mother Goddess help Kel.'

            "I've got the keys," an older woman's voice sounded near by.  Kel looked around.

            "Lioness?"  She breathed in awe as her hero pulled keys off a dead guards belt.

            Alanna smiled and reached up to unlock Kel's wrists.  Realizing she was too short she shook her head and handed the keys off to Owen.  Dom caught Kel as she sagged to the floor, no longer supported by her wrists.  The past two weeks catching up with her, Kel dropped off into a dead faint.  She was oblivious to her friends rejoice in finding her and their concern at finding her in such a state.  She was unknowingly carried out of the dungeon by Dom to a nearby encampment were Neal and Alanna began to work on her immediately hoping it wasn't too late.

::::::::::::::::::::::::

460 H.E. November 26

            “I think she’s waking up,” an anxious voice whispered. 

            ‘Dom!’ Kel thought.  She forced her eyes open with a surge of effort. 

            “Oh Kel,” Dom said and brushed his lips against hers.  “Thank the gods we have you back.”

            Kel smiled sweetly and tried to sit up but found she was too weak.  Dom noticed what she was trying to do and helped her to sit up, strong hands supporting her until she had settled against a stack of pillows.  “How long was I out?” she asked blushing as their hands brushed.

            “Six days,” Neal said as he strode over to her bed carrying a large tray.  “I’m surprised you came around this soon.  With all the healing you needed.”  He smiled cheerfully but Kel noticed his eyes were worried.

            “Neal what’s the matter?” she asked him as he set the tray down on her bedside table. 

            “Nothing,” he told her.  “You need to eat,” he gestured toward the tray he’d set down, which was laden with food.  “Then more sleep.  The healing Lady Alanna and I put into you will have drained you more than you can imagine.”  Seeing she was about to protest he put a finger to her mouth.  “No arguing,” he told her.  “I’m the healer and what I say goes.”

            Looking over at the food Kel realized how hungry she was.  ‘Of course,’ she thought to herself.  ‘I haven’t had a proper meal in literally weeks.’  She tried to reach over to the food but found she didn’t have the strength.  Just trying to lift her arm forced her to lean back and take a few steadying breaths.  Dom saw this and picked up a bowl of soup from the tray. 

            “Here,” he said soothingly as he spooned up some soup.  Patiently he fed her.

            Being fed made Kel feel more helpless than she ever had.  ‘Gods give me back my strength soon!’ she thought as she ate.  As soon as she was finished she leaned back and closed her eyes.  ‘Mithros I’m tired,’ she commented to herself.  Quickly she drifted off to sleep.

……………………………………..

            Alanna, Raoul, Wyldon, Dom, and Neal were gathered in the healer’s office off of the infirmary some time later. 

            “How is she going to be?” Dom asked.

            “It’s hard to tell,” Lady Alanna answered truthfully.  “She’s lost so much blood and she was improperly nourished for almost three weeks.  Her body has taken serious damage.”  Alanna swallowed and stopped speaking, it was Neal who continued for her.

            “She had a pretty serious concussion and the loss of blood was drastic.  It will take some time for her to regain her old strength, if she does.”  At this he looked down.

            “What do you mean if?” Dom asked angrily.

            “I mean exactly what I just said,” Neal told him pointedly.  “If!”  Neal shouted before he stood up and strode outside, frustration in his face.

            Raoul walked over to Dom who looked as though he was going to explode.  He clasped his shoulder.  “Easy there,” he said.  “We have her back, thank the gods.  It’s only a matter of time before she’s better.”  He looked pleadingly at Alanna to find reassurance but found only sorrowful eyes.  “Alanna,” he said softly.  “What else is wrong?”

            “Well Kel has lost a considerable amount of blood,” she began.

            “You’ve mentioned that already,” Wyldon growled.

            “Yes, yes,” Alanna said quickly.  “I know.  It just seems that well we can’t do anything about it.  I don’t know why but she has some type of shield around her.  I can’t break it.  We can only work small spells on her.  It’s frustrating.  We need Numair back here but the king said it would be at least two days.  I told the king not to order Numair to return to the palace until after we had Kel, but no he has to….” She broke off and stormed out of the infirmary.  

            Dom looked haunted.  “Someone still wants her dead,” he whispered before returning to the room Kel was in. 

……………………………………..

            “He’s hurting,” Wyldon commented quietly to Raoul after Dom had left. 

            “I know,” Raoul replied.  “They both are,” he said, meaning Dom and Neal.  “But there’s not much we can do until Numair comes except make Kel comfortable and wait.”

