Old Bob
"Hullo, Old Bob!" Halt called.
Someone moved within the hut with a clatter and a bong, then a wrinkled, bearded figure appeared in the doorway. He nodded his greetings to the Ranger.
"Morning, Ranger!" said Old Bob, "Who's this?"
His eyes were keen despite his unkempt appearance.
"This is Will, my new apprentice. Will, this is Old Bob," said Halt.
"Good morning, sir," Will said politely. The old man cackled.
"Calls me sir! He'll make a fine Ranger, this 'un will!"
Will smiled at him. Dirty he may be, there was something likeable about Old Bob - perhaps it was the fact that he seemed not to be affected by Halt. Will couldn't remember seeing anyone speaking to the grim Ranger in this familiar tone before. Halt grunted impatiently before replying.
"Are they ready?" he asked. The elder just cackled again.
"Ready they are, indeed!" he said, "Step this way and come see them."
He led them to the back of the hut, where a small paddock was fenced off. At the far side, there was a lean-to shed. Just a roof and supporting posts. No walls. Moments before Old Bob could let out a piercing whistle that would no doubt have made Will jump, two small horses trotted across the yard led by a pure black horse whose coat shone like a raven's. A distinctly human shape sat on it with only a thick blanket for a saddle; their cloak fluttered out like wings.
"Bob!"
"Oh look, it's Kag- Kage."
The larger of the shaggy animals immediately went to Halt's side. He patted its neck and handed it an apple from a bin close by the fence. The horse crunched it gratefully. Halt leaned forward and said a few words into its ear. The horse tossed its head and neighed, as if sharing some private joke with the Ranger.
The pony waited by Old Bob until he had given it an apple to munch on as well. Then it turned one large, intelligent eye on Will.
It was some time later that Will was puffing, Halt was smirking, Old Bob cracking up laughing, and Kage turning away to hide his sniggers. Perhaps, he thought, this country won't be so bad after all.