NOTE: I don't own any of the characters from Ranger's Apprentice! I just own Flare, Disk, and the Hunters.
ShadowHunteroftheShadows: I really liked that poem that you wrote! A neat twist on my title…never thought of it that way! So I decided to honor it by putting it here in my fanfiction!
"A Shadow and a Warrior are in his mind
one goes for vengeance and one is loyal
one protects them both and one protects the others
one hidden in green cloak and second in black clothes
both fight tirelessly with an oath to uphold
To protect what they love most in this world
victory costs a lot but they are not afraid and willing to pay
sacrifice in the name of the selfless and go through the pain
they will fight from the dusk till the dawn
because united they stand and united they fall."
I just love it! :) Thank you so much for putting the effort into this.
Time for Will and Evanlyn to face the Skandians. Here you get to meet Ragnak, Borsa, Slagor, and the former owner of Flare and Disk. Not a nice group of people. Let's see if Will can convince Ragnak to let them help.
Review and Enjoy!
A Shadow and a Warrior Chapter 26
Ragnak leaned back in his throne. Slowly, carefully, his fingers tapped the armrest. Borsa was bringing forward documents and lists of numbers. Ragnak had little patience for such stuff. However, with this upcoming war, they needed to get it done. Also, the man was impatiently waiting for Erak and his crew to bring in a new shipment. Word had been sent of an attack on them. They had won and captured a man.
The message also said that they had aid coming to Halasholm.
Whatever the aid was, Ragnak hoped that it was not from any Araluen. Those men were sneaky devils who deserved to be punished. They killed his son! Even if they were not sent by Duncan, Ragnak would refuse the aid. Any Araluen was a threat to him. Any Araluen reminded him of what he had lost. Hopefully no aid was coming from them. It would give Ragnak a reason to hate them all the more.
A pounding knock resounded through the halls. The other Jarls looked in that direction. Stepping from the shadows came a skirl named Slagor. Ragnak looked at the man. Slagor was well-known and well-hated. Beside the man was one of his crew. This man, Gregor, was Slagor's half-brother. They shared the same father and seemed to share the same traits as each other. Gregor, however, also hated animals. Normally he had two dogs at his side but he said that he had "lost them" in the snow. Ragnak and everyone else knew that this was his excuse for abandoning the animals to freeze to death. Having both together again was not a good sign. However, Slagor had hired his brother so Ragnak could do nothing to separate them. Hopefully they would not be trouble.
The doors opened wide, revealing Erak and his first mate, Svengal. Svengal was hauling a disheveled, animal-skin clothing pretty much torn apart, man. Ragnak knew this to be the Temujai prisoner that they had caught. The left leg was heavily bandaged. Obviously he had been shot with an arrow. That made Ragnak frown. No Skandian used a bow strong enough to tear clean through a man's leg. Svengal dropped the man roughly onto the floor and stood over him. Erak stepped forward and nodded to his Oberjarl. Ragnak gave him the hand signal that meant he could speak.
Erak began, his voice ringing clearly throughout the massive hall, "Oberjarl, we have brought both carts, filled with provisions and weapons, safely to Halasholm. However, the Temujai attacked us without warning. We managed to drive them off and capture this man. He won't speak to us, even though we know that he understands us."
"And what of his leg?" Slagor cried out, interrupting him. Ragnak turned a disapproving eye on the man. It was obvious by his slurred speech that he was already drunk. Gregor smiled at his brother's sally.
Erak frowned at the man then decided to ignore the lesser man. He turned back to Ragnak and continued, "We were hard pressed in the battle against these Temujai. Aid came to us in the form of two runaway slaves…"
The crowd of Jarls murmured in shock. It was rare that a runaway slave would return, let alone aid a Skandian. Ragnak sat up. Runaway slaves were treated with the utmost anger in his halls. These two slaves were risking a lot by coming before him. Erak and Svengal waited for the noise to die down. They knew quite well the risk these slaves were taking. However, they brought them here anyway. Ragnak studied Erak closely. The Jarl was tensed and nervous about something. Obviously the slaves were bringing important news.
When the noise had died down, Erak spoke again, "They came to our aid because they saw the force of people that we face. They have also told us that the Temujai have already gotten through the mountains."
An even louder ruckus came after that announcement. Ragnak now understood Erak's misgivings. They all did. For the Temujai to have already past the mountains meant that the war was closer than they anticipated. At first he doubted the news. After all, these were runaway slaves. His mind soon dispelled that distrust. They would not risk his wrath for a lie. It had to be the truth. But that meant that the Skandians were in a dire position. However, there was still one problem stirring in his mind.
Raising his hands, Ragnak called for silence. He looked at Erak and asked, "Why do these slaves bring us this information. Why not escape and let the Temujai crush us?"
Several Jarl's muttered that they were thinking along the same lines. Erak smiled slightly and replied, "I know these slaves personally, Oberjarl. They are the boy and girl who my crew captured from Araluen" (Ragnak flinched inwardly at this). "The boy has a deep sense of honor and respect. He respects us for our prowess in battle and strength. Our beliefs in honor run parallel with his. Thus, he believed that we should at least be warned, even if he didn't listen."
