In this disclaimer, I solemnly disclaim before any god who may be bored enough to be listening, that I do not own Ranger's Apprentice.

'….Halt. Former King's Ranger to Redmont Fief. I hereby, as lord of this realm of Araluen, declare you to be banished from all my lands and holdings.' The voice of King Duncan of Araluen rang out through the throne room of Castle Araluen. 'You are forbidden, under pain of death, to set foot in this kingdom again…' he paused. '…for the period of one year from this day.'

Halt's head shot up. He stared at the king is disbelief, his façade of calm dropping like a stone. Lord Anthony began to argue about politics and precedents, but the former ranger kept his eyes on Duncan. He had expected banishment. He had resigned himself to the sacrifice; to do whatever necessary to find Will. He had prepared himself to have his life crumble around him while he pretended not to care. He had been in control of the situation, predicting the verdict, gambling with his life and a loaded dice. But in control. He had expected retribution, punishment, justice. He had not expected mercy.

He watched silently as his future was decided in front of him. He watched as Duncan turned back to him, and met his gaze, and Halt nodded once, gratitude, relief even, evident to those who knew how to look.

'Halt…' said Duncan 'There's one more thing. A relatively small matter. We've always respected your silence about your past. We've always let you be' he said, gesturing to Crowley and Arald to include them in the phrase. 'But I'm afraid, this is one time we can't bend the rules for you. This is something unexpected, and serious, and we need to do it by the book.'

'Your majesty?' said Halt, puzzled. Or perhaps feigning ignorance, thought Duncan. It was fairly obvious where this was headed, whether Halt liked it or not.

'Halt. We need to know your surname.' Halt was silent and began to stare at the floor again. 'I wouldn't ask if I could get around it' said Duncan, keeping his voice level and reasonable, 'but I've done as much as I can for you and without this it all becomes void'. Halt remained silent, having retreated back into his shell of quiet and barely hidden sorrow.

'Halt…' pleaded Duncan, and Halt realised that this was as unpleasant for them as it was for him. Any further delay or pretence would just cause them more pain. He looked up again.

'Your majesty…' he began, faltered and started again. 'Your Majesty…. My name is Halt O'Carrick.'

Duncan nodded. It was a Hibernian name, and sounded vaguely familiar. 'Thank you.' He said simply. Halt nodded to him. As Halt was led away, Duncan tried to remember where he'd heard the name before. Then, when it was far, far too late, when Halt O'Carrick was long gone, he sat bolt upright on his throne, startling Crowley and Arald, and said 'O'Carrick…My God!'