NOTE: I don't own of any of the characters from Ranger's Apprentice! I just own Flare, Disk, Gregor, and the Hunters.

2nd NOTE: "Don't judge until you've heard the whole story" is something I quote a lot to my friends. The time is coming for Raven to tell you his. Raven's Story: coming Wednesday 13, 2016!

The time has come! Will, Evanlyn, and the Skandians are about to clash in an all-out all battle. The battle has begun!

Review and Enjoy!

A Shadow and a Warrior Chapter 36

They heard it long before the source appeared. The pounding of thousands of hooves as the horses marched at a brisk pace. It was soon joined with the jangling of harnesses. The crashing waves added to the deafening noise. Gray storm clouds cast an ominous shadow over the land and sea. The screeches of seagulls and crows filled the air. The white and grey were fleeing the scene. The large, black birds slowly landed in the trees. Both species knew of the coming battle. One fled while the other waited in anticipation. The wind gushed from the sea, bringing massive waves and shaking the trees on the opposite side.

Ragnak stood in the center of his army. Erak was at his side, fingers running over his axe. The Oberjarl's gaze switched over to his right. Hidden behind shields and the barrier were the archers. Evanlyn and Michael were talking quietly together, preparing each other for the work ahead of them. Will, the young Ranger, had felt the previous day with the riders. He gave no hint as to where to find the group so that a message could be passed to them. Ragnak hoped that Will knew that the Temujai were approaching. His gaze traveled over all the Skandians before him. They were ready for the coming battle, looking forward to attacking this invading force. The Temujai were riding into a trap, one that Ragnak hoped would hold them back until Will appeared.

Then the first ranks appeared. The loose sand of the beach failed to kick up dust, which would have alerted the Skandians to their approach. Now shouts rang out as the Skandians spotted the Temujai and raced to prepare themselves. The force of mounted warriors continued to ride forward with no sign of fear or apprehension. Colored flags were lifted high into the air. Ragnak knew these would order the forces into their attack positions. Now all their spying and guess work was about to be tested to the limit. If only Will had stayed to help them. Ragnak could not analyze patterns as well as the boy. Such information could be useful.

A horn blew and wall of mounted men came to a stop. The Skandians jeered and shouted at the Temujai. They remained still. The wind blew past, sending the harnesses jingling and the flags fluttering. Ragnak narrowed his eyes as he studied them. Erak tilted his head to the left, trying to figure them out as well. Evanlyn had already gotten the archers into position. Now she was peering over, watching. Will had told her and Ragnak that the archers were to wait a little bit and get a feeling for the Temujai's movements. He had been working hard with the princess in teaching her how to watch and find a pattern. It also gave the mounted riders a chance to practice. Evanlyn had expressed fear in this but Will remained confident in her ability. Now, though her face was white with fear, Ragnak could see her determination and resolve. That was a good thing.

The flags began to move, their bearers receiving orders to issue. The first several rows detached from the army and advanced. Slowly their horses picked up speed. Spears lowered, preparing to slam into the Skandian line. Swallowing, Ragnak watched and hoped. One of the slaves had given Will some information of his country's fighting style. That had given Will an idea, leaving that slave in charge of making sure it was perfect. Now they had to hope and wait. The normal Skandian defense of sharpened sticks jutted out at the oncoming horses. The horses balked and neighed, panicked at the sight of those sticks. However, training and their riders were keeping them moving forward. If even with those sticks, Ragnak could imagine what that full charge would do to his forces. Not good…

That is when the ground gave out the first line. Weak boards of wood, hidden by sand, covered a trench stretching from the hills to a few feet from water. Razor sharp sticks and spears were planted in the sand, waiting for blood. Only a few paths had been left for the workers and the Skandian army. Horses and men screamed as they fell and were impaled. The second and third ranks had no hope either. Some horses stopped short, throwing their riders into the trenches. Some riders managed to hold on, only to have sand give out beneath their horse's hooves, dooming them both. Only a few found the pathways and they met with the Skandian axes. The Skandians poured forward to take down the fourth row, which had managed to stop in time. The Temujai engaged willingly. However, they were backing away from the Skandian line, drawing Ragnak's forces with them.

