Chapter 14 Favourable Winds

"Island sighted, Let's break camp over there!" Edvin called out.

Thorn called out, "Ah, finally some place dry and solid to sleep on"

Lydia scoffs, "Did you hear me grumbling about this old man?"

Thorn appeared to think about that for a moment, then answered, "As the matter of fact, yes, you were saying something about waves and rocking boat earlier… but after all, YOU are a delicate female so we can't take that into account."

Her face flushed with anger, the Herons laughed. Hal ordered, "Edvin? Signal the others that we are beaching there."

Edvin nodded at the post and turn to signal. Then turned back, Hal gave him an interested look.

"Well that was fast…"Hal began. Edvin scratched his head, "It seems like they already made a decision and started towards the beach."

Ingvar calls out, "Well skirl? We can't let them get there first now could we?"

Stig set a determined face, "No, I don't think so, sooner we beach the better, release the sails on the port side!"

Within a few hours, 1 large ship, 2 Skandian ship landed. It was a starry, hot, but cooled air night. They made a giant fire, with several smaller ones around fire they made, and all sat in a large group. Well, the Senshi's talked amongst themselves and the burly Skandians did the same. Only the Herons and the Araluen friends were at another fire.

"So….any thoughts on the plans?" Wulf asked.

"Why are you asking me?" Ulf said incredulously, "Ask Hal."

Hal shook his head at the two, "Don't ask me about this one, Will is the one you should be pestering"

They both looked at Will, to see a cloaked figure snoring softly. Before the did anything, a voice rose inside the cloak, making an idle threat, "If one of you 2 say more than a question, waking me up, I don't care which twin said toes or feet, I will chuck both of you two the sea."

They both tactfully returned to their log, sitting down.

A thought occurred to Ulf, "Wait a second here…he spoke…which means he was already awake!"

Wulf turned to his brother, realization dawns in his eyes. Slowly nodding his head…and then looked at Will, to see nothing there. Suddenly, 2 hands grabbed them by the shoulder startling them then they both ran screaming towards the sea. Everybody looked, surprised at the twins running in circles.

Thorn walked out from the trees, armful of firewood, looking at the twins, and then asked no one in particular, "What in Gorlog's beard got into them?"

Will clasped his hands together, "No idea, I have no idea" said with a straight face. A peal of laughter erupted from the group, they all saw the whole interchange. Thorn gave a sigh of defeat and walked and sit down on the log by Bjarni soon, in a heated discussion.

Will still chuckling, sits back down and leans on the rock comfortably. They all soon fell asleep

Ooo

"What… Did.. You.. SAY!?"a hand slams down on the table, giving the men all a jump. Smartly thinking they should say silent, the knight continues.

"Who," with obvious show of retrieval of his dignity, "Reported this?"

The man stammered, "A-a villager, spy of the docks. They were observing the progress of each ship. The last of the fleets"

The second soldier continued on, "There was a report, of rebels stirring in the area. We sent extra men to enforce that, as your orders"

The man turns around, revealing the Dark Raven emblem. "And, I suppose this is where the bloody Araluen's came in?"

The 2 looked uncertainly, "According to the reports, with help of the rebels, your Apprentice was on its way to board the ships to join us at the main harbor."

"They got attacked, ambushed. Calvary from the town, plus our earlier reinforcements was no match. Your apprentice was captured. A few days later, she released the soldiers captured remaining alive. They-including those thieving pirates, broke out for the ships, boarding and sailing out."

Stepping back, they all awaited his response.

"How long was this ago?"

"The rider took 3 days to get this news to us, sir"

Putting his hand on his chin, thoughtfully speaking. "Where are they? By sea they should have checked-in a day ago."

Nervously, the soldier implied, "Maybe they got lost?"

The Dark Raven waved his hand, "Impossible, they have charts in those ships hidden. Even then, those pirates would be able to sail those ships here, it isn't that far."

Hmm, the loss of men and ships would be costly, the General won't like the news. And that Apprentice! She was a loyal one, shame she has been attained, and her actions releasing the men, she must have been executed. She has done her part, that's all we can honor as, she has done what she had to do. Adding the final thought, "How many?"

