Hey everyone. I was cleaning out some old files the other day and found many a forgotten tale that I was planning on writing. A few jumped out at me so I decided to finish and post them. So here is the first! It's a series of one-shots as each idea wasn't long enough for me to make into chapters. I may take a leaf out of TrusttheCloak's book and continue this on further in a series of snippets/one-shots but this is all I had for the time being.

Enjoy!

"Soldier" by Fleurie ( watch?v=32W3J7XaNH8)

Daniel's Son

Halt watched as the Wargals fled. The soldier who had leapt to his aid was gasping for breath. Slowly he sunk to the blood-stained earth. The Wargals he had slain were scattered around the two men. Halt could hear shouts as the other soldiers and knights drove the Wargals towards the Mountains of Rain and Night. Grunting in pain, Halt hauled himself over to the wounded man. Gently he laid a hand on the man's shoulder. Two brown eyes turned to him. A smile touched the man's lips. He was badly wounded, each one steadily bleeding. Halt felt his heart hardened with determination. Despite the pain it caused to his head, he whistled loudly. A whinny responded instantly. Abelard came charging towards them.

A hand seized Halt's shirt. It was the wounded soldier. He coughed weakly before speaking, "Please…My wife is due to give birth any day now. Please protect her for me. Please…"

"Hush, you'll see your family soon," Halt soothed gently.

Abelard snorted softly, leaning his head down so he could nudge the soldier's face. Halt hauled the man up. Blackness was pulling at Halt's vision. He didn't have much more time before he blacked out. A voice, filled with worry, called out to him. Who it was, Halt didn't know. All he knew was that this man was dying. The man who saved his life needed a healer's attention. His body was shaking with the strain of lifting the soldier's weight. Two more arms wrapped around the soldier's limp body. Both men unceremoniously dumped him over Abelard's back. Halt stumbled backwards, falling one knee. Abelard let out a worried neigh. Whoever had helped him lift the soldier now pressed close to him. Halt weakly signaled in the direction of camp. Everything was a blur of color or blackness now.

"Abelard, healers," he commanded his loyal horse. Again, he signaled towards the army's camp.

Pounding hoofbeats told him that Abelard was racing away with the wounded man. Someone was talking to him now, but the voice was too distant and muffled. Halt simply slumped into the person's chest. The Wargals were retreating. The man who saved him was going to get medical help. Right now, that's all the grizzled Ranger cared about.

With a groan, Halt slowly opened his eyes. A hand rested on his chest; a silent command to stay down. His dark eyes turned to the person. It took a minute for his vision to focus. A smile made his lips twitch. Crowley's red hair was a complete mess, as was his clothing. His friend frowned at him, not seeing the humor that was making his friend smile. As far as Crowley was concerned, Halt had nearly died. There was nothing funny about that. Especially not after Pritchard's death. Halt weakly waved the matter aside. Gritting his teeth, Halt slowly sat up. His head felt like a hammer was continuously pounding on it. The pain was making his vision blurry and his mind slow. The last thing he needed was to get into an argument with Crowley. There was, after all, a more pressing matter to him.

"Crowley…" he muttered. The red-haired Commandant nodded for Halt to continue, "A sergeant saved my life. I sent him to the healers on Abelard. Is he…alive?"

Crowley let a small smile touched his lips. Halt may act like a grumpy, noncaring ass most of the time but his heart was truly kind. He gently squeezed Halt's hand reassuringly. "I know, Halt. I helped you get him onto Abelard. Daniel, that's his name, will be alright thanks to Abelard's speed and the healers' skill."

Cautiously so not to disturb Halt's position, Crowley shifted to the left. There, about three cots down and resting peacefully, was Daniel. White bandages declared that all bleeding had stopped. His equipment had been cleaned and put on a stand. Someone had cleaned up his dirty face, revealing the short brown stubble of a growing beard. His brown hair was unruly, though recently combed. Seeing the soldier was alright, Halt let a sigh escape his mouth then slumped back down. Crowley patted his friend's shoulder. Looking over at the soldier, Crowley frowned in thought. Halt considered asking his friend for his thoughts. Sleep, however, seemed a better idea. He would find out at a later time, he thought philosophically. Daniel was going to be alright. Soon he would return to his wife and unborn child.