Seeing this, Ragnak's mind jumped to the conclusion. Leaning forward, he bellowed, "Get back here, you idiots!"

Hearing Ragnak's voice, the Skandians began pulling back. Those still engaged were backed up by those behind. They led them across the trenches, which were filled with the dead and dying. Still, many points still appeared from among the bodies. Soon all the Skandians that had not been slain were back in the safety of fortifications. Looking across to the other army, Ragnak could make out a very mad man. Smiling at Erak, Ragnak knew that the mad figure was the leader, Haz'Kam. That attack had not gone as plan for the Temujai. Many of their number had been lost in the trenches or to the charging Skandians. Looking back to the archers, Ragnak saw that Evanlyn was getting them ready. Soon the Temujai were going to get another surprise.

The Temujai readied themselves for the next stage. Now they were nervous. Death trenches were not something that they had ever seen. The Skandians had up their game. Haz'Kam gave the go ahead to the flag bearers. Soon the flags moved, issuing the orders. Beyond, the Skandians tensed for the incoming attack. Two Ulans stepped forward and headed towards the Skandian line. Evanlyn instantly saw how one held back as the first rained arrows on the Skandians. Biting her lip, she guessed what would happen next as the shields came up and blocked the arrows. Indeed, the Temujai slung their bows and attacked with sabers. Then the second Ulan began firing as the first retreated.

Smiling, Evanlyn waited. Now she knew the pattern. Time for another nasty surprise.

The next round of Temujai Ulans began their attack. However, after the shower of arrows they unleashed, something went horribly wrong. With Michael directing the archers, Evanlyn helped by giving the ready call and telling him who to shoot down. The Temujai arrows landed on the Skandian shields. Slinging their bows over their shoulders, the Ulan passed the trenches and charged. That's when the arrows hit. With screams of pain and fear, the Ulan buckled. The men behind those who were struck down were taken down by their companions. The leader was dead, leaving his group in a state of panic. That's when another volley hit, bringing down all but three riders. They grabbed horses and rode back to safety, shouting warning to the second Ulan. However, it was too late. The third volley hit an unsuspecting and scared group. Instantly horses and men went down. A fourth volley was away before most could turn their frighten steeds around. More went down as that volley hit.

That's when the archers ducked under cover and vanished sight.

Haz'Kam was now furious. He had seen two of his Ulans completely destroyed except for a handful of men, all wounded. They had lost just as many horses. Glaring at the cheering Skandian line, he wondered what had happened to change them. The Skandians were known as a stubborn race, never liking change and liking no one to come in and tell them how to fight. Yet someone had changed them. Somehow they created archers. Somehow they devised the death trenches. Haz'Kam looked around but saw no archers. He knew they must have gone to ground. A smart move, one a Skandian would not have thought of. However, only two huge figures stood on the hill where he knew Ragnak was. That meant Ragnak and another Skandian. So where was his thorn?

"Enough games," he spat. He turned to his commanders, "We have the numbers. Hit them hard!"

The flags relayed the message. The horses started forward reluctantly. They snorted and pawed at the ground. It was a death trap and they knew it. However, the riders kept urging until they moved. The horses were a means to an end, nothing more. Their thoughts and fears meant nothing. Slowly the archers prepared for fight. They had to thin the numbers. Evanlyn and Michael exchanged a worried glance. This was not good. Their numbers were too small and they did not have many arrows.

Ragnak and Erak also exchanged a worried glance. They knew the same thing. The Temujai were done wasting time. Now it was full out war. With such low numbers, the odds were far from in their favor. Cursing silently, Ragnak wished that Will was there. Maybe the boy had another trick up his sleeve. Maybe the boy could think of a way out of this mess. Slowly the Temujai crossed the pathways around the trenches. Cries of pain filled the air as the sand crumbled under some of the horse's hooves, sending them and their masters to their death. Breathing deeply, Ragnak prepared to issue an order. They had to meet the Temujai head on…

The ground was shaking…

Erak stepped forward and frowned. The Temujai were moving too slow. What was happening…?

