Well guys this is Trying Times and I hope you like it. It's going to be K/J and yes I know what happens in Squire...but what can I say I'm a K/J fan. Anywhoo I started this before Squire so that's why there are diffences and it doesn't exactly coeincide with the book. Also any chars you recognize belong to Tamora Pierce any others belong to me and if you want to use them ask me first. I'm also working on Aurora and Changing Fate....I hope you'll read those too. Oh yeah I love reviews...criticism, praise, suggestions, questions, flames (although I don't know what those are so if someone would please tell me I'd appreciate it) Well I'll smack my fingers to make them stop typing and let you read! Enjoy!!!!
Kel gazed out the window yet again wondering when they were going to arrive. Neal saw this and thumped her on the head with his fingers. "I should think you a little bird that's going to fly out the window if you keep looking." Kel laughed and punched him playfully, "Oh Neal you know I'm excited, I haven't seen my family since last year at midwinter! They've been busy with the Yamani delegation and now the princess and my family is finally coming!" Neal laughed and hugged his friend, " I know, it's just strange to see you so happy and without your yamani face." Kel laughed again as she stood up and offered Neal a hand, "Hush! Or else you'll ruin my reputation. Come on, we need to get to Tkaas' room." She saw his blank face, "You know all the squires are supposed to be there.......there's that assembly......it's required," Kel threw up her arms exasperated at Neals' blank look. " Because a new immortal has been discovered and the king wants everyone to learn about it." "Ah yes. Now I remember! Shall we?" He offered his arm and Kel accepted it as they walked out of the library to Tkaas's room.
The place was packed with squires as they entered the room. "Kel! Neal! Over here we saved you seats," Cleon called out to them. When they reached him Kel saw the whole study group was there. They laughed and joked awhile before Tkaa called for them to be seated. Kel tripped as she tried to sit down and was kept from falling when someone's arm steadied her. "Thank you very much. I don't know what is with me today," she started to say as she sat down in her seat. Only then was she able to look into the ice blue eyes of the person who had kept her from falling. "I..uh....Joren ," Kel found his eyes quite unnerving as she tried to regain her composure. He smirked at her obviously knowing how uncomfortable she was. "Thanks," was all Kel managed to get out. What is wrong with me, she thought, why am I acting like this? Quickly she put on her yamni face. "It's nice to see you Kel," Joren said, surprising her. Kel was trying to think of a way to respond when Tkaa came to her rescue and called for everyone's attention.
"As you all know King Jonathan has petitioned that a new immortal be taught you. It is known as a Zexi, the plural form being Zex. The Zex have feathers like stormwings, the difference being that the feathers are of bronze and they are like a normal bird feather. They use telepathy to communicate and are as learned as dragons. Now for the problem," he looked at them all gravely, "The Zex have a jewel placed in the middle of their head that when removed, which is hard to accomplish, gives the owner of it complete control over that Zexi. Now while one Zexi might not pose a threat, if a jewel of the leader is removed all the clan is ordered to do the bidding of the leader. If the owner wishes to use them for harmful purposes this poses a great problem. Once the Zex are told to perform a job they carry it out until the goal is finished. They will even die in the process if necessary. Now...Yes, Cleon?"
" Why don't we just shoot them down with arrows and magic? They sound kind of weak," Cleon remarked.
"Yes Cleon that is an idea but a bad one," Tkaa responded, " the Zex have immortal magic, for one thing, which makes it very hard to combat them with mage magic. Now arrows can strike them down, but unless you strike them where the jewel is placed they will not die. Hitting them other places will only stun them. The Zex can also send down their feathers like arrows at the beings attacking them. While they are not sharp like stormwings' the quills produce a poison that is very hard to combat with healing powers. Does that answer your question Cleon?" Cleon nodded looking somewhat pale. Kel felt the same way. These were an even bigger threat than spidrens and stormwings it seemed. Just as Tkaa was about to discuss the living habits, Lord Raoul entered the room and spoke to Tkaa quietly for a moment. The squires started talking about the Zex. "Can you believe this?" Neal exclaimed. Roald answered, "It's amazing! This truly is the age to live in." Merric jumped in, "Wouldn't it be neat to see one? I mean to actually fight one?" Kel was about to respond when Tkaa tapped her on the shoulder. "Keladry of Mindelan, Lord Raoul wishes to speak to you in Lord Wyldon's office immediately." Kel nodded and stood up, puzzled because she hadn't done anything wrong. "Good luck with the stump Kel!" Merric called.