Halt would see to that personally.

The army was dispersing. Daniel was laughing and talking with several companions from his unit. Halt crouched in the shadows a few meters away. Abelard was saddled and ready to go. All they needed was for Daniel to head out to his farm in Aspienne Fief. Halt would have preferred to ride ahead of the young sergeant and make sure the road was clear. However, to do so, Halt would have had to find where Daniel lived. That would have raised Daniel's suspicions. Neither had seen the other since Halt had left the infirmary three days after the battle. The sergeant hadn't really woken before then and when he did he wasn't completely coherent. As far as Halt was concerned, Daniel knew he was fine and was continuing onward with the armored patrolled tasked with making sure Morgarath fled in the Mountains. That meant Daniel wouldn't see him again. The sergeant had shrugged the news aside, saying that he had helped a comrade. He wasn't expecting any repayment. Therefore, Halt wasn't planning on letting Daniel know of his silent promise to watch over the man.

Aspienne Fief wasn't far from Redmont or Araluen Fiefs. Crowley had understood Halt's debt and promised to help. That meant two Rangers watching over Daniel and his family. Halt would have preferred to move into Aspienne Fief, but Crowley clearly laid out the reasons why he was needed in Redmont more. Being close by would have to do. Halt would make do. This was a debt he couldn't ignore. Maybe it was from being a prince in Clonmel. Maybe it was from Pritchard's training. Or maybe it was simply part of who Halt is. Why Halt felt dutybound to the sergeant wasn't the issue. The issue was keeping his silent word.

Daniel's voice snapped Halt out of his thoughts, "See you around then. Good luck, Jerrel. You too, Kord." He lifted his hand in farewell before grabbing his kit and turning to the north.

Halt's eyes narrowed as he watched the smiles fade from Jerrel and Kord's faces. Both spat after Daniel before heading out in a different direction. Mentally noting their faces, Halt signaled for Abelard. He would have to keep an eye on them. Crowley had hunted them down after Daniel was confirmed to pull through. His opinion of Daniel's former tent-mates wasn't very flattering. Both gave off the impression of no-good crooks. Halt had to agree with Crowley's instincts. They could certainly be a threat to Daniel and his family.

"Come on, friend," Halt whispered to Abelard.

The loyal horse tossed his head and turned to follow Daniel. Abelard had followed Halt on each of the Ranger's spying missions so thus understood where his master wanted to go. A few other men were trudging down the same path as Daniel but all were well ahead. Halt kept Abelard held back by several meters, close enough to see the sergeant yet far enough to not alarm him. It would do no good to make Daniel think he was about to be attacked. Halt unconsciously reached for his saddlebag where medical supplies were kept. He didn't have worry as both he and Crowley had gone through everything twice. The Ranger was prepared for anything that might happen to himself or Daniel. This knowledge, however, didn't stop his heart from pounding with worry.

Five days of constant travel went by uneventfully. Daniel had caught up with several other soldiers. Halt remained camped in the trees nearby. He knew he wouldn't be welcomed in their camp. Common folk were nervous about Rangers. Daniel was the first commoner that Halt had met without a fear of Rangers. It didn't matter anyways. Halt didn't want Daniel to know the Ranger was following him. As each day went by, more and more of the soldiers broke off towards their homes. Daniel always paused every noon for a rest break and a small meal. Each time Halt would watch with a ball of nervousness in his stomach as Daniel removed his bandages, cleaned the wounds, then redressed them. Only once on their journey, did Daniel seem to falter due to his wounds. He was climbing up a rocky hill on the third day. Before Halt could spur Abelard forward, two of Daniel's companions had returned to his side. The sergeant had tried to wave them onward, saying he was alright, but they wouldn't leave him. Giving him their support was the least they could do.

