Disclaimer: Rangers Apprentice belongs to John Flanagan, who (regrettably) I am not.

Halt hated sailing. He got seasick just thinking about it, and that's what made the first event so unbearably aggravating. He was furious at Crowley for dreaming this up; Crowley knew he couldn't sail without losing his lunch. In his mind he was transported back to the reason he was here in the first place…

Yesterday, Halt had been on his way to the annual Rangers gathering, the only time when all the Rangers of Araluen were together. He had left his cottage and set out for the gathering as always, leaving at first light and arriving just in time to set up his camp before dark. Then he had walked around the camping area to see if he recognized any faces. He was delighted to find that his two former apprentices, Will and Gilan, were both already there. He stayed and chatted with them for awhile, then the three of went to the meeting that was always held there.

The meeting proceeded as usual. Crowley made some announcements and welcomed a couple new apprentices.

But then something unusual happened.

Crowley announced, "I am pleased to inform you that this year the gathering will be extended because I have decided to do something a little different."

There were murmurs of confusion throughout the crowd.

He continued, "This year we will have a series of games and challenges, the first of which will take place tomorrow. I have provided small one man boats for every person…" He then proceeded to explain the first event.

It was simple. Everyone except the apprentices were to be given a boat with a small flag in them. They would then sail down the river where they get water, at the end of which was a huge hill. Up the hill they would climb, where the first Ranger to reach the top would plant their flag in the hole provided. The first to do so would be the winner.

And that explained why Halt was now at the edge of the river with his small one man boat and a large bucket. There was going to be a referee at the top of the hill that would signal the start of the challenge, and likewise for the finish. Nobody noticed the sack Halt was carrying.

TWEET!

The challenge began, and immediately Halt sagged behind. Will passed him and called out, "Looking a little green around the gills, aren't you, Halt!" He sped ahead laughing.

"We'll see who's laughing in the end," he muttered to himself. He reached into the sack and pulled out a grappling hook. He threw it at the nearest boat, which happened to be Gilan's. It caught immediately and Halt pulled his boat past Gilan's. He noted Gilan's shocked expression and called out, "Thanks!"

He pulled away to the next boat. He kept on doing this until only Will's boat was left, but Will was out of reach of the grappling hook. No matter, Halt thought, I have more tricks up my sleeve. And indeed he did.

Will was the first to reach the shore. He took his flag and started climbing. Halt arrived a second later. He reached into his sack again, this time pulling out a whip. Taking his flag, he began to climb up the hill.

Will was almost at the top of the hill when he felt a searing pain in his legs and fell down. Halt had whipped his legs and tripped him. Will watched, aghast, as Halt passed him and placed his flag into the hole in the ground.

TWEET!

The referee signaled the end of the challenge and shook Halt's hand. Halt knew that Crowley had only made this challenge because he knew Halt couldn't sail and wanted to watch him lose. So much for that idea.

Now to rub it in Crowley's face, he thought, and walked away, laughing.

A/N: I am open to any ideas for the next event(s), so if you have any, please share them! I'd really appreciate reviews!