Will's cabin felt all too familiar as Alyss laid on her back staring at the ceiling. Will was out getting some more coffee and general household supplies as Alyss twiddled her thumbs. She had insisted on getting a couple pairs of clothes brought down, including a few extra pairs of her diplomatic uniform—one that she currently wore. Although it may seem odd to many why she wore it as a casual and uniform dress, it was mainly because of how comfortable the wear actually was; that and she never knew when she would be needed for a job as a courier.
Alyss still wore her leg brace knowing if she didn't her leg would never heal properly. Although the hardened brown leather was uncomfortable as it kept her leg indefinitely extended. The feeling of inability it brought with it wasn't uplifting to her spirits either as she lay on her back, waiting for something interesting to happen.
Alyss lay on a mattress that Will had laid out in the main room of his cabin. It was comfortable; not too hard whilst not letting Alyss sink through to the floor. Normally, she would have preferred to stay in her personal room at Redmont but to be honest, Alyss was enjoying her time here with Will. Although Will had to constantly make her sit back down as she wanted to get back to work.
Alyss never got off very lightly from her attempt to shake off her injury. She may love her work, but she loved Will more; he convinced her to take at least three days off to allow the swelling to go down. She wasn't angry at him for the lesson he'd given to her the first day before—Alyss knows she needed it.
The lesson that Will gave her three days ago hit her hard—metaphorically and physically. She remembered how her rump ached from after landing, off the horse and off his floorboards. Alyss was a proud woman but still had the decency to tell him he was right; that she was being blind to how her injury limited her work. The men-at-arms also stayed nearby at her beck and call, being paid even though they were allowed to lounge about. That is until Will put them to work with menial chores the ranger would usually do himself.
They'd been through their fair share of injuries and knew the experience that comes with pain. Will's lesson taught her more than just what he had intended, or at least she thought it was all he intended, but she realized how much she couldn't do. She could barely ride a horse, definitely not in a forest. She couldn't sit in a cramped desk in the castle like usual, walking was almost impossible for her without her crutch. The pain, she hated the pain most. She knew that to Will, he'd barely feel it but to her, it is the most painful thing she's experienced in her life other than one or two bad monthly cramps. She grinned knowing Will would never feel the pain of that. Her heart sank again as she realized he'd probably shrug those off too.
Alyss ground her teeth together for a moment—creating a similar sound her knee did when pain flashed from it. She clenched her teeth determinedly and spoke aloud to herself, "If he can get stabbed and still kill three men, I can walk a little. "
Alyss motioned to get up, starting to swing her right leg off of the soft mattress. Without a precurse of anything like footsteps, the door latch opened and she hastily swung her leg back—which she instantly regretted trying to get up. The door swung open with a screech from the unoiled hinges. A small figure with a molten cloak stepped forward while holding a leather satchel close against his hip. Alyss immediately recognized Will and knew that he had his hood up. She prayed that he didn't notice the sharp movement of her getting back onto the mattress as she tried to hide the fact that she'd attempted to get onto her injured leg.
She watched Will step in and close the door behind him as he carried a leather satchel with him. He'd gone out to buy a few supplies for them.
"Trying to go somewhere?" Will's voice cut through the silence in the air like a knife through butter as he strode towards the cupboards on the opposite wall.
Alyss spoke after leaning back with a heavy sigh, "how'd you know?" Will didn't respond but simply looked at her with a raised eyebrow as she acquiesced and stared at the ceiling again. Alyss was going to make a snappy response about wanting to get up and out into Redmont again, but bit her tongue before any ill-fated words slipped out; she didn't want to worry him, for after he taught her that she had limitations, he completely changed.
Will had taken his own mattress and given it to her. He simply had his bedroll on the ground, stating he preferred it anyway. He was always awake before her and awake when she went to sleep. Alyss had no way of knowing if he slept at all. She also wondered if he hated caring for her. Will was the one that had convinced her to stay with him and she didn't know if he regretted it or not. She knew it was a lot of work and that she wasn't able to help him much.
