Disclaimer: Unfortunately this is a Fanfic. and I do not own Rangers Apprentice. John Flanagan does. Thank You.:)
Chapter 7
I briskly walked into the tent and counted out the right amount of money while I waited for the tailor to come over. Something felt out of place but I couldn't think of what was.
The tailor finally came over with the bundle of cloths in her hand. I gave her the money and she counted it our. I saw she was pleased with the amount so I reached and grabbed the bundle of cloths. I felt it and found that it would be comfortable and at the same time durable. To say the least I had come to the right shop.
I looked up at the tailor to find a worried expression on her face. I must have had a frown on my face while I was examining the fabric. I reassured her that everything was fine with a smile and said my thanks while handing the bundle to Alex.
"Alex!" I grumbled when he didn't take the bundle from my outstretched arm. He was probably deep in thought like usual. At first I thought it was a good thing but sometimes it gets annoying.
It's great that he takes everything in. I don't have to point anything out to him that he hasn't already seen. But once something attracts his eye he focuses on it and ignores everything around him. He didn't talk much but now that he knows me he talks more but when he does speak his sentences are thought out, short, and to the point. He said nothing less and nothing more.
When you talked to him he listened attentively and you could tell he was listening to your every word but before you that was the tricky part: trying to get his attention. He could only pay attention to one thing at a time which was a good thing and a bad thing.
That is the reason I said his name, because he obviously was lost in thought and did not see me hand him his bundle of cloths. After a few moments of waiting I turned around with a look of annoyance on my face, which quickly changed to a look of surprise as I figured out the thing that was missing.
What happened? I should have kept an eye on him or at least have made sure he was behind me when I walked into the tent. What would Halt say? Now that's a good question. He would probably be disappointed. After all those years of training and I can't even take care of a kid in the market.
I quickly exited the tent and walked the path I had taken to get to the tent. I couldn't find him anywhere. Was it possible he left me on purpose? Hopefully not. Next I decided to go to the stable and mount Tug. It would be easier for me to spot him because I can only see the people right in front of me. Also if he was lost then he would be able to see me easier too. All in all it sounded like a good idea.
Half an hour passed and nothing. I was getting tired and people where starting to notice me. That was not a good thing. After a while longer I decided to go to the castle and check there. Plus I could take a break and inform the Baron that I would be leaving tomorrow.
I just got off Tug when a huge shadow passed over me. I turned around and before I knew it my bones were cracking under the pressure of a familiar hug.
"Horace. Nice to see you to." I breathed. I felt him let go and looked up. He looked exactly the same as the last time I saw him but something in his face seemed different….. No it can't be! He looked wiser. Before I could think about this more he responded.
"Oh, sorry Will. I've already forgotten how delicate you Rangers are!" Horace chuckled.
"You know some Rangers would put an arrow through that small brain of yours if you said that to them. Since your going to be the king I would have thought you would have learned something since the last time I saw you!" I responded with a grin plastered across my face.
"Ok well let's not stand in the stables all day. How about we go get some lunch and we can talk then." Horace suggested.
"Sorry Horace. I can't at the moment I'm trying to find someone. Have you seen a boy a little bit shorter than me with brown hair cut like Halts and green eyes?" I asked.
"Hmmm, now that you mention it I can see what his hair reminded me off! Your right it does look like Halts. My apprentice, Chanse found him on the ground and brought him up to the castle. He's resting in a room we got for him. A healer took a look at him and he said he'd be alright but he was knocked out cold. He also said that he was lucky because a couple more knocks to the head and there could have been some damage." Horace explained.
"Thank you Horace could you take me to him?" I asked already walking out the door of the stable.
"Ya sure, but you really should be thanking Chanse I did nothing. You seem to care for the boy, how long have you known him?" Horace questioned hesitantly.
Our footsteps echoed through the stone hallways of the castle as we walked I took a few moments to think before I responded "Only a couple of weeks, but it gets lonely being a Ranger and working by yourself. I enjoy the company even if he doesn't talk a lot." I said chuckling to myself.
Horace stopped in front of a door and opened it. I swiftly stepped inside and was overcome by cool darkness. I gave my eyes a couple of seconds to adjust and then I made my way beside the only bed in the room. I could just see the outline on Alex lying on the bed. Just to make sure he was fine I checked his forehead before exiting the room.
I found Horace waiting outside now with a boy beside him. He was tall for his age I noted but not as big of a build as Horace, but still big enough for battle school. He had the whitest hair I have ever seen that just fell above his eyebrows and keen blue eyes.
"Will! While he rests we could get some lunch, sound good?" Horace turned to go and then turned back around his face got a little red as he said, "Sorry I almost forgot this is my apprentice, Chase."