They all looked at him confused, "Sorry…sir?"

Sighing roughly, "How many, Araluen's?"

Scratching the back of his head, "5, reports say. 2 girls and 3 men. But keep in mind the numbers of the rebels. Oh, and 3 of them wore those cloaks."

Glancing at the light outside the tent, he snapped, "Get the Temujai messenger sent here NOW!"

They saluted and clumsily ran out. After a short while, the Temujai ran in. With a small gesture, he waited. The knight finished his letter, without a second look he passed it to him.

"Make sure to get this to the General. Important guard this with your life, bring half a dozen guards with you."

Nodding, he grabbed the letter and went out hollering names to accompany him.

How did the Araluen's ever figure the plans out? It wasn't some large secret in the dark alleys…but it is a closely guarded secret. There is no way they could have gotten precise information. Shaking his head, Why am I worried, even if they know about this. They cannot prepare this invasion party, maybe muster some forces but they will not win. Pirate and Temujai. Ultimate combination. We will MAKE those Araluen's bleed, that King and Queen. Everyone WILL die. Especially those pesky Rangers, personally I will deal them.

Ooo

"Move those legs people! My grandmother can do better than you!" Thorn hollered. Everyone warily looked at Thorn's training baton waving around. They had heard thack! Once or more, no point in having that hit. Will saw the warrior's natural ability of guidance in training. Plus, Hal told him he is their war instructor. It made sense, being the Maktig for 3 years, might as well let him train the rest of the sea wolves and the rebels who were willing to join in.

Horace asked, "What about the Senshi'? We can't let them be training with the Skandians, it won't work out well."

Will put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "That's why I'll be asking you to train them. Sharpen their skills even more with Selethen, we all need to be doing something useful."

With a grin, he walked off, listing down drills half to himself.

Will turned to Moka, "Moka-san, Does any of your men know how to handle a bow?"

Moka returned a grin, "Yes, Chocho-san. I gathered the best warriors, that CAN handle a bow. I figured you'd want that advantage in battle."

Giving a laugh, "Yes, yes I did. I'll ask Jack and Maddie to direct them. Train them a bit more with the bow."

Moka nodded, then paused, "We don't have any bows."

"That won't be a problem, we got some in the Arrow."

Moka nodded satisfied, "Alright, I'll form the team up. I might need to practice myself too."

Will chuckles, "Alright. I'll send Jack and Maddie over after their break and drill with Horace-san"

Bowing, they parted ways. This island is perfect. Enough space, all the sounds of training and huffing. And the small jungle proved a good obstacle course I can create better than the one back at home. Home, soon that will be a land where battles will rise. We may win or not it's uncertain…he was disturbed awake by his thoughts. He realized a figure was floating nearby, Lydia stood there waiting.

"Sorry, Lydia just in my thoughts. What is it?"

She looked around, "Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised that you would have to think. I was just wondering if you could show me how would you fight with a dagger?"

That raised his curiosity, while catching her eye movement behind him, giving no notice, he asks, "Dagger? What for?"

She shrugged, "I saw Gilan, back when we were chasing the slaves. And he carried a bow, and I know your accuracy is excellent. But I saw he carried daggers too"

Nodding, Saxes were part of the Rangers essential equipment. "Well, why don't you ask Maddie when she's free? She needs work on sharpening it."

"She is great with it! What more could you ask of her?" Lydia exclaimed. Then adding on, a hint of amusement, "My, would I want to be a Ranger, ever."

Will without a word shifted quickly, drawing out his dagger, Lydia immediately reacted, saxe and dagger clanged.

Lydia breathes out with a smile, "Catching an opponent off guard huh?"

Will smiles, "Yes, you want to learn? You seem pretty good blocking this one."

"I still need some work sharpening it." Using the exact tone when Will was talking about Maddie.

"Alright then." Disengaging, he turns around in a flurry movement, striking back and forth, easily Lydia parries them. She calls out, "Are you really that old?"

