I do not own Ranger's Apprentice. How sad... Well I hope everyone enjoys the story!
Several hours later Halt and Sir David were finishing up supper in the Great Hall. Gilan had returned to his own quarters minutes ago. Sir David and Halt stood and walked toward the entrance of Caraway Battleschool. The two men shook hands.
"It was good to see you again, Halt," Sir David said.
"I'll be back soon. But..." Halt trailed off.
"Yes Halt?" Sir David prompted.
Halt looked into Sir David's brown eyes. "I have a feeling that your son might have other plans," he replied simply.
"Plans? What plans Halt?"
Halt looked away and up the marble steps as if he expected to see someone there. Sir David turned around. No one was there. The two men turned around. Halt took a deep breath and finally spoke.
"Gilan might follow me into the forest tonight. Will I have to return the boy?" Halt asked.
Sir David sighed. He knew what Halt was telling him. And Halt was always right. Gilan was going to follow Halt into the forest to see what it's like to be a Ranger. Gilan had always been fascinated by the mysterious group of people. Sir David hoped Halt wouldn't hurt Gilan too badly...
"I feared this might happen," he mused. "I-I give my permission, Halt. Take care of my boy. Don't scare him to badly when he attempts to sneak up on you," he finished.
"I promise, David," Halt promised.
David noted that Halt did not address him as "Sir". But, he just nodded and turned up the marble steps. He paused for a moment to stare at his son's quarters done the hall. Gilan would never stay there again, he realized. He then turned around to look at Halt, but the grizzled Ranger was no where to be seen.
"Typical," David muttered. He then opened the wooden door that led to his own quarters and disappeared.
Halt walked to the Caraway stables and tacked up Abelard. He mounted the small, shaggy horse and took off into the forest. He took one final looked at Caraway Battleschool and then disappeared into the forest.
Back at the stables, Gilan was tacking his own horse. But, he stopped himself as he tightened the girth. He knew Halt would here him coming on a horse, but if he walked...
Without another thought, he ran out of the stables and into the forest.
Inside the forest, Halt slowed Abelard to a walk when they came to small clearing. He listened for the sound of approaching footsteps. Sure enough, moments later the sound of Gilan's approaching footsteps could be heard.
Halt dismounted and walked toward the nearby stream. He gave Abelard the "quiet signal". He pulled out his water pouch and filled it to capacity. He even started humming a popular folk song.
Gilan never saw what hit him. The last thing he remembered was sneaking into the clearing and up behind Halt. But, Halt swung around and knocked Gilan off his feet. He then picked Gilan up by the scruff of his collar and through him into the stream. He then pulled out his saxe knife and held it against his throat.
"Um... hello Halt."
"Thought you might try something like this," said the Ranger in a low voice.
A/N: Did you like the chapter? I promise to have more up as sooooooon as possible. In the meantimes, PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!
