NOTE: I don't own any of the characters from Ranger's Apprentice!

So here find out what happens from chapter 6. Like I said, this "idea" comes from another book and I'm just twisting it to match circumstances. I still that some people are going to hurt me…

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Review and Enjoy (if you can…)!


A Shadow and A Warrior Chapter 7

Evanlyn dropped to the ground for the fifth time. The wall was close to impossible to climb. How she wished that Will was there to lead the way up. He always knew the best path up a tree or wall. Rubbing her back, Evanlyn looked up, trying to see a way up. The shouting was louder than ever. The Temujai were closing in on her. She had to find a way up before they spotted her. Grabbing two jutting rocks, Evanlyn began her ascent once again.

A shout made her look over her shoulder. Standing at the bend was a man, pointing straight at her. Soon more came around the corner and raced towards her. Evanlyn slowly pulled her upward. Her jaw clenched in pain, she pulled herself a little further. After placing her feet she reached up for another handhold…

A crossbolt slammed into the rock centimeters from her hand.

With a gasp, Evanlyn lost her footing and fell. Luckily she had not been able to climb very high so her fall only left bruises. Quickly she rolled and rose to her full height. The Temujai had slowed their pace and were now slinking forward. Biting her lip, Evanlyn pressed herself against the rock wall. She needed a miracle to get through this alive. Her hand brushed her hip. With a start, she glanced down. Evanlyn had not realized that her sling was still wrapped around her waist. Her bag of stones was gone but there were many stones around her at that moment.

"Make your choice: me or death!" shouted the man who had kidnapped her.

He was hiding at the back, well away from her. Evanlyn frowned at this. He wanted her but did not have the guts to come and get her himself! She could see the same thoughts on the other men's faces. Their leader was not putting much confidence and loyalty in his men.

Evanlyn raised her voice and shouted back, "I choose death!"

With that she whipped her sling from around her waist and picked up a stone. A second later the stone cracked into a man's skull. He cried in pain and slumped to the ground. Horror suddenly ran down Evanlyn's spine. She had just killed a man! The velocity of the stone, plus her strength, plus the man's close proximity had led to a single death blow to the head. The other men also realized this. Some backed away, not wanting the same results to happen to them. The others, about five total, chose to charge her head on.

The second rock took out the first man's leg. The second man lunged forward with a dagger. Evanlyn inserted a stone and swung her sling in a huge arc. It connected with a solid smack across his temple, another killing blow. The next three came on slower but together. Once Evanlyn emptied her sling, the other two would charge. Gulping weakly, Evanlyn looked down towards the second man's dagger. Maybe if she could get to the dagger in time she had a chance. Her mind instantly got rid of the idea. The men would be on her long before she even rose to her full height again.

A few rocks clattered to the ground on her left. Evanlyn cocked her head in confusion. What could possibly make the rocks fall like that? The other three also paused in confusion. They did not know what to make of it either. The rest had heard the clattering rocks but did not know what had caused it. Thinking it was the girl, a man next to Evanlyn's kidnapper shouted at his men to finish her off. The three exchanged a glance then continued their advance. Evanlyn felt her muscles bunch, ready for the fight.

Three arrows in rapid succession appeared, each taking down a man. They fell with cries of pain and shock. Evanlyn stared in shock, her mind racing to figure it out. The rest of the men, not seeing an archer, thought the girl had killed the three men. With shouts, they surged forward. Now they wanted her blood, no matter what it took to get it. Only her kidnapper stayed back from the fight. The rocks clattered again…

Realization dawned in Evanlyn's mind…

She turned and screamed, "WILL, NO!"

It was too late. Will, with a powerful leap off an outcrop, landed amid the men. They went down with cries of pain, shock, and anger. The whole charge was broken. Then Evanlyn saw Will's bow slam into a man's jaw. His right fist connected with another man's stomach. With a twirl, throwing his cloak wide, Will cleared some space around him. When a man charged, Will stopped his twirl and stabbed with his saxe knife. It took the man in his throat, ending his life. Releasing the blade, Will drew two arrows and fired in rapid succession, bringing down two more men.

Now, with surprise gone, Will was forced to retreat. His bow, his fists, his regained saxe kept the men bay and ending more lives. Evanlyn pressed against the rocks, watching in horror. Will needed help but what could she do? Again her eyes fell to the dagger. Will cried out in pain as a dagger cut his arm. Evanlyn's eyes narrowed into slits. These men were no longer just threatening her but Will as well. Fight and die or run and die, those were her choices. Will lashed out with several complicated attacks, driving two men back. He needed her to help him. Not even Will could hold off the remaining twenty men (not counting the cowering leader), all of whom wanted blood.

