A/N: I'm sorry for all of those who were following my story on my former account. I had problems with both my crappy computer and my account which, for 90% of the time, wouldn't let me on. Besides, I got some serious writer's block. This story (or rather, chapter) has been revised and the time changed. It now takes place after book 12. Anyway, enough of my rambling, and on with the story!P.S: I'm writing the structure from memory, so don't be harsh if the story changes a lot. Oh, and this is my first fanfic!

Disclaimer: Hey, I own Ranger's Apprentice! *gets dragged away by policemen*

Thwack!

Maddie grinned as yet another arrow found its mark. Ever since she had earned her bronze oakleaf, Will had been pushing her harder then ever, insisting that she had been a little sloppy on the assessments. He had "forgotten" that her instructors reported her exceptional instinctive action. "A little practice never hurt anybody!" was his excuse when she reminded him.

That phrase was going to get old very fast.

"Maddie! take a break for lunch!"

Speak of the devil, she thought.

Maddie hopped up onto the verandah and entered the cabin. Looking around, she spotted Will at the table, apparently engrossed in one of his reports.

Without looking up, he said, "Food's on the table. Wash the dishes afterward."

"Again?"

"Again."

Maddie frowned. Will had been acting more distant than usual, and seemed to always be reading one of his reports. So far, she had restrained herself from asking what they were, but this time she couldn't help it.

"What are those reports about?"

Will looked up."What reports?" He asked.

"The ones you keep reading. I know they're not today's, I can see the dates on them."

"I don't know wha-" he stopped, and Maddie knew why. The sound of running footsteps came from the dirt path leading to the cabin. Will stood up and they both headed toward the door as quietly as possible. A familiar cloaked figure, normally stealthy, was practically sprinting to them. It was Halt.

"Halt? What are you doing here?" Will called as they hurried down the steps to meet him. Halt paused for a moment to catch his breath. Will could tell that he'd been running for a while. Despite being 75, Halt was in very good shape and it took a lot to tire him. Then he spoke.

"Will, it's Alyss! I don't know how, but she's at the castle!"

######################################

"He should be awake by now!"

"Be patient, Maddie, he's had a huge shock."

"It's lucky that he landed on the grass and not the porch."

"I know."

Will was vaguely aware of people talking. He wondered where he was and why the voices sounded so concerned.

Then he remembered.

Halt running up the path...Alyss alive...falling to the ground...Alyss...Alyss...

Alyss!

Will shot up in bed, opening his eyes and grabbing on to the first thing he could find. Momentarily paralyzed by confusion, he didn't realize that the thing was alive.

"Will, let go of my arm please."

Will shook his head, and reddened when he saw Halt glaring at him.

"Oh, sorry."

"Are you okay, now?" Maddie asked, a worried expression on her face.

Will ignored her and turned to Halt. He was so overcome that he could hardly get the words out. "H-H-Halt...Alyss...how..." He choked. Halt understood, and nodded.

"Like I said, Will, I don't know how. But it was definitely her at the castle. She told me to find you and tell you...well, I'm sure you've seen the recent reports."

Will knew that he was talking about the strange ones Will had been studying.

Ranger 50: Import. Doc.

Please note that rumors of resurrections have been circulating your fief (Redm. Fief) and portray several witnesses of this occurrence. Mostly friends or family members known to the person(s) in question, this is a repetitive and frequent situation. Required investigation within the next three months.

Gilan McLaren

Ranger Corps Commandant

Fief of Araluen

Dear Ranger,

I am Captain Clara, Headwoman of David Village, and am writing to report rumors in my town. According to several people, they saw others come back from the dead. Just yesterday, a young girl named Anna walked into our village after being stabbed in the gut and killed many years ago by bandits. She seemed perfectly fine and hadn't aged in the slightest since we last saw her. I don't know anyone else who can help me out. Please come.

-Clara Bennings

Dear Will,

Have you heard these rumors lately? The whole "people coming back from the dead" thing is even more ridiculous than the stuff they make up about Rangers! I hope it doesn't go to your head and you start seeing Alyss, or something. Oops, probably shouldn't have mentioned her...

Oh, I have to go. My Future Head Waiter just broke a plate.

Love,

Jenny

There were twelve of these letters in all, asking for his assistance or telling him to investigate. Despite what Jenny said, he had begun to wonder what he would do if Alyss came back to life. Probably faint, he had thought.

Oh, the irony.

"Will?" He jumped, realizing that he had been staring off into space for several seconds.

"Halt, how long have I been out?"

"Only an hour or two."

Abruptly, Will swung his legs over the side of his bed and stood up. He didn't care if he wasn't ready, he didn't care if Satan himself was waiting outside. All he cared about was seeing Alyss. Heading toward the door, he pulled on his boots and cloak, grabbing his longbow as he did so.

He was ready.

A/N: Yes I know, it's a short chapter, but I tend to write that way. Short chapters, frequent updates. Again, I'll appreciate any ideas from my readers, and I hope my writing isn't too bad. This fanfic is me testing the waters, as I've never written a big story like this before. Thanks again.

Raven is out, PEACE!