"They're just slaves trying to find a way out of this predicament," Gregor growled angrily. "You must have stumbled upon them and they came up with this story to throw you off their trial."
Erak glared at the man, "Did them little good since I brought them here with us."
Ragnak leaned forward and growled, "Bring them in. I want to hear this from their own mouths."
Svengal turned and returned to the doors. Several other Skandians grabbed the prisoner and hauled him off to the dungeons. When Svengal returned, he was followed by two other people. Both were cloaked and dressed completely in black. One walked with a bow. His arrows and knives, however, had been taken from him. He was the smaller of the two but strength and confidence flowed from him. The other was the girl. She was of medium height and Ragnak could see the faintest traces of blond hair coming out of her hood. Both stopped before his chair and bowed to him. It was a gesture of respect. Ragnak actually found himself liking these two Araluens. Surely they must be among a few Araluens with any character, Ragnak was thinking.
"Greetings, Oberjarl Ragnak," spoke the boy. He gestured to himself, "My name is Will and my friend" (indicating Evanlyn) "is Evanlyn. We hate coming before you bringing such bad news."
Ragnak felt himself liking them even more. They were respectful, unlike some. His eyes darted back to Gregor and Slagor. They were watching the slaves with a hint of aggression. Ragnak remembered that Slagor had attacked these two slaves in the past for no reason at all. Gregor, obviously, was holding that same grudge against them. Turning back to the slaves, Ragnak signaled for Will to continue.
"The Temujai army found footpaths through the mountains. Their men and horses carried the supplies on their backs because the wagons could not follow. The army has amassed along the mountain base where all major passes come out into Skandian territory. You are on your own," Will said.
One of the Jarls asked carefully, "How many are in the army?"
"Thousands," Evanlyn replied with a shake of her head. "Far too many to count."
More muttering arose but was quickly silenced by Ragnak. He knew that this information needed to come out quickly if they had a chance of preparing. One look told Will to continue.
"I don't know their exact plans because I can't speak their tongue. However, my estimates tell me that they will move as soon as the ground starts to harden. Why? It will be safer for their horses to fight on hard ground."
Ragnak frowned in thought. The ground would hardened soon. That didn't give them much time to prepare. What was another month of preparations suddenly became a matter of weeks. This would not be easy. He was about to speak when Gregor stormed forward, ignoring the proper code of address to his Oberjarl.
He grabbed Will by the neck and picked him up, "You're just a slave. Why should we believe you?"
"No slave would return to aid their former masters," Will growled. "No slave would return to warn and help their former masters if they didn't speak the truth."
It was Borsa who caught the word that Will kept repeating. He stepped forward and snapped, "What makes you think that you are 'former' slaves?"
"Didn't you think that would come here without a deal?" Will coughed, struggling to breathe through Gregor's grip.
Ragnak frowned then growled, "Gregor, release him so we may hear this deal."
Gregor did not release Will. Instead his grip tightened. Evanlyn stepped forward to aid her friend. Svengal managed to stop her. Erak also stepped forward but Ragnak stopped him with a wave of the hand. He then repeated his order. Again, Gregor ignored him.
That's when everyone heard it: growling. Two dogs stepped forward, heads down and teeth bared. One was white, grey, and black with tips of brown on his ears and tail. The other was a fiery red ginger and white. Rope collars hung around their necks. Blue and green eyes flashed with anger and hate. Gregor dropped Will out of shock at seeing them.
"Flare? Disk?" he asked as the dogs advanced.
Neither dog acknowledged him as they sniffed at their master. Will taking in shuddering breaths. Evanlyn knelt beside him, whispering soothingly. Flare and Disk understood that their master had almost been choked to death. Both eyes returned to Gregor. Slowly they approached, separating to either side of him. Gregor back away.
"Down! Stay back!" he barked at them but both dogs kept advancing.
"Return," Will whispered.
Both ears swiveled at his voice. Giving one last growl at the man, Flare turned and trotted over to her master. Disk kept his blue glare on the man as he returned. They still remembered him as the master who left them tied to a tree in the snow. They still remembered the treatment they received under his rule. Yet, already the Skandians could see a difference. Gregor had barked and snapped at them while Will just whispered his command without anger. Such a difference in the treatment of the animals warmed Will and Evanlyn to the other Skandians, regardless of whether or not they had animals. Only Slagor was furious.
"Those dogs belong to my brother!" he spat angrily, stumbling forward.
Two other Skandians held him back but he spit at Will. Flare and Disk instantly became aggressive again. Razor sharp teeth glistened in the light. Their fur rose while their ears flattened. Will grabbed their collars and held them firmly. Erak stepped forward and placed himself between Slagor and the slaves. Ragnak's eyes narrowed as he saw this. Obviously Erak was friends with this group. That was not helpful in this situation.
"We found them abandoned in the snow," Evanlyn hissed. "Their leashes were broken and they were starving. Will and I took them in and fed them. They willingly stayed with."
"Liar!" Gregor growled. "I would never leave my dogs behind!"
"How do you know that they are yours?" Evanlyn queried.