"No, and I don't suppose your that delicate like Thorn over there says." Will evenly replied, then returned with more complex strikes, then drew out his second saxe,

She huffed, "Hey, that's not fair."

Will calls out, "In a battle, anything can happen, you got to use it and accept it or else you will lose."

A figure came behind Will, attempting to attack. It was one of the Skandians from Bjarni's crew. Will gives a small smile back and forth of them.

"You guys planned this well ahead didn't you?"

Lydia didn't reply and returned attacking going offensive, the Skandian, wielded his ax. Giving burst of dangerous strikes, where missed Will. Will stood his ground, This is most certainly more interesting. And most fun I ever had! Gilan once said, never mess with a man with an axe…but we aren't by a cliff!

Will dropped his cloak to the side, "Alright you 2 want to play? Let's play."

Off the side, Thorn saw Will in a defensive stance, he was amazed at Will's superior skills. Witnessing the folk tales of the Rangers come to life. Horace walked up beside him, "He is amazing isn't he?"

"Yes. I was wondering where that Skandian went resting, turns out he was with Lydia…she must have asked to do this, why though?"

Horace gave a deep laugh, "Don't you see? The Lydia didn't ask the Skandians, it was they asked her to draw Will out. They are testing Will."

"Why?" Thorn's eyebrows furrowed.

"They are the crew of Bjarni's. They are right now hiding in the trees over there." Horace said with his keen eye, after all these years with Halt and Will, he picked up a few skills.

Thorn looked off the trees, to see that Horace was right, he saw large figures in the shadows.

"Why are they testing? For what purpose?" Thorn pondered.

"Just like you, they are now testing Will's ability, so in battle they can trust him, to see his worth. I'm pretty sure Will will win."

Thorn turns around looking at him, "You say it as if you already know this."

"I do, just watch"

Some of the bystanders grew interest of the fight. Will seemingly without effort deflected and gave hard punches, making the Skandians sprawl over on the sandy beach.

He noticed Lydia disengaged and slipped off, and recognized it was the Skandian's from the new ship. Bjarni, that was it. Soon all 30 sea wolves circled him, under the beating sun, everyone started to sweat, but the cool air of the ocean countered that.

Will stood alert, "Alright then, Who wants to go down first?"

Skandians, looked at each other and charged at once, pinning him down. One of the gave a toothy grin, "Seems like the end of the line Ranger."

Will looked at him, and laughs. "Your wrong, my knives won't be a great match against your axes and swords. But let me ask you this, what about sand?"

Leaving them confused at his remark, Will turned around in a circle scraping his feet on the sand making the area clouded and dusty; some of the Skandians fell out of place, rubbing their eyes. Shouting, some who managed to still see, attacked, with the midst of the confusing, Will easily engaged them and knocked them down.

When the dust settled, they saw either Skandians going near the pond, washing their eyes, or on the ground groaning.

Thorn cries, "That's cheating!"

Horace laughs, "No, in the heat of the battle, he used the sand against his opponents, don't worry, they are fine. But boy, in the real battle…"

Thorn pictured it; it would be a dreadful sight. The use of sand was…great. He heard Will say "My knives won't be a great match against your axes and swords. But how about this, is sand?"

Sand, such small little things defeats the group of Skandians, quite an uncanny thought and strategy.

Will ruffled down his shirt, and picked up his cloak. Looking for Lydia, "If you want to pull that kind of trick, try doing them on someone else. And also," there was a dead silence. "I already knew there was a man behind me when you asked me to teach you about daggers."

Lydia wondered, How did he know? Was that possible? No, he turned around to parry the Skandian behind him with extra seconds to spare.

Maddie patted her shoulders, "Will never disappoints, you never know. Maybe someone behind you signaled him?"

Jack included, "Or possibly he's just too old to fall for these tricks?" with a laugh.

Will turned away to tend Tug, Was that necessary? His eyes asked.

Will whispered, "Yes, she asked for it"

Tug snorted softly, Yeah right.

Will continued, "You're just jealous that Maddie gave you an apple more"

No

"And also, you just got to keep the youngsters guessing"

I suppose that is true.

