Three Weeks Later AKA Lightning
He failed.
That's all he think of.
He failed.
Failed.
Failed.
Douglas shot straight up. Wild-eyed, his breath was coming in staggered halts. Salty beads of sweat covered his tanned forehead, sticking his hair together. His fists clenched simultaneously, trembling. He stared blankly at the wooden wall in front of him, seeing nothing but images of the older man flash by. The scars tingled, as if the pictures were real.
Eventually, his mind exhausted all icons of the older man. Without really noticing it, Douglas's eyes went from boring holes in the wall to actually focusing on it. He continued aimlessly tracing the grains on the wood until, abruptly, he realised that he should've already been out doing housework.
Damn! Douglas mentally swore, jumping out of the bed as though it contained freaky objects. He dressed with clumsy fingers, forgetting to calm down.
He buckled on his melee weapons as he exited the room. Looking up, he saw Gilan with windswept hair entering the cabin, coming back from sending his wife to her workplace. ''Ah, sorry, Gilan, I sort of spaced out, I didn't - '' The words came out in a rush as Douglas tried to explain his neglect to do his duty – the nightmare had really freaked him out.
''Woah, calm down, calm down.'' Gilan held both hands up, even though it wouldn't do anything good. Douglas looked at him, worried. ''Right, if it's your nightmares again, chill. I'm not about to whack you or anything. And you can spring-clean later; just display two plates of breakfast. We're going to visit someone.'' Gilan said, guessing correctly that the reason for Douglas's outburst was his dreams. If the boy slept without the disturbance, he would usually be quiet. But if not, then an outburst was evident, usually after an incident, like this one. Whatever that had affected him in the past was severe. At least two years had passed, but the event was stuck in his head.
GILAN'S POV
Gilan observed his apprentice as he walked in the general direction of where his horse, Blaze, was kept. The younger boy was a bit distracted, probably because of his dream. It was affecting him, he was beginning to walk in the light. Of course, it was fine, but not now, not when he had already told Douglas to treat this as his training. Gilan had tried to ignore the fact that he was starting to avoid the shadows, but enough was enough. He couldn't let his apprentice keep up this sloppy work, not when the Gathering was less than nine months away. And healso needed to learn how to separate personal matters from his education.
Gilan stopped, waiting for the teenager to register the movement. He didn't, instead, Douglas just continued walking. Impatiently, Gilan waved a hand in front of the boy's face when the latter was close.
Douglas started and looked up at his mentor. Annoyed, Gilan said, ''Douglas, if you're really going to become a Ranger, you're going to have to pay attention.''
''I did.''
''You didn't. You just walked around treating daylight as the cover, brooding over your ridiculous nightmare, not focusing at all. Don't think I don't know.'' Gilan added firmly, though he wasn't quite sure. But it was the only explanation for the distraction. He saw that the former was not responding, and reasoned he was correct. Pressing on, he continued, ''If you aren't even paying attention to your surroundings, then how can you move about unseen? What, just do it and hope nobody sees it?''
Douglas glanced at him and looked away. It looked like he didn't give a damn about Gilan's lecture, but get to know him better and one would realise that he was actually feeling guilty. He just didn't look guilty; his body language didn't give away any ideas, making Gilan wonder if he had taken up some sort of acting lessons. After a few moments, Douglas finally nodded.
Gilan frowned at him for a moment, making sure the message had sunk in. Once he was sure of it, he nodded and resumed walking to Evan's hut. It originally belonged to Old Bob, but he had died a few years back. Being his son, Evan had naturally taken over his post, after he had came back from Hibernia, working on some other job.
EVAN'S POV
Evan, a stocky male in his late twenties, leaned against a fence. He waited for the Ranger and his apprentice to come, which warranted only a few moments' boredom, although he didn't really notice it, for his attention had been occupied by a patch devoid of plants. He had buried his father there, and after almost four-and-twenty months, the area was beginning to show signs of grass and weed. Evan glanced at the wooden structure that served as his home. It was a rickety cabin, hazardous if the wind was blowing particularly strong. Evan reminded himself to repair the hut; he didn't fancy a premature death. Apart from the unstable cottage, there was a lean-to shed. A sloping roof, the four customary posts to hold the covering upright, and that was it. No walls, no nothing.
