A/N: Hey everyone! I've moved into a new house, still working on setting it up but I've officially reached the point I can start coming online regularly again. As promised, this means the 4th story in my RA series!
If you are new, please know that this is indeed the 4th of a series. You can find Lost, Found, and Search in my profile. There is also a Themes Revival, which is a spinoff the 100 Themes challenge and includes oneshots of 'extras' featuring this storyline. I still take requests for these.
I am known for fast updates, and reviews make me want to update even faster. Keep that in mind as you read :)
This series is actually a re-post of something I did years ago with new editing and some re-writing along the way. Old readers, remember: If you give spoilers I'll kill off your favorite character. New readers, your predictions are highly amusing and may actually inspire some AU Themes. Something else to keep in mind :)
To all the students who read these: I hope you're enjoying your new school year!
Disclaimer: I'm not John Flanagan.
Caitlyn rested her hands on her own thighs as she rode behind her father towards Castle Araluen. His apprentice, Mason, was nearby riding alone. She didn't have her own horse so she'd been forced to ride behind Liam. Caitlyn was a competent rider and hoped for a horse soon for now her parents said no. She frowned as she rode, feeling a little embarrassed to be riding behind her father in front of Mason. The two would be going on to the Ranger's Gathering once she was deposited at Castle Araluen.
Caitlyn's reason for traveling wasn't completely leisure. It never was. Her parents believed in having a purpose for everything and for this trip Caitlyn's purpose was to see Kane, Kineta, Talia, and the new baby. She also wanted a break from her parents. She loved them but without Scout she felt she was under constant surveillance. Scout always rebelled. They were minor rebellions, true, but rebellions nonetheless. Caitlyn had always slid beneath their radars when Scout was there but now there was only her. She wanted room to breathe.
"Here we are," Liam announced as they arrived at the main road leading up to the gate. "Have fun, Caitlyn."
Caitlyn swung her leg over the back of the horse and dropped to the ground below. She slung her pack over her shoulder and accepted the slender recurve bow from her father. It was Scout's old bow. Caitlyn partly wanted her own, but that came from more of a desire to just once to have something besides Scout's hand-me-down. The bow had been a gift to her sister and Caitlyn was determined to get her next bow in a different way. Perhaps even make her own. The best archers did that.
Her grandfather Halt was famous among the Rangers for their current bow style. Her father had made a few adjustments to the Ranger style based on the bow he had in his younger Hibernian days and improved the range. Caitlyn thought she could improve it farther if she could get her hands on the right materials but fifteen year olds didn't exactly have access to good bow-making materials. She didn't want to turn to her parents because that's what Scout always did. At the same time she knew she couldn't do it on her own.
That left her with her grandfather himself. In addition to seeing her returning family from Nihon-Ja, Caitlyn wanted to discuss her ideas with Halt. Her retired Ranger grandfather who, if they were being honest, was bored would help her get what she needed to start. Halt would be at the Gathering but Caitlyn had gotten her parents to agree to let her stay at Castle Araluen for a full two weeks. She'd return with one of the Redmont Battalion Ladies who was currently in the capitol posing as Rosalina's bodyguard while searching for someone leaking Araluen defense strategies to a new infestation of Wanderers.
Caitlyn waved as her father and his apprentice rode off. She walked the quarter mile to the main gate and went on into the city. The capitol had always been like a second hometown to her. As usual, one the guards knew who she was and let her pass. She went to her grandparents' apartment and let herself in.
Caitlyn went to the spare room that had once been Kane's and dropped her pack on the bed. She rest her unstrung bow against the wall and then left to find…well, anyone. For the first hour she roamed aimlessly. All the Rangers were gone, of course. She didn't see her grandmother in the Couriers' main office nor did she find anyone in Jenny's restaurant. She considered going to the kitchen and asking Jenny where everyone was but knew disturbing a chef would only earn her a hard strike on her head from a ladle.
Gabby. Caitlyn redirected her path to the medical wing. Gabby would be able to answer her questions as she worked and wouldn't hit her with anything upon arrival…at least not on purpose. Her blind friend would also know if the group from Nihon-Ja had truly arrived in the city yet and if so where she could find them. Perhaps Gabby had the morning shift and would be getting off for lunch soon.
