A/N: Okay, so I got some pretty positive reviews for the first chapter, so here's another. These chapters are all fairly long for what I am used to. About three times longer, actually! But I want to keep writing up longer chapters. I think I can with this story. Just be fully warned, that it will take time to write these, especially since I have other "In Progress" stories and I have promised my other readers to keep updating them more regularly this summer.
So yeah, I hope you like this chapter, and please review! I'd really like to know if you think Halt and the others are in character or if you think I'm not even in the right ball-park. Let me know!
-Wish
Chapter 2:
Kaye could not sleep for more than a few minutes, no matter how she tried. Her excitement for the morning was too much to allow her to relax. Her father had agreed! Against all odds, he'd agreed to let her go and become a Ranger's apprentice, the first female one ever!
Kaye pacing and drifting lightly for a few hours until Kaye's mother finally came to the door to wake her daughter. It was still dark out, but Mrs. Harrow found Kaye already up and moving, going over what she would take and what she would keep more properly now. Most of the personal things would remain behind, the little bits and baubles she'd collected over the years (many from past boarders who she'd made friends with) that she used to decorate her room. She was taking just a few of her more favourites, a sea shell with a pretty pink inside from Jaret, a drawing of her and her family she'd done when she was nine, and a small miniature tree carved from a branch of her favourite oak done by her father. They were little things that reminded her of her family.
"How did I not expect you to be up already?"
Kaye paused to turn as her mother spoke. "You know, then?"
"Your father talked to me about it last night. I do not understand why he was so surprised to catch you trying to sneak out. Our saying "no" in the past has never stopped you."
Kaye grinned sheepishly. "I'm sorry, Mother," she apologized.
"I would rather this happened as it is," Mrs. Harrow admitted. "If I am to lose you, I would've at least liked the opportunity to say a proper goodbye." She set her candle on the bedside table and wrapped her daughter up in a hug. They embraced for a while, neither saying anything nor loosening their grip. Finally Kaye's mother let go, taking half a step back to look at her daughter properly.
"I would like for you to have something." She took a small, folded handkerchief from her dressing robe pocket and placed the bundle in Kaye's hand.
"What is it?" Kaye unfolded the cloth and gasped at what she found nestled in the folds. It was a sapphire, about the size of a small button. It was set in a silver pendant with a matching silver chain. Both shimmered softly in the flickering candle light.
"It's beautiful," Kaye whispered.
"It was my great-grandmother's. It has been passed down to the daughters in my family. I was planning on giving it to you when you got married, but now I am not so sure I will ever see that."
"Of course you—"
"I want you to have it now, Kayelyn. It is one of the most valuable things I own."
Kaye looked down at the sapphire again. "I'll keep it safe."
"Here." Kaye's mother took the chain in her hands and turned Kaye around to fasten it to her neck. When the necklace was in place, she looked her daughter over with a small smile. "Beautiful." Do not forget that when you are rolling around in the mud and what not with those Rangers."
"I won't," Kaye promised. She gave her mother one last hug before grabbing up her pack and heading downstairs again. Looking out the east window in the hallway, she could faintly make out a light discolouration in the low sky. It was almost time to go.
Kaye met her father in the common room again. Only this time he greeted her with a "good morning" and a honey-slathered bit of bread for a light breakfast. He'd also packed her proper provisions and a water skin, which Kaye had forgotten about last time. Kaye finished her breakfast and the two of them left.
Kaye reasoned that Halt was most likely staying with Gilan in the Meric Ranger's cottage, just outside the castle and down the road a bit. Kaye had seen it once, but had never had any reason to go there. Now she did with her father. They reached the small cabin with its paddock just as the first door opened and both Rangers strode out, dressed in their grey and green cloaks. Kaye pulled her own cloak around her tighter. It was spring and getting warmer during the days, but the mornings and nights were still rather cold. She could see her breath as she walked. The first rays of the sun were beginning to peak over the trees, casting a pink and purplish hue to the previously dark sky.