A startled cry rang out…

It was far too late…

Appearing from the trees, spears lowered, was a line of horsemen. Leading the charge was a black stallion and a cloaked rider. A powerful recurve bow was easily spotted in the figure's left hand…

Will had arrived!

The Temujai had no time to prepare. The mounted force was ready, the charge on their side. The Skandians cheered wildly as one force met the other. The Skandian force had split, each taking a side of the trenches. More Temujai fell into the bloody trenches. Many were struck down by spears. Swords, axes, sabers, and knives cut through the Temujai men. Several found themselves forced into the sea, where the tide pulled them in.

Still many more faced the hardened tip of an arrow, shot from the accuracy of their own weapon.

Ragnak heard an ear piercing whistle. He knew what it meant. Already Will's riders were regrouping. "Go!" Ragnak bellowed as he lifted his axe. With a single war cry made from many voices, the Skandians charged. Still reeling from trenches, archers, and a mounted attack, the Temujai fell as the Skandians came in. The sky blackened for a moment as the archers shot into the back of the Temujai line. Another whistle rang out and Will's forces came in again.

Haz'Kam pulled away as the Skandians charged. He knew that this battle had turned against him. Stopping his horse, the general listened. Something was off. Instinct made him turned and hold out his shield. Three arrows slammed into it. With a painful scream, his horse buckled under him. The archers were at it again. Rolling away from his now dead horse, Haz'Kam heard an ear piercing whistle. The ground shook before the Skandian mounted force appeared. Cursing, he dove to the ground. The riders passed him without a second thought.

Rising, he spotted that jet black horse. Astride it was the black cloaked figure. Haz'Kam knew that this was his thorn. He watched as the figure shot down three of his men in rapid succession. Snarling, Haz'Kam drew his sword and charged forward. The black horse saw him coming and reared. The figure managed to keep his seat as the general swung blindly. It missed the horse and figure completely. That's when he was shocked for the third time that day. The figure turned, kicked him in the chest, and dismounted. Haz'Kam saw that the figure was short and dressed completely in black. That reminded him of Tiger. However, the face beneath the hood was young, no more than a boy's face. That thick bow twirling in the boy's grip. Haz'Kam met the boy's dark brown gaze. Then he saw the three scars running down the boy's face. The boy had obviously fought before but that mattered not to the general.

All he cared about was winning.

He tried an overhand blow. The bow came up and told his sword like a shield. Haz'Kam would have smiled had he not seen the many other cuts in the wood. This bow was built to last in battle. Then the boy arched his arm, throwing the general's arm wide, and leaped forward with a saxe knife. Instantly Haz'Kam leaped sideways. This time he stabbed at the boy. The blade slipped between the wood and the string but did not meet flesh. A second later, the bow leaped into the right hand and pulled. Pain shot up the general's arm as it was twisted the wrong way. Turning, he planned to stab the boy in the gut. However, a powerful grabbed his wrist. The boy and the general stood locked together. Then the boy's knee slammed into the general's wrist. His blade went flying away. The bow released his arm and sword. Haz'Kam swung but it was too late. The boy swept his legs from under him, the ground knocking away his breath and sword.

The boy stood over him, his face a mask. Yet his eyes showed turmoil. Haz'Kam could see lighter brown and darker brown swirling in each eye. Haz'Kam felt his heart twist. Tiger had warned him about the boy with halves of his soul fighting for power. This must be that boy. The saxe blade came down, imbedding itself in the earth next to Haz'Kam's left ear.

"Leave," the boy hissed, the struggle within all too obvious, "and don't ever return to Skandia or march on Araluen."

Then the boy withdrew, vanishing in the thick of the fighting.

We should have killed him!

No, it was not right. The Temujai believe in an honorable death. What we would have done would be murder!

Killing comes in war, fool!

He was beaten and he knew it. Us sparing him will make it less likely for him to attack Araluen.