Her knight master, Lord Raoul, met her in the hall and the two walked in silence until they reached Lord Wyldon's office and took the chairs offered. Kel kept her yamani face on desperately trying to figure out why she was here. Raoul cleared his throat and stood licking his lips before beginning the formal speech required, "Keladry of Mindelan I regret to inform you that your family and several of the yamani guards traveling with the delegation here have been slain by the immortals known as the Zex." Lord Wyndon took over. He would never admit it but he admired the young girl and did not take pleasure in the duty or the formalities presented towards him now. "Keladry of Mindelan I know this is a shock to you but matters must be discussed, " he paused but Kel did not say anything so he continued, " The Zex were after the royal family but managed to be stopped by your family, the guards, and the knights. The deaths include Tilaine and Anders of Mindelan, Baron Piers of Midelan, Baroness Ilane of Mindelan, Oranie of Mindelan, Iness of Mindelan, Adalia of Mindelan and Conal of Mindelan." He hesitated when Kel did not respond and looked at Raoul. "Kel it's all right to speak...." Raoul said softly.
Kel sat there in shock. The only thing that over took her mind was numbness. They can't be! They can't be! I didn't even get to say good bye! she thought helplessly. The shock kept her from dropping her yamani face and she vaguely realized someone had just addressed her. "What about my nieces and nephews?" she asked softly.
Lord Raoul sighed because he couldn't read her, "The carriages containing both the youngest royal children and your family were burned. There is no trace left of them. Keladry I'm very sor..." Kel interrupted keeping her voice indifferent, "What do I do now? Who handles household affairs? What about burial?" Raoul winced, this isn't healthy, he thought, she should be giving us some kind of reaction. Even crying I could handle. Lord Wyldon answered, his voice unnaturally soft, "For now those can wait. The yamani's do wish to know if any of your family would like an yamani burial," he watched her carefully.
"Well my mother and father of course...." All the sudden it hit her. What was she doing planning her family's funeral?! I shouldn't have to do this. The thought sickened her and she stood abruptly. "You'll have to excuse me sirs," she couldn't even address them with the proper title as she bowed before rushing out of the room. Lord Raoul started to go after her but stopped when Lord Wyldon placed a hand on his arm, "Let her go," he said softly.
Kel ran through the halls. They can't be dead! They can't! she thought desperately. Blindly she turned a corner and ran right into Cleon. Apparently the class had just gotten out. Cleon steadied Kel but didn't let go. "Kel what's wrong?" he asked worriedly. Kel tried to push away from him, as her friends gathered around. "Let me go," she whispered.
"No Kel not until you tell me what's going on," he answered. And to prove his point he tightened his grip on her arms. "Cleon what's going on? Let her go," Neal said.
Kel felt trapped, she knew he wasn't going to let her go. She buried her face in her hands and managed to mumble, "They're gone. All of them, gone!" before her knees gave out and she sank to the floor.
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Kel vaguely remembered the events of the past hour. Her mind couldn't seem to stay focused long enough. Cleon and Neal had helped her back to her room after she clamed up and refused to say anymore. Then Raoul had come in and said something. She thought maybe he'd had something important to say but she wasn't sure since she hadn't really been paying attention. Kel picked up her glaive and began to do a rigorous pattern dance trying to clear her mind. With each step her heart and mind seemed to race together as one with a chant forming soundlessly. They're dead, they're dead, they're dead. Kel was so caught up in her pattern dance she didn't hear the knock and didn't notice when Neal stepped in. "Kel?" Neal asked softly. Kel dropped her glaive and turned to glare at him, "Mithros! Neal you startled me! What do you want?" she demanded. Neal blinked in surprise at her forwardness, "Er, well Raoul wanted to make sure you were almost ready for your meeting with the Yamanis." Kel smacked her forehead with her palm, "Drat, so that's what Raoul was talking about when he stopped by," she started to pace, "I'm so busy. I have all this homework and I have to make sure everyone remembers how to bow properly to the yamanis, oh and I have to get ready and in-between that make it to the mess hall to eat...." Kel broke off her rambling when she noticed Neal looking at her strangely. "What?" she asked. "Uh Kel are you sure you're all right? I mean Raoul told us what happened.." "He did what? He told you?" Kel demanded, then she abruptly changed paces, "Get out Neal. I'll be ready in a minute." "Kel I'm sorry if I said something to make you angr..." Neal started to say. "I said get out! Now unless you want to me to force you out I think it would be best for you to remove yourself from my room," Kel told him somewhat coldly. Neal did as he was told.