            “Maybe you should talk with Neal, he is her best friend and he’s obviously shaken up about this, try as he might not to show it.”

            Raoul nodded and went outside.

……………………………………..

            Kel was thrashing in her bed, moaning and screaming.  “No, don’t hurt him!”

……………………………………..

460 H.E November 27

            “Neal, may I have a word with you?” Raoul’s voice was strained.

            Dark thunderheads rolled overhead and the sky was considerable dark for three in the afternoon.  Neal nodded as fat raindrops began to fall.  “Yes, sir.”

            Raoul frowned.  “We haven’t sat on formalities since the day I met you,” he said.  “Your cousin ruined that, remember?”

            Neal turned to face Raoul, sorrowful green eyes searching Raoul’s coal-black orbs.  “Raoul,” he said stiffly.  “She might not live.”

            Raoul sat down under the overhang off of the infirmary that was keeping off the rain and sighed.  “I know, Neal,” he told the young man carefully.  “But we have to hope.”

            “Raoul,” Neal’s tone went up.  “Damn it, she’s my best friend.  Loosing her is just something I cannot cope with.  Normally I would turn to Dom.  He’s wonderful at helping people in tough situations; but I can’t.  He’s head over heals for Kel and if she dies I’m afraid he’ll do something stupid.”  Neal looked down, tears in his eyes.

            “Neal,” Raoul addressed him carefully.  “You need to talk to Dom.”

            “I will,” Neal told him.  After a moment’s pacing under the awning Neal came to a stop in front of Raoul, fists clenched in frustration.  “Mithros!  I’m supposed to be a healer and I can’t do a damn thing to help her.  I feel so helpless.” 

            Raoul stood and stretched.  “Neal,” he said quietly.  “Being here for her is helping her more than you will ever know.  Until she has her strength back, all we can do is love and support her.”

            Neal sighed and strode off into the rain, back hunched with sorrow. 

………………………….

            Kel awoke with a start.  “Where’s Marcus?” she asked anxiously.

            “Marcus?” Dom repeated.  He had not left her side but a few times in the past week, when he did it was under orders.  Now he eyed his love apprehensively. 

            “Marcus,” Kel said fretfully.  “We need to go back and get Marcus.”

            “Kel,” Dom spoke slowly.  “Who is Marcus?”  Kel was about to answer but she was exhausted.  Already she was begging to nod off to sleep.  Dom saw this.  “Never mind,” he said quietly, lips brushing her forehead.  “Tell me later.”

………………………….

            In her dream they were all there.  Her family was surrounding her.  For the first time in the past month, Kel was happy.  Laughing and trading stories with her father, sharing secrets with her mother, lounging about with her sisters, practicing unarmed combat with her brothers; life was wonderful.  Kel and Ilane were squaring off for glaive practice.  They were in a field, surrounded by waving grasses.  The sun shone brightly overhead and Kel could see her horse in the distance grazing peacefully in the fields.  The calm outdoor noises were interrupted, replaced by the thundering of hooves.  Kel looked around, mind frantic, Yamani mask in place searching for the disturbance.  She saw it.  In the distance, coming closer, and closer to where she and Ilane were, a company of Scanrans was bearing down, ready to strike.  Kel and her mother turned and faced the invaders, ready for battle. 

            It happened so fast Kel couldn’t think.  They slaughtered them; each and every one of her family members faces flashed before her screaming before their Scanran enemies rendered them lifeless.  Kel was the only one left, even Anders, who in reality had escaped this senseless fiasco, was brutally murdered before her, eyes pleading for the assistance Kel could not give.  Kel herself was bound and gagged; her captors making her watch each execution.  Kel tried to shut her eyes, but the images of her family being destroyed were burned into her eyelids; she could not block them out.  Finally it was over.  Kel found herself in the field, sky the color of blood.  She was alone.  Even the animals had fled; those that had not escaped had been slaughtered as well.  A cold darkness crept over the land and Kel found herself succumbing to the despair.  Her mind gave up and she passed out. 

………………………….

            Waking frantically Kel found her eyes were streaming.  ‘Oh gods,’ Kel thought.  ‘They’re really gone.’

            Dom had been watching Kel as she dreamed.  She had thrashed and screamed; he had tried to calm her but it was to no avail.  Now she lay there, tears pouring down her face, looking as if she had lost her soul.  Looking around Kel spotted Dom and hung her head, ashamed for him to see her in tears.  Dom sat on the edge of her bed and slipped his arm around Kel.  He hugged her tight to his body, brushing his hand over her hair.  “Shhh,” he cooed, gently rocking her back and forth, careful of her injuries. 