Alyss watched as he went about cleaning his cabin, it was tedious but it was oddly satisfying for her to see her husband cleaning. Guiltily, she realized that she'd never actually helped him clean his cabin. She looked down and rested her head. Will has been the best husband she could ask for, especially these last three days. He made delicious food for her, one of the meals she was convinced he had gone all the way to Jenny's to pick up. He still maintained all his own chores and helped her with anything she had to do. Will let her rest her leg, it was a miracle if he ever let her get up. She shifted her body to make herself more comfortable and as she felt the pain in her leg she realized why.
Alyss let out a sigh of gratitude, unaware that Will heard her perfectly. She was amazed at how efficient he was in his life. She had a nagging feeling that she was intruding on his manners but as she watched him pour her a coffee without asking as he added the right amount of sugar and cream, she decided that it didn't matter—she was having the time of her life believe it or not. Will even added a sprinkle of something else, she knew he'd never tell her—it was his little secret. It was probably something to give it a little bit of extra flavour, one that Alyss couldn't immediately place. She smiled, unable to contain it. He was doing everything for her, without her even having to ask. When she thought she was going to enjoy this, this isn't what she imagined. Nonetheless, she loved it, the amount of care he showed her made her feel like Cassandra herself. All the while with a smile on his face whenever she thanked him or smiled her gratitude. She pondered about if he secretly liked taking care of her.
In fact, Will was able to revel in his care for Alyss. She was here with him 24/7 while beforehand it was rare for them to have one full day together. With other people, he always felt their stares pierce through him but as he poured Alyss a coffee he felt her gaze, and it was warming. He had always dreamed of a time where he would be taking care of her, to have her sink into his arms gratefully at his mere presence. He had always wanted a chance to show her how much he really loved her and when it came around, he'd leapt at the opportunity. He smiled widely as the warm sensation reached his heart. He knew it was killing Alyss to stay out of work for so long. He looked back and saw her smiling widely at him too, with the same smile in her green eyes. He stirred their coffees and decided that she was enjoying herself almost as much as he was.
There wasn't any harm in Alyss taking a rest. In fact, it probably saved her life; in her three days, Will had found out about how her wound could be easily infected. He knew the reputation of the doctor she saw—he wasn't a Malcolm. Her guards had told him because they knew how he would care for her. Since then he had begun to add a mixture of herbs to her coffee, a drink that he had slowly gotten her addicted to over the years—albeit she hated having honey in it. The herbs he added made sure any wound she had would barely get infected and kept any fever or sickness away. It was also a painkiller, and he knew how she couldn't handle much pain yet. Eventually, as a Courier, she would endure some, but no one ever tortured a Courier. Yet everyone tortured a Ranger whenever possible. He shook his head and looked at her coffee, it was probably an unnecessary precaution, but he did it anyway. Even if he did have to dip into his savings a little bit, it was worth it for her. When she had asked what it was, he told her it was a secret blend her put in their coffees. He thought she'd see through it immediately since it didn't change the flavour of the coffee at all; but in telling her, she convinced herself that the taste did change. He was surprised, usually, she couldn't be manipulated so easily.
However, even though they both loved each others company, Alyss itched to get on the road. She wanted to check back in at Redmont with Baron Arald. Will submitted, knowing it was tearing her apart not knowing what was happening in the political world.
On the fourth day, Will rode with her to Redmont. And for the first time in years, he chose not to ride Tug. Instead, he chose to ride on Alyss's horse that she had fallen off of earlier. Will had no problem controlling the large bay, while it would have been a struggle for Alyss. Tug made the ride wonderful for her. Ranger horses were trained to protect their masters. They knew a multitude of tricks, one of which Will had named "easy riding". It was a simple movement variation for Tug, the horse having to stretch his movements and slow them down. The motions caused a smooth undulating motion instead of the constant rocking back and forth that could prove painful to an injured rider. Every Ranger horse knew this and would instinctively start riding like this when their rider is injured to avoid causing more harm. Tug could also be told by Will to move like this for anyone who so happened to be riding him at the time. As Alyss had mounted him earlier in a slow suspicious way, Will had looked at Tug intently until he was ready for a command. He'd given Alyss the code-word for Tug when they'd gotten married, and she knew how much that meant to him. Looking back at that moment earlier today, Will was amazed at how skeptical she had looked getting on Tug, expecting the ride to be agonizing and had wanted to ride her own horse out of instinct. She was scared of the pain and wanted familiarity—Will knew the feeling. But as they neared the drawbridge for Redmont in their slow gait, he looked at Alyss. She had her eyes closed as she was huddled forward over the pommel and her arms wrapped around Tugs neck in a meaningful hug. Tug shot a glance at Will as he looked.