Shadow punched Will hard in the jaw. The good half stumbled away. Rage blinding him, Shadow lunged at him. His hands closed around Will's throat. Eyes wide, Will stared up at him. Squeezing harder, Shadow smiled. There may be a war happening but at least he would have his victory. His right hand drew a black dagger, kept hidden beneath his black cloak. It was the only thing that could kill Will, the good half. The dagger had been given by Raven while teaching Shadow.

"If you are to be strong, you must eliminate all doubt, all second guesses, all thoughts of compassion and mercy. Learn to drive a dagger through them," Raven had said.

Now that time had come. Shadow was not going to hide anymore. It was time for him to take over, to rule. The Hunters had betrayed them but at least they gave him a weapon to use. He was their monster…

And it was time to be unleashed!

The dagger was poised, ready to strike. Will struggled beneath him in a desperate attempt to throw him clear. Smiling, Shadow let it plunge downward. With a mighty twist, Will managed to get his neck clear. The brown soil absorbed the dagger. Slowly dark veins crept outward, eating away at the beautiful forest around them. Hatred and rage were poisons. Shadow ignored how the forest was returning the dark place that it had once been. For him, that was beauty. Will continued to struggle but Shadow was going to be slow this time. Now he would make sure Will felt the black dagger cutting through his skin, severing his throat, ending his life.

"Don't," Will coughed weakly.

"You're weak. Your compassion, mercy, and love make you a target. Only I can save us!" Shadow growled, his voice resembling Raven's smooth purr.

The dagger inched closer. Darkness swirled around it, ready to tear Will apart. Will grabbed Shadow's wrist and tried to push back. However, Shadow had the strength of hatred and bloodlust behind him. He glared down at his image as the knife drew closer. Will's light brown eyes pleaded with him to stop. Such weakness Shadow would never let show.

The dagger touched Will's throat…

Something restricted Shadow's.

Will was hurled to the blood-soaked ground. Eyes blazing, Gregor approached with his bloody sword. Shaking, Will rose to his feet. He looked at Gregor blankly, trying to comprehend. The conflict within had made him blind to the world around him. Now both Shadow and Will cast desperately for understanding. It was Will who understood first.

Gregor was trying to kill them!

With a roar, the Skandian charged the boy who made his brother suffer, who ruined their plans. Will dodged right, rolled, and leaped to his feet behind the man. His saxe and throwing knife barely came together in the double knife defense in time to stop Gregor's blade. The man grunted before pulling back. Once more he struck and once more Will blocked. However, the massive man had more power behind him than Will had remaining in his body. The blow landed and knocked him to his knees. Then Gregor's boot took him in the stomach. Will fell flat on the ground, staring up at the overcast sky. Something about it made him feel weak, feel as if he could not move.

Gregor appeared in his vision. Both hands grasped the hilt. He raised it high over his head, point aiming for Will's chest. The huge blade would cut clean through, no pain, no suffering. Will sighed weakly, accepting his fate. Shadow tried desperately to make their body move. Now he was in a panic, realizing that his attack on Will had left them blind. However, their body was done, unable to move. Snarling with pleasure, Gregor prepared to strike down his enemy. With Will gone, he would easily kill Evanlyn. Everything was going as planned…

Until powerful jaws locked on his right leg.

With a scream, Gregor his head turned in a flash. There was Disk, his teeth slinking ever deeper into Gregor's leg. His blue eyes glared up at the man who made his life a living hell. Now that same man was trying to kill his kind and gentle master. Not while Disk was there to stop him. With a growl, the massive dog yanked hard, pulling Gregor's leg out from under him. The man went down in a heap, just managing to dodge his own sword.

Just then a howl rang out. Flare appeared, fiery fur standing on end and teeth bared. She leaped on her old master and snapped at his face. Gregor just managed to get his arm in the way. He screamed as Disk joined in and bit into his other arm. Within seconds, the two were ripping and tearing, punishing him for his cruelty. All the pain they had suffered, all the taunts, all the jeers, and all the beatings came back to them. At the same time, they remembered how Will and Evanlyn had cared for them, loved them, worried about them. Gregor was not going to hurt them any longer.