            Kel mastered herself after a few minutes, already feeling the nagging edge of exhaustion, and looked into his eyes.  “I love you,” she whispered. 

            “I love you, too,” Dom told her, meaning every word.  Kel allowed Dom to wipe her tears away and nodded when he asked if she was hungry.  Kel’s spirits lifted slightly; nodding did not make her head pound as hard as it had and she was now able to feed herself with her good arm.  Dom sat by her the entire time keeping up a steady stream of small talk.  “Do you want to talk about it?” he asked her gently. 

“Later,” she replied looking down.  “It was their deaths.”

“Sorry Kel,” Dom said soothingly, knowing to whom she was referring to. 

Kel smiled at Dom who reached over and carefully brushed a lock of her gleaming brown hair behind her ear.  It had grown to an inch below her shoulders.  During her meal, Kel recounted her first encounter with Marcus because Dom asked.  By the time Kel finished her meal she felt halfway human and had, for the most part, pushed her nightmare to the back of her mind, where it plagued her less. 

            Neal came in and made her drink something that tasted awful vile.  “You can’t overdo it Kel,” he told her cheerfully.  Kel noticed that worry still coursed through Neal’s eyes but before she could address the matter, Kel felt herself becoming very sleepy.  Dom helped to lie back and brushed his soft lips against hers.  Smiling up at him she drifted off to sleep; one she hoped would be more peaceful than her last. 

………………………….

For the first time since her rescue Kel slept peacefully.  No nightmares, no pain, no memories.  Awaking she looked around.  At her feet she saw Dom slumped in a chair and snoring lightly.  She smiled remembering the way her heart had surged with warmth when he said he loved her.  Kel looked out the window and saw it was near dusk.  There was a pitcher and some empty cups next to her bed so she filled one with water.  It was warm but it helped clear the stickiness from her mouth (a/n: so sue me; it’s not an original phrase). 

            Kel had tried to keep quiet in order to not wake Dom but she failed.  In a flash Dom was awake and asking her if she needed anything.  Kel smiled.  “No Dom,” she told him.  “I’m fine.”

            “Well yes you are fine,” he drawled.  “You are the essence of fine, but are you feeling fine?”    Kel nodded and smiled.  As her thoughts drifted her Yamani mask slipped into place.  Dom noticed this and asked more seriously, “Kel, what’s the matter?”

            “Well,” she began not knowing how to approach the topic.  “I was thinking about Marcus.”

            Dom knew it was unlikely that Kel saw Marcus as anything more than a friend but he was somewhat intimidated by this man who he had never met.  “I see,” he said carefully.

            “Oh Dom,” Kel said, with only a hint of exasperation in her voice.  “It’s not like that.  He’s my friend.  He helped me when I needed it the most.  I see nothing in him whatsoever except a kind person, no more.  I have no romantic interest in him at all.”  Kel paused and looked at him with a wicked glint in her eyes.  “Jealous?” she asked straight-faced.  Only her eyes betrayed to Dom that she was amused. 

            “Of course, my love,” Dom told her as he gently brushed a strand of her hair out of Kel’s face.  

            Kel grinned, but after a moment her face became serious.  “Honestly Dom,” she said quietly.  “I love you.  But he is my friend and I don’t want anything terrible to happen to him.”

            Dom took the hand on her good arm in one of his and squeezed it gently.  “Of course,” he said.  “I will speak to Raoul today.”

…………………………………………………..

“Raoul, may I have a word?” an elated sergeant of the King’s Own asked the pacing knight commander standing before him. 

Raoul was in his office surrounded by piles of papers.  Looking up he saw Dom and nodded, gesturing to a chair in front of his desk.  Dom sat, as Raoul asked, “So, how is Kel?”

“Fine,” Dom replied.  “She seems to be improving rapidly.  Although she is still rather weak both Alanna and Neal think she will make a full recovery.  Though they said Numair is still working on the spell that guards her against the healers’ magic.  He has yet to break them.”  Dom neglected to tell the older man that Kel still had trouble sitting up by herself and her arm was not healing properly.  He also kept to himself that Kel still had many dizzy spells, compliments of her concussion, and although she was eating properly, she was still malnourished. 

‘Dom seems much happier now that Kel is doing better,’ Raoul thought.  ‘That’s good.  I hated seeing him so worried and upset.  Kel’s not completely recovered yet.  I can tell Dom’s not telling me the whole truth.  Oh well thank the gods she’s at least doing better.’  “Good,” Raoul murmured.  Deciding to change the subject he asked, “So did you have something you wanted to speak with me about?”