Great, Kel thought as she picked up her glaive and polished it harshly, now they'll all be watching me. Looking to see if the lump will break. As these bitter thoughts continued to play through her mind she washed her face and pulled on a pale green kimono to which she belted her sword. She shoved her feet into some soft slippers and yanked a brush through her hair. As she stepped to the door she thought, well I won't give them the satisfaction. I won't give them anything, she thought determinedly. Almost as an afterthought Kel whispered, "Yama help me," before opening the door and stepping out to meet Neal.
Kel entered the conference room her face as blank as a stone. She couldn't recall the reason for this meeting, although she was sure it was important. Seated at the head of the table next to the King was the Yamani emperor. She bowed to her king and then properly to the emperor and said a formal greeting in Yamani, "May the waving cat reign luck on you and may the day be long and useful." She waited nervously but let none of it show through to her face. 'I'll just die if I show anything,' she thought desperately. "Please have a seat Keladry," King Jon said, "we understand you have had quite a shock as to the news you received. As much as I hate to discuss matters with you now, they need to be talked about." Kel wanted to burst into hysterical laughter, hadn't she just heard those words earlier in Lord Wyldon's office. I hope the next person comes up with a better remark, she though bemused. "I have discussed Yamani burials and I'll see to it all the necessary preparations are made for your mother and father. The rest of your family is to have Tortallian burials as I understand it." He looked at her and Kel realized that he wanted her to respond. "Yes your majesty," with that she bowed before asking, "is that all your highness?" Jonathan sighed inwardly, 'I don't know what I expected, he thought, ' with the emperor in the room I suppose she would remember her Yamani custom of keeping emotions to herself'. "Keladry since you are knowledgeable in the way of the Yamanis, I was hoping that you would be the personal escort of the Princess Kamara of the Yamani Islands?" Kel was stunned, she didn't think she was special enough to have such an important job, and yet at the same time she was annoyed because there was no way to refuse the offer and she really didn't want to be bothered by showing a princess around. As it was she could hardly keep her emotions under control. But of course she replied, "Your Majesty I would be honored." At this she bowed to the King and to the Yamani emperor who acknowledged her with a slight tilt of his head. Then she left the room.
Out in the hall she debated whether to go back to her room or not. She knew her friends were probably waiting for her but she didn't want to talk to them...or anyone for that matter. Kel sighed. She didn't want to be alone either. That would only lead to her thinking about her family and that was one place she didn't want to go. Could it have only been this morning that she was sitting with Neal excited about seeing her family? She pushed the thought away and jogged to the indoor practice courts. Only then did she realize she didn't have on breeches and couldn't tumble like she usually did. Instead she unsheathed her sword and started to go through various sword dances making each move faster and faster until her body took over making her mind numb. Suddenly she tripped and her sword went flying from her hand as she tumbled to the floor. Breathing hard she glared at the ceiling and let out a Yamani curse. Suddenly a head appeared above her, grinning, "Ah squire Kel as graceful as ever," the figure said. Kel swept his feet out from under him and stood up, "Akial Sranor just what are you doing here?" she cried. Akial was the son of the Yamani emperor's closest advisor. He grinned up at her with his dark almond shaped eyes and pearly white teeth as a lock of black hair fell into his face, "Just thought I'd take a break from advising the emperor and come seek out the most talked about person in Tortall's court." Kel's eyes widened as he stood up, "Advising the who? The emperor! But that means your father....Oh Akial I'm so sorry!" Akial looked at the ground, the Yamani stoniness taking over his face, "He died a year ago. Someone poisoned him. So naturally being his surviving heir I am now the emperor's closet advisor. Kel, I heard about you're family and I'm incredibly sorry. I didn't know they'd be traveling with the entourage." Kel came out of her thoughts and put on her Yamani face, "It's all right. Mithros!" she cried, "I'm going to be late for dinner and Lord Wyldon will have my head!" She quickly grabbed her sword, if she was lucky she might have time to scrub her face before heading to the mess to eat. Akial accompanied her to her rooms and kissed her as a friendly gesture on the cheek just as he had when they were children. He was the first in the group of children to accept her even though he was three years older. She had taught him how to show his emotions and he had taught her how to control them. Now that he was nineteen Kel was relieved to know that nothing had changed between them. "Well I hope to get a chance to see you again Kel." And with that he walked down the hall leaving Kel to rush into her room and scrub her face. Then she raced to the mess hall and made it just as the bell rang.
