Here's the next chapter.
Guest: You'll see.
Enjoy the chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranger's Apprentice.
The next morning, Halt and Gilan got up right after the sun rose. They let Will and Becca sleep in because of what they had gone through. Halt had started a fire, and Gilan was making breakfast. Halt watched Gilan, waiting for the coffee to heat up.
"I think I know why Morgarath is here." Halt said to his former apprentice.
Gilan nodded and started talking without looking up, "He probably made an agreement with the Iberian king to take over Araleun. You said yesterday that that merchant said the king was gathering forces. He must have found a way out of the Mountains of Rain and Night."
Halt nodded. "Once we get to Alemeda, let's make sure that it really is Morgarath and find out what he's planning. Once we do, we'll head back to Araleun.
Gilan looked up. "You don't want to try to take him out?"
Halt shook his head. "Someone might just take his place. It's best if we just find out information then get out. We Will and Becca with us. We don"t need to risk them getting hurt."
Gilan smiled. "Getting fond of Becca?"
Halt looked up at the sun. "She's only thirteen. It wouldn't be right to just leave her somewhere."
A few hours later, Will got up with Becca following. Will looked over at his dad. "Why didn't you wake us up earlier?"
Halt looked at him. "You two needed the sleep after that ordeal. Eat some breakfast and we'll pack up the campsite."
Gilan and Halt started taking down the tents. Will sat near the fire and picked up a plate. He started as Becca did the same. As he ate, he looked over at her. The sun reflected off the blonde highlights in her, making them stand out. He stared at her, admiring her.
After a moment, Becca looked over at him and noticed him, staring. "Uh...Will. Will, are you okay?"
He snapped out of it and his face turned a light red. "Oh. Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine."
He quickly looked down at his food and resumed eating.
Gilan watched Will and chuckled. "Is this his first crush?"
Halt had seen it, too. "Yes. I hope it doesn't end badly."
Gilan put his tent in his pack and started getting Blaze ready. "I can watch over him and give him advice."
Halt started doing the same with Abelard. "It might be better if you just wait for him to come to you. He'll more likely come to you since you're younger."
Gilan nodded and tightened the girth strap on Blaze. He looked at Halt. "I'm ready to go. We just need to pack up the plates and utensils."
Will and Becca came over with them soon and handed them to Halt and Gilan. They put them up and mounted their horses. Will and Becca mounted after them. Halt and Gilan directed their horses then set them to a steady pace.
As they rode, Will looked at his recurve bow. He imagined himself as a Ranger working with Gilan and his dad, fighting criminals and protecting Araluen. Halt brought him out of his daydream.
"Will."
"Yes, Dad?" He said, looking up.
Halt was looking back at him. "When we get to Alemeda, you and Becca are to stay with me. Understand?"
Will nodded. "I understand."
Halt relaxed and smiled. "Do you want to learn some Iberian now?"
Will's eyes lit up. "Yes!"
Halt faced forward again and started teaching Will basic Iberian. Gilan looked at Will and smiled then faced forward. He started thinking about Becca. He liked the girl and hoped she could be trusted. Maybe she could be his apprentice.
Crowley was sitting in his office doing paperwork when Shawn came running in. "Uncle Crowley!"
Pauline came in running after him. "Shawn!"
Crowley stopped, looking up.
Pauline lightly grabbed Shawn's arm. "Shawn, your uncle is busy. I told you to stay with Lily."
Shawn frowned. "But, it's boring in the Courier office. Can't I stay in here with Uncle Crowley?"
Pauline looked at Crowley. "I apologize. He snuck away from one of the assistants. Do you mind if he stays with you?"
Crowley chuckled. "It's fine. He can help me with some of my work."
Shawn's eyes lit up. "Is it Ranger work?"
Crowley nodded. "It's important Ranger work."
Pauline let go of Shawn. "Thank you, Crowley."
Crowley nodded and Pauline left the room, closing the door.
Crowley looked at Shawn. "Are you fast?"
Shawn nodded vigorously. "I'm the fastest runner in my class in Redmont!"
Crowley smiled, holding out a sealed letter. "Great. Can you take this message to Tevin in the Records section?"
Shawn took it. "Yes. I'll be back in ten minutes!"
He opened the door, and took off out the door. Crowley got up and closed it, chuckling.
"He is one active kid."