Caitlyn slowed to a more appropriate pace as she neared the medical wing. Apprentices in clean white tunics with green hawks embroidered to the right breast shuffled amongst the maids in simple green dresses with white aprons. Physicians' assistants flitted around as well. They were above apprentice but not masters. Gabby fell into that category. The females wore white gowns and aprons with the hawk-symbol sewn into them while males wore similar colored tunics and trousers. They were busy. Caitlyn even caught a glimpse of a midwife wearing her blue gown and white apron directing two apprentices in the same uniform about. All females in the medical wing were to keep their hair pulled away from their faces with a square of cloth folded over and tied around their heads.
Caitlyn let herself in. Master Jonathan, the Head Physician, knew her and wouldn't object to her being there. She smiled widely when she first saw Talia talking to one of the midwife apprentices and holding a tiny bundle. In six big steps she joined the elusive woman her mother deeply respected.
"Is this the baby?" Caitlyn asked to make her presence known. Talia turned and suddenly Caitlyn could better see her face. Deep scratches lined her left cheek and a bruise colored her forehead a nasty shade of blue.
"Caitlyn?" Talia gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"Visiting," Caitlyn answered slowly. Talia wore a long-sleeved dress but her swooped neckline revealed more bruises on her chest and her left hand had stitches lining its thumb. "What happened to you?"
"The ship was attacked and overtaken while we were in the harbor. We managed to get into a rescue boat but not without a fight."
Caitlyn frowned. "Is everyone alright?"
"A great deal of Skandians were lost but Svein already left to inform the Oberjarl. I understand they'll be given great honor. The attacking ship sank but it had no survivors that we know of."
Caitlyn allowed a small grin. And that's why nobody messes with Skandians she thought. Winning a physical match with them was hopeless. Her parents always taught her that…and that the way to truly defeat them was with wit.
"So is this the baby?" Caitlyn asked again as she peered down at the bundle. Talia nodded.
"This is Russ."
She smiled as the baby yawned. "Hello, Russ."
Master Jonathan came over from the patient he'd been with on the far side of the room. Shirtless men were lying on almost all the beds. Caitlyn tried not to focus on them though she was sure she was blushing. Her mother's experience as a field medic and general upbringing squashed out her sense of modesty. Lina didn't run around in revealing clothing but nudity of either gender didn't bother her, especially with patients. Scout was the same way. If someone needed stitches, no matter where the injury was on their body, she'd strip them down, wash the area, sew them up, clean her hands, and then prepare a meal without flinching. Caitlyn, however, got her father's modesty. Liam could do what was needed but was always mindful of staying covered.
Every maid, apprentice, and physicians' assistant on duty and then some seemed to be tending patients. Caitlyn spotted Gabby hard at work with a soft sponge and bowl of water. A bottle of nasty-looking black liquid sat on the bedside table. Every so often she dipped her fingers in it and plunged her fingers into a wound. The man she worked on had either been given a sleeping serum or hard liquor because he tensed hardly at all. Whatever sedative administered would be dependent on his nationality. Master Jonathan knew better than to waste good serum on a Skandian who would curse to no end until he was given strong spirits.
"Caitlyn," he said evenly. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to wait outside."
Caitlyn nodded. "Alright. If one of you would point me in the direction of the others I'll be on my way."
Talia and Jonathan shared a glance that made Caitlyn worry. "Caitlyn, why don't you take Russ to the garden? He needs some fresh air and I have business here," Talia suggested. Caitlyn narrowed her eyes.
"I'm not a child. What are you hiding?"
"Caitlyn…"
One of the private room's door on the far side of the wing opened and a little girl with blond hair and black eyes ran out. She went straight to Talia and tugged on her skirt.
"Elizabet," Caitlyn beamed. Elizabet jumped at her name and hid behind Talia's legs. She peered at Caitlyn warily. Caitlyn frowned as she remembered the Hibernian girl's anxiety issues.
"Elizabet you remember Caitlyn, right? She's Scout's sister. You've been asking about Scout, remember?" Talia said to the girl.
