Disclaimer: I do not own Ranger's Apprentice. I don't make any money from this story.
Araluen Castle:
"I'm worried about him." Halt was sitting in Crowley's office with Gilan and Crowley.
"Who?" asked Crowley, without looking up from his paperwork, Halt noted in annoyance.
"Will. He's different. He barely talks, flinches at loud noises, sudden movements, or if someone touches him." replied Halt.
"Yes, I'd noticed that, too," said Gilan. "I assumed it was just from being a slave."
"Yes, that's what I thought, but he's been having nightmares, Horace says. And the slaves in Skandia, they're too obedient. Not a single sign of rebellion and some Skandians don't even give a reason for punishing them. And there's another thing - Will's story is far too neat. It sounds practiced and doesn't go into detail. It's too idyllic for a slave story." said Halt.
"Hmmm… What exactly do you want us to do?" asked Crowley, finally looking up from his paper work.
Halt thought for a moment. "I want you two to help keep an eye on him, tell me how he reacts to you and others. I also wanted to ask you about that meeting you had us attend a few years back. The one that only included rangers with apprentices. It had something to do with a tendency to blame yourself irrationally or something like that. I can't quite remember, but you wanted us to watch our apprentice for signs of it…" Halt trailed off.
"Was it the one about watching your apprentices for depression? I can recommend some books, I'm sure the King would let you read them," suggested Crowley.
"Yes, that was it!" said Halt.
Gilan leaned forward in his seat, "You think Will's depressed? Why?"
Halt frowned slightly, thinking. Finally, he said, "Will has been reacting to some of my comments badly. I'll admit some were rather short, but before this, he wouldn't have batted an eye, at these comments. Now, however, he seems to get hurt or upset easier. Also, one night, he came to my room, bleeding. He said he'd cut it sharpening his knife. I don't know if it was self-inflicted, but it did need stitches."
"What does that have to do with anything?" asked Gilan, curiously.
"Sometimes, a person who has suffered trauma of some kind will cut themselves, the physical pain helps numb the emotional pain," replied Crowley. "That makes sense, but if you've got this much figured out, why come to us? Why not confront that oberjarl, Erak, wasn't it? Or Will of the Princess. Even that knight, Horace, would be better."
Halt snorted. "Horace? He doesn't know what subtle means. I've tried asking all of the others. They claim no knowledge whatsoever besides what you know now."
"I'm willing to help," said Gilan. "I owe them that much, at least."
"Gilan," said Crowley wearily. "It wasn't your fault." turning to Halt, he said, "I'm willing to help as much as I can, as well."