Disclaimer: I do not own Ranger's Apprentice nor any of the characters except a few OC's and some future places.
Will groaned at the insistent knocking at his cabin door in Seacliff fief. Didn't people understand that the day didn't start before nine o'clock and two cups of coffee? When the knocking didn't stop, he reluctantly dragged himself out of his bed, calling, "Just give me a minute." He changed out of his bed clothes and into the standard Ranger's uniform.
Still partially asleep, he stumbled out of his bedroom, across the cabin and to the front door, pulling it open. On his front porch stood a young man, a palomino's reins tied to the low branch of a nearby tree. The man before Will looked nervous, his eyes darting around.
"R-Ranger Will?"
"Yes?" he asked.
"M-Message from Redmont," the messenger stuttered, offering the envelope to him.
Will took the envelope from him and smiled. "Thank you," he said. He had long since given up on trying to uphold the mysterious and dangerous stereotype Rangers held. He had found that, in Seacliff, either people were afraid of you or they weren't and nothing you did would change that.
The messenger nodded to him then wasted no time in untying his horse and riding out of the clearing, back to the main road. Will waited until the dust had settled before heading back inside, closing the door behind him. Taking a seat at the table, he tore open the envelope, pulling out the letter within. Before he even started reading, he checked the bottom, seeing that it was from Halt. A smile broke out on his face and he started reading.
Dear Will,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. Knowing you, you probably slept in this morning without me there to make sure you wake up early enough. But, while things may be peaceful there, I cannot say as much for the rest of Araluen.
Trouble is stirring Will. Across the country, people of status are being assassinated left, right and center. I am lucky that no one has died in Redmont yet but it's only a matter of time. Crowley has summoned all Rangers for a Gathering. I know it's early this year, but it is critical we come together and figure out what is going on before any more people are killed.
Hurry but be careful and watch your back. Travel safely.
~Halt
Will frowned as he read the letter and re-read it. The last time multiple people of power were killed was when Morgorath had the kalkara killing those that had stood against him during the first war against him. Halt's ominous words had awakened an awareness in him that had begun to relax with the lack of threats. He was consciously aware of how much he had slacked off since coming back to Seacliff.
Pushing back his chair, he stood up and headed out of the cabin, around to the back where Tug stood under the morning sun, chomping on grass. The little horse looked up at the sound of his master's footsteps, his ears pricked at the sense of purpose he got from him.
"Hey there Tug," Will said as he started to saddle the pony. "Looks like we're off on another mission."
Tug snorted and shook his mane. And what mission would that be? he seemed to ask.
Will smiled. "We'll just have to wait and see," he said. He headed back inside to get the letter and enough food to last him the journey to the Gathering. Once back outside, he packed it away. He led Tug around to the front of the cabin, heading back inside one last time to retrieve his bow, quiver of arrows and his knives.
He cast one last glance around the cabin before leaving, closing the door behind him. He pulled himself into the saddle. "Alright. Let's go see what the heck is going on," he said.
Author's Note: I know this chapter is short but I'm hoping that they will grow longer as the story progresses. Read and review!