Caitlyn knelt down to Elizabet's level. "Remember that really pretty Flynn Masque book you had?"
Elizabet's face softened. She leaned away from her hiding place.
"I saved it for you. It's in my pack at my grandparents'. We can get it later and…"
Elizabet stepped away from Talia, took Caitlyn's hand, and began tugging her towards the exit.
"She wants it now," Talia chuckled, as though relieved. "Go get it and read her a few stories. She's shaken from the attack."
Caitlyn frowned. "But…"
"Just go."
Caitlyn realized the midwife's apprentice Talia had been speaking to rushed to the still open door of the private room. A woman with flaming red hair lay in the bed. Caitlyn narrowed her eyes to focus better and felt her heart skip a beat. "Is that Kineta?" she asked.
Talia stepped over to block her view. "Go and remember that you are responsible for Elizabet until I come to collect her."
Jonathan put his hands on Caitlyn's shoulders. His grip was firm. "Come, I'll see you out."
Between the healer pushing and Elizabet pulling Caitlyn had no choice but to leave. She held Elizabet's hand and they walked back to the apartment. Why would Kineta need a midwife after an attack? Caitlyn was young but mature beyond her years…not to mention quick. Women only needed midwives for one purpose. Kineta shouldn't need one. Wasn't that why Scout was taken to be their heir?
Scout spun around without missing a beat. "You're getting better," Warden told her. He spun her back and without fail they kept moving their feet.
"Kind of you to notice."
"So how do I compare to Prince Horace the Second?"
Scout frowned. "What?"
"You danced with him instead of Daniel at Prince William and Princess Anamaria's wedding."
Warden twirled Scout. She frowned when she faced him again. "They decided a princess should dance with a prince is all."
Warden rolled his eyes. "Sure they did."
The music stopped. Warden and Scout backed away from each other and turned to the dancing tutor. "Well done," the woman told them. "There may be hope for you yet, Princess."
Sean was standing next to the old woman. "I thought you'd like to know that everyone who stayed back in Nihon-Ja have arrived in Araluen."
Scout smiled widely. "When will they make it here?"
"Apparently there was an attack by pirates in the harbor. There were a few injuries and the ship sank. I was told all of ours just had minor injuries but won't leave Araluen until all is resolved."
"Will we be going to Araluen?"
Sean shook his head. "Sadly Hibernia can't have either of us absent…I know. I want to go too." Sean nodded toward Gwen, who stood off to the side with Kelly. "You need to go get dressed, Lady Gwen. You're going to be a princess for the next few weeks."
Scout beamed. "Thank you, Sean."
"Warden you're accompanying her," Sean told the young guard. "A Ranger came earlier to collect some information that needs to be taken to Araluen. He will also be an escort. Kelly, you're staying here to pose as the lady-in-waiting."
"Which Ranger is here?" Scout asked.
Sean smiled slyly. "One you know."
"My father?" she asked excitedly. "My uncle?"
"Me."
Scout whipped her head around in time to see Daniel step out of the shadows. She couldn't help herself. She ran into his arms and let him hold her tightly. "When did you get here?" she asked with excitement.
"Last night," he answered. "You look better than last time I saw you."
"I'm sorry I can't say the same for you."
Daniel smiled. Though Kineta had been the one to take the biggest hit during their captivity, Sean and Scout had both thinned out drastically too. Sean recovered quickest while Lady Melissa saw Scout's malnourished frame as an opportunity to coax her through a diet that gave her a more desirable form in the end. She wondered if Daniel's comment was for her healthier state or a remark for her beauty. Warden cleared his throat behind them. Scout felt her cheeks turn pink.
"I'll leave you to pack," Sean told them. "Make sure you come tell me goodbye, Scout."
Scout nodded. Sean turned and walked back towards the main court where he had to deal with a man smuggling Genovisan assassins into Hibernia. His close friend and advisor, Jeddrick, fell into step beside him. Jeddrick had been from the Academy and was a close friend of Kineta's. He served now as Head of the Roscrea Academy, a training ground for elite members of service, in addition to advising Sean. The facilities still hosted a fair amount of orphans but they were treated nothing like they once were. They children there were given skills to have successful long lives. "Isn't Daniel the Araluen lad who fancies Scout?" Jeddrick asked as they walked.
