This story starts when Will gets home from Araluen Castle after the events of 'The Oakleaf Bearers'. I do not own anything.
It was two days after Will, Halt, Baron Arald and Sir Rodney had left Araluen. They crested the hill and paused, looking out over the scene below. Castle Redmont glowed in the early afternoon sun.
Will sighed, "I never thought I would ever see this sight again. It is the best feeling in the world to be back home again."
"I'm glad to be home too," agreed Halt. "What are we waiting for then? Let's go!"
The all rode down the hill at a gallop. As they rode up to the castle, they saw the crowds of people waiting to greet them. As they got closer, the people started cheering. Halt and Will were a little shocked at the huge reception. Baron Arald saw their reaction and grinned.
"I knew you wouldn't like a huge reception but I did it anyway."
Halt and Will did not respond. Halt only looked at Baron Arald with a defeated look.
They came up to the castle and pulled up their horses. The first people to come out of the crowd were Lady Pauline, Alyss, Master Chubb, Jenny and George. They came forward to greet Halt and Will.
"Thank God you're alright!" exclaimed Lady Pauline.
"We have been so worried all year!" cried Alyss.
"We must have a welcome home feast!" said Master Chubb and Jenny at the same time.
"My heart leaps at the fact that the brightest person I have ever known in the whole of my short, but fruitful, life, is at last returned to us in one piece and totally unscathed!" said George. At this lengthy and descriptive welcome, everyone laughed.
"You at least haven't changed, George!" laughed Will.
Suddenly, the whole group came forward as one and enveloped Will and Halt in a big group hug.
"I missed you so much, Will," whispered Alyss in his ear. Little did she know that her mentor, Lady Pauline, was whispering much the same to Halt.
They all broke apart as Baron Arald came forward.
"I liked what Master Chubb and Jenny said. Tonight there will be a feast unlike anything you have ever seen before. Everyone is invited!"
The crowd cheered. Everyone loves a feast.
"Go home and make yourselves ready," cried Arald. The crowd obliged.