It was on the seventh day of travel, when Daniel was completely alone, that he did something unexpected. After changing the bandages, he leaned back on a rock to rest with his lunch. Halt, as usual, was hidden in the tree-line. A small creek was gurgling a few feet from Daniel's position. The grass and tree branches sway calmly in a soft breeze. The sergeant smiled as a couple of squirrels started chasing each other around a tree trunk.

After a couple minutes of silence, he spoke calmly, "Still determined to hide in the trees? I thought you would join me once everyone was gone." His brown eyes turned towards the tree-line where Halt was hiding. The Ranger stiffened with shock but didn't move forward. Daniel seemed to shrug before continuing his one-sided conversation, "I don't know who you are, friend, but I've felt you watching me. I feel like I know you. Doesn't matter, I guess. You don't mean me any harm, that much I can sense. You're following me out of concern, worry. I do wish you would show yourself. Give me someone to talk to." He stared out towards the creek, "Honestly, I didn't think I would be here now. The Wargals…are something I never want to see again. The violence they unleashed… (Daniel shudders)"

"I understand," Halt spoke softly.

Daniel turned to look at him, slightly surprised Halt had actually replied. He titled his head, curiosity glowing in his eyes, "You have a name, friend?"

"Are we friends?" Halt replied, raising an eyebrow.

The sergeant laughed, "I hope so. Why else would you be talking to me?"

To that, Halt had no reply. The Ranger stared down at his meal, lost in thought. Daniel seemed to sense the turmoil inside Halt. He remained silent. Slowly he ate his lunch and let the mysterious man be. It wasn't his place to pressure answers out of his companion. What the man did was up to him. Daniel stiffened as he suddenly realized someone was sitting next to him. Halt felt his brown eyes studying him. The sergeant wasn't bothering to hide his shock that a Ranger was the unknown man.

The sergeant suddenly smiled, understanding dawning in his eyes, "How's your head, Ranger?"

"Fine," Halt replied gruffly.

Abelard walked over and sniffed at the sergeant. Daniel smiled up at him, "Who are you?" He reached up and rubbed Abelard's soft nose. "I do believe you're the one who got me to the healers." To that, Abelard bobbed his up and down.

"His name is Abelard," Halt said.

Daniel looked at Halt then back to the horse, "Abelard? An interesting name, but a good one."

Abelard snorted before turning his attention to grazing. Both men ate in companionable silence. Halt wasn't interested in starting a conversation and Daniel was content to rest and eat. He still had a long way to go. At least he knew who was following him now. Maybe at some point the Ranger would divulge his name or say something. Until then, Daniel would focus on his journey. It seemed the polite thing to do.

"Daniel," the stranger started. He paused before continuing, "My name is Halt. Thank you…for saving my life…"

The two men slowly walked down the dusty path. One laughed at the story the other told. Ahead of them, on the right, was an old farmhouse. Stepping out on the porch was woman. Her brown hair slowly swayed in the breeze. Brown eyes were shining with worry and hope. She recognized the shorter man as a Ranger due to his mottled cloak. The other was soldier. Could he be her husband? Had he made it back from the war with the traitor? She desperately wanted to believe her husband had made it. Yet her heart fluttered with fear. If Daniel was alive, then why was a Ranger approaching the farmhouse?

Daniel laid a hand on Halt's right shoulder and laughed again, "You've had some adventures, friend! This redhead friend of yours sounds like he'll make a leader."

"I believe so," Halt replied too quietly for Daniel to hear.

The brown hair man looked towards the house, he smiled a lovesick smile. "Julia!" he called.

With that, the soldier abandoned Halt and raced for home. The woman, recognizing Daniel's voice, let a sob of joy. The two raced for each other. They met half way up the path to the farmhouse, warmly embracing one another. Halt slowly walked closer, giving them time and space. After worrying for the whole time apart, the lovers deserved a decent reunion before he butted in. Julia had a smile of joy on her face as Daniel held her close. The soldier bit his lip was his side smarted but he ignored it for the sake of his wife. She didn't need to know how close to death he had come. Both turned as Abelard's hoofbeats returned them to reality. Julia looked up at Daniel, clearly worried about the presence of a Ranger. Her husband gave her a comforting smile.