"I get the feeling her guard Warden fancies her as well."
"You sure it's a good idea sending the three off alone?"
Sean nodded. "They need to sort out whatever it is needs sorting and the sooner the better."
William kissed Anamaria. They both had other things that needed doing. He was supposed to be visiting the battleschool and 'inspiring' the apprentices. She was supposed to be with Rosalina smiling and serving coffee and tea to visiting dignitaries. But this seemed more important at the moment. He held her tightly as he kissed her. She giggled every time they stopped to breathe.
"Glad to see you two still love each other."
They separated immediately. William silently groaned as both he and Anamaria burned red with embarrassment. William's father just shook his head.
"You're married. I know you do more than that. No reason to be embarrassed," Horace said evenly.
"Were you looking for us, Father?" William asked. Honestly he was more annoyed than anything. The young newlyweds, still considered newlyweds even though the wedding had been months ago, had obviously been in the middle of something important.
Horace nodded solemnly. "It's your grandfather. Both of you need to come with me right now."
William and Anamaria shared a nervous glance before following the king to Lord Duncan's quarters. William knew his grandfather's health had been slowly failing. Of course it was failing. The man was old. They went into the bedroom. Plush carpets covered the floor. His grandfather rest on a bed too large for one person. William knew Duncan's wife had died long before he was born. His grandfather never remarried. William always pitied Lord Duncan in a way, especially since his own wedding. Men weren't built to be lonely. Anamaria was in his every thought and considered in his every decision. He didn't know what he'd do if she were lost. He quickly checked his wife's left hand. He didn't know why he always felt compelled to do that but he did. Yes, the ring was still there. The ring that had once belonged to Duncan's wife rested on the proper finger.
William's mother, Queen Cassandra, knelt next to the bed. She held her father's hand firmly and kissed it. Rosalina and Ace were already there huddling together in a corner. They'd obviously been summoned with haste as well. Rosalina's hair, usually intricately styled by her maid, hung in a simple braid and Ace still wore his apprentice uniform from the medical wing. Horace went to stand by Cassandra. He rested his hands on her shoulders. William walked over to his siblings.
"What happened?" he whispered.
"Heart attack," Ace replied. "Pretty bad one too."
"He's saying goodbye to all of us," Rosalina added. She'd clearly cried recently.
"William?" a labored voice called out. "William?"
William walked over to his grandfather's bedside. "I'm right here, Grandfather," he answered softly. Duncan's weak gaze settled on him.
"I told your brother to be a good healer. If you do your job he will never have to be king."
William nodded. "I know."
"He may save your life one day so treat him well."
"I will, Grandfather."
Duncan coughed. Cassandra kissed his hand again. "Father?" she whispered.
"I'm not done yet, Cassie." Duncan caught his breath and looked back at William. "Be nice to Rosalina too. If she falls in love with a foreigner make sure that foreigner knows if he ever hurts her he answers to Araluen and its allies."
William nodded again. "I will."
"And if she falls in love with someone not worthy of her, you better run him off. Understood?"
"Yes sir."
Duncan took a deep breath. "And take care of Ana…Ana…" he began coughing again.
"Anamaria," William said for him.
"Take care of her, William. You'll never know just how much you need her until she's gone."
William nodded. "I promise."
Duncan gripped Cassandra's hand tighter. "Father?" the queen said again. He began wheezing heavily. Horace turned to his other children.
"Ace!" he ordered firmly. William's younger brother sprang into action. He leaned next to his mother and slid his hand beneath Duncan's shirt. Ace quickly checked everything he could think to check. William started to take a step away but Anamaria's hand pressed against his back.
"Stay," his wife hissed in his ear.
Ace shook his head somberly.
"Father?" Cassandra whispered frantically. "Daddy?"
Duncan stopped gasping. He stared at Cassandra. "You're just like your mother," he said weakly. His eyes turned up to Horace. "Take care of her."
Horace nodded. "I will."
Ace shook his head. He looked around with tears in his eyes. "Grandfather's gone," he announced.