Halt and Gilan both spotted them and paused.
"Well, am I to assume you've convinced him, then?" Halt asked.
"Indeed she has," Mr. Harrow replied.
"That's quite good," Gilan commented. "Perhaps she belongs in the Diplomatic Service rather than the Ranger Corps."
"No, she's too stubborn for that," Mr. Harrow said.
Gilan laughed and Halt remained just as serious as ever. That seemed to be common for him. Kaye couldn't remember seeing him smile once the entirety of the evening before. Gilan was good-natured and like to laugh, that much was obvious. But not Halt. The older, grizzled Ranger never portrayed anything but calm, and perhaps a general tedium of the world and an overall severity.
Why can't I get the guy who can take a joke? Kaye wondered. But she couldn't complain. She was getting what she wanted. Do not look a gift-horse in the mouth.
"Well, say your goodbyes then and we'll be on our way." Halt slipped off to the small paddock with Gilan. Kaye could see now that it held the bay mare of Gilan's and a shaggy horse Kaye assumed was Halt's.
Kaye's father turned to her, a bit awkwardly. "Be careful," he urged, "and remember what I asked of you."
"I will," Kaye promised.
Mr. Harrow nodded once before he gave Kaye a light hug. "I expect to hear of you. Go." He released her, nudging her towards Halt who was saddling the shaggy gelding. Kaye watched as he finished tightening the saddle, then walked around to the front of the horse and whispered in its ear. The horse tossed its slightly scraggly, tangled mane (like owner like horse?) as if in reply to what Halt said. Halt patted the horse's nose and turned to Kaye.
"This is Abelard. He is a Ranger horse and the first thing you need to know about Ranger horses is that they are trained to buck a rider off them if he, or she, doesn't have the proper passphrase."
"Will he bite?" Kaye asked.
"If he's protecting himself or me, or I command him to."
"Can I meet him?"
Halt rolled his eyes skyward with a deep sigh. "If you must."
Kaye ignored the Ranger's sarcasm and approached the horse carefully, but confidently. It was smaller than usual, barely larger than a pony. But Kaye noticed its sturdy legs and figured this horse could probably run all day long little worse for the wear. Kaye reached her palm to the horse, allowing him to smell her properly. She didn't see any signs of distress or aggression, so she stepped closer and rested the hand on his nose. Abelard snorted, but didn't bite or shy away. He tossed his head a little, nudging her hand.
Halt watched the proceedings with interest. Abelard liked her. He'd given his dutiful warning, but he'd given no further signs of danger or a threat. Kaye gently rubbed his nose and his ears before giving him one last pat. "He's a good horse," she declared.
Halt nodded as if this were finally news to him. "Glad to know. Now, if I may?" He adjusted Abelard's bridle and checked the other side of the saddle before he seemed satisfied. Then he returned back to the paddock and pulled another horse from the small building. Kaye hadn't seen the third horse earlier. Upon Halt's bringing it out, Kaye recognized it as a pack pony. Halt slung saddlebags over its back and then another of provisions for the trip before he looked to Kaye. He looked down on her (he wasn't a big man, but still taller than Kaye) and nodded towards the bag on her shoulder. "Is that all you have?"
"Yes," Kaye replied.
"Then give it here and let's be on our way." He took the pack from Kaye and lashed it to the pack pony securely. He then tied a lead rope from the pony to Abelard's saddle before swinging up onto the shaggy horse with practised ease. Kaye was about to comment on how she'd "just walk then" when Halt reached an arm down to her. Kaye hesitated.
"Well, come on then," Halt urged. "Unless you'd like to walk to Redmont. It is a fair distance, though."
"I thought you needed a passphrase to ride a Ranger horse," Kaye replied.
"I have the passphrase."
"But I don't."
"You won't need it as long as I'm here. Now come, before I really do make you walk to Redmont."