When she stepped into the room everyone became quiet and when she scanned the room many of the eyes averted away from her. She got in line to receive her food conscious that eyes were boring holes into her back. When her tray was full she took it to her usual table and squeezed in-between Neal and Cleon. "I wish everyone would stop staring at me," she complained, "I'm not a freak." Her friends quickly averted their eyes. Lord Wyldon gave the blessing and asked Mithros and the Goddess to watch over the pages and squires in these times of need. He then asked Squire Keladry to report to him after she was done eating. At her table, her friends ate in an uncomfortable silence. Kel wanted to scream. She couldn't take her friends acting like this. "Why isn't anyone talking? I'm not going to cry if that's what you're afraid of," she said and looked at them. No one spoke. "Well fine if there's nothing to say I'm not going to sit here and make conversation with myself!" She got up and took her tray to the servants. She hadn't been hungry anyway.
When she reached Lord Wyldon's table he gestured to a chair and she sat. He pushed his pretty much full tray aside and looked at her. "Keladry it is my understanding that you are to be an escort of Princess Kamara. You shall be excused from etiquette class and tilting. You shall also have lunch with her. I have also been informed on the Yamani customs of burial and while I don't agree with them I respect your decision. I also understand that in order to participate in the custom you will need to fast for three days. And on the third day you will spend the night in prayer before the ceremony the next day and the celebration following that night. Am I correct?" Kel nodded wondering what else he had to say. He didn't seem to be finished. "I noticed you finished eating pretty fast," Kel looked at him confused, "You are to go refill a tray and eat it all. I do not want you fasting for three days with out something in your stomach. Further more you shall not be allowed to participate in any physical activities and you are to give me your practice glaive and not to do morning exercises by yourself. If I hear of any such doing you will receive punishment work. Do I make myself clear?" he asked. "Yes sir," Kel responded annoyed at his demands. As she got up to go fill her tray yet a second time, assuming she'd just throw it away when everyone else did and not eat anything, Lord Wyldon said, "And be sure to come back after you fill it. I want to see for myself that you eat everything on that tray." Kel grumbled and did as she was told hardly able to keep the tears of frustration from her eyes.
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The next morning Kel unwillingly bypassed her morning exercises and started complaining about it when she met up with Neal for breakfeast. "Kel," Neal gently said turning to face her, "why torture yourself? I know your family is gone but to go through with the Yamani customs when your not even in Yaman is ludicrous." Kel gaped at Neal and turned to face Cleon whom had just joined them, "Do you agree? Do you think that I'm insane for doing this?" Cleon blushed and looked at the ground, " I..er..well Kel I mean we'll all support you in whatever decision you make but...I have to agree with Neal on this. Three days without food, then to attend a ball after you scatter ashes seems a little barbaric." Kel kept the shock off her face. "Kel," Cleon said lightly, "We're your friends and we want you to talk to us. You can't keep this inside forever. It isn't right." She took a deep breath and kept her voice low barely able to contain the rage and hurt that threatened to enter into her voice, "If that is the way you feel then I'll wish you good day. I'm not expected to report to meals and I don't see the point in attending them if my friends are all hypocrites." She turned and stalked off to the library to at least read about knights who supported other customs.
Later that morning Kel was in the stables grooming Peachblossom. She wasn't allowed to ride him but she still had to perform the necessary duties including grooming, saddling him up, leading him around in a couple circles, unsaddling him and grooming him once more. As the other squires passed by her stall Quinden leaned on the door looking at her with a sneer on his face, "I bet you just made up those customs, Lump. I always knew you were lazy." Kel stared at him, dumbfounded trying to think of a response. Suddenly Joren passed by and gave Quinden a shove towards the exit, "Come on don't mess with her. It's not worth your time." 'Well it wasn't quite an isult,' Kel thought as Joren walked by. Since everyone else was going to practice jousting and tilting, Kel left the stables and went to go greet Princess Kamara.
