Chapter 8 Kate

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Kate opened her door at the first knock. Her house was a pretty two beds semi, in downtown Rej, close to the sea. She had spent ages refurbishing it to her taste, after she bought it with her savings and a loan from her Dad. The result was quite homely, and resolutely feminine. As usual, Dana stopped to take in the sight. The open space kitchen/dining/living room was painted in soft pastel tones, assorted to the furniture. The welcoming cream sofa was covered with a plush wool throw with matching cushions, woven in light yellow, baby pink and blue stripes, and the thick rug in front of the chimney bore the same design. The warm pine floor and kitchen presses completed the picture.

Kate was the jewel in this box. With her petite frame, long caramel hair, large colour changing eyes and hourglass figure, she was the epitome of the cute girlie girl with an attitude. It came as a big surprise to everybody when she befriended Dana, the perfect tomboy with minimalist taste and no fashion sense. But they shared a strong personality, short temper and a tendency to speak their mind no matter what, that had brought them together from day one, four years ago. After the mandatory two years, Kate had left the camp to study law, and was now a junior Judge in the Small Court. Not that it stopped their friendship, they just saw less of each other.

“Come in, I’ve cooked us a nice dinner, and it’s getting cold while you stand there!”

Dana grinned and stepped in to hug her. Kate was oozing charm and happiness, which combined with her stunning looks, attracted men to her like a magnet, without antagonizing the other women. It was in fact difficult not to like her, unless she hated you.

They sat at the dining table, already set with a steaming pot in the centre.

“Hey, looks like your job at the Court is paying well,” Dana said, checking her plate, an elegant piece of pottery with exquisite enamelled design.

“Aren’t these Liam’s?”

Liam O’Brien was a former general, successfully reconverted as an art potter. His original creations were exported worldwide and worth an absolute fortune.

Kate blushed bright red, clearly embarrassed.

“I didn’t exactly pay for them, they were a gift…”

“Quite an expensive gift that is. May I ask for the generous person’s name?”

“Actually, Liam himself. See, I sorted out a complicated business problem for him and he said it was a token of his appreciation.”

Dana frowned.

“Sounds like bribery to me Kate. This is so unlike you!”

“No, not at all, I assure you. He gave me these after the Court decision was made, and did not promise me anything ahead. And he asked me out for dinner…”

“Poor Jan,” Dana laughed, “his story with you is coming to an end!”

She was not feeling compassionate. Jan and Kate had known each other for years, and had been merely friends with benefits for the past six months. None of them expected this relationship to last forever.

Dana helped herself with the deliciously smelling stew. Kate smiled apologetically, pulling an innocent face.

“Well, I was going to wait until after that dinner to inform him. After all, I might be mistaken regarding Liam’s interest in me.”

Dana chuckled.

“Sure, he could just want to discuss the weather or a tricky point of law…”

“Stop being sarcastic, Dana! I like Jan, I really do! He is kind, funny, patient, and a very good lover. Gosh I will regret his kisses…”

“Please, spare me the details,” Dana cringed, “I swear I won’t do it again.”

Kate laughed.

“Don’t be a prude Dana! Enough with me, how is your love life?

“Mmm, how can I qualify it? Inexistent, empty, void?.”

“Way to go girl! So still a virgin, hey?”

“Yes, thanks for lifting my spirits,” Dana answered, a fake sad look on her face. She then became serious.

“In fact, I need your help.” Seeing Kate smirk, she quickly added:

“Not to get laid, silly! You know why I want to stay in the army, and I am too old now to be a recruit. I’ve applied for a professional contract, but heard it say it will be rejected, so that I’d be forced to abide by the Council’s bidding.”

“That’s quite unheard of, but they can legally do that.”

“Now, if that was to happen, is there any way out?”

Kate ate for a while in silence, apparently focused on her food. Having cleaned her  plate, she spoke dreamingly:

“I think I might have something. Just give me a minute…”

She got up and went upstairs, to the second bedroom she had turned into her study.

She sat down at her computer, eyes focused on the screen. It wasn’t long before she let out a victorious cry. She ran down to Dana, smiling like the Cheshire cat.

“Got it! You just have to become the Master of Arms!”

“What! Kate, you’re not serious!”

“Oh, believe me I am. It’s your only chance Dana. The Master of Arms has to be part of the army, it’s the law. They will have to approve of your contract. Nothing else can stop them.”

Dana was panicking.

“But the competition is in two months! Who will train me? How can I be sure I am even good enough to try!”

The Master of Arms contest was held every second year in the army. Candidates had to compete in fencing fight and katas, mounted archery and spear fighting. A perfect score was needed to win, and if nobody attained it, the title remained vacant. Soldiers trained for years for it, and she was expected to rise to the level in two months. What a nonsense!

“Girl, you underestimate yourself, big time. Your warping is the fastest ever and nobody can match your fencing. And you are more than proficient in the other areas.”

“That won’t be enough. I need a coach if I am even to try. And I can’t think of anybody for the job!”

Kate considered the issue quickly:

“I could ask Liam! If you remember, he held the title for ten years in a row.”

“But he is a potter now. I doubt he will be interested.”

“I will just have to ask nicely, when I'll see him, tomorrow evening. Tell me you will try, pretty please?”

“You know no one can resist you when you do that, don’t you?” Dana laughed.

“That’s settled then. Now, tell me all the juicy gossips from the camp…”

A couple of hours later, Dana got back to her quarters in a happier state of mind. She still had doubts regarding Kate’s idea, but it was good to have a plan B. Sighing, she climbed in her bed, hoping that tomorrow’s meeting would be successful.

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