“Actually yes,” Dom told Raoul.  He then related everything Kel had told him of Marcus. 

“I see,” Raoul mused.  “Am I right in assuming she would like to attempt a rescue?”

Dom nodded.  “Yes, sir.  She said he treated her well.”

“Well Kel likes him so he must be a good man,” Raoul spoke softly.  “Or at least halfway decent.”

Dom smiled.  “Are we to go after him then?” he asked.

Raoul sat down in the chair behind his desk and put his head in his hands.  After a moment he sighed and straightened in his chair.  “Yes, Dom,” he told the young sergeant.  “It’s important to Kel and since we are already here--” Raoul trailed off.

“Very well,” Dom said.  “I will go tell Kel.  Gods know she will rest easier knowing he will soon be rescued.”

……………………………………………

"Oh really, Dom?" Kel asked joyously.  She had expected Raoul to dance around the issue more than he had.  Kel had thought they wouldn't begin rescue efforts for at least a few more days, but here Dom was telling her that Raoul had agreed to a rescue mission and that they would begin immediately.

"Yes, Kel," he said sweetly.  "Really."

Kel smiled up at Dom.  "I missed you while I was in that dungeon," she said.

"I missed you, too," he whispered as he leaned down to brush his lips against hers.

Kel giggled and returned the kiss.  ‘He kisses so much better than Cleon ever did,’ she thought giddily to herself. 

Just then Neal walked in, took one look at what was taking place and said in his dry manner, “So should I arrange a room at the local inn you two?”

Blushing, Kel and Dom pulled apart.  “Save it, Meathead,” Dom threatened.

“Of course, of course,” Neal replied meekly.  “Anyways my visit has nothing to do with you.”  He turned to Kel and said a little too cheerfully, “I have arrived with your daily dose of ‘yuck.’”

Kel groaned, but resigned herself to another vile tasting potion.  Accepting a small glass from Neal she dared to ask, “So, uh, Neal, what’s the prognosis?”

Neal sat down on the edge of Kel’s bed.  “Would it work if I said I’ll tell you in the morning?”

“Neal,” Kel said exasperatedly. 

            Neal grimaced and said, “I was just checking.”  His face became serious.  “Kel, there are still serious blocking spells around you.  Not even lady Alanna has been able to apply any serious healing magic to you.  That’s why it has been three weeks and you are still as weak and limp as a daffodil.”  Seeing the look on her face he added quickly, “No offense.”

            “None taken,” Kel retorted.  “What’s the news with the war?” she asked, a bit startled that no one had told her she had been abed three weeks.  She was even more disturbed at her condition after three weeks.  If she had had a normal healing she would have been healed within a week. 

            “Same as it was when you were captured,” Neal told her.  “We are still at a stalemate.”

            “I see,” Kel mumbled.

            After a few moments Neal said abruptly, “Now drink and rest.  No doubt you will be hungry when you awake, so food then.  I want you to get a full night’s sleep first.  Don’t fret.  You’ll see, all will work out.”  Neal strode off into the infirmary office.

            Dom leaned over and sat where Neal had been perched on the edge of Kel’s bed.  “Don’t overdo.  Drink this and rest.  I love you and don’t want anything to happen to you.”  He gently traced her jaw line with one of his perfect fingers. 

……………………………………………

Kel awoke to find herself in a dark infirmary. ‘It can’t still be night,’ she thought to herself. ‘I’m not tired at all.’ Glancing out the window she saw stars in a dark sky.She looked about the infirmary and noticed a large lump slumped in a chair at the foot of her bed. From the dim light that came through the windows, compliments of the torches positioned outside, she could barely make out Dom’s hard, muscular frame. She smiled to herself pleased that Dom cared about her enough to stay the night by her side. Looking past Dom she noticed a bulge lying on a close by bed. ‘Wonder what that is.’

Realizing she was hungry Kel glanced at the table next to her. There she found a covered plate. Removing the cover revealed a plate of stew that was still warm. Taking care to be quiet Kel ate the stew. Placing the bowl back on the table she slipped causing a slight thumping noise. Dom awoke with a start. Rubbing his eyes he looked over at Kel, smiling as he did so. He hoisted himself out of the chair and edged his way over to her bed. Sitting on the edge of her bed he gently smoothed his hand over her hair.

“So you finally decided to wake up?” Dom teased in a whispery voice that sent chills down Kel’s spine.

