This chapter was rewritten on the 18/06/2018

Gilan had always watched Halt ever since he had started visiting his father. He remembered sitting near the window and watching him leave time and time again. Galloping off on his horse, Abelard. Always going on one mission or another. Living such a free lifestyle. He envied him. It seemed to be such a welcoming path compared to becoming a knight, although his father was one. Now, as he rushed to gather a few of his belongings together, he knew that today would be different. It had been three years since he had first become interested in becoming a Ranger. When he had first talked to his father, Sir David, about the idea, he had told him to think about it for the moment, saying that it was a very big decision.

That didn't faze him. He felt deep in his gut that today was the day. He was going to follow Halt, even if he had to travel all the way to Redmont before the Ranger noticed him.

He then had second thoughts. He had never made such a long journey alone. He wasn't sure if he could handle it. But he knew that he had to. Battleschool didn't seem to be the right place for him anymore. All of the strict drills and schedules didn't fit him.

He had changed a lot since he had first met Halt, he realised. Now, he needed a change of scenery. He opened his closet and took out his leather satchel. He proceeded to put some of his personal belongings into it, along with a map. He would get some food later.

Once he was done with that, he took his sword from where he had leaned it against a wall and buckled it around his waist. He looked out of the window of his room. The sun was peeking over the horizon, leaving the sky glowing with orange hues. He stood there for a moment, taking in the view. Then he shifted his gaze to the ground below. The stone courtyard was beginning to fill up with some of the Battleschool instructors, entertaining themselves with some mock combat while the students weren't around. He could hear the metal ring of their swords echoing through the air.

He knew he wouldn't see this again for quite a while. He was reluctant to leave his spot at the window, but he knew that he wouldn't get an opportunity like this again.

))*((

"I checked on Gilan earlier," Halt said. "He was packing his things."

Sir David stroked his chin thoughtfully. They were just outside the Battleschool, having one last conversation before Halt had to leave for Redmont once more. "Just as you said…"

Halt remained silent. Sir David glanced at him, an amused look on his face. As usual, Halt had his cowl drawn up over his head, hiding whatever expression he had on his face.

"Tell me, Halt, how often are you right?" he asked, grinning. Halt looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. They looked at each other for a second before Halt shrugged.

"I don't count. How should I know?" Halt replied. The knight chuckled, clapping his hand on Halt's back.

"Goodbye, Halt. I'll see you in another month or so," Sir David called as Halt mounted his small, grey horse. Halt turned and raised a hand in farewell as he rode into the tree line. As the knight watched the Ranger disappear into the bushes, he heard a slight rustle of leaves. He turned sharply towards the direction the sound had come from, but there was nothing to be seen. He pretended that nothing had happened.

))*((

Gilan quickly ducked into the shadows and moved into the forest. He peeked at Halt and Sir David, who were still talking. He gave a small start as Halt pointed Abelard's head towards the tree line and began to urge him towards it. He swiftly lowered his head behind the bush as Abelard thundered by. As he watched, the horse twitched its ears while tossing its head and snorting. Halt reached out to pat Abelard's neck, muttering a few words to calm down his mount. Gilan rose to a crouch and ran alongside the path that Halt had taken, the grass and leaves under his feet rustling slightly. He held the scabbard of his sword to keep it from banging against his thigh as he tried to keep the horse in sight. Within minutes, he had lost sight and sound of them. He opened his satchel and took out his map. He carefully traced the route that he had taken. They seemed to be heading directly south-east. That could change at any time though. Rangers were known to be unpredictable.

He decided to go south-east anyway. Even if he didn't see Halt on the journey, at least he would meet him at Redmont. As he walked, he sorted through the contents of his satchel, organising everything properly. He felt as if he had forgotten something. He checked the distance between Caraway and Redmont and cursed softly. He hadn't stopped for food, or a tent. He only had his water bag. He needed to catch up to Halt soon, or else he'd have to turn back. Hopefully Halt would stop for his noon meal instead of eating while riding.

))*((

It must have been when noon he heard the sound of running water. Gilan walked closer towards the Slipsunder River. He saw Halt, munching away on some leftover pie which he must've brought from the Battleschool. Feeling confident, Gilan strode up behind the figure, taking extra care to make sure his feet didn't make any noise. Just as his hand was about to grasp his shoulder, Halt quickly turned. Gilan felt his collar tighten around his neck, and heard a loud splash. As he was still trying to comprehend what had just happened, he felt himself being swept off his feet. Around him, the trees blurred into a mass of green. He opened his mouth to give a yell of fright, but water flooded inside. Something firmly gripped his arm, and he found himself lying down next to a stream, coughing up water.

"You shouldn't follow a Ranger like that," Halt said grimly, fixing him with a cold stare. Gilan searched his eyes for any sign of regret or sympathy. There was none. Gilan gulped nervously. "Stay with me for a bit, and maybe you'll learn how."