Patting his head again, Will turned to see Bjarni standing there, "Very nicely done, you put these men into a lot of work. My, the sand was a nasty trick you pulled"

Will gave him a raised eyebrow, "Did you honestly thinking I could have fended off 30 burly Skandians?"

Bjarni gave that a thought, "…no not really, with just two subtle knives? No chance indeed"

"Exactly, so that's why you not only use this" Pointing his arms and weapon. "But you also use this" Pointing his head. "A bit of each can be a powerful combination, you just got to think"

Bjarni nodded, "Good lesson Ranger, Come on over, I got some beer… or you may prefer coffee that Edvin boy have."

Will shrugged, "Well, if there's coffee, I can't pass up this good offer." Following Bjarni out, in a detailed discussion of the earlier battle.

Ooo

"General, there is a messenger sent by that dark cursed knight." An officer greeted and reported.

General Haz'kam looked up from his maps and papers, then replies, "Invite him in."

"Yes, sir"

The messenger came in, and gave the letter to the General. "General, reports from the docks."

The General slowly took the paper, and opened it. Reading the content, with great might, he covered his anger. It was impolite for a General to show his emotions. "When, did you set out?"

"Sir, er...last night."

The enemy seems to have confirmed the mounted invasion... this is not good. My son was lost to those. "You are relieved, send for Officer At'lan. On your way out."

Giving a salute, he rushed off. Soon, Offcier At'lan came into the tent, the head of the Temujai scouting party.

"Officer, what is our position in the docks of our ships being built there?"

Replying, "It is confirmed, the ships and rebels indeed left. There is only a town, I sent a small division of forces to keep an eye just in case they decide to come back but it is empty."

The general nodded, "And what is the status of our troops?"

"Our Calvary is ready. The ships will be ready to board. However the 10 ships seem to refuse to appear. That would be a small cost to us." At'lan reported.

"Alright, call out. Our plans are now forwarded, we leave for the ships at dawn and how long do you think it will take at sea to reach the Ara-land?" the General inquired.

"Because our men have not been on ships and so are our horses, our route through the ocean will be going through rivers and calmer waters. That way we don't have to wait as long to get accustomed when we return to land." Giving a salute, he ran out to follow the orders.

The knight in his report was correct, they barely need any more time to prepare; it's time we set out to sea…to destroy.

Ooo

Jack fired an arrow towards a tree, then rapidly firing 5 more. Maddie did the same only a fraction of a second quicker.

"You know, with a bit more practice, I will catch up to you Maddie." Jack said without turning his head.

"Yeah, right like you would ever." Maddie snapped back.

Faye sat around looking at the two shooting arrows. She saw a bow and walked over and picked it up. Jack and Madelyn noticed and stopped shooting. Maddie began, "Here, Faye maybe you might want to.."

Faye picked up an arrow and shot dead center with Ranger's accuracy. She looked at them. They were speechless, sure they know she could fight well with a sword but firing a bow?

Maddie said to Jack with a low voice, "You know, you and your sister have very similar techniques"

Jack exclaimed, "What's wrong with that?"

Giving him a smile, "Nothing, come on Faye, we are going to venture out in the forest, let's go."

Faye bent down to put down the bow, and then had a second thought. Looking around, then asked, "Is this anyone's?"

A voice rang out, "No, you can keep it. Just make sure you respect it."

They all turned to see Will in the shade, they didn't notice him coming towards them. Faye shook her head slowly, they were incredible…and was moving that her brother was an Apprentice Ranger too.

Jack asked, "Did you put that bow there on purpose Will?"

Will nodded, "I figured your sister might need some insight training with her bow. From now on, after drilling with the Senshi' I need you 2 to train her to be…half-reasonable shooter.

Then he turned around heading towards the rest of the party.

Faye deliberately said slowly, "HALF-reasonable?"

Maddie punched her shoulder playfully, "Don't worry, we get that a lot. Even our shots right now are decent to him."

"Tough mentor."

Jack laughs, "But legendary."

Maddie agreed, "Yes, legendary like Halt."

Faye had heard little bits of folks, talking about the courageous Rangers. "So tell me, what did he do?"