“How long have I been asleep?” she asked.

Dom hesitated for a moment before telling her, “A little more than three days.”

“What?” Kel cried.

“Well you remember that mixture Neal had you drink before you went to bed?” Dom questioned.

“Yes,” Kel replied. “I remember him giving it to me. It tasted awfully nasty.”

“Well that mixture had some powerful sleeping spells in it. Neal wanted you to be able to have some peaceful rest that would help you heal faster.” Dom explained all of this very matter-of-factly.

“I see,” Kel murmured. Glancing over at the lump in the other bed she asked Dom, “What is that?”

Dom smiled. “That my dear,” he began eloquently. “Is your dear Marcus.”

Kel’s face brightened and Dom’s old worry stirred. Would Kel fall for Marcus? He hoped not.

“Really Dom?” she asked excitedly.

“Yes, Kel,” he said. “Really.”

“Thank the gods,” she said quietly.

“Neal did not want you fretting the entire time we were out on the rescue mission. That was one of the reasons he added sleeping spells to that mixture. Lady Alanna has also been checking on you every so often and a couple of times when she saw you were close to waking she would do some little spell that would keep you asleep.”

“Oh,” Kel said quietly. “So you kept me asleep so I wouldn’t be awake for the action?” she accused.

“No, it’s not like that,” Dom protested. “We just wanted to make sure you didn’t relapse because of the heightened stress.” When Kel didn’t say anything Dom used his hand to draw her stare up from her lap to his eyes. “Don’t be mad, please,” he pleaded. “We did it because we were worried about your health.”

“I see.” Kel’s response was rather short.

“Kel, I love you,” Dom whispered. “Don’t be mad that I didn’t want anything to happen to you.”

Kel sat for a moment not saying anything. After a rather long and somewhat uncomfortable silence she said, “I’m not mad. It’s just that I’m frustrated. Being in bed three weeks, seeing everyone else come and go, watching others go on rescue missions or fight. Dom I was trained for all of this and look what good it’s doing me. I’m stuck here in bed doing nothing.”

Dom took the hand on Kel’s good arm in both of his own. “Kel, as soon as Numair gets here he will undoubtedly be able to break the spells around you that are keeping Neal and Lady Alanna from healing you. You will be up and about in no time. Until then know that we are here to support and love you.”

Kel looked up at Dom’s bright, blue eyes and saw a depth of love in them that warmed and frightened her. “Thank you,” she said, her eyes brimming with tears. She took a few moments to master her emotions and then asked a question that had been nagging at her. “Is Marcus going to be okay?”

Dom’s eyes didn’t shadow and he didn’t falter or hesitate once as he told Kel, “Yes my dear, Marcus is going to be just fine. All he had was a cracked rib and a mild concussion. Neal and Lady Alanna fixed him up in no time.” Dom’s voice became angry as he said, “There weren’t any spells around him that kept the healing magic away.”

“When did you get him back?” Kel asked quickly, trying to change the subject.

“We rescued him this morning,” Dom said smiling as he realized that Kel changed the subject on purpose.

Kel nodded her understanding and began asking Dom more questions, getting filled in on the past three weeks. The two became so comfortable chatting that they did not notice a dark figure creeping near the back of the infirmary. A sudden clatter of metal hitting the floor made them both jump.

Dom stood quickly, drawing his sword with lightening fast speed. “Who goes there?” he demanded, his voice harsh.

“Dom,” a familiar tone drawled. “Calm down. It’s just me.” The figure stepped out of the shadows revealing none other than Raoul.

“My Lord Knight Commander,” Kel said respectfully. “You gave the both of us such a start.”

“Not my intention Kel,” he said quickly as he strode over to her bedside.

“Raoul,” Dom began. “Why were you sneaking around?”

:::::::

Raoul was thankful the darkness hid his blush. “I was uh, checking on Kel,” he stammered.

Dom hid his smile realizing why Raoul was really here. “You know my Lord Knight Commander,” he said in a mockingly respectful voice. “If you had wanted to know how Kel was doing all you would have to do is ask Neal or anyone around here for that matter.”

“Well,” Raoul said sheepishly. “You two looked to be having so much fun I didn’t want to interrupt.”

Kel rolled her eyes and motioned for Raoul to join them. As he took a seat enlightenment struck Kel. ‘He might be more willing to tell me something about these blocking spells,’ she thought. “Raoul?” she asked tentatively.

“Yes,” he replied.

“Well you know these blocking spells around me?” she asked him. Raoul nodded and Kel continued. “Well do we have any idea of where they are from?”

