This takes place right after the second chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own The Ranger's Apprentice Series.
Tug had a hard time getting to sleep that night. His mind was too busy thinking about Will. His attempts at getting to sleep were made even harder when the young man came into the barn that night and lay down on the floor. Tug could tell that Will was having just as much trouble getting to sleep as he was. Perhaps he was thinking along the same lines as Tug. It wasn't until much later that night that Tug finally managed to fall asleep.
The following morning, Tug found himself being led to small enclosure not by Old Bob, but by Will. Tug watched the young man as he talked back and forth with his older companion. Tug was looking forward to today. He was hoping that it would be even more fun than yesterday. To his delight, his wish was granted.
As Will pulled on his halter, Tug refused to move. He braced his forelegs and remained firmly in place. He began to enjoy himself as Will continued to try and get him to move. Silently, Tug laughed to himself. The silly man just didn't understand that he didn't need to be pulled along on a rope in order to get him to move. When the man finally realized this, he allowed himself to be led around by the rope.
He trotted happily behind Will until he realized where they were headed. The man was leading him towards the fence where he could clearly see a saddle waiting. Tug's reins were looped around the fence rail and the saddle was placed on him. He could tell that Will was eager to ride him, but Tug wasn't. He mentally sighed as the young man swung himself into his saddle.
Tug refused to move when Will drummed his feet into his sides. It wasn't that he didn't want to. It was that he had to listen to his training. He had been taught by Old Bob to not let anyone ride him unless they had said a special phrase, and Will had not spoken the special phrase. That left only one course of action for Tug.
Tug allowed a small tremor to go throughout his body. Then, he arched his back and shot straight into the air. All four of his feet left the ground at the same time. He twisted his body to the side and then came down on his front legs while he kicked out with his back legs. Tug felt only a little guilty when he saw Will come flying over his ears while doing a somersault. As Will picked himself up off the ground, Tug chose to stand in place and watch the young man.
Tug could hear Old Bob laughing in the background. Not being able to help himself, Tug allowed an amused whinny to escape his lips. Will's older friend came to stand beside him. The older man handed his bridle back to Will and began to talk to him. Tug chose to ignore most of the conversation. Instead, he chose to think about the barrel of apples on the ground.
He was somewhat surprised when Will leaned towards him and whispered into his ear, "Do you mind?" Tug whinnied in response to the request. Now he and the young man could go for a proper ride and enjoy themselves. This time Tug began to walk when Will asked him to. Tug enjoyed their walk around the paddock, but he wanted to do more than just walk. That's why when Will turned him towards the paddock gate he became extremely excited. When the man lightly tapped his feet against his sides, Tug broke into a gallop.
For Tug, the ride was amazing. The man sitting on his back was a decent rider. Will allowed him to go as fast as he could possibly go. He was even able to leap over a fallen log that was lying in his and Will's path. Needless to say, Tug was a little disappointed when the ride came to an end. His spirits were lifted however when Will produced an apple for him.
That afternoon, Tug was led away from Old Bob's home. Tug found that he didn't really mind. He was looking forward to getting to know the young man seated on his back. He had a feeling that he and Will would be having many adventures together, and Tug was looking forward to that.
Please tell me what you thought of this second chapter. Also, would you like me to write any more?