Kaye wanted to roll her eyes at the Ranger's threat, but decided against it. On second thought, maybe it wasn't so empty. She wouldn't put it by Halt to make her walk. Kaye grasped his proffered forearm and hauled herself up onto the saddle behind Halt.
I should have worn leggings, Kaye thought as she readjusted her skirt. Dresses were not made for riding behind someone.
Halt nudged Abelard into a steady pace and they set off. Kaye took hold of Halt's waist lightly, just enough to keep her on the horse at the pace they rode. The pack pony's lead jerked a bit until the other reluctantly was forced into motion. It picked up Abelard's pace as they left the Ranger's cottage behind. Kaye caught one last glimpse of her father as they rode around a bend in the road.
"Halt?" Kaye asked.
"And the incessant questions begin again," the Ranger commented exasperatedly.
Kaye scoffed. "No need to be rude! I just wanted to know how long it will take to get to Redmont."
"Long enough," Halt replied. "We'll have to make camp along the way."
"So more than a day?"
"Yes, more than a day."
They lapsed into silence; the only sound that of the wind in the trees and the steady rhythms of Abelard's and the pack pony's hooves.
But eventually another question popped into Kaye's mind. She considered asking it, but then thought against it, remembering how Halt had been rude and sarcastic last time.
"What is it?" Halt asked suddenly, as if it were such a great feat.
"What is what?" Kaye asked.
"You were about to ask a question, so what was it?"
"No I wasn't."
Halt sighed, looking back over his shoulder sceptically. "I've had my fair share of apprentices. I know when they are about to annoy me with yet more inquiries."
"But they've all been boys," Kaye retorted. "Girls are different."
"Indeed they are," Halt grumbled. He nudged Abelard into a faster canter. The pack pony tugged on the lead rope before grudgingly picking up its pace as well. They rode a bit farther before Kaye finally chanced her original question.
"What does a Ranger do?"
Halt looked back at her with a knowing expression. Kaye just watched him back expectantly. Finally Halt sighed, shaking his head and muttering something Kaye didn't quite catch. "Rangers are an intelligence force, founded by King Herbert 150 years ago during his reign. Do you understand what that is?"
"Sure," Kaye shrugged. "It's a spy network."
"In its most basic sense. Rangers keep their eyes and ears open. They listen, and report back. It's a bit more effective gathering information and evidence when people don't know you are there."
"So we're spies?"
"No. You are a Ranger's apprentice and I am a Ranger."
"But you just said Rangers gather intelligence. That's a spy."
"Rangers sometimes serve as enforcers of the law and in wartime, Rangers at as special troops, moving behind the enemy's lines and leading special factions."
"It sounds like a spy, but okay. If I'm a Ranger's apprentice, then what do I do?"
"You watch, listen, and maybe even learn. It is especially important that you in particular do the third one. You're the first female ever accepted to the Ranger Corps. All eyes will be on you to succeed, or fail."
"Do you think I'll fail?"
Halt raised his eyes skyward yet again. "And the interrogation continues!"
"You didn't answer my question."
"I would not have accepted you as my apprentice if I did not believe you had the ability to succeed."
Kaye huffed. "You still haven't answered me!"
Halt brought Abelard to such a sudden stop that the pack pony actually tugged forward on the lead before it stopped. Halt turned around in the saddle so that almost his entire torso was facing Kaye.
"You alone will decide whether you will pass or fail. I can only teach you. You must learn. So pay attention." He turned back around and nudged Abelard back into a steady canter. He then proceeded to point out landmarks and direct Kaye in land navigation. He charged her with being able to pinpoint their location on a map the next time they dismounted. Kaye listened and watched carefully and when at last they stopped for a midday break and light meal, Kaye was able to tell where they were exactly on the map.
"Not bad," Halt replied. "Now, based on how far we've travelled, how much longer have we to Redmont?"
Kaye tracked their distance across the map, doing the rough arithmetic in her head.