Don't worry there are more chapters to come! I'm going to Scotland for a week so don't expect anymore chapters for any of my stories until after the first Friday in October. My email addy is [email protected] in case anyone wants it. Well have a spectacular week! Oh yeah there's a box below this...*nudge nudge* you might want to check it out...*hehe*
Kel gazed out the window yet again wondering when they were going to arrive. Neal saw this and thumped her on the head with his fingers. "I should think you a little bird that's going to fly out the window if you keep looking." Kel laughed and punched him playfully, "Oh Neal you know I'm excited, I haven't seen my family since last year at midwinter! They've been busy with the Yamani delegation and now the princess and my family is finally coming!" Neal laughed and hugged his friend, " I know, it's just strange to see you so happy and without your yamani face." Kel laughed again as she stood up and offered Neal a hand, "Hush! Or else you'll ruin my reputation. Come on, we need to get to Tkaas' room." She saw his blank face, "You know all the squires are supposed to be there.......there's that assembly......it's required," Kel threw up her arms exasperated at Neals' blank look. " Because a new immortal has been discovered and the king wants everyone to learn about it." "Ah yes. Now I remember! Shall we?" He offered his arm and Kel accepted it as they walked out of the library to Tkaas's room.
The place was packed with squires as they entered the room. "Kel! Neal! Over here we saved you seats," Cleon called out to them. When they reached him Kel saw the whole study group was there. They laughed and joked awhile before Tkaa called for them to be seated. Kel tripped as she tried to sit down and was kept from falling when someone's arm steadied her. "Thank you very much. I don't know what is with me today," she started to say as she sat down in her seat. Only then was she able to look into the ice blue eyes of the person who had kept her from falling. "I..uh....Joren ," Kel found his eyes quite unnerving as she tried to regain her composure. He smirked at her obviously knowing how uncomfortable she was. "Thanks," was all Kel managed to get out. What is wrong with me, she thought, why am I acting like this? Quickly she put on her yamni face. "It's nice to see you Kel," Joren said, surprising her. Kel was trying to think of a way to respond when Tkaa came to her rescue and called for everyone's attention.
"As you all know King Jonathan has petitioned that a new immortal be taught you. It is known as a Zexi, the plural form being Zex. The Zex have feathers like stormwings, the difference being that the feathers are of bronze and they are like a normal bird feather. They use telepathy to communicate and are as learned as dragons. Now for the problem," he looked at them all gravely, "The Zex have a jewel placed in the middle of their head that when removed, which is hard to accomplish, gives the owner of it complete control over that Zexi. Now while one Zexi might not pose a threat, if a jewel of the leader is removed all the clan is ordered to do the bidding of the leader. If the owner wishes to use them for harmful purposes this poses a great problem. Once the Zex are told to perform a job they carry it out until the goal is finished. They will even die in the process if necessary. Now...Yes, Cleon?"
" Why don't we just shoot them down with arrows and magic? They sound kind of weak," Cleon remarked.
"Yes Cleon that is an idea but a bad one," Tkaa responded, " the Zex have immortal magic, for one thing, which makes it very hard to combat them with mage magic. Now arrows can strike them down, but unless you strike them where the jewel is placed they will not die. Hitting them other places will only stun them. The Zex can also send down their feathers like arrows at the beings attacking them. While they are not sharp like stormwings' the quills produce a poison that is very hard to combat with healing powers. Does that answer your question Cleon?" Cleon nodded looking somewhat pale. Kel felt the same way. These were an even bigger threat than spidrens and stormwings it seemed. Just as Tkaa was about to discuss the living habits, Lord Raoul entered the room and spoke to Tkaa quietly for a moment. The squires started talking about the Zex. "Can you believe this?" Neal exclaimed. Roald answered, "It's amazing! This truly is the age to live in." Merric jumped in, "Wouldn't it be neat to see one? I mean to actually fight one?" Kel was about to respond when Tkaa tapped her on the shoulder. "Keladry of Mindelan, Lord Raoul wishes to speak to you in Lord Wyldon's office immediately." Kel nodded and stood up, puzzled because she hadn't done anything wrong. "Good luck with the stump Kel!" Merric called.
