Keladry stared out her window at the
sky. She sat in her window seat, in the Royal Palace, in Tortall’s capital
city, Corus.
Keladry, Kel for short, was 20
years old. She was very tall, with a muscular frame. She had mouse brown hair
and eyes as green as grass. She dressed comfortably in brown breeches, white
shirt, and a tunic that matched the green in her eyes. Kel was a knight, and
the first known page and squire in over a century. Kel was of fief Mindelan,
in Northern Tortall.
“Hello Keladry. May I ask for a
favor,” said a light female voice from the doorway.
Kel turned to look at Alanna of Pirate’s Swoop and Olau, the Lioness. Alanna was
a head and shoulders shorter than Kel, with flaming red hair and purple eyes
that glowed like amethysts. She held the post of King’s Champion, and was the
first female ever to do so. She, like Kel, was wearing breeches, shirt, and
tunic, except for the fact that they were colors different than Kel’s.
“Sure. What is it?” replied Kel.
“Jon and I need an escort. He
wants to use my power along with his and the Dominion Jewel’s to see if there
are other worlds and universes. We will need a protector, since we both will
be unable to defend ourselves. That protector would be you.
“When are you leaving? Where are
you going?”
“We are going just outside the
city. We are leaving as soon as you’re ready.”
“I’ll get ready. I’ll be out in a
minute.”
Alanna exited the room as Kel gathered some extra clothes, food, and weapons,
packed or donned it all, and left the room, locking the door behind her. She
followed Alanna to the stables.
“Saddle up Peachblossom and bring
him out to the courtyard.”
Kel saddled Peachblossom, a small
strawberry roan destrier. She led him to the courtyard where Alanna, mounted
on her horse, Darkwind, and the king were waiting.
As Kel bowed to him, Jonathan of
Conté, king of Tortall, commented’ “I am glad you agreed to accompany us.”
“I am honored, your majesty,”
said Kel humbly.
“Lead the way.” Jon directed that
comment towards Alanna.
The trio made their way out of
the palace. They headed along the Great Road North. After they had been
riding for an hour or so, Alanna signaled for them to halt. She led them off
the road to a small clearing. She and Jon dashed to and fro, setting up
everything they would need, as Kel looked on.
Finally Jon settled down and announced, “Let us begin!”
To Chapter 3
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