Thank you all for all of the support! It very much inspired me! Here's the next chapter. Also, the reason I killed Tug will be found out in the next chapter. Enjoy!


The next few nights were the roughest for Will. He doesn't most of his time in the stable, grooming Abelard till he shone, and making sure that the tack and stable were spotless. Halt didn't try to make the broken apprentice practice or clean the cabin. Right now he was more worried about if he would survive. He early came in, and if it wasn't that Halt brought him food, water, and coffee, the boy would have starved.

Then about six days later, Will was no where to be found. This put Halt in panic mode. As it turned out, Will was merely trying to find Tug, through tears and pain. It more than clear to see that Will's mind was not working correctly at that moment. When Halt found the boy, Will cried, embarrassed with his actions. His mentor though was glad he would at least have something to do with him.

The next morning Halt found the cabin cleaned to perfection. Breakfast was ready and coffee was on. He saw his apprentice, in the stable, once again grooming Abelard.

"Will," Halt said softly, as he knew the boy was going to hate his next words. "You need to stop."

Will didn't look up. "Stop what? Doing chores? Since when don't you want me to do my chores?"

He sounded silently insane and almost dangerous. If Halt didn't know better, he would've thoughten that the boy was about to kill someone. He could now clearly see the crazed look in the apprentice's eyes, and knew it would be wise to proceed with caution.

"You know what I'm talking about. You need to leave the stable. You're going to hurt yourself."

"What would it matter? I'm already hurt! It's not like anyone cares. I'm useless, don't you know? Useless. Yes, that's what I am. Useless." Will said, vengeance clear in his voice.

Suddenly that word sounded perfect for him. Useless. He wasn't able to save his horse. Why try anymore? Why? Halt would surely not care if he just vanished. One less person to worry about. A crazed smile crossed his face as he turned to go put up the curry comb he'd been using.

Will grin became even bigger as he spoke. "But then again, I am a lowly apprentice. Who am I to argue with my mentor?" with that he walked away.

Halt blinked at what he had just witnessed. That was a first. Since when did Will do as he was told? And in his state of mind? Something was very wrong here. He walked as his apprentice walked to the cabin. He wasn't sure whether to be glad or suspicious or the smile Will was wearing. He hadn't smiled once since Tug had died. And as the door to the cabin slammed closed, Halt made a mental note to watch the boy very closely.


Thanks for reading! Reviews are greatly appreciated! See ya next time!