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

My school schedule just got hectic and it's only the first day! Therefore, there will be a change of plans:

Raven's Story will be up tomorrow around 8 o'clock at night.

For all those who are looking forward to Raven's Story, I have another mystery to share with you. Raven will give something to Will that has major significance in Raven's Story. Hints will be given here and throughout Raven's Story but you won't get the answer until the last chapter. Still, be thinking about it!

Review and Enjoy!

A Shadow and a Warrior Chapter 37

Will was sound asleep. His face was laying on the wooden table, arms hanging limply at his sides. His right leg was still lifted on the makeshift stool. Drool leaked from his mouth, held open by the awkward position on the table. A soft, gentle snore escaped from his throat. A shudder past through his body. Merely a natural response to the cold breeze that blew in.

Erak stepped forward and put a thick blanket around the boy's shoulders. Evanlyn moved Will's leg off the stool. His body shifted with his leg, moving into a more comfortable position. The snoring stopped for a second then returned with renewed vigor. Evanlyn and Erak exchanged a grin. Both were worried about the young apprentice. Quietly Evanlyn had informed Erak about the darker half known as Shadow. Hearing of Shadow's attack during the battle, Erak had frowned and cursed quietly. He liked the irrepressible young boy. To know that a darker force was underneath, trying to destroy the good, made him angry. Now, however, Will was asleep. Everything had finally taken its toll, putting the boy into a deep, un-waking sleep. Come time he would stir and wake but before then he would remain in this deep slumber.

A soft whimper made both turn. Laying on a bed, stretched out, was Flare. A massive white bandage wrapped around her right side. The Temujai's saber had cut a deep wound. Had Will not been carrying medical supplies in his horse's saddle pack she would have died. Now her green eyes were open, staring intently at those in the room. Disk was curled up behind her. He sniffed the bandage before licking his friend between the ears. Ever since Flare had been injured, Disk had not left her side. Then again, neither had Will. The only time Will left was when the Jarls voted openly for the next Oberjarl. The chosen person had been Erak himself. Stunned, the huge Skandian had stumbled over his words as he accepted the honor.

One of the first things that Erak had done was to execute Slagor. Before doing so, the truth of Slagor and Gregor's betrayal had been told to all in Halasholm. Slagor had shouted that it was all lies but no one believed him. He had lied and cheated so many, as had his brother. No one was really surprised to learn the truth. However, the thought that they tried to sell out to the Temujai made most of the Skandians sick or disgusted. No one mourned over their deaths. The second thing was that Erak asked Will to help make sure that the Temujai had left Skandia. Instantly the boy had declined, saying he had to take care of Evanlyn, Flare, and Disk. Now that Erak saw the boy sleeping in a puddle of his own drool, he understood that Will also needed to care for himself. It pained Erak that he could not help them anymore.

Since Erak had become the Oberjarl, he had declared peaceful relations with Araluen. With Borsa, he had begun working with Evanlyn to form a draft treaty to send with her and Will. The apprentice Ranger had sworn to make sure that none would see it before King Duncan. The treaty draft was safely hidden among their few belongings. With Flare and Disk constantly in the room, no trespasser could get in to steal it or destroy it. However, Erak had wanted to see to it himself. Will's scouts had brought back word that the Temujai were still near the mountains. That was too close for comfort. Therefore, Erak would await word from Araluen, saying he could come and discuss the treaty. Until then, he would make sure that the Temujai went nowhere near his border. Will and Evanlyn had to find their own way home.

Will had brought forth a simple solution. As soon as Flare was well enough to travel, they would head out. Traveling light, they would take the black stallion that Will had ridden into combat. Each human would take turns riding and walking. Flare would remain on the horse's back at all times due to her injuries. Disk would walk. Such a journey would be long and tedious. Erak knew that they would make it. Will's determination seemed to have rubbed off on Evanlyn. If the boy started to fail then she would pick him up and continue onward. They were an unstoppable, inseparable team. Flare and Disk were loyal and brave dogs, willing to follow their masters to the very end.

Hopefully their trials were over.

