Hey everyone! So just random one shot I thought up! Please enjoy!

Warning: I don't usely do pairings, much less THESE pairings, but they might be slight Halt/Gilan in later chapters, plus in this chapter, but only like two sentences.


Halt's P.O.V.

The attack at Thorntree had been successful. That was one thing off my plate. As soon as this war was over though, I was heading to get my apprentice back first thing. Never said everyone would agree with my decision, but I would get Will no matter what.

Morgarath could see he was clearly out numbered. There was no way he could win this. But a flag of truce? Really? Why couldn't I just shoot him with an arrow and get it over with? I glared suspiciously at the man, can I even call him that?, riding down the hill. Seeing a horse behind him, with someone hanging over it, looking unconscious, I nocked an arrow, ready to shoot if there was any trouble.

But then my heart stopped. The "man" was clearly trying to get free, but it was when Morgarath threw him to the ground, that I realized who it was. It was the one I cared for most. Will.

"King Duncan! Surrender! I hold captive a Ranger of yours. Surrender now or watch him die!" the evil black lord shouted, drawing his broadsword, holding it over Will's neck.

I swiftly marched over to the king, arrow still on the bowstring. "Sir, that's my apprentice out there." I said gruffly.

"There's nothing I can do Halt. Unless we surrender, he is at the mercy of Morgarath's hand. And if we surrender, we are all at his hand. I can't let that happen." the King shook his head sadly.

"I'm waiting!" Morgarath's voice boomed over the battle field.

King Duncan promptly shouted back. "We need to talk terms!"

Morgarath shook his head, a evil smile coming over his face. "We already did. Surrender and this Ranger lives." he said, a twisted look on his face.

And then I was faced with a choice. "Sir, ask about your daughter. Just refer to her as the girl."

"What are you thinking Halt? Don't tell me you're thinking of..."

"Just do it! I know what he wants more than the entire kingdom of Araluen." I started to walk away to prepare something for my two apprentices.

I heard King Duncan making a deal with Morgarath. It was when Gilan ran up to me that I realized it was time.

"Halt, the king wants to know what exactly you had in mind." Gilan looked at me with the normal curiosity apprentices had.

To bad I couldn't grant him with a another piece of wisdom. This curiosity would be fulfilled in the worst way. "I'll go tell him."

"Halt! What are you planning to do? Both Cassie and Will are now out there."

"Offer him this. That in exchange for the both of them, you'll hand over Ranger Halt." I answered calmly.

There was an uproar. Not just from the Rangers, Barons, Knights, and King around me, but from the soldiers who were quitd unhappy with my decision. But I sought none of their approvel. Turning to Gilan, I looked him straight in the eye.

He turned to the king. "Excuse me." he said, and then dragged me behind a tent. "Halt, this is my fault, isn't it? If I hadn't left them alone, Will wouldn't have been captured. I'm so sorry. Are you sure that this is our only option? I can't lose you." he collapsed in my arms, crying.

I caught him easily. Wrapping my arms around the young, gangly man, I just let him cry. "And I can't lose either of you. I couldn't live without you Gil, but I couldn't live without Will either. You both mean so much to me and have so much potential. I'm just a senile old man. Sometimes you have to let go."

"I'm not ready. I can't do it without you. There's something I've wanted to admit. You are the only reason I continue as a Ranger. Otherwise it's pointless."

"Oh no Gilan. Don't you dare say that. That is not how I trained you. You took an oath, you swore to protect this kingdom and everyone and everything in it. That's what I'm doing."

Reaching into one the inner folds of my cloak, I handed him two sheets of folded up paper. "Once Will is back and is well enough read this with him. Goodbye Gil."

Gilan squeezed me. "Goodbye Halt. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too. Take care of Will for me, won't you?" I whispered not having the heart to break the last hug my former apprentice would ever give me.

Gilan nodded. "Of course I will. Halt..." he stopped, biting his lip.

"Yes Gil?"

"I love you. You're the best person I've ever known." my former apprentice said in a barely auidible voice.

"Halt? The king needs you."

I nodded towards the messenger and when he was out of sight, lightly kissed Gilan. "I love you too."

Leaving him there stunned, I went to talk to the king.

"Halt are you sure about this?"

"Extremely sure sir. We need to do this now. No one else besides yourself does he have the same hatred for. This may be our only chance." my face stayed grim, but inside I very much did not want to do this.

"Vey well. I'll go send a messenger." the king started to write down his note.

The messenger rode towards Morgarath and stopped short about two meters. Clearing his throat, he proclaimed, in his loudest voice. "The King of the Kingdom of Araluen has wished to bargain with you."

"What's he bargaining with?" Morgarath stood unmoved.

"He wishes for the Ranger and the girl to be released in trade for the Ranger Halt."

Morgarath held up his hand. "Say no more. I accept. Take these two back with you. I expect for Halt to be down here within the next half hour. Unarmed, with no escort, no horse, no protection what so ever. Tell him to bring his cloak only. That's the only piece of Ranger gear he can bring."

Will and Evanlyn got on the back of the messenger's horse. They all rode back in silence, and as soon as they were back at the base, Will slid off and ran towards me, as I was talking with Gil. The princess ran towards her father who was in the tent.

Will stopped short of us, hesitant of what to do. Suddenly Gil looked up, and a grim smile spread across his face. Will's face held no expression.

"Will. You're back. And you're safe. Thank God." Gilan said softly.

I spun around, thrilled to see Will safely out of the clutches. I embraced him in a hug, confused when he just struggled to get out. His eyes held a look of betrayal.

"How could you Halt? How could you be so selfish?I would've gotten away. Why didn't you have any faith in me?" Will's shouting went from being angry, to quiet whisper as he started to cry some. "I'm not worth your life. You can't go down there. I need you."

I sighed, feeling as I had just had this conversation. "I know. But you're just as important to me as I am to you. Like I just told Gilan. This hurts me as much as it hurts you." I got on my knees, in front of the sobbing boy. "You've got to trust me on this. Gilan will make sure nothing happens to you. And you've got to promise me to make sure nothing happens to Gil. Okay Will? I love you so much."

I know I've told Gil I loved him before, but I had not yet told Will. And of course I loved Will more as son thank did Gilan. My love for Gilan was different. So the shocked look on his face was no surprise. But it was what Will whispered back, that was a surprise.

"I love you too Halt. I promise I'll do my best."

"I know you will."

"Ranger Halt. It is time." the messenger interrupted.

I nodded a took of all my weapons. I then proceeded down the hill, walking as slow I could. Thirty meters from the evil lord I was about to surrender too, I looked back. I saw Will with a determined look in his eyes and Gilan had a look of anger. Thankfully I know it was not towards me. Looking back towards the evil lord, I let loose one of my rare smiles.

Somehow, I knew my apprentices would get me out. Of all who had fallen at the mercy of Morgarath, I would not be one of them.


Oh, excuse my language, crap what did I get myself into! This story is going to be more than difficult. It's ganna be impossible. Well I hope you enjoyed, and please review!

Best Regards,

PFT3000