He indicated Halt as he spoke to his wife, "Julia, this is Ranger Halt. We became good friends during the war. Halt, this is my wife, Julia."

Julia nodded to Halt, giving him a welcoming smile. If Daniel said they were friends then the Ranger was welcome in their home, "Welcome Ranger Halt. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"My friends call me Halt," the Ranger replied, nodding back to the short woman.

A light of realization suddenly sparked in Julia's eyes. She spun around and raced for the house. Daniel shrugged to Halt before the two followed her. The sergeant put his things away as Halt unsaddled, groomed, and fed and watered Abelard. The shaggy horse nickered his thanks. Halt padded him on the neck before walking towards the house. Upon entering, he found both Julia and Daniel in the middle of the living room. Halt let out a soft sigh, shoulders slumping as tension faded away. In Daniel's arms, wrapped in the blanket, was a baby boy.

The new father looked up at Halt, eyes shining with pride and love, "Halt, come over. Meet my son!" He looked back down at a small bundle in his arms. "His name is Will."

"Will…that's a good name," Halt replied quietly.

The baby looked up at Halt. His brown eyes were full of joy and humor. Burbling, he reached out a tiny hand. The Ranger lent the tiny hand a finger to seize. Face hidden by his cowl, Halt allowed a smile to touch his lips. If the boy was anything like his father or mother, then he would do great things in life.

Julia's voice cracked like whip, "Samson! How many times have I told you not to dig around in snake holes!"

Samson, an eight-year-old boy with light brown hair and mischievous brown eyes, jerked his head up at his mother's cry. He thought no one was watching him. Now, having been caught, he darted towards the other side of the small farmhouse. A yelp came from that direction. Daniel appeared hauling his misbehaving son after him. Following right behind was fourteen-year-old Will. A tolerant smile was on his lips as he watched Samson struggle to escape. In his right hand was a bucket of water that he fetched for lunch. Julia had remained on the porch, hands on her hips. Though loving and kind, she was very strict on her rules. Daniel always reminded his three children to obey their mother. Christina, the second child at age eleven, was currently working in the family garden.

All of this was carefully noted by the silent observer in the trees. Behind him was his shaggy horse. Soon he would have to show himself but for now he was content to remain hidden. Gathering information was part of his job. His current source of interest was Will. The young man was fast on his feet, both physically and mentally, very obedient to his parents, and had been demonstrating increasing skills in silent and unseen movement. Part of the hidden figure hoped that Will would grow out of it. Farm life wasn't for Will. He had an adventurous spirit and loved going exploring. Like Samson, Will had a knack for getting into trouble. Unlike his little brother, however, Will was usually able to get himself out of it with only minor injuries. The skills Will was demonstrating would be perfect. New apprentices were coming in too slowly. Yet the hidden figure feared for his safety. He would be getting into very dangerous situations and his mentor would not always be there to get him out. The hidden figure winced at the thought of talking to Julia about such an idea.

Halt felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. Turning around, he faced his best friend: Crowley. They had been conversing about the possibility of training Will. Turner, the current Ranger of Aspienne Fief, already had an apprentice. The boy was in his second year so they couldn't wait for him to complete his training. Crowley had suggested Halt train Will. After all, Halt was friends with this family, so Will knew him and his parents trusted him. Halt had argued that Redmont was a week away on horseback. Julia would be hard to convince in normal circumstances. Suggesting that Will go that far away for training might send her into a protective fit. He sighed weakly. The decision rested with Daniel, Julia, and Will. Halt's job would be to tell them the choice.

"I'll do this alone, Crowley," he said softly.

Crowley nodded, "I'll be right here if you need anything, Halt. Good luck."

Breathing deep, Halt led Abelard towards the farmhouse. Julia and Daniel were talking to Samson about the dangers of digging in snake holes. Will returned outside with the empty bucket. He had promised Christina that he would bring the bucket over for the picked fruits, vegetables, and herbs. His brown eyes turned towards the road as he heard hoofbeats. A smile touched his face as he recognized the grim-faced Ranger.