"I'd say a bit less than two days, if we keep the pace."
"I would say closer to one and a half, since we began slowly this morning. Abelard needed to stretch his legs properly and get used to the added weight. We'll most likely be coming in just in time for supper. Can I assume you know how to cook?"
"My parents own an inn! Of course I know how to cook."
"Good, that leave one less thing I have to teach you." They ate some bread and fruit and got back on Abelard to continue on. By the time they stopped at the end of the day, Kaye's backside hurt from the constant bumping of the saddle.
"I don't think I've ever rode for so long," she commented.
"You'd best get used to it." He pulled down the pack pony's load and let it and Abelard graze, still attached by the lead rope.
"Don't you have to picker them?"
"Abelard won't go anywhere, and he won't let the pack pony get far either." He handed Kaye a pot. "Go find water."
Kaye looked at the pot and back to Halt. "But where do I—"
"You have eyes and ears. Look and listen."
Kaye paused, turning her head to the side to listen. She heard the wind in the trees, the soft chewing of the horses, and a light trickling sound that must've been the stream Halt meant. Kaye headed off in that direction, taking care to be quiet so she could still hear the water. The sound got louder and louder until Kaye finally stumbled upon its source. It was a small, fresh-water stream, the water relatively clear and fast-moving, nothing stagnant. Stagnant water bred disease and parasites, or so her mother claimed. Kaye filled the pot and retraced her path back to the camp. Halt had brought out two ceramic bowls and spoons and had gathered a bit of wood for the fire he was nursing to life.
"Set the pot down. We need to gather more fire wood." He leaned down and blew gently on the smouldering twigs. Kaye set the pot of water by the provisions bag and journeyed back into the trees (away from the main road) in search of dry wood that could be used as fuel. She also gathered a few smaller sticks as more kindling until her arms were entirely full. Returning to camp, she found Halt had gotten a decent size fire going. Kaye set the wood down and moved to sit.
"I do believe we will need to brush down the horses," Halt commented. "There should be a brush in the pack," he gestured to the bags on the ground. Kaye sighed and got up again, searching through and finding the brush. She then walked over to the pack pony first and began grooming him. His coat was dusty from the road. Kaye gave him a good brushing, which he seemed to appreciate, before moving to Abelard. But Halt's voice called back over the space.
"Leave Abelard. I will take care of him. Supper needs preparing."
Kaye shrugged and walked back to the fire which was now quite strong and steady. She set the pot of water to boil, then began rummaging through Halt's provisions pack. She found some dried meat as well as a packet of spices. Her own pack yielded some carrots (it must've been her mother's doing; she always tried to force Kaye to eat more vegetables). The combination would make a decent stew. As the water boiled, Kaye chopped up the ingredients and sampled the spices to get an idea for how much she would need to use. Immediately she spit out the potent blend. Not much! she declared.
Halt returned with Abelard's saddle just as the stew was simmering. He checked it and raised an eyebrow at her. "Carrots?"
"My mother packed them. I figured I'd use them before they rotted."
Halt shrugged. He sat down as well near the fire. His cloak blended into the night to the point that his face appeared to hover in mid-air. The effect was unnerving and drew Kaye's mind to the rumours of Rangers that circulated among the common people of Araluen. Rangers were sorcerers who practised black magic. They could disappear right in front of your eyes.
Right, sorcerers, Kaye thought.
When the stew was ready, Kaye ladled some into Halt's bowl and some into the second for herself. The stew wasn't bad. It wasn't Kaye's best work, but for what she had to work with, it was well enough. It was hot as the temperature dropped for the night. Kaye cupped her plain ceramic-ware and pulled her cloak tighter around her shoulders as she huddled closer to the fire.
Something warm and heavy dropped over her shoulders. Kaye reached up and found a thick blanket draped over her shoulders now as Halt settled once more.
"Thank you," Kaye said to him as she began to feel comfortable again. "But don't you need this?" Kaye noticed that the upper blanket of Halt's bedroll was gone now.