Her knight master, Lord Raoul, met her in the hall and the two walked in silence until they reached Lord Wyldon's office and took the chairs offered. Kel kept her yamani face on desperately trying to figure out why she was here. Raoul cleared his throat and stood licking his lips before beginning the formal speech required, "Keladry of Mindelan I regret to inform you that your family and several of the yamani guards traveling with the delegation here have been slain by the immortals known as the Zex." Lord Wyndon took over. He would never admit it but he admired the young girl and did not take pleasure in the duty or the formalities presented towards him now. "Keladry of Mindelan I know this is a shock to you but matters must be discussed, " he paused but Kel did not say anything so he continued, " The Zex were after the royal family but managed to be stopped by your family, the guards, and the knights. The deaths include Tilaine and Anders of Mindelan, Baron Piers of Midelan, Baroness Ilane of Mindelan, Oranie of Mindelan, Iness of Mindelan, Adalia of Mindelan and Conal of Mindelan." He hesitated when Kel did not respond and looked at Raoul. "Kel it's all right to speak...." Raoul said softly.
Kel sat there in shock. The only thing that over took her mind was numbness. They can't be! They can't be! I didn't even get to say good bye! she thought helplessly. The shock kept her from dropping her yamani face and she vaguely realized someone had just addressed her. "What about my nieces and nephews?" she asked softly.
Lord Raoul sighed because he couldn't read her, "The carriages containing both the youngest royal children and your family were burned. There is no trace left of them. Keladry I'm very sor..." Kel interrupted keeping her voice indifferent, "What do I do now? Who handles household affairs? What about burial?" Raoul winced, this isn't healthy, he thought, she should be giving us some kind of reaction. Even crying I could handle. Lord Wyldon answered, his voice unnaturally soft, "For now those can wait. The yamani's do wish to know if any of your family would like an yamani burial," he watched her carefully.
"Well my mother and father of course...." All the sudden it hit her. What was she doing planning her family's funeral?! I shouldn't have to do this. The thought sickened her and she stood abruptly. "You'll have to excuse me sirs," she couldn't even address them with the proper title as she bowed before rushing out of the room. Lord Raoul started to go after her but stopped when Lord Wyldon placed a hand on his arm, "Let her go," he said softly.
Kel ran through the halls. They can't be dead! They can't! she thought desperately. Blindly she turned a corner and ran right into Cleon. Apparently the class had just gotten out. Cleon steadied Kel but didn't let go. "Kel what's wrong?" he asked worriedly. Kel tried to push away from him, as her friends gathered around. "Let me go," she whispered.
"No Kel not until you tell me what's going on," he answered. And to prove his point he tightened his grip on her arms. "Cleon what's going on? Let her go," Neal said.
Kel felt trapped, she knew he wasn't going to let her go. She buried her face in her hands and managed to mumble, "They're gone. All of them, gone!" before her knees gave out and she sank to the floor.
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Kel vaguely remembered the events of the past hour. Her mind couldn't seem to stay focused long enough. Cleon and Neal had helped her back to her room after she clamed up and refused to say anymore. Then Raoul had come in and said something. She thought maybe he'd had something important to say but she wasn't sure since she hadn't really been paying attention. Kel picked up her glaive and began to do a rigorous pattern dance trying to clear her mind. With each step her heart and mind seemed to race together as one with a chant forming soundlessly. They're dead, they're dead, they're dead. Kel was so caught up in her pattern dance she didn't hear the knock and didn't notice when Neal stepped in. "Kel?" Neal asked softly. Kel dropped her glaive and turned to glare at him, "Mithros! Neal you startled me! What do you want?" she demanded. Neal blinked in surprise at her forwardness, "Er, well Raoul wanted to make sure you were almost ready for your meeting with the Yamanis." Kel smacked her forehead with her palm, "Drat, so that's what Raoul was talking about when he stopped by," she started to pace, "I'm so busy. I have all this homework and I have to make sure everyone remembers how to bow properly to the yamanis, oh and I have to get ready and in-between that make it to the mess hall to eat...." Kel broke off her rambling when she noticed Neal looking at her strangely. "What?" she asked. "Uh Kel are you sure you're all right? I mean Raoul told us what happened.." "He did what? He told you?" Kel demanded, then she abruptly changed paces, "Get out Neal. I'll be ready in a minute." "Kel I'm sorry if I said something to make you angr..." Neal started to say. "I said get out! Now unless you want to me to force you out I think it would be best for you to remove yourself from my room," Kel told him somewhat coldly. Neal did as he was told.
