I finished a reread of Lady Knight today, and…. Kel really doesn’t know how adored she is, does she?
she’s all chivalry and duty to the crown and practical that she doesn’t realize how her brand of justice and kindness and moral conviction is entirely rare and highly admired.
yes, she makes enemies for it, but the friends she makes stick to her like glue. The ending action in her final book, (along with rescuing Lalasa at the end of Page,) are the MOST pivotal moments in her story, and it’s so funny reading the former from her perspective.
She goes all “lone knight” (which we KNOW she isn’t, she’s a commander, her strength IS her people), because it’s treason, and she can’t put people in danger like that, and it’s her responsibility, not theirs, and her people love her so much they won’t let her do it alone.
she is loved wherever she goes, and her strength: it’s not in the hands of the Chamber, because the little seer girl gives her 50% odd chance of success. It’s not in the gods’ favor, or blessing. It’s not even in her own remarkable iron will and training , though it is instrumental.
Tamora Pierce shows us how deeply Kel’s strength is her kindness, honesty, hardworking nature, and empathy, because it gives her incredible allies. COUNTLESS examples of this throughout the books, but the ending sequence says it all; Kel runs off by herself and immediately
Raoul sends Dom and Dom’s entire squad (who all volunteer.) They go under orders into enemy territory, fine, but
Neal, Esmond, Prosper, and Merric, make plans to follow her. All fresh knights who risk their shields because this is treason. They risk treason, for her. Death or at least dishonor, for her
Tobe, a boy of all of… 10? Who is TERRIFIED of being left behind, has spent his whole life surviving, willingly goes into danger and fights for her.
Owen, who, as it’s said, betrays his duty twice over; to the crown, but also to Wyldon, the night master who (at Kel’s direct request, mind you) saved him from squiredom to a desk night (one of her own worst fears). Wyldon, whose approval means so much to Kel, and especially to Owen.
the ARMY of animals that go with her?
Fanche and Saefus of Haven, who have grown to trust her and refuse to go back to safety without following her lead there.
even the village people of fief Rauthhausek, wary at first, recognize her as being who she says she is, and follow her into battle.
she is a true commander. She takes a burden from every single on to those people, but she doesn’t realize just how much they will carry for her. But they do. Everyone who’s met her is won over, even Wyldon of fucking Cavall, who says he is honored to know her, and that she is a true knight. (His character growth is also fascinating)
I don’t know what I’m saying, but the choice to make Kel a strong leader, whose sense of practically and morality serves her so well, is… so important to me, ya know? Tamora Pierce gives us a world where justice IS a reasonable thing to ask for, and the small and weak SHOULD be protected, and just because something is “tradition” doesn’t mean it’s right.
Watching Tamora Pierce’s writing, and world, and worldview expand over the course of the first three Tortall series has been heartening, and beautiful. Kel’s was actually the first series I read by her, and still, I think, remains my favorite. Another post, but Kel as representation was everything to me.
Kel is DEEPLY loved and respected by the people around her and that is such a vital strength, and also something she’s not always clued into.
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