''Evan!'' A friendly voice called, breaking the said person out of his observation. He jumped, and swung his eyes around to see the Ranger and his apprentice. The former had a happy face, but by contrast, the younger male was not. He looked like he was paying attention alright, but his leafy-green eyes seemed distant, like he was contemplating something.
'' 'Morning, Ranger! Who've ye bring along to see me?'' Evan cheerfully raised a hand in greeting.
''Douglas, my apprentice.'' The Ranger answered. Evan didn't see the former's left hand, the hand that was closer to the younger male nudge his elbow slightly. He did, however, see a sudden and slight stiffening of his shoulders. ''Ah... good morning,'' Douglas greeted, a second or so later.
''Are they ready?'' The Ranger asked. Evan grinned, nodding his head. ''Came with me! 'Tep this way,'' he called.
GILAN'S POV
For his part, Gilan again realised himself why he did not like the way commoners talked. It was hard to distinguish the words, especially since he came from a rich family, where the people around spoke words clearly. Evan came from a poor family; Old Bob had only gotten the job when he was in his early twenties. It took a fairly long time for Old Bob to bring in a substantial amount of money. And by then, the ten-year-old Evan had mixed around with the commoners for too long – he began to talk in the same way as well. And, to top off the icing on the happy cake, Evan had only recently moved back to Araluen. His accent interrupted and mixed up the words, which was already confusing. At least Douglas didn't talk like that.
He looked at his apprentice, wondering what was wrong with him. Perhaps I should've waited, but... no, he needs to learn how to focus 100% on his training. He can go about daydreaming later, but he can't mused.
''See 'em?'' Evan questioned. Gilan looked at the direction he was pointing, and smiled. Another horse came with his horse, but he couldn't care more about it, so long as Blaze was coming, hence he never paid much attention to how his apprentice stiffened. And anyway, Gilan was pretty sure Douglas was just surprised that the horses were small. Blaze nickered and trotted towards Gilan, who grinned easily and stuck out a hand for the apple bin. He grabbed one and offered it to Blaze, her name given by the marking on her face, as well as her temper – fiery for a mare. She was a light-bay mare, fine-legged and tall, just like Gilan.*
The horse crunched the apple happily, looking blissful. Her rider patted her and turned to watch the other horse. He realised that the other horse was slightly taller than the average Ranger horse – just like Douglas, who was just a bit taller than typical Araluens. The horse's legs were a little longer, but still sturdy-looking. Barrel-shaped body announced the uniqueness of Ranger horses. The horse's mane and tail were tangled together, uncombed. It was a sorrel chestnut, and had a stripe as a facial marking.
''Good horse, he. Called Lightning, looks 'bout yah size, eh?'' Evan smiled at Douglas. He looks wary... heh, he's probably still getting over the shock that Ranger horses are small. He must've been thinking if they won't collapse under his weight – hell, I sure did. Still, they can beat whatever horse that he'd ridden. Especially this one, Lightning. The name is already self-explanatory. Gilan thought, watching Douglas nodded slowly and take the reins proffered by the other male. Evan laughed. ''No needa be so polite to me, boy. Thinkin' of those big dumb battlehorses, eh?'' The thickset male chortled again. ''Yet he'd run 'em down quick as ever! Looks're deceivin', they sure are.''
''Ah... okay,'' Douglas said, his face clean of emotions. But three weeks spent with him meant that Gilan could identify his nervousness, the way his fingers kept twitching. It was a minimal movement, of course, but Rangers were trained to observe any tiny motions. ''Why don't you try capturing him in the paddock?'' Gilan asked, a sly grin on his face. Douglas looked at him, his eyes narrowing slightly.
After the archery incident, Douglas had quickly learnt that any suggestions that were proposed that gladly often meant bad news for him. But he couldn't say anything in front of Evan... well he could, just that it wouldn't go down well. Gilan had him trapped.