Will scoffed at the look saying, "Yeah yeah, but remember I'm the one married to her."
Alyss barely heard him, she was being slowly lulled to sleep but the gentle rocking motion, she didn't feel any pain on her leg as it hung freely out of the stirrup. She could have had the other one hanging out too and have no worries of falling off of Tug. She didn't notice the beautiful sunlight as the clouds parted and reformed continuously above them. There was barely even a breeze as Will, Alyss and her company of guards made there way towards Redmont castle. The battle-school was in sight, but too far to be able to hear the clashing of wooden swords on wooden dummies. Although the sounds of the nearby village could be heard easily as farmers and other lower Craftsman and their families made their daily commute.
The sound of their horseshoes making contact with the wood of the drawbridge brought Alyss down to earth. She shot her eyes open but kept her relaxed grip around Tugs neck. She felt all too comfortable and was worried to move—in case she ruined the divine feeling. She watched the ground change back to a stone path as they crossed the drawbridge. Will looked at her amused, telling himself not to let her ride Tug too often or he'd be out of a horse.
Redmont castle was as beautiful as always as they crossed beneath the battlements. The spiked gate that could be lowered at a moment's notice stood motionless above them as the familiar look of stone walls came into closer detail. Will could see a large tree in the courtyard that he had fond memories of climbing while he was a ward. Hissed gaze drifted lazily around until his eyes came to rest on the keep tower as the sounds of metal boots continued to ring on the stone ramparts above them. Will remembered climbing the tower to read a letter that Halt had given Baron Arald so many years ago. It felt like an eternity as they continued towards the large, double wooden doors that served as the keep doorway.
They arrived at the keep door just in time for Arald to walk out with arms spread wide open in greeting.
"Ho there Will Treaty!" Arald had always loved to announce Wills presence. He did it whenever possible to anyone that would listen. Many of the eyes that guarded the castle looked over in interest—everyone loved Will; he was more legendary than Halt was nowadays. Will simply gave a curt nod and waved at them and looked back at Arald.
Their eyes met and Will spoke with the usual amount of sarcasm, "Your diplomat just couldn't stay away from work."
Arald let out a soft-hearted chuckle, "She's married to the job, not you." Will let himself laugh at the joke—it wasn't as bad as usual. Arald's expression changed to confusion as he looked around.
"Where in the blazes is she?" Will jumped and back peddled his horse a little bit to reveal Tug who was easily hidden behind the larger horse. Will wasn't used to this height difference, it made him uncomfortable.
The Baron stepped forward peering curiously at the figure on Tug. The horse nickered a greeting at him. He pat Tug's muzzle as he took note of Alyss's golden hair, white Courier uniform and tall slender body. However, he couldn't believe this was her, she always had an air of confidence, yet here she was hugging a horse—Will's horse. Arald looked up at Will confused. Alyss noticed a silence and turned her head onto the other side of Tugs neck. She made eye contact with Arald and he froze instantly, it was her but she smiling but it somehow felt out of character. He tilted his head when he realized it was a genuine smile, usually, she just had one for a facade.
She spoke as if in a trance, "have you ever ridden this horse?!"
"No, but now you make me want to!"
Of course, Arald would never be able to ride Tug. Will would die with the code word before he ever told anyone else other than his own apprentice one day. It made Will glow on the inside that he had made Alyss's ride as comfortable as he could but it was now over as she slowly dismounted, taking precaution towards her injured leg. A couple servants came out to help her as she unclipped a couple bags from Tug's saddle and turned towards the keep doorway as Arald motioned for her guards to do likewise.
She was led inside with her men-at-arms and a few servants. Of course, she had to use her crutch otherwise she would have too much weight on her leg. Will and the Baron watched them go.
Arald turned to him saying, "my god what did you do to that poor women? My wife's never looked at me like that in the slightest!" Arald winced as he got himself a few glances from the castle garrison and wished he hadn't said that as loud.
Will looked at the darkness Alyss had disappeared into saying, "all I did was make her as comfortable as possible in her days off. She doesn't get many of them."
"And you do?" Arald scoffed.
Will shrugged saying, "Doesn't matter if I do or not."