"I have my cloak," he replied gruffly.
It was as he spoke that Kaye heard a stronger accent in his words. Halt had always sounded a little funny to her, but Kaye had never really placed the tint to his words.
"Halt?" she asked tentatively.
"Yes, Kaye?" Halt replied, his tone possessing some sarcasm. Kaye ignored it, though. It was obvious Halt was just a generally abrasive person when it came to answering questions.
"Where are you from?"
"I live at the Ranger's cottage, in Redmont fief."
But Kaye shook her head. "That's not what I meant. I can hear your accent. You weren't born in Araluen, were you?"
"No," Halt sighed, his gaze dropping to the fire as he added another log.
"Where were you born?" Kaye pressed.
"In a small village, in Hibernia," Halt answered.
"Do you ever visit?"
"No."
"Why not? Do you still have family there?" Kaye wasn't sure why she asked these last two questions, but immediately she regretted it as she watched Halt's expression harden.
"Because I am too busy answering apprentices' stupid questions!" Halt retorted. He got up and stooped to pick up Abelard's brush yet again. "Finish your supper then get to bed. We're waking up before dawn again to get an early start. I want to be back in Redmont fief by tomorrow night."
He then stomped away. Well, actually it was the Ranger's equivalent to stomping in which it looked like stomping, but there was still no accompanying noise. Kaye figured she'd better do as she was told before Halt changed his mind and returned.
Way to go, Kaye. Getting your master angry with you for asking personal questions on the first day! Kaye finished her super, and then took hers and Halt's empty bowl and the cooking pot down to the stream. She washed them out until no evidence of that night's meal remained then brought them back to the camp. Halt was still out with Abelard, apparently brushing him again. Kaye put the bowls and pot away, and then banked the fire a bit before unrolling a blanket of her own for sleeping. Kaye was about to use the blanket Halt lent her when she decided that maybe it was a good idea to give it back instead, as an apologizing gesture. She folded it up neatly and set it on Halt's blanket before going back to her pack. She pulled on a longer shirt as a means for keeping warmer, then curled her feet under her skirt and cloak as she lay down on the blanket and closed her eyes. The combination of the few hours she'd gotten the night before and the full day of riding meant it didn't take long for Kaye to fall asleep, even on the cold, hard ground.
When Kaye awoke, she found the blanket draped over her once more. It was still dark, though steadily getting lighter in the east. She looked over to see that Halt was already up and heating up water to soften oats for breakfast. Abelard and the pack pony were nearby and it seemed like almost everything was already packed.
Kaye rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she sat up and stretched languidly. Without prompting, Kaye began to repack her own things until her pack also awaited their departure with the others.
Halt put some dried oats and fruit in a bowl and then added some of the hot water, handing it to her before claiming his own breakfast.
"Thank you," Kaye said, taking the warm bowl. She mixed the concoction and tasted it, finding it to be quite good! The fruit made the oats sweeter and it warmed her up quickly. They ate breakfast and then broke camp. Halt lashed the bags to the pack pony and saddled Abelard once more as Kaye scattered the remains of their cooking fire. Once done, she was hauled back up on Abelard behind Halt and they set off again at the steady canter.
"I want you to do the same thing we did yesterday today," Halt told her. "I want to know when we pass into Redmont fief." He then handed Kaye the folded map and nudged Abelard a little faster.
Around the midday, they paused and Kaye checked their progress against the map. They were making faster time than she'd expected yesterday, but that was no surprise. Halt had told her they would the day before. Kaye traced their path to the stream they would ford, passing into Redmont fief at last. Their journey was almost over.
"How long?" Halt asked her.
"A few hours, two or three."
Halt seemed satisfied by her answer, though he didn't reply to it. They ate midday in silence, the only sounds their own chewing and the horses' grazing nearby.
Then Kaye spoke up. "Halt?"