"Easy," Gregor said with a sickening smile, "I know their heritage. Flare is a husky. Her mother mated with a male wolf and had her. Disk's mother and father were both mountain dogs. Disk's father was also half border shepherd. Both were born in my service, which makes them my dogs."
Several of the Jarls exchanged looks. They knew that Gregor was lying. However, Will and Evanlyn were slaves. They had no right to own anything. To them, Gregor would get back his animals and probably kill them with his own hands. Such a shame. Those dogs were obviously loyal to any master they had.
"Ragnak," Will began, gaining the Oberjarl's attention, "Our deal is this: We will lend you all the skills that we possess in this war and we will fight beside you. In exchange, we demand our freedom."
Ragnak eyed the boy and girl. Both were determined. They had risked a lot to come before him. Like the others, he did not like Slagor or his brother. By giving them their freedom, the dogs would be theirs. Also, these two were obviously skilled. After all, they survived two years on their own in Skandia's winter. The way the boy moved told Ragnak that he had trained with a Ranger. Those skills would be very helpful.
Lifting his hand for silence, Ragnak spoke, "I accept your deal."
Will poured over the maps of Skandia that had been brought to him. Evanlyn was brushing Disk and Flare. She believed that they needed to look a little nicer. After all, they were going to be around the Oberjarl a lot now. Looking up, she saw Will write a few notes on a piece of paper.
She sighed weakly. There was nothing that she could help him with. This was his expertise, not her's. He was looking for roads and paths that the Temujai might use. He was also looking for places to set up for battle. However, that was seemingly impossible. Coming over, Evanlyn leaned over next to him. According to his notes, there were several places where the Skandians would have the advantage. However, all were discarded because of some major flaw, mostly having to deal with the numbers of the Temujai.
Will looked up at her and smiled wanly. Evanlyn hugged him. Flare butted her head against his leg while Disk put his paws on the right armrest. Gently Will scratched their ears. Evanlyn studied his notes. To her, it was mostly gibberish but Will obviously knew what it meant. He was the one talking to the Skandians so whatever worked for him.
Hearing him sigh, Evanlyn asked, "What's wrong?"
"The Skandians have the home field advantage," Will said then signaled to the maps, "However, the Temujai have the advantage of numbers. Halt told me that the Temujai were known for their ability to run massive forces with a system of flags or lights. That's another advantage that they have."
Evanlyn hated to say it but knew she had to, "Don't forget that they also have the advantage of the horses and archers."
Will nodded. There was nothing more to say. This whole time he was hoping that he could figure it out. However, the more he analyzed the situation, the more hopeless it seemed. Putting his face in his hands, he let out another sigh. Maybe he should not have brought Evanlyn back here. Maybe it was a suicide mission. Maybe he did not have a chance…
"Giving up so soon?" Shadow's voice echoed in his head.
Will snapped in reply, "You're not helping here with your mockery."
"Just asking," was the reply.
Will closed his eyes, "Any better ideas?"
"Fight and adapt. That's all we can do since you were so adamant on doing this suicide mission. Let's see what they have planned then counter it," Shadow growled.
Will opened his eyes in an instant, "Use trickery over force."
"Not what I had in mind. How do you plan to do this?" Shadow said, a little bit shocked with the sudden turn of events.
Will grabbed his notes, a map, and his pen. He raced from the room with Evanlyn and the dogs on his heels. Reaching the Great Hall, he knocked on the door. Ragnak's booming voice told him to enter. Striding in, Will saw that all of the Jarls were there, leaning over a table and trying to plan the war.
"I have an idea," Will said with a smile. "But it requires a lot of manpower."
Ragnak's eyes narrowed, "Go on."
"We use subtlety and trickery over force," Will said while throwing down his map. Pointing to certain roads, he growled, "We block these roads here so that they cannot pass. That will make them have to come down along the beach or through the thick forests. Using stealth and surprise attacks at random moments, we can weaken their numbers, slow them down, and grab some of their supplies."
One of the Jarls spoke up, "That won't stop them."
"It won't," Will agreed. "However, while some are out there annoying the Temujai, the rest of us will be building defenses here. It's the best place to fight them. We engage them here. Meanwhile, those already out there will break their supply lines by blocking the roads and destroying shipments. Since the Temujai are drawn all the way here, those lines will be fragile and stretched."
Many of the Jarls were nodding as he explained and showed the plan. It made sense to them. They could see the benefits. By being so close to Halasholm, the Skandians would be even more determined to defeat the Temujai. However, the Temujai would still be at the advantage. This needed to be dealt with, especially the bows.
Erak spoke up, "Those bows and arrows will be killer when combined with the horses…"
"You forget," Evanlyn interrupted with a smile and wrapping her arm around Will's shoulders, "That we have a Ranger at our side."
Erak smiled and shook his head, "One man against an army. Impossible odds."
"Not one against an army," Will replied, knowing where Evanlyn was going. Shadow hooted happily inside his head, "An archery force against an army…
Ragnak, allow me to teach the slaves in Halasholm to use the bow."
Longest chapter I have ever written! Smart Will (and Shadow) and Evanlyn. Next chapter involves a lovely character that dresses completely in black.
Hint: a major fight is about to ensue.