Meanwhile, Evanlyn had found Will and had helped him to his feet. She could see he was exhausted. All planning and fighting had finally took its toll. However, Evanlyn could clearly see that Will had not just been fighting Temujai and Gregor. Shadow's dark mark in Will's eyes was more pronounced. The darker half had obviously ambushed the lighter half. She stumbled forward with her friend, hoping Will could hold off Shadow long enough.

Shouting reached her ears, making her turn. Three Temujai were charging at them. Anger seethed from every muscle in their bodies. Evanlyn spat out an unladylike curse. There was no time to drop Will and draw her weapons. That's when three arrows appeared in their chests. The bolts had enough momentum behind them to take the men off feet, dead before they hit the ground. Will let out a worried growl. Evanlyn turned with Will to face their aid.

A gasp escaped her throat.

Five men stood there on the hill. Each was dressed in all black, with the black masks and cloaks, except for the crimson sash flowing from their right shoulders to left hips. Three of them lowered their crossbows. However, none of them moved forward to join the battle. They stood there and watched Evanlyn and Will. Will growled something faint, making Evanlyn look at him. His brown eyes were set on the men. His eyes were dark with anger and rage. However, it was Shadow who was controlling Will. That part of his gaze was a distinct dark color. Slowly a snarl appeared on his lips.

"Ren cole heng mawn oi," Will spat.

Evanlyn stared at him in wonder. Finally she managed to say, "What?"

"River of red by daggers drawn," Will said, still gazing at the men.

Slowly the five turned and vanished into the woods. Their work was done. It was then that Evanlyn realized that the Temujai were beating a full retreat. General Haz'Kam had found a horse and was shouting for his men to move faster. His gaze fell on Will and Evanlyn. She watched as he nodded briefly. Will nodded in return before the general turned and fled with his men.

Erak stood with Will, Evanlyn, Michael, and the War Council. They all had their heads bowed in sorrow. Before them lay Ragnak, wounded in many places with none looking to be the final wound. All around him lay the Temujai he had slain. One of the Council had seen him during the battle, filled with berserker rage. That was best way to go, they all knew. Lying several meters away was Gregor, torn apart by Flare and Disk. His eyes stared up at the sky and his mouth was open in a scream. Beside him lay his sword. His hand was reaching for it but it was too far out of reach. He had died without a weapon in his hand. Worst of all, he had died as a traitor to his Oberjarl and country.

"We won't forget about him and Slagor too soon," Erak growled, seeing Will's gaze. "Their tale will remain with us, teaching our children what a traitor looks like. Better that he fell like this. He didn't deserve a noble death."

The War Council growled in confirmation. All around them, Skandians were helping each other leave the battlefield. Women were moving around, trying to find their loved ones. Tears raced down the cheeks of those who found their loved ones dead. Several let out painful wails. The archers and riders were helping where they could, no matter who it was. The Skandians did not mind. These former slaves were now a part of their culture and society. Acceptance and love was now shared with them. They cried for the same lost people and hated those who brought such suffering.

Evanlyn linked her arm around Will's waist. Shadow had fled into the deepest recesses of Will's mind. He was far from gone, Will knew. It had been a close call. Had Gregor not attacked when he did, Will would have been lost, leaving just Shadow. Will gently touched her forehead with his own. They both had survived. However, they both had been saved by the figures in black and red. Who they were, Will could not guess. Shadow had only repeated the words that he had overheard Raven saying to someone. However, there was no trust or friendship in Shadow's demeanor over them.

Both jumped when a loud bark of pain rang out. All eyes turned to see Disk racing away. He stopped by red and white form lying in the blood soaked sand. He nudged, nipped and barked but to no avail…

Flare refused to move.

Well that was really hard to write. Hope you all enjoyed it. Yes, Shadow stabbed Will in the back. Those cloaked figures are connected to the Hunters. No, I won't tell you if Flare is dead or not. For that you have to wait for the next chapter.

Yes, I know I'm evil. :)

Remember: Raven's Story up on Wednesday!