Great, Kel thought as she picked up her glaive and polished it harshly, now they'll all be watching me. Looking to see if the lump will break. As these bitter thoughts continued to play through her mind she washed her face and pulled on a pale green kimono to which she belted her sword. She shoved her feet into some soft slippers and yanked a brush through her hair. As she stepped to the door she thought, well I won't give them the satisfaction. I won't give them anything, she thought determinedly. Almost as an afterthought Kel whispered, "Yama help me," before opening the door and stepping out to meet Neal.
Kel entered the conference room her face as blank as a stone. She couldn't recall the reason for this meeting, although she was sure it was important. Seated at the head of the table next to the King was the Yamani emperor. She bowed to her king and then properly to the emperor and said a formal greeting in Yamani, "May the waving cat reign luck on you and may the day be long and useful." She waited nervously but let none of it show through to her face. 'I'll just die if I show anything,' she thought desperately. "Please have a seat Keladry," King Jon said, "we understand you have had quite a shock as to the news you received. As much as I hate to discuss matters with you now, they need to be talked about." Kel wanted to burst into hysterical laughter, hadn't she just heard those words earlier in Lord Wyldon's office. I hope the next person comes up with a better remark, she though bemused. "I have discussed Yamani burials and I'll see to it all the necessary preparations are made for your mother and father. The rest of your family is to have Tortallian burials as I understand it." He looked at her and Kel realized that he wanted her to respond. "Yes your majesty," with that she bowed before asking, "is that all your highness?" Jonathan sighed inwardly, 'I don't know what I expected, he thought, ' with the emperor in the room I suppose she would remember her Yamani custom of keeping emotions to herself'. "Keladry since you are knowledgeable in the way of the Yamanis, I was hoping that you would be the personal escort of the Princess Kamara of the Yamani Islands?" Kel was stunned, she didn't think she was special enough to have such an important job, and yet at the same time she was annoyed because there was no way to refuse the offer and she really didn't want to be bothered by showing a princess around. As it was she could hardly keep her emotions under control. But of course she replied, "Your Majesty I would be honored." At this she bowed to the King and to the Yamani emperor who acknowledged her with a slight tilt of his head. Then she left the room.
Out in the hall she debated whether to go back to her room or not. She knew her friends were probably waiting for her but she didn't want to talk to them...or anyone for that matter. Kel sighed. She didn't want to be alone either. That would only lead to her thinking about her family and that was one place she didn't want to go. Could it have only been this morning that she was sitting with Neal excited about seeing her family? She pushed the thought away and jogged to the indoor practice courts. Only then did she realize she didn't have on breeches and couldn't tumble like she usually did. Instead she unsheathed her sword and started to go through various sword dances making each move faster and faster until her body took over making her mind numb. Suddenly she tripped and her sword went flying from her hand as she tumbled to the floor. Breathing hard she glared at the ceiling and let out a Yamani curse. Suddenly a head appeared above her, grinning, "Ah squire Kel as graceful as ever," the figure said. Kel swept his feet out from under him and stood up, "Akial Sranor just what are you doing here?" she cried. Akial was the son of the Yamani emperor's closest advisor. He grinned up at her with his dark almond shaped eyes and pearly white teeth as a lock of black hair fell into his face, "Just thought I'd take a break from advising the emperor and come seek out the most talked about person in Tortall's court." Kel's eyes widened as he stood up, "Advising the who? The emperor! But that means your father....Oh Akial I'm so sorry!" Akial looked at the ground, the Yamani stoniness taking over his face, "He died a year ago. Someone poisoned him. So naturally being his surviving heir I am now the emperor's closet advisor. Kel, I heard about you're family and I'm incredibly sorry. I didn't know they'd be traveling with the entourage." Kel came out of her thoughts and put on her Yamani face, "It's all right. Mithros!" she cried, "I'm going to be late for dinner and Lord Wyldon will have my head!" She quickly grabbed her sword, if she was lucky she might have time to scrub her face before heading to the mess to eat. Akial accompanied her to her rooms and kissed her as a friendly gesture on the cheek just as he had when they were children. He was the first in the group of children to accept her even though he was three years older. She had taught him how to show his emotions and he had taught her how to control them. Now that he was nineteen Kel was relieved to know that nothing had changed between them. "Well I hope to get a chance to see you again Kel." And with that he walked down the hall leaving Kel to rush into her room and scrub her face. Then she raced to the mess hall and made it just as the bell rang.