Raoul looked down at his hands. It was a few moments before he replied. “Actually Alanna and I have a fair idea,” he admitted. “It was that necklace I gave you.”

Kel had forgotten about the necklace that would help Raoul track her if she was lost. Not seeing how it related to her weakness she raised an inquiring eyebrow.

“Your captors took the necklace and traced its power to Corus. Since they couldn’t pinpoint the mage who had supplied the amulet with power they figured the mage wouldn’t be able to detect them if they changed around his spell. It seems that they used it’s power to bind your health to that of the amulet’s existence. We discovered it was missing when you were rescued but didn’t think much of it. Numair has discovered that the amulet’s existence is what sustains you and that your former captors are slowly destroying the amulet. Unless we find a solution you could die soon.”

Kel sat in silence for a moment watching Raoul and Dom. Dom, eyes filled with tears, hung his head. Raoul clapped him on the shoulder, face solemn.

“So you mean I could die any day?” Kel asked.

Raoul nodded. “I’m sorry Kel. We didn’t really know how to tell you. We figured unless you asked we wouldn’t bring it up. There was no reason to tell you as long as we didn’t have a solution.”

Kel nodded her understanding. “I see.”

“Numair has been working on transferring the spell to another object. He hasn’t figured out how to lift the spell. Apparently lifting it now would kill you so he’s planning on focusing the spells energy on another object. The mages who put this spell on you are very powerful but so is Numair. We will figure out a solution.”

“Thank you for telling me, Raoul,” Kel said slowly.

Raoul nodded and strode out of the infirmary, face set against emotion. Dom watched Raoul’s retreating back for a moment then turned to Kel. “It’s too soon,” he said quietly. “Just when I finally found you.”

Kel looked into Dom’s deep blue eyes. “I love you,” she said. “Numair’s a smart man. He will figure out something.”

Dom forced a smile and said, “Look at me. You are the one who’s facing the impossible. It’s my job to comfort you, not the other way around.” He shook his head, stood and moved to Kel’s side. He sat down carefully on the edge of Kel’s bed and pulled her close to him. Gently he rocked her back and forth, stroking her hair.

………………………………………………………..

Kel awoke the next morning to the sound of humming. She looked over at Dom, who was sitting beside her bed and grinned. He realized she was awake and set down the book he had been reading.

“Morning,” Kel murmured.

“Morning,” Dom returned. “How are you feeling today?”

“Fine,” Kel replied. It was the truth, she felt more rested and clearer headed now than she had in weeks.

“Really,” Dom asked skeptically.

“Yes, Dom,” Kel told him. “In fact, I am feeling better today than I’ve felt in weeks. Completely refreshed and everything. It’s like the amulet spell is gone.”

Dom smiled brightly and took Kel’s hands in his. “That’s wonderful,” he said. “We should get Raoul, Numair, and Alanna in here to see what they think.”

He leaned in and kissed the top of her forehead. “Be back soon, my love,” he told her before exiting the infirmary.

Kel sat still for a moment letting the feeling of Dom’s kiss linger in the air. She smiled to herself. ‘Maybe I am getting better,’ she thought.

A little later Dom returned followed by Raoul, Numair, and Alanna.

Numair spoke first, “So, Kel, Dom tells us that you are feeling better.”

Kel smiled ask she looked up, “Yes. It’s as if they spells aren’t in place anymore.”

Numair frowned, held his hand over her head, and began an incantation under his breath. After a few moments he turned his palm upward and a ball of light set itself upon his palm. It glowed bright yellow for a moment and then steadily turned a pulsing green, matching Kel’s eye color.

“Well, young lady, it does seem that these spells are gone. I can find no trace of them around you,” Numair told her.

Kel smiled and looked over at Dom who was grinning uncontrollably. Alanna nudged Numair and said, “Now that the blocking spells are gone, can Neal and finish the healing Kel needs.”

Numair nodded, congratulated Kel, gave them a final wave and left saying he had work to finish.

Raoul took up a nearby chair followed by Dom.

“Right,” Alanna murmured. “I must go find Neal and then he and I should be able to have you as good as new in no time.”

Kel nodded her thanks and turned to Dom. For a moment, neither of them said anything, then Dom leaned forward and gave a Kel a passionate kiss. So absorbed were they in each other that they forgot Raoul was in the room until he gave a slight cough. Kel and Dom broke apart and smiled sheepishly.

Kel was thankful that Alanna walked in moments later with Neal in tow. Neal looked ecstatic.