Halt looked upwards as seemed to be a common reaction to when Kaye asked a question. "Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
He turned to look at her inquisitively. "For what?"
"Obviously talking about...your home...bothers you and I'm sorry for pushing and bringing it up."
Halt seemed even more surprised. He only nodded, acknowledging her apology.
Then continued on and when they found the stream, Kaye proudly announced that they'd passed into Redmont. Halt nodded, agreeing with her. Then by supper time, Castle Redmont came well into view.
Castle Redmont was different than Castle Meric. It had only three walls and a tower at each corner with a central keep. The castle lived up to the fief's name as it appeared red in the sunset.
"Why is it red like that?" Kaye asked Halt.
"Because Redmont Castle is made from ironstone. It is particularly strong and it looks red in the sunrise and sunset. Hence the name."
"Where is your cottage?" she asked.
Halt nodded towards the forest outside the castle walls. "Just at the edge of the trees. But we are going to check in with Baron Arald first."
"But I thought Rangers didn't report to the fief baron."
"We don't," Halt answered. "But I have a good relationship with Baron Arald, so I do it out of courtesy." He nudged Abelard towards the hill up the castle road. They passed through the gates, Halt nodding towards the men-at-arms who guarded it. Judging by their alertness and the presence of other guards around the walls, Castle Redmont was larger and much more important than Meric fief. Meric wasn't lackadaisical about training their knights and fighting men, but they weren't one of the larger fiefs so they tended to have less knights and men-at-arms.
Halt and Kaye dismounted and handed Abelard and the pack pony to the grooms that came out to tend to them. Halt greeted one of the grooms who nodded back to him, but look curiously at Kaye. He cocked an eyebrow in her direction to Halt. Halt shook his head in reply and turned towards the centre tower keep. Kaye paused, unsure whether she should stay with the horses or follow Halt. She didn't think Baron Arald would care to see her.
"What are you waiting for? Come on," Halt bid gruffly. Kaye gave Abelard one pat on the neck before hurrying to catch up to Halt. He nodded to the guard before going in. They climbed the stairs around the perimeter of the keep tower, bypassing guards, servants, and administrative assistants. Kaye found herself straightening her skirt and dusting off her blouse as she walked, a habit she remembered her mother doing.
"Stop that," Halt ordered her fidgeting. They apparently arrived at the proper level as Halt stepped off the stairs and walked lightly down the hall, his feet making no noise, his Ranger cloak billowing behind him. Kaye hurried to keep up with his swift pace. Again Halt nodded to the guards outside the door, who didn't move to stop him, and passed inside. Kaye followed, not wishing to be growled at again for hanging back.
Inside was an office, and it was occupied by a larger, bulky man with black and greying hair, cropped short, who wore clothing suitable for a noble but not overly flamboyant at all. With him was a tall, willowy woman with grey hair and a graceful, elegant carriage. She wore a white gown with the laurel of the Diplomatic Services pinned to her cloak. Both turned to look at her and Halt when they walked in.
"Halt, you've returned," the man said. Kaye was fairly certain he was Baron Arald.
"With an addition," the lady commented wryly.
"Yes," Halt replied. "This is Kaye Harrow. She is my new apprentice."
Baron Arald grinned. "Feeling a bit lonely without Will, Halt?"
"Crowley's orders," Halt answered. "And Gilan did a bit of convincing."
"Crowley?" the lady repeated. "Really? So the Rangers are finally allowing females?"
"Yes," Halt replied simply.
"Kaye, welcome," the Baron said, drawing attention to her. "I am Baron Arald, Baron of Redmont fief. And this is Lady Pauline, the head of Redmont's Diplomatic Services," he gestured to the lady.
"A pleasure to meet you, my lord," Kaye replied, curtseying politely. She turned to Lady Pauline and gave her the same respect.
"My goodness, Halt, she may be more polite than Will!" Baron Arald commented.
"Where are you from, Kaye?" Lady Pauline asked.