Will dismounted Alyss's horse and let the stable boy take care of him. However, Will left Tug just outside of the main keep door, he would be out shortly unless Arald needed him for a task. It's not like anyone could steal Tug anyways. Will entered the keep and made his up the winding staircases that would lead to Arald's office. Alyss was going to want a mission and Will felt a need to know what it was—if there was anything he could to help.
Even though many servants of the castle avoided making eye contact with the mystic Ranger, it was easy for him to get to Arald's office.
It was furnished as always with a large dark wood desk, large curtains to keep the wind out and a fireplace set opposite the desk. A large full mirror stood to the right. Arald didn't indulge himself as much in his office as he used to. Like always, Will stepped up to the mirror, fixing a crease in his cowl and cloak. He pushed his hair to one side and looked over at the Baron as the man rolled his eyes. From behind the desk, he seemed tiny but it was only an illusion because of the sheer size of the desk; it gave the Baron an edge to diplomacy as it made him seem more equal to the ones coming into his office; also if they began to argue, he could rise and step away from the desk casually to the mirror to show off his true bulking size. It never worked on Will or Alyss, but Arald had never had to actually use it against them. Yet he always bragged about the concept.
Alyss was in the room also, beaming a smile towards Will and nodding thanks to him for coming. Will nodded back. She seemed less trancelike—her vacation did her well. She was able to stand in her usual straight-backed manor with her confidence. Even though her leg still annoyed her when she shifted her feet, she was getting used to it. The Baron noticed this too.
He looked to her saying, "Alyss, I'm glad you're back. We've been falling apart without you."
She smiled generously at Arald saying, "I doubt it, but I'm back to help out where I can."
Baron smiled happily, Alyss had always helped him out as an adviser. Even though they were the same rank, Alyss often helped him with the major affairs of the castle, counselling him and giving advice where necessary. In return he owed her, and to a Courier, a favour was power.
He looked over to Will and said, "how about you let me ride along that horse for a while. Now that I think about it my back has been killing me." Arald was grinning, knowing Wills response before he said it.
He went through with it anyway: "sorry Arald, family secret." The Baron looked hurt when Will chose to exclude him from his "family". He shrugged it off as a joke—a rather clever remark if anything.
"Maybe one-day" Arald began, "now, down to business. The first, and only, thing is: Vergo castle hasn't sent a report. Either that or we haven't received it." Will nodded thoughtfully. Normally, they get a report every month from fiefs and castles bordering them, as the Baron also sends reports to all of them. It keeps everyone all in check and if one fief doesn't send a report, it means something has usually gone wrong. It isn't always the Baron who sends it out either. That way a corrupt Baron could always send out false reports. After he attempts to send one, it will be examined by other craftsmasters in the fief, and any of them can decide to burn it on the spot, sending a message for help to all other fiefdoms around it. Of course, there is the problem one of the messages could have been lost or the messenger killed by bandits. Will was surprised that Vergo hadn't sent one, being so close to Redmont and subsequently Castle Araluen. It was definitely odd. Alyss had the same thoughts running through her head.
The Baron said, "we'll need to send someone to go out and deal with it. Seeing as you are still recovering Alyss, let's see if we can send anyone else." In truth, there weren't many people they could send instead of Alyss, but for now, she was at the bottom for the list.
She had opened her mouth to disagree but her eyes flicked to Will, he didn't see the movement but she looked back to the Baron before he could. She shut her mouth with an audible click and nodded saying, "I understand, I'm limited to how I would be able to check in over there." Arald was surprised by this, he had fully expected Alyss to berate him for trying not to send her. He had seen the flick of her eyes and he was suspicious at first that Will was guilty of something. That suspicion was caused by the sudden fear that had spread over Alyss's face. In reality, the fear was just her being scared of travelling anywhere on that damned horse again and the words that she chose made Arald throw out the thought. Maybe Will had finally taught her about limitations. He shrugged the thought away. Either way, it works. Will stood quietly as the Baron began listing people.
"Alright, let's send Liam."
"He's deployed, sir."
"Alexandra then."
"She's in Gallica seducing a Baron."
"I'm not even going to ask. How about Sam?"
Alyss shook her head, "they are currently out."
Aralds anger rose, "out where?!"
"That's classified, sir."