“Let’s get started,” Alanna said. She turned to Raoul and Dom, “Sorry, but only healers and the patient. I must ask you two to wait outside.” Alanna smiled at Raoul and Dom as they hoisted themselves from the chairs and looked at her with such grumpy faces. “Shoo,” she prompted them. “You can come back soon enough.”

Kel smiled at Dom and Raoul as they turned to leave.

One week later Kel was back in the practice courts. It had taken her four or five days to recover her old strength but now that she had it back she was spending most of her spare time practicing. The lunch bell rang and Kel trotted off to the wash house to clean up before lunch.

Kel entered the mess, got her food and sat down next to Dom. She grinned at him before starting in on her lunch. Kel smiled inwardly as she thought about her new relationship with the handsome, blue-eyed sergeant. It had only been a week that they’d truly had to be together. Without cares, without worries, and she had enjoyed every minute of it. It still bothered her a bit that none of the mages could figure out why the spells had been lifted but since no one else seemed to concerned, Kel tried to push it to the back of her mind.

It had been so long since she had had free time to spend with Dom without having something pressing to do. The shaky peace treaty was still holding and spring was approaching. If things turned out right, Tortall would have peace soon. Kel was hopeful.

She was jerked out of her pleasant thoughts by Dom who had gently nudged her. “A penny for your thoughts?” he asked.

“What?” she said. “Oh, sorry. I was just thinking about how nice things are right now.”

Dom looked over at her. He was so happy to have her back and healthy and so pleased that she was here with him now. “Do you want to go for a ride today?” he asked her.

Her eyes brightened up and she told him yes. They planned to meet that afternoon at the one o’clock bell by the stables

~Numair and Daine’s Wedding sent in by Veralidaine~*~

Note: All characters are my hero, Tamora Peirce’s, not mine. And if you are ever on the chartroom between 3:30 and 5 after noon here in Minnesota plz look me up!

* * *

          The long awaited day, for all of Tortall, had finally come. It was the eve of the spring equinox, and Daine was in her room with three women, her friends Alanna the Lioness, Queen Thayet of Tortall, and Onua the horsemistress.

            “How do I know if I’m ready to become Mrs. Salamin?” Daine asked nervously           

            “If you truly love him, you’ve been ready’’ The Lioness said, remembering her husband, “I didn’t know I loved George until after I became a knight. In the time I was gone, I found I missed him. When he sent two of his rouges to see if I was okay I began to worry about him.”

            ‘’I really didn’t like Jon at first,” Thayet added, making a face. “I remember thinking ‘Mithros, this guy really likes to flaunt his wealth’. But I had been through a lot going to the roof of the world with Alanna. In time I grew accustom to the wealth and love Jon. Now, I know I love him and my castle!’’ She said, spinning around the room with her arms out.  

            “I’d add something,” Onua said “but I don’t have any advice other than Listen to your heart, it will bring you down the right path.”

            Skysong, Daine’s young dragonet also called Kit or Kitten, balanced on her hindquarters and voiced a string of whistles, trills and croaks.

            -She says she approves of your choice- a voice said-Hello again Wieryn’s daughter.

            All four women turned to see a large blue dragon sitting outside. “Hello, Diamondflame.” Daine said,” Thank you for coming.”

-I could not miss the wedding of a future goddess.-the dragon replied.- also with a dragonet here I had to check on the little one.-

            “I thank you anyway,” the Wildmage, as she had become known as, said. “Have you asked if my parents can come? Did the great gods agree?”

-Yes, I asked. The great gods not only agreed to let Weiryn and Sarra to come-replied- But if they can keep Ulousa at bay for time, they themselves will attended.-

“Thank-you, Diamondflame. I hope they can come!” Daine said excitedly.

“Wow, that would make the wedding so wonderful!” Thayet exclaimed “this wedding is shaping up to be better than mine!”

“Well, if it is,” Alanna said, slightly giggling, “then my wedding was thrown into the dust awhile ago!”

“Thayet, your wedding could never be second best to any other!” Onua replied, completely blowing off the idea. “Even with the gods present.”

A small gray sparrow flew in the window and perched itself on lone smoky brown curl.

-I will do that.-the sparrow said and was gone.

“What did he want?” Onua said.

“He was just telling me” she replied, still smiling, “that I’m making Cloud nervous.”

The Lioness, who had been sitting on Daine’s bed, stood up. “Well, Daine, you best try to get some sleep. Tomorrow is your big day!”