When she stepped into the room everyone became quiet and when she scanned the room many of the eyes averted away from her. She got in line to receive her food conscious that eyes were boring holes into her back. When her tray was full she took it to her usual table and squeezed in-between Neal and Cleon. "I wish everyone would stop staring at me," she complained, "I'm not a freak." Her friends quickly averted their eyes. Lord Wyldon gave the blessing and asked Mithros and the Goddess to watch over the pages and squires in these times of need. He then asked Squire Keladry to report to him after she was done eating. At her table, her friends ate in an uncomfortable silence. Kel wanted to scream. She couldn't take her friends acting like this. "Why isn't anyone talking? I'm not going to cry if that's what you're afraid of," she said and looked at them. No one spoke. "Well fine if there's nothing to say I'm not going to sit here and make conversation with myself!" She got up and took her tray to the servants. She hadn't been hungry anyway.
When she reached Lord Wyldon's table he gestured to a chair and she sat. He pushed his pretty much full tray aside and looked at her. "Keladry it is my understanding that you are to be an escort of Princess Kamara. You shall be excused from etiquette class and tilting. You shall also have lunch with her. I have also been informed on the Yamani customs of burial and while I don't agree with them I respect your decision. I also understand that in order to participate in the custom you will need to fast for three days. And on the third day you will spend the night in prayer before the ceremony the next day and the celebration following that night. Am I correct?" Kel nodded wondering what else he had to say. He didn't seem to be finished. "I noticed you finished eating pretty fast," Kel looked at him confused, "You are to go refill a tray and eat it all. I do not want you fasting for three days with out something in your stomach. Further more you shall not be allowed to participate in any physical activities and you are to give me your practice glaive and not to do morning exercises by yourself. If I hear of any such doing you will receive punishment work. Do I make myself clear?" he asked. "Yes sir," Kel responded annoyed at his demands. As she got up to go fill her tray yet a second time, assuming she'd just throw it away when everyone else did and not eat anything, Lord Wyldon said, "And be sure to come back after you fill it. I want to see for myself that you eat everything on that tray." Kel grumbled and did as she was told hardly able to keep the tears of frustration from her eyes.
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The next morning Kel unwillingly bypassed her morning exercises and started complaining about it when she met up with Neal for breakfeast. "Kel," Neal gently said turning to face her, "why torture yourself? I know your family is gone but to go through with the Yamani customs when your not even in Yaman is ludicrous." Kel gaped at Neal and turned to face Cleon whom had just joined them, "Do you agree? Do you think that I'm insane for doing this?" Cleon blushed and looked at the ground, " I..er..well Kel I mean we'll all support you in whatever decision you make but...I have to agree with Neal on this. Three days without food, then to attend a ball after you scatter ashes seems a little barbaric." Kel kept the shock off her face. "Kel," Cleon said lightly, "We're your friends and we want you to talk to us. You can't keep this inside forever. It isn't right." She took a deep breath and kept her voice low barely able to contain the rage and hurt that threatened to enter into her voice, "If that is the way you feel then I'll wish you good day. I'm not expected to report to meals and I don't see the point in attending them if my friends are all hypocrites." She turned and stalked off to the library to at least read about knights who supported other customs.
Later that morning Kel was in the stables grooming Peachblossom. She wasn't allowed to ride him but she still had to perform the necessary duties including grooming, saddling him up, leading him around in a couple circles, unsaddling him and grooming him once more. As the other squires passed by her stall Quinden leaned on the door looking at her with a sneer on his face, "I bet you just made up those customs, Lump. I always knew you were lazy." Kel stared at him, dumbfounded trying to think of a response. Suddenly Joren passed by and gave Quinden a shove towards the exit, "Come on don't mess with her. It's not worth your time." 'Well it wasn't quite an isult,' Kel thought as Joren walked by. Since everyone else was going to practice jousting and tilting, Kel left the stables and went to go greet Princess Kamara.
Don't worry there are more chapters to come! I'm going to Scotland for a week so don't expect anymore chapters for any of my stories until after the first Friday in October. My email addy is [email protected] in case anyone wants it. Well have a spectacular week! Oh yeah there's a box below this...*nudge nudge* you might want to check it out...*hehe*