Douglas resumed his poker face, releasing the reins. Lightning must've training in this part, stepping lightly back and away from the boy, entering the paddock. The latter walked towards the horse slowly, murmuring something that the wind carried away from Gilan. But he was pretty sure that it went something along the lines of Stay still, boy, stay still. Gilan had used that sentence, hell, except for the founders of Ranger Corps, Gilan was pretty sure the other Rangers, in all probability, said the same thing.
Gilan watched as the horse sidestepped Douglas neatly. Apparently, he didn't seem to be very interested in obeying his soon-to-be rider's command. The Ranger watched as the same thing happened for four times, until Douglas finally cracked. Losing his temper, he chased after Lightning, and as the horse ducked around him, Douglas managed to wild-grab the reins. Surprised, his grip loosened for a second, but it was enough. Lightning escaped, just as his fist clenched together again.
Douglas froze in that posture for exactly a second, before his airborne foot slammed down on the earth to maintain the balance. A moment later and Douglas regained his composure and glared at the horse. His mouth moved and Gilan was sure it was another bout of cursing. He was used to it by now, only telling him to shut up when anyone was near. This was the case, but Evan didn't hear – Douglas wasn't facing him, and the wind was blowing to the west, bringing the oaths safely out of way.
&&&
Gilan watched the teenager, who finally seemed to have given up on catching the horse directly, which was a good thing – Evan was trying hard not to burst into hysterical laughter, but he couldn't help it – he chuckled at least once every ten seconds. It was either that, though, or laughing out loud in uproarious mirth. Gilan suspected that if his apprentice had continued chasing after Lightning for even just one more time, then Evan would have really lost control. The entertainment that he had gotten out of watching Douglas had sapped most of his energy; Evan was completely dependent on a fence for same could almost be said for Gilan; he was struggling to control his laughter, but the only difference was that he had gone through this before. In the end, the solution was quite simple, and a testimony to the fact that brainy people would always rule over brawny people. In short, this test taught the taker about using his brains, and not just depending on strength alone.
DOUGLAS'S POV
Douglas dragged his hand across his forehead. Sweat ran down his face, getting into his eyes, and even into his mouth. The same salty water made his tunic stick on to his body like a second skin, and Douglas wouldn't have been surprised if the light green clothing had turned somewhat translucent. His breath came in and out quickly, yet there never seemed to be enough oxygen for his lungs. His skin, wet with perspiration, gleamed if the sun's rays splayed on him. With his tan, he seemed like a wet, bronze statue. He could even pose for one far away, if his shoulders and head weren't moving as he continued supplying air to his body. He glared at the horse, Lightning, his name was. Despite the small size, he was swift. Hence, the name, he supposed.
And for the first time ever in his life, Douglas thought that he'd be contented with a horse named Slow.
But he was stuck with this devil. He continued staring with narrowed eyes at Lightning, who whined with amusement. Douglas felt a combination of fury and annoyance rise up at the sound. He struggled to contain the mixture - it wouldn't do any good at this point or at any other point - and instead glanced around his surroundings, blinking away the ever-infuriating perspire that threatened to enter his eyes and sting them more painfully.
He saw a stack of firewood, a working table, some bruised apple, and flowers growing nearby. His eyes passed by them without pause. A fence, the apple bin, another table full of –
Apples!
Yes, now he remembered. Gilan had given an apple to crunch for his horse, hadn't he? And shouldn't he realised that the horses loved treats, particularly apples? Douglas mumbled an oath, directed at himself for his stupidity, as he ducked under a rail and stretched his hand for an apple.
His fingers grabbed one and he returned to the paddock, where Lightning waited for him. Holding out the fruit, Douglas walked slowly to the horse. He eyed Douglas with amusement in its russet-coloured eyes, before accepting the offered apple. As it crunched up the apple, Douglas finally smiled in relief. ''Now you know the concept of thinking things out, right, Douglas?'' Gilan asked, eyes twinkling with delight. Douglas nodded, then heard a chortle.