Will was just driving a man back when another came at his back. It was a low move but it was an advantage. A dagger in his throat ended his attack before he took three steps. Spinning, Will faced Evanlyn. She spun her sling in arcs and circles, building momentum. The fallen Temujai's dagger was held in her left hand. Nodding to Will, she signaled for him to lead the way. Will shook his head but accepted the help. Together they lunged forward.

Three men went down under Will's initial charge, his saxe leading his body. One more fell to Evanlyn's dagger. With a scream another man felt his skull split under Evanlyn's sling and stone. Quickly the men fell back then charged again. Numbers were still on their side and now they pressed that advantage. The threat came from the male, not the female. Yes, she had weapons but in a one-on-one fight she would lose easily. The male, however, had speed and agility combining with skill. He was the threat and their target.

Evanlyn was forced back by two men. The others pressed Will, forcing him back as well. Evanlyn ducked and dodged the fury of blows rained against her. However, several still scored shallow cuts on her arms and legs. Eventually she felt the natural wall at her back. Trapped. Smiling, the two men advanced. Then Will slammed into them from behind. His bow knocked away from, he had grabbed a second blade from a fallen Temujai. Now both blades pierced into the men's backs and through their hearts. With gargled cries they collapsed.

Spinning lightly on his feet, Will turned and blocked the incoming attack. Snarling, he pushed with all his might. He knew that he could not get cornered. If he did then his speed and agility were neutralized. Whirling made Will drop to one knee. Evanlyn's sling slammed into the attacker's jaw, dislocating and breaking it. Will's new dagger entered the man's heart. Evanlyn pressed on beside him, both of them trying to break away from the natural wall. A man came on Evanlyn's right. His fist took her in the stomach but she managed to dodge the blade coming for her heart. Instead it slide over her shoulder, cutting deep. The man, however, did not give her a chance to run. Will was preoccupied with several others, unable to come to her aid. The man seized her shirt, turned, and hurled her against the natural wall. Evanlyn's head smacked against it, sending pain shooting through her body. Then Will was there, his saxe drawing a bloody smile across the man's neck. As the body dropped, so did Will dropped to one knee beside Evanlyn.

She looked up at him. His eyes were filled with worry and pain. However, determination and loyalty shined even brighter. Slowly Evanlyn tried to rise. Pain shot through her head, making her wince. Arms suddenly becoming weak, she collapsed to the ground. The Temujai had pulled back, intending to regroup. Will gently touched her right shoulder, hand covering the wound.

Evanlyn finally managed to cough weakly, "Will…we have to run…before they come back."

"Rest, Evanlyn," Will whispered, holding her down.

His hand left her shoulder and touched her neck. He smiled weakly at her, that spark of loyalty outshining everything. Then he bowed his head closer to her's. Evanlyn's vision was blurring but she could plainly see the tears in his eyes. Her heart began to pound, only aggravating her headache. She blinked, feeling the world spin. When it cleared, her eyes met Will's. He smiled sadly at her.

"I'm sorry, Cassandra. It's my fault that you were captured…my fault you are here," he choked, tears falling down his cheeks.

Evanlyn thought she understood, somewhere in her mind. "Will…what are you doing? You have to run…"

The Temujai began shouting together as one. Will's eyes tore from her gaze. She could see the pain and fear in his eyes. Then that cheerful brown gaze gained a hard glint, becoming dark and foreboding. Gently he touched her face and rose to his full height. A snarl spread across his face, becoming a deadly grin when added to scars on his face. Slowly he pulled his hood over his head and readied his weapons.

"I promise you, Cassandra, they will never touch you again. I'm ending this!"

Evanlyn's eyes closed, the last thing she saw was Will racing towards the oncoming Temujai. "MURDERERS!" was the shout on his lips. Will…run…please, run, Evanlyn thought weakly. Though she could not see, and though unconsciousness pulled her deep, Evanlyn could still hear. She heard cries of pain, shouting, and blades meeting each other. Never in her life had she ever heard of a battle like this…

She did not know when the battle ended but she did know one thing: Will fought as if he was an army, a lion tearing through rabbits.


Cliffhanger! Yes, I'm mean to both my fans and Will. Guess you just have to wait for the next chapter. I've got homework and test studying to do so it won't be until the week. Sorry!