“Yes, we will be back in the morning.” Thayet said as she stood from her set and walked to the door as though her feet never touched the ground. “Good night, Daine.”

Alanna and Onua filed out behind her, both wishing her good night and sweet dreams before closing the door behind them.

I wish I could glide like the queen, she thought as she shed her breeches and shirt and pulling on her nightgown. I hope Cloud doesn’t try to bite da. She slowly eased herself into her bed. She looked at the door that lead to her privy where her dress was hanging.

She smiled. Her mother, Sarra the green lady, had made it. It was the lightest shade of blue with tiny hints of silver everywhere. It was strapless and had a very tight bodice. The long flowing skirt touched the ground, even when she stood on her tiptoes! She loved it.

That night she had bad dreams. Genial had shown her horrific events about her wedding. It started with minor things going wrong, like falling off cloud and landing in mud. The worst was the chaos queen killing the gods and leaving her gate keepers to kill the rest of the guests.

She bolted up, wide awake. It was dawn. Still breathing heavily, she dragged herself out of the safety of her bed. Pulling on a pair of stoking s and her housecoat she trudged over to the privy. Gently touching her silky gown as she walked past. She washed her face, brushed her hair and cleaned her teeth.

She was just finishing up when she heard a knock at the door. She rushed into the larger room and toward the door. Opening the door just enough to see three women. The first was a strong redhead, the second a beautiful black haired women and the last a wild natured k’miri.

“Daine, let us in.” the queen said seeing her peeking out.

“Hey, you’re up!” said Onua once she saw Daine.

“I was up really early to day. I was having nightmares!” Daine responded as one by one the women filed in, and all of them thought to ruffle her hair as they went by.

“I had nightmares the night before my wedding, too.” The Lioness said, smiling. “It’s normal.”

“Did it go over well?” Daine wondered “Or was it a disaster?”

The queen smiled along with her friend, both remembering the minor problems that took place.

“No wedding is ever perfect,” the queen said. “There is always something that goes wrong. It’s normal to think even the tiniest and unnoticeable problems as the worst thing to happen!”

Onua walked over to Daine and put her hand on the younger woman’s shoulder. “Well, I’m no expert, but I think we should get you out of this housecoat and into that beautiful gown up there!”

* * *

On the other end of the castle, Numair was having doubts of his own.

“What if she doesn’t really love me?” Numair complained to the king, George Cooper, and Lindhall Reed. “Did I do the right thing? Is 15 years too big of a gap? What if…?”

“Numair,” Jonathan held up a hand to silence him. “Do you love her?”

“Well, yes” he started. “But…..”

“Did she say ‘yes’ when you proposed?” inquired Lindelle.

“Well…yes...But…”

 “No buts.” George said “If you love her and she said ‘yes’ to taking your name, than nothing else matters! You’re lucky that she agreed after only having known you for three years. My Lioness made me wait eight years before she realized she loved me back.”

“Do you really think she loves me?” was the next question from his lips.

“She wouldn’t have said yes if she didn’t!” the king said, his sapphire eyes dancing. “Young Daine knows what she wants. She can’t be forced into something she doesn’t want.”

“As for age,” Lindelle added “as long as you two are in love it shouldn’t matter.”

“Thank-you. I think I’m ready now.” Numair said as her grabbed his black mages coat, matching breeches and a white shirt. “The only problem is her mother and father are coming. I don’t know what that’ll be like. You know they are gods, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Jon announced. “You keep fretting over that. Don’t worry. If they didn’t approve of you, they would have done some thing. After all they are gods.”

“You’re right.” Numair said at last and began getting ready.

* * *

            “Oh, Daine!” Alanna said in a sing-song voice. “Somebody’s here to see you!”

            Daine came out of the small privy in only a breast band and thin breeches. “Who is it?”

            As if on queue a beautiful woman walked through the door. Golden blonde hair was braided and pinned around the woman’s head like a crown. She wore a plain but gorgeous green cotton dress.

            “Ma!” she exclaimed and ran over to hug the woman.

            “Hello, sweetling.” The goddess said. “Are you about ready?”

            Looking down at herself, Daine muttered a quite “not quite”.

            Sarra lighted and outstretched her arm. The magnificent gown glided across the room and laid itself over her arm, never touching the floor.

            “Oh, ma,” Daine said remembering the three other women were still there. “These are my friends. Onua Camtong,” pointing to the k’miri “Alanna Cooper, the Lioness,” she moved her hand to point at the knight. “And Queen Thayet of Tortall” finally pointing to the queen. “And this is my ma.”  She said at last giving her mother another hug.