He glanced at the source to find Evan leaning against the fence, having a bout of slightly maniacal laughter, his mouth being covered by his hand to muffle the sound. When the spell ended, Evan cough apologetically and said, ''Sorry 'bout that. Just thought of ye chasin' Lightning around funny. But ye're clever, boy, clever indeed. Ye figured it out quick enough, boy. Make a great team with Lightning 'ere, ye will.'' Evan laughed again, this time in control.
''Mind if we stay for the night?'' Gilan asked. Evan nodded rapidly. ''Sure can do, Ranger!'' His eyes twinkled.
&&&
The rest of day was spent with Evan, learning how to comb Lightning. Grooming was included, of course, and any other cleaning tricks that would help were taught. Douglas felt a bit frustrated, didn't he know all these? Although, to be honest, he had only groomed a battlehorse, so it wasn't really counted.
''C'mon, day's wasting. Go in and help us make dinner.'' Gilan told Douglas. The latter groaned inwardly. His arms felt sore and aching, like he had done fifty push-ups, given a brief break, and did another fifty pull-ups. Now Gilan was telling him to cook dinner alone – the help us were useless, removing the two words didn't change the meaning behind the sentence.
With a sigh, Douglas walked to the kitchen. As he passed by Gilan, the latter said jokingly, ''Make sure you don't break Evan's crockery, alright? He won't be happy if you do so.''
The sweaty boy halted in his tracks, then continued walking, redness evident under the bronze hue of his cheeks and ears. He hoped Gilan wouldn't see it; perhaps the colour couldn't pass his tan. As he entered the kitchen, he exhaled in relief. He didn't hear a chuckle from Gilan, so it was okay.
Wasn't it?
GILAN'S POV
Gilan yawned hugely. Nighttime had fallen over them while they sat around Evan's table and ate the food Douglas had cooked. Now he was stretched out on the wooden floor, his eyelids starting to grow heavy as he laid there, waiting for sleep to come. He smiled almost sleepily, remembering how the sleeping arrangements had been made.
He had first insisted on letting Evan sleep on his own bed. The latter had protested, but was won over. Gilan had then quickly claimed the spot near the fireplace as his sleeping area, leaving Douglas to bed down with the horses, using the hay as his mattress. Of course, Douglas hadn't gone down without a fight, but Gilan was aided by Evan, who had chuckled, saying, ''Ah, boy, it'll do ye 'ood. Build ye strength, sure does!''
Douglas had lost that argument, so he was pretty much kicked out of the house, just like Gilan, when he was Halt's apprentice. The only difference at that was that Old Bob hadn't sided with anybody, but Evan did.
Gilan then thought of tomorrow, it would certainly be interesting to see the younger boy's attempt to ride Lightning...
Without really registering it, unconsciousness finally opened its arms to Gilan, enveloping him as he rested himself, preparing for tomorrow.
A/N:
*I'm not sure if that description was accurate, or if it even came up. But I'm pretty sure it did. I just couldn't find the description in the books, BUT the coat of Blaze's.. urm, body WAS what I made up. Speaking of which, yeah I forgot to mention that Jenny and Gilan got together in Book7 (thanks for telling me that, Eryn Grace O' Malley! =DD). Jenny likes Gilan, and vice versa (or should it be love? =DD), though the marriage part was what I made up too. I don't know if that will happen in later books, though I hope so =DD. I like Jenny X Gilan more than I adore Will X Alyss. Maybe it's 'cause they have sooooo much potential. LOL.
Halt's Apprentice: PKO is Pirate Kings Online, and yes, I realised that I'm being a bit too modern. Ah... okay (insipiration)! Imagine the shower as taking a nice cold one in the river... o.O'' I'm being too sadistic... but anyway.
I realised that the &&& things were reaaaaaally confusing. It can stand for a change in POV and time. So from this chapter onwards, I'll just put &&& as time change. Still be the same person's POV... now I'm really making things confusing. Eeeek. Then I read the story, and well yeah. Think I didn't really portray Duckee well. I'll edit, but the changes would be minor. So... yeah =DD.
Duckee! Next chapter will reveal some of Duckee's history.... but it depends on how you look at it. =DD I like torturing Duckee for some really random reason. Seems kinda fun. Torturing Gilan ain't as fun DD=