Will saddled the black horse. Since he was coming too, Evanlyn had chosen to name him: Behemer (Be-heem-er). Behemer snorted and nuzzle Will's shoulder. Just like Flare and Disk, he had found Will to be a kind and loving master. Somehow he knew that they were going on a long journey. He was willing to go, to do what needed to be done. Will smiled and scratched his soft muzzle. The young man worried about the horse. He would have the hardest part in all of it. Yet, staring up into those dark brown eyes, Will could see the willingness. He pulled out an apple and gave it to Behemer, who ate it happily. That was going to be the last apple in a long time.

A yip made Will turn. Evanlyn was approaching with Disk and Erak. The Oberjarl was carrying Flare. The female was the one who had yipped, calling out to her master. Her tail wagged back and forth in excitement. She and Disk knew that they were going on an adventure. Will had learned that Flare was the curious and adventurous type. If the time ever came, Will was willing to bet that she would be a good Ranger dog. Halt would have a fit though. Disk was much calmer, walking beside Evanlyn. He knew better than to waste his energy. However, Will could see the shining excitement in his blue eyes. Smiling, Will stepped aside and let Erak put the excited Flare on Behemer's back. Whining, Flare prepared to jump down.

That's when Behemer's nose turned and he neighed. Don't even think about it, he seemed to say.

Flare looked at him and yipped loudly. You're not the boss of me, seemed to the retort.

"Flare, stay," Will commanded, eyebrow raised at the silent argument. Behemer neighed and threw his head. Flare whimpered but obeyed her master. Signaling to Evanlyn, Will spoke, "We may as well get underway. Mount up."

Evanlyn nodded. Standing on her tiptoes, she kissed Erak on the right cheek, "Be a good Oberjarl and good luck." Then she turned and mounted Behemer, wrapping her arms around Flare. Erak was turning a beet red, touching his cheek.

"Erak," Will said, stepping forward and offering his hand.

Erak looked at him, seized his hand, and pulled Will into a bear hug. Will grunted as Evanlyn's laughed rang out. Erak held him until Will began suffocating. Releasing him, Erak said gently, "Take care of yourselves. You have a long way to go. Stay out of trouble."

"Will…do…" Will wheezed.

Pleased, Erak stepped back. Tying a leach to Disk's rope collar, Will signaled for them to head out. Behemer snorted as Evanlyn gently tapped his sides. With sure feet, the little group headed out. Svengal waved from Erak's side, getting two return waves. On the way through Halasholm, several Skandians let out booming goodbyes. Michael and several other former slaves met them the entrance to Halasholm. Goodbyes and well-wishes were quickly exchanged. It was midday by the time Will and Evanlyn pulled away from everyone and set off.

They reached the necessary pass early the next day. There, waiting patiently for them, was a small band. Raven sat astride his pure white horse. Banita and Wind stood next to him. The others were all there as guards, protecting their leader. Will, who was riding at that moment, spurred Behemer into a trot. Evanlyn and Disk easily matched the pace. Soon the two groups merged. Banita instantly stepped forward and embraced Evanlyn warmly. The princess of Araluen returned the hug. Disk and Flare barked at Wind, who scratched their ears. Raven and Will both dismounted. With a small signal, Raven pulled Will aside until they were out of earshot.

Raven raised Will's face with the forefinger on his right hand and asked, "Are you sure you want to leave? We will welcome you with open arms, Will."

"I'm sure," Will replied firmly. He added quickly, "Araluen is and will always be my home. Shadow may disagree with me but that matters little to me. It has been almost three years since I saw those I love. It's time to go home."

Raven dipped his head, acknowledging Will's words. He stepped back and whispered, somewhat wistfully, "Then I wish you luck and happiness. You have taught me much, young Will. May your homecoming be better than mine."

His eyes turned away, watching Banita and Evanlyn share a laugh. A soft sigh sounded. Will watched the man in confusion. Those green eyes were distant, filled with pain and sorrow. Then they hardened in anger. He was obviously reliving a memory. With a shake of his head, Raven returned his gaze to Will. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a chain. Will gasped when saw it. The chain was long, gleaming silver in the morning light. A gold medal, shaped in the Hunter symbol (a lone hawk feather), hung from the chain. Raven took Will's right hand and placed it there. His hand curled Will's fingers around it.