"Halt!" he cried with joy.

The bucket dropped to the ground as he raced forward. Daniel and Julia looked up. Both smiled warmly at the Ranger. They also knew what fate awaited Halt. Samson, meanwhile, had dropped to the ground from the porch and was racing towards Halt. Christina, her dark brown hair pulled in a bun, appeared from the right side of the house. She smiled before racing over as well. Halt braced himself, accepting the inevitable. Will collided with him first, followed by Christina. It was Samson leaping into the fray that sent the group falling to the ground. The three children laughed while Halt struggled to pull himself free. He glared at the group but the three knew that he would never hurt them. Will rose to his feet then helped Halt to his feet.

"How far did you travel to get here? Is Gilan or Crowley coming as well? How many adventures have you had since last time? Did you have to leave country? Will you tell us about them while you're here? Does Abelard need anything?" Will sucked in a breath to continue when Halt held up his hands in surrender.

"Calm down, boy," he said gruffly. "One question at a time."

Daniel's voice spoke up at that point, "I'm sure Halt and Abelard could use the rest. Will, take care of Abelard for Halt." Will nodded before petting Abelard's nose and leading him to the barn. "Christina, go fetch the what you have and help your mother with lunch." The young girl dashed off, only pausing long enough to grab the bucket Will had dropped. "Samson, come help me move the cattle to a different part of the pasture." Samson's groan was quickly cut off by a slap on the back of his head. Daniel turned to Halt and smiled, "It's good to see you, friend."

"Good to see you," Halt replied before the two embraced.

The farmer nodded to the farmhouse, "You'll have to tell us your adventures but for now go inside and rest. We'll be eating lunch soon."

Halt nodded, watching as Daniel half dragged Samson off to move the cattle. He hesitated about going inside, especially since he hadn't taken care of Abelard. Then Halt shrugged. Will was a good lad. He wouldn't leave Abelard until the horse was groomed, rubbed down, fed and watered, and as comfortable as a horse could be. Entering the small farmhouse, he recognized footsteps behind him. Stepping right, Halt held open the door for Christina as she dashed inside with a bucket full of plants and fruit. She quickly muttered a thank you before scurrying over to Julia, who was by the fireplace cooking. Knowing that he was forbidden in the kitchen, Halt wandered around the room, inspecting the changes.

It was after lunch that Halt finally found the courage to talk to Daniel and Julia.

"We need to talk," he said gruffly. Before either could speak, he jerked a thumb towards the door, "Outside preferably."

Both nodded and followed the Ranger out. Will had left right after eating to finish his chores. Christina was finishing cleaning the kitchen. Samson had been sent to his room. Once outside, Halt shifted on his feet, trying to force the words out. Daniel and Julia sensed his uneasiness. They exchanged a worried look. Then Daniel reached out to lay a hand on Halt's left shoulder.

He spoke gently, "What is it, friend?"

"It's Will…" Halt began. He swallowed then decided to just get it over and done. "I've been watching him over the years, as well as listening to how you talk about him. He…he has certain skills and qualities we are looking for in Rangers. Lately we've had more people wanting to retire than apprentices to fill their places. The Rangers want to test Will…if you're willing."

Halt really didn't know what to expect. Part of him expected Julia to whack him in the head with a broom. Another part thought both would be angry and yell him out of the area. What he didn't expect was for both to nod in acceptance.

Julia spoke up, "Will has always been interested in what you do, Halt. We've noticed his natural habit for silent and unseen movement. Part of us doesn't want to let him go, especially if he'll be in danger…"

Daniel stepped in, "But we know this life isn't for him." His hand tightened on Halt's shoulder, "Just, promise me he'll have a good mentor. One who'll make sure he's prepared for the life ahead of him."

"I know he'll have a good teacher," Halt replied. Again, he shifted uncomfortably, "I plan on teaching him myself."

Crowley's cheery voice piped up, "Well then, we just need Will himself."

For once, Halt was happy to see Julia hit someone with a broom.