"Meric fief, my lady. My parents are inn-keepers there."
"There is no need for that sort of formality right now, Kaye," Lady Pauline corrected. Kaye nodded her understanding.
"Well, can we assume you will be sticking around for a while with a new apprentice to train?" Baron Arald asked.
"Yes. At least until the Gathering."
"Excellent. Well I daresay you will be busy."
"Does she have any other clothes, Halt?" Lady Pauline asked abruptly.
"How am I supposed to know?" He looked to Kaye. "Do you?"
"I have other dresses and skirts in my bag," Kaye answered.
"Well that won't do if you are to become a Ranger. Honestly, I am curious as to how Halt expected you to run, climb, ride, and fight in a skirt!"
"It hasn't stopped me yet. The climbing, of course, ma'am," Kaye clarified.
"But it may hinder you in the future." Lady Pauline addressed Halt, "I will take her for proper clothing if you are uncomfortable with the task." Did Kaye detect a hint of teasing in Lady Pauline's tone? But so far she had been nothing but respectful, yet confident.
"Go then, I suppose," Halt grumbled. Kaye thought she might've heard something about "women" after that, but she couldn't be sure.
"Tomorrow morning then?" Lady Pauline suggested.
Halt just nodded once, somewhat grudgingly.
"Excellent," Baron Arald cut in. "Well then, if you have no further need of me, there are some crop reports that require my attention."
"Of course, my lord," Lady Pauline replied. She and Halt, followed by Kaye, bowed (or curtseyed on the women's parts) and left Baron Arald to his paperwork.
"I look forward to meeting you tomorrow, Kaye," Lady Pauline said before she nodded to both Kaye and Halt and departed. Kaye watched her go, slightly in awe of the graceful, polite, regal woman. So she had to hurry after Halt when she finally looked away and found he'd begun his path back down already.
"Halt? Where are we going now?" she asked when she had moved just behind him.
"My cottage," Halt replied. They left the keep tower and fetched Abelard and the pack pony from the grooms before setting out yet again. But this time their ride was fairly short. They left the castle and town behind, riding towards the trees. Before long, Kaye spotted a simple cottage nestled just at the edge of the trees, accompanied by a small stable for Abelard. As they rode closer, Kaye determined that Halt's cottage was in all likelihood smaller than Gilan's in Meric fief, despite the fact that Redmont was bigger, richer, and more important. Halt's cottage was a simple structure with a veranda where there sat just one chair and a barrel just outside the door.
Halt turned Abelard and the pony towards the small barn and paddock by the cottage. When they arrived, both riders dismounted and they tended the horses. Halt directed Kaye in caring for the pack pony while he tended Abelard. Only once both were cared for did Halt and Kaye grab the luggage and walk back to the cabin. The door squeaked horribly on it hinges as it opened and the two of them entered the cottage.
Inside, Kaye was surprised at how clean everything was. Pots shone in the kitchen on their hooks, the table was scrubbed clean, the floor was well swept, and Kaye doubted there was a single mite of dust in the rug. It looked as if someone had been in cleaning. The only sign that the house's owner had been away recently was an empty glass on the mantle that looked as if it might hold a bouquet of flowers.
But surely not, Kaye insisted. She didn't see Halt as the type of person to keep flowers around the house. The central room had a kitchen area and a living area, divided by a wooden bench. The living area held a grouping of comfortable chairs around the fireplace, which had been swept out and scrubbed clean like everything else. Leading off from the main room was two smaller ones. Halt disappeared through the first door and came back without his pack. He pointed to the other one. "That one is yours."
Kaye set the provisions pack in the kitchen and then opened the second door Halt had gestured to, going through. The space was small, but it looked like whoever had done the cleaning in the main room hadn't skimped in here. The space was rather cosy. There was a small bed against the wall and a wardrobe. A table sat across the room holding a washbasin and jug and another empty glass. Maybe Halt did keep flowers in the cottage!