They gave each other a look, Maddie answered, "Well, that is for you to ask my mom…or Evanlyn you might prefer. Or my dad, or Will himself."

Then before they could continue in their conversation, Jesper ran up to them, "Guys, they are calling everyone to huddle up. They got some news."

Horace stood on a rock, waiting for everyone to settle. Once they did, Horace began to talk.

"These past days, we have worked hard, preparing and training. For the battle appearing before us. I thank you all for supporting us, on behalf of all Araluens. But I am also certain, that it was also the threat to this whole side of the world bring us even more connected to protect. We received reports, from the Herons that the Temujai are gathering tomorrow at the docks. We need to head back to Araluen. But first, who feels like to give a strike against the Temujai's before we do that?"

Everyone, Skandians the loudest, cheers. Thorn calls out, "But not because of the threat to this side of our world, but also as friends, allies."

Horace amended, "As friends."

Will calls out, everyone turned to look at him, "Everyone, you are all free for the rest of the day. No more training or drills needed. If you like you can continue to practice; there is no harm in that. But you are free to do whatever you want. Get the rest, you will be needing it"

Everyone gave a final cheer, before they all fanned out. Will, aboard the Arrow. Looked over the plans of attack for tomorrow. Horace entered the room, "Hey Will, everyone is celebrating out there, come out and join us."

"Just going over the plans… if our archers fire the flaming arrows as we sail by quickly…we might be able to cause some damage to the ships gathered there. Our intel says the fleet is assembling tomorrow afternoon. With Hal manning that crossbow, Rebel-Skandian attacks near the beach…before returning out to sea, we should have minimal casualties." Will went through out loud.

Horace gave his friend a assuring smile, "We got this tomorrow, with the Rebels and Skandians paired up, I've seen them practice, they are formidable warriors now. Plus they will have Selethen and me up there."

Will laughs, "That's what I am most worried about."

"Alright, come on now let's celebrate."

Ooo

Late into the night, Hall approached Will, with an uncertain look. "Hey Will, I have to show you something."

Will nodded, and followed him towards the sea. He saw a small raft which looked like a boat and then a bobbing bulb in the water.

Hal didn't say anything and went over to pull a rope, making the raft go near by the bulb floating. Suddenly as soon as the ship touched the bulb, it exploded. Fire caught on the ships.

Will raised his eyebrows in amazement. "Hal, this is amazing."

"Yeah…I had many of these made on board. Using oil and the shards of pottery. Much larger than the model here…and when we were scouting for intel earlier…I might have dropped a couple in the water…?" Hal ended with uncertainty.

Will looked at him, "A couple?"

Hal sighed, "Okay, maybe all of them. The thing is its now in the way of the letting the ships out towards anywhere they want. To get out they would need to go out one way. At least the frontal part of the fleet will be affected."

Realization dawn to his eyes, "Oh, wait…"

Hal finished his sentence, "Yeah, I forgot about the whole sail by, where you will have a fire of archers…"

Will's mind worked furiously, this would be a problem. Certainly these exploding blubs would be a devastating start for the Temujai. But…if the wind was high enough in their direction, arrows would be able to reach the ships nonetheless.

Will said, "Not a worry Hal, this is great. Just hope we get some wind tomorrow on our side, it might be just enough for our arrows from a long distance."

Hal let out a sign of relief, "Thanks Will."

"Your welcome, now let's go enjoy some good food!" Will walk off towards the excitement.

Hal looked at his smoldering, burnt half sunk raft and then ran in the same direction where Will was heading.

HEY ALL, Nice to see some good readers reading this story, My anticipation for what's coming next is growing too.

Chapter 15, "Sea of Fire" Will be next up….

Here is some of the Temujai's that are going to be mentioned and is owned by John Flanagan:

-General Haz'Kam, Shan

-General Nit'zak, deputy to Haz'kam

-At'lan, head of a Temujai scouting party

IF you guys have ANY suggestions, ideas or imput, please review below. They are welcomed and appreciated. And if you're a sparrow or a vampire, who wants to review too, I don't mind.

~Pulse out