Arald rubbed his eyebrows, "of course it is." He knew that they had to send a Courier, they couldn't just send a messenger. "How about Emily?"
"No."
"Why not?"
Alyss thought for a second before responding, "No."
Arald rubbed his eyebrows. He knew what Alyss was doing, all of the people he had listed were out. However, he knew Emily was in and ready for anything, but she might not be qualified enough for this. He sighed exasperatedly as he realized he was at the bottom of the list. He wasn't sure if Alyss had omitted Emily because of her qualifications, or if she wanted the assignment herself. He leaned back in defeat; he'd never win an argument with her. Maybe if she was alone, but the feeling of having a Ranger staring at him the entire time was unnerving. Even worse he was afraid he'd accidentally insult Alyss in an outburst. Will was friendly, but insult his wife and he will come for you. The Baron joked about him and Alyss but made sure none of them were insults. Some were playfully insulting Will, but he always laughed at those. The Baron frowned, not knowing what to say.
Alyss spoke for him, "I believe that's everyone except for me," Alyss checked her fingernails and looked at Arald above them, "and I don't have any plans."
"Absolutely not." Will chose this time to intervene. Alyss glared at him as her plan had a screw thrown into it. Arald looked to Will for some resolve.
Alyss spoke up in surprise, "what?"
Will shook his head, "Let Emily take the assignment. She's capable, I've seen her in action." Alyss knew he was right, and Will confirmed the Baron's suspicions. Will continued "and you're injured. Do you know how many people would overlook your authority or even harm you further?" Alyss shut her mouth at that. She knew how her authority wouldn't be as confident because of the flutters of pain she got from her leg. The sight of her injury would give her opponent the upper hand. Bandits would target a Courier immediately if they saw they were injured also. Couriers had dangerous jobs, and they knew the risks.
Alyss's eyes lit up. Will looked at her unperturbed even though she may have found a way around his idea. She spoke confidently, "Well it looks like I'll need some extra security then. Maybe even an adviser."
Alyss looked back to the Baron as she spoke. He pondered the idea; it would give her protection from any bandits or lurkers. It would also give her the advantage in a diplomatic solution if she had an extra person beside her. He frowned at a loophole. "Who? Who Is capable of being an adviser and have an adequate combat experience? We can't send a six-man troop just for a diplomatic meeting."
Alyss raised her chin and said calmly, "A Ranger is both." Will's eyes lit up at that. He looked at her in surprise. She met his gaze and nodded ever so slightly. She knew how bored he was, and this gave a perfect opportunity for some adventure.
The Baron nodded thoughtfully, "this could work. Horace and Cassandra will be coming by tomorrow as they head to Lucard Castle, you can join them since it's on your way anyways. Extra protection never hurt anyone."
Lucard Castle was still within Redmont fief, although it is near the border of it. Will and Alyss's mission for Vergo Castle was smack dab in the centre of the path. It would be perfect to accompany their friends on the trip. Will might even find an excuse to go all the way to Lucard.
Alyss and Will glanced at each other. Neither of them knew that their friends were coming by tomorrow. Will guessed it was because they were out of the loop for a few days. He spoke ecstatically, "the king and queen are coming by?!"
Arald nodded with a smile, "oh yes. And this time you'll accompany them to Vergo. I have a bad feeling that something is stirring up around here, especially with such powerful people making a surprise entrance. They should be here tomorrow morning, they'll stop by for an hour or so and then leave. Make sure you're there."
"Absolutely." Will and Alyss's voices overlapped as they excitedly thought of the next day or two. It was a day ride to Vergo Castle, and another to Lucard. It's been a while since they've all been together, it's a great time to catch up. A thought crossed Wills mind.
"Are they bringing Maddison with them?"
Baron Arald shook his head saying, "they left her at Castle Araluen, it's safer there." Arald knew how much Will and Alyss loved to see Maddison, but they'd have to do without this time.
A disappointed look crossed Wills but he let the thought die away, he was excited to meet his friends again. Nonetheless, he was finally given something to do—a mission. Even better, it was one that he would complete accompanied by his lifetime friends that have become like family to him over the years. This was finally his chance to be useful to those around him again instead of loitering the streets of the village. Will had no idea about the adventure ahead of him—no way of knowing how much danger he was about to unwillingly enlist his friends into.