Kaye began to unpack, setting her things around the room and her clothing in the wardrobe. She took her time until everything was in a proper place before returning to the main room.
Halt was sorting through the remainder of the provisions when Kaye returned to the main room. He looked up at her, cocking an eyebrow.
"It took you long enough."
Kaye shrugged. "I was putting my things away."
"We desperately need water and firewood. The bucket is there. Get water from the river, enough to fill the barrel outside. Then the axe is in the lean-to and firewood is in the yard behind the cabin."
Kaye looked from Halt outside to where the sun was almost set. "But it's dark out!"
"We need both and you don't have to go far. I suggest you work quickly."
"I'm not your servant!"
"No, you are my apprentice," Halt retorted. "And you will do as you are told or I will have no problem persuading you, and you will not like my means of persuasion, I guarantee."
Kaye was prepared to argue some more, but Halt was giving her that look, the look that said "I dare you to test me". She glared at Halt who simply watched her. It was a battle of wills and in the end Kaye huffed and grabbed the bucket, stomping out the door for the river.
Over thirty trips to the river later (when the moon was rising steadily over her head) Kaye finally filled the barrel. She walked inside and hung the bucket back up, prepared to return to her room and sulk. Halt was sitting in the living room area, a stack of papers next to his chair, reading and sipping a cup of something hot. Kaye's hands were cold and raw from the water and the bucket handle. She wouldn't have minded a hot meal just then.
"Did you finish everything?" Halt asked. Kaye growled as she was reminded the cabin still needed firewood. It was getting late and Kaye hadn't had anything to eat since midday. At least at the inn they had gotten a short break for their own supper. The grumbling in her stomach was becoming irritating as she fumed out back with an axe and logs of wood. She threw all her strength behind each blow until she could swing no more. By then she was breathing heavily and her arms ached, but her temper was released and she had a good stack of wood. She gathered up enough to bring inside for the fireplace and the kitchen stove and then stacked the rest outside.
Stepping inside, Kaye's stomach gave an extra loud rumble as the smell of hot food hit her nose. Halt was at the stove, frying some sort of meat in a pan. She figured it was probably beef. As she watched, he transferred the contents to a pot and stirred.
Kaye simply stood there, though she desperately wanted to sit. But she thought it would be worse to sit and then have to get back up for more chores than to just stand there on her tired legs.
Halt turned and his eyes went from Kaye to the two replenished stacks of logs. He nodded. "Not bad. I am cooking supper tonight, but it will be your job in the future."
"Is there anything that won't be my job?" Kaye muttered.
"Teaching," Halt replied, though she'd barely spoken loud enough for her own ears. How could Halt have been able to hear her across the room? He's a Ranger, Kaye answered.
"Do you drink coffee?" Halt asked, turning back to the stove where the kettle sat.
"No," Kaye replied.
"Well, you'll start." He poured a hot cup of coffee. "Honey is in the cupboard, milk is in the cold box," he directed.
Kaye had had coffee before, but she hadn't liked the bitter taste. Her mother had offered her milk and honey to make it less potent, but Kaye still hadn't liked it. Now, though, she simply welcomed the warmth. The temperature had dropped quickly after the sun. Minds well give it another try, Kaye thought. She added milk and plenty of honey before trying the concoction again. It still tasted awfully, but it warmed her from the inside so she grimaced at the taste but kept drinking.
When the contents of the pot were ready, they sat down to eat. It was another stew, though this one was more of a proper stew than the one Kaye had cooked the night before with the travel provisions. After eating, Kaye was made to clean out the pot, pan, and the eating dishes in the river. She had to scour the pot multiple times before it was up to Halt's standards. When she finally was allowed to go to bed, she was more tired than she'd ever been after a busy night at the inn. The last two days felt like a month to her. Kaye only bothered to kick off her shoes before she collapsed onto the small bed, eyes closed before her head even hit the soft pillow.
