Disclaimer: I do not own Ranger's Apprentice or any of its characters

This chapter is a whole lot shorter than the others but I wanted to leave it where it was and I didn't want to start babbling on and describing every little thing so I could reach 1000 words so yea, sorry for the lack of words but I'm going to try and finish the story by next Friday. I know this isn't as good as Closer Ties but I'm finding it hard to top that so I hope you're enjoying this a little bit at least

Conlan stormed down the hall and turned several random corners before sitting down in the shadows. He guessed the sun was just starting to lower in the sky and debated just leaving Redmont. Maybe he could hide from Tannor for a suitable time before facing the inevitable. There was no way he was going to be able to run forever; Tannor would surely send Thanatos out after him if he didn't return within a reasonable time. There was also no way he was going to be able to explain why he couldn't kill Halt. He still wasn't exactly sure on the matter though he was starting to lean towards the excuse that maybe he didn't want to. Looking back, he couldn't exactly pinpoint why he was so angry with his father. Perhaps it was because he knew that whatever he did, he'd never exactly be like Halt. Crowley's question rang through his mind. What had happened to him? Angrily, Conlan stood and ran straight into a tall and muscular man that looked to be a knight. Judging by the smell and the look on the man's face, he was drunk.

"Where ye think yer going?" growled the man in slurred speech. Conlan didn't answer. "Do you know who I am?" the man snarled and shoved Conlan by the shoulders. Conlan stumbled backwards a few steps and grabbed his second knife that was in its sheath on his hip. The man was advancing towards him and looked furious. Conlan sized him up, he was at least a head bigger than him but they seemed evenly matched in terms of muscle. Conlan even had the upper hand as the other man was drunk and therefore his mind was cloudy.

Thinking fast, Conlan darted towards the man, knife held at the ready. The knight swung a fist at him but his reaction was late and clumsy; Conlan easily avoided it then darted forwards again. His knife passed through the knight's stomach and he bent over. Giving no mercy, Conlan quickly stabbed the man in the back of the neck, killing him almost instantly. The knight collapsed to the floor at Conlan's feet, a pool of blood forming. There was a startled yell behind Conlan and he quickly turned, lashing out with his knife as he did so. The blade struck the mystery person across the face, causing her to take a few steps backward, away from the deadly weapon. Conlan advanced hurriedly and went to dispatch whoever it was. He lunged forward and his eyes caught sight of the woman's face. It was Pauline. Trying to stop, Conlan managed to keep his knife from delivering a fatal blow but the blade still sliced into her stomach. She collapsed to the floor leaving Conlan standing in shock.

"Do something!" Troy growled from Conlan's left. Conlan spun angrily to face the hallucination.

"What the hell am I supposed to do?" he shouted. "I can't bring her to the infirmary; they'll have me in a cell before I can blink! Crowley wouldn't just let me off like that; he's probably put the whole castle on alert!" Conlan raged. Troy looked calm.

"Fine then, leave your mother to die here. It's not like you've broken out of dungeons before," Troy replied icily. Conlan glanced down at Pauline who was breathing raggedly; her white courier's dress had a large red stain that was starting to spread.

Hurriedly, Conlan bent down and draped one of her arms across his shoulders so he could help her up. Pauline was able to help with some of her weight but Conlan knew they'd need help if there was any chance of them getting to the infirmary before something happened. Shifting Pauline some, Conlan got a better hold though he felt blood running onto him.

"Let me help," Crowley said from the other side of Pauline. Conlan jumped, almost losing his hold but calmed when he saw the commandant.

"How much did you see?" Conlan asked.

"Get moving," Crowley said, ignoring the question. He had Pauline's other arm draped around his shoulder so he and Conlan were basically carrying her. Conlan obeyed and they started down the hallway at a fast pace.

Halt stared at the door, the effects of the tea were taking effect and he felt calmer and not as angry as he had been. He debated what to do, through the windows he could see the sun sinking in the sky but he didn't feel the least bit tired, if anything he felt a bit more awake. The events of the day played through his mind and it occurred to him that he hadn't seen Conlan at all since his arrival. Standing up, Halt strode to the door leading into the guest bedroom and knocked. There was no answer so he pushed the door open to find an empty room. Confused, Halt turned around, thinking where his son might have gone. Remembering the wound Conlan had in his stomach, Halt came to the conclusion that he might find him with Lucas. Grabbing his cloak, Halt left his apartment to go to the infirmary.

When he reached it, there was a certain buzz. Tristan, Lucas' apprentice, hurried by and disappeared into a room. Halt caught sight of Crowley who was sitting in a chair looking worried while Conlan sat in another chair away from the commandant murmuring to himself. Conlan glanced upwards and saw Halt. He stood and made his way to his father.

"I'm sorry Halt, I swear I didn't mean to. I…she…I don't know why, and-"Conlan rambled hurriedly, placing his blood covered hands up in defense.

"What are you going on about?" Halt questioned, interrupting Conlan's babble. He looked worried as well though fear was woven into his eyes and Halt even detected misery. Crowley had stood and joined them; he looked at Conlan with some anger.

"Tell him," Crowley demanded. Conlan looked at Halt helplessly.

"I stabbed Pauline."

Uh oh...I realized that Pauline is rarely in other fics and even then she never gets injured so I've put it upon myself to make that happene. If there is a fic like that though and any of you know of it, I'd be interested to read it. Please review