Disclaimer: I do not own The Ranger Apprentice Series or any of it's characters. This is a complete fanfiction based on my love for the series and my own imagination.

I hope you enjoy

"Go. Quickly now." Mina said urgently to her companion. "It goes to Ranger Halt of Redmont Fief. Please, be swift about it." Her companion knowing the immediate danger his master was in wanted nothing less than leave her side, but when signaled with the sign that meant obedience he had no other choice but to take off at top speed to reach his destination. "Be safe, my friend." Mina mumbled to herself as she watched her last hope of survival take off to the east.

From her hiding spot she could see the approaching threat, but she was on her last wind. Broken ribs and lack of sleep for the last two days was finally taking her toll. "Tch. There are so many of them. Where the hell are they all coming from?" Out of a deep ingrained habit she reached back to take inventory of the remaining of her arrows. Twenty left. There were also her saxe knives, a last resort at best. Though, unlike most Ranger's, she was quite skilled at close quarters combat. But with so many opponents that was a last ditch effort.

She turned positioning herself so she could try and get a count on how many foes she was facing. An arrow was already knocked and ready, just in case. Twenty. Thirty. Fifty. Eighty. "Well oh well, what a day this is turning out to be." She chuckled to herself as she allowed herself to get at least a few more minutes of rest before the battle continued. Perhaps you'll have better luck. Huh Halt?

~Redmont Fief~

Baron Arold's Office

"Come now, Halt. You really don't think that it's necessary to you?" Baron Arold asked laying down the papers he was holding onto his desk.

"If I didn't think it was necessary I wouldn't have proposed it, now would I?" Came the gruff reply of the Ranger who had situated himself by the window. If anyone walked in and heard the Baron talking, they may have thought him mad, for without being trained to see him the Ranger could blend in with almost any surrounding. His muddled cloak making him seem to melt into the back ground.

"That's adding ten patrol's which takes men away from guarding the town itself." Leaning back into his chair behind his desk The Baron knew that, from experience, Halt wouldn't suggest something that would intentionally cause harm to the fief. But this time, making ten more patrols of ten to twenty men, meant taking away from Redmont's defense. There had to be another choice.

"And? While we're hear discussing the safety of this town, outlying villages are being constantly raided and/or destroyed by more and more bandits every day. You can't expect Will and I to be there every single time. Your people are losing their homes and livelihood. The amount of refugees are increasing every day and before too long you will have no way to feed them or shelter them." Halt knew he was toeing the line with Arold. He knew that The Baron was well aware of all that he was saying. However, the fact remained that he and his apprentice had been constantly on the move for the last three months picking off the raiders as best they could, but it never seemed to even put a dent in the problem. "Look, sir, an increase in patrol will allow Will and I to do our jobs and find out the root of the problem so it can be fixed once and for all. That's all I'm saying." With a final attempt to convince the reluctant Baron, Halt leaned back and waited for a decision.

"I'm aware of all that, Halt. I'm also aware that forming ten more patrols

are too many. Five patrols of ten men is all I can spare. I just don't have the man power for it. Especially considering more men are needed here just to keep the refugee problem from escalating into riots." With a sigh Arold leaned forward rubbing his hands against his face. These latest events have taken its toll on the aging lord. "We need to discuss this with Rodney, so he can.."

What ever he was about to say was interrupted by Will charging into the office in almost hysterics. "Sorry for interrupting, but Halt we have a problem?"

"What kind of problem?" Halt said raising from his corner glad for his meeting to be over.

"There's a wild animal in the court yard,"

"A wild animal in the courtyard full of warrior's and this is a problem?" Halt asked not able to see the full problem clearly.

"It's not that, it's the fact that around its neck is the oakleaf insignia and it has a message canister attached to its side. That and the fact every time I try to approach it to retrieve the letter it snaps and almost attacks me," Will said exasperated. "Gilan said to get you because he's having as much luck as I am in getting close."

After hearing his apprentices description of the oakleaf insignia a faint recognition came over him. He left the office and made his way to the courtyard his apprentice leading the way. The Baron, seemingly interested in the incident, followed behind them.

When they arrive to said point there was a big circle of armed men with pikes and swords at the ready. A loud growl could be heard from the center and Halt pushed his way through to the side of his former apprentice and the burly Battlemaster.

"I don't have the slightest clue what the deal is with the beast," Sir Rodney said to him shaking his head, "Gilan said not to attack it because it has the official Ranger Corps. Oakleaf around it's neck but every time Will or him try to get close it bares its fangs and raises its hackles."

"Kind of reminds me of Brailey's companion, doesn't it Halt?" His former apprentice asked. "I remember at the last gathering catching a glimpse of him, but I wasn't too sure, so I asked Will to get you. I figured if anyone would know it'd be you."

"You're right. Brailey has a partner just like this, but this isn't Brailey's. His apprentice, maybe."

"Brailey" Inquired Will

"He's the ranger in charge to Defort Fief bordering the west Redmont," came his mentor gruff reply. He was half listening trying to think of the best way to approach the beast in front of him.

It was larger than a domesticated dog that farmers used to herd their sheep but not a full breed wolf. It was an expert tracker, fearless attacker, intellegent, and loyal to it's master. He took a hesitant step forward out of the formation to guage its reaction. The animal turned its attention immeadiately to the new person trying to approach. Its grown deepened at its fangs bared into a full snarl. Halt stopped and slowly bent down to one knee to look at the beast at eye level. The beast stopped growling and took a hesitant sniff at the newcomer. It sniffed again and then stopped being aggressive all together. Taking quick precise movements toward Halt within arms reach turning its head to the side revealing the messenger canister in full view.

Halt slowly raised his hand to take the canister from it's neck. The slow movements caused a whimper to escape its throat and to eye Halt with a look that says, "Hurry." Taking the hint Halt wasted no more time in opening and reading the letter that was carried within.

To Ranger Halt of Redmont Fief,

By the time you read this there is a good chance that I have already passed. Brailey, my mentor, has already fallen in battle and I am left fighting with what skills I possess. I send my faithful and loyal companion, Gin, to you in hopes that you can prevent the attack that will surly fall on Redmont.

Brailey and I were given orders by the Lord of Defort fief to attend a problem that was brought to his attention. We rode out and were faced with overwhelming odds. We managed to pick off the first group of attackers but before daybreak the next day another had taken its place and the battle started again. Brailey soon fell after the second attack commenced along with his companion and steed.

The attackers are heading east toward Redmont. I will continue to fight and hold them at bay for as long as I can. How long this is, however, I can not tell. If by chance when you do arrive and I have already fallen, I only ask that you take care of Gin. He is a faithful partner who will never fail you. He deserves much love and care.

I'm afraid I can write no more. I hope that I see that familiar cloak of a Ranger soon. Gin will guide you to where you need to be.

Ranger Apprentice Mina

Halt read then handed it to Baron Arold. With a quick intake of breath he started barking orders. "Sir Rodney you are to gather your men at once. Full battle armor. Quickly." After Rodney took a quick glance of the letter he order his men into action. "Halt, I will accompany you." The Baron said then turning on his heel to the armory.

"Will you and Gilan need to ready Tug and Blaze. We set out as soon as these burly warriors are able to move out." With a quick nod of their heads the two boys, the former apprentice and current, went to complete their tasks.

Halt turned his head to Gin who had sat down looking up anxiously at him with pleading eyes. Halt bent down and patted his head "We'll get to her soon" He said

Hopefully it'll be soon enough.