"This is very special, Will," Raven said quietly. "Keep it safe. Keep it with you always. The chain is made of pure silver, the medal of pure gold. Our people believe that by combining these two elements, a spell is cast that forever protects the bearer. Whether this is true or not, I do not know. However, if you ever need our help, send word to me with this and I'll answer."

With that, he embraced Will. Will froze, not knowing what to do. Raven was warm like a soft campfire. The smell of blooming cedar trees wafted around him. This made Will frown. Cedars only grew deep in the Skandian mountains. Why Raven had gone there is a mystery. Slowly the tall man stepped away. He nodded to Will before turning back towards the others.

"Raven?" Will suddenly asked.

The man turned back to him and cocked his head to the right.

"Evanlyn and I would died in battle had we not been rescued…" Will began. He stopped unsure how to continue. Raven made a small, circular gesture. Breathing deep, Will began again, "There were five men, three carrying crossbows. They only fired once, bringing down our attackers. However, they never once stepped into combat."

When he paused again, Raven asked calmly, "So?"

"So…they were dressed like the Hunters…but different," Will said.

Raven seemed to frown, "None of my men or women were near the battle. I had forbidden it. Describe them to me."

"Dressed in pure black. Faces were completely covered in black cloth. Evanlyn could make out a glint of red, like red glass, where the eye holes were. A crimson red sash crossed from the right shoulder to the left hip. They wore black cloaks that went all the way to the ground. The hoods helped to hide their faces. Each carried two sabers and numerous knives. Besides that, only three of them had crossbows." Will rattled the list of quickly, wanting to get underway.

Raven thought for a moment then shook his head, "Figments of your imagination."

"What?" Will snapped in anger and surprise.

Raven crossed his arms, "When Serpent was alive, he trained more than just Tiger and I. He trained a twenty men and women, total, to be his eyes, ears, and blades in Skandia and beyond. However, when he died, they carried his body to Serpents grave. I watched as they arranged themselves in a circle around their master. 'We will stand guard over our master for eternity," they had said to me. Several years ago I went back. True enough, I found twenty skeletons lying around Serpents grave. Even in death, they still were guarding him."

"We saw them. Not just in the battle, but around Halasholm as well," Will argued, stepping towards Raven.

The tall man shrugged, "Some of the old Hunters knew of Serpent's assassins. They like to babble on about them. Most people ignore them, especially since I never confirmed the stories. My daughter, however, was fascinated by them. She must have told Evanlyn who told you and both of you started seeing them everywhere." Raven looked Will in the eye, his green gaze becoming as hard as steel, "They all died, Will. None of them are left."

Suddenly, he turned and walked away. Will watched him go, eyes narrowed. Raven had been too abrupt, too quick to deny what Will saw. Also, there was far too much detail. On top of it all, Shadow remembered seeing one talking to Raven. The memory had been faint, just words during the battle. However, as Will thought about it, the memory became clearer. Yes, these cloaked men and women still existed and Raven knew. Also, there was another point to consider:

Raven knew that Evanlyn saw them first.

After exchanging the last few goodbyes, Will and Evanlyn set off through the passes. Three of Raven's guard went with them. At the end of the pass, they handed Will medicine, food, waterskins, and a small amount of money. The young Ranger apprentice added it to the appropriate piles given to him by the Skandians. With short bows at the waist, the men said goodbye and left. Looking down at Evanlyn, Will shrugged philosophically. Disk whimpered as he looked out at the new land before him. His paws danced nervously. Flare, however, craned her neck for a better view. She was excited about the adventure that awaited.

Evanlyn smiled at Will after he dismounted then helped her up. She indicated the path ahead, "Let's go home."

Will nodded enthusiastically, "Let's."

Dusk found them at a fork in the road. One led further west into the heart of Gallica. The other headed south. Will signaled to the appropriate path. They still could make another mile before night settled. Then they would rest and continue onward. Yet there was something they did not know. About a mile down the other fork, nestled comfortably among some trees, was a campsite. Three horses stood together, sharing the companionship. A few feet away, sitting around a fire and a map, were three men planning their route:

Halt, Gilan, and Horace.