A/N: I'm sooooo sorry guys, I know I'm terribly late. It has been a chaotic week for me. I had exams and two deadlines this week and my teacher thought it would be a nice idea to give me one huge deadline extra. Between all the chaos I managed to write this chapter almost completely but yesterday my laptop had the wonderful timing to crash completely so my chapter was gone. I had to write it all over again and now here we are. I don't think this chapter will be at the same level as the previous ones, but I just couldn't get it any better.

To potato-ranger and AreiaCannaid I want to say thanks again. Reading your reviews every time is truly amazing. It's such an incredible feeling that people take the time not to only read your story but also leave a review. It makes writing so much more fun!

Now we finally can go back to our amazing friends.

Chapter 9

Will woke up with a headache. He tried to recall what happened and suddenly everything came back. "Halt!" he called, while suddenly rising. His hissed because of the pain coming from his shoulder and ribs. But there was no time to waste he needed to speak to Halt. He tried to turn around but was held back by a firm hand.

He looked straight in the eyes of the old healer. "Malcolm, where is Halt I need to speak to him now!" he said. Malcolm tried to push him back in the pillows but it didn't work. "Shh, Halt left an hour ago with the army Will. You need to rest before you make these injuries even worse."

Will looked at him with panicked eyes. The army was on their way to the battlefield. Even if he made it in time to the army, they couldn't alert Erak in time. "No they can't be all gone, is there anyone left here at the camp?" he asked. Malcolm shook his head "I'm afraid it is just us and a few other healers, we are making preparations for the injured after the war. What's the matter? I'm sure the army can cope one time without you."

Will tried to think fast. There was no one left to alert the Skandian forces. But the army of Araluen could suffer a great defeat without them, not to mention the lives lost. He looked at Malcolm "I remember the days after I rescued you. I overheard some Scotti talk about Erak being in Araluen with a small army and that the Scotti were trying to hide it from us. We have a big chance of victory if Erak and his men help fighting, but they don't know the war has already started. Someone must alert them."

Malcolm saw the problem. "Maybe a healer can ride there and send a message?" he suggested. But Will already shook his head "No, it must be someone with status or someone Erak knows, otherwise they will probably not believe it."

There was just one option, both the healer and the young ranger knew which one.

The army marched slowly forward. They had almost reached the point where the army would split up, so they could attack from more than one side. Halt had been quiet the whole time. It was unusual that the ranger had no tricks up his sleeve to establish victory. All the advantages they could have in the area had been taken away. The strategic site of Macindaw had been taken, the enemy knew they were coming and the battlefield would be almost entirely an open field so even there he couldn't plan any surprises.

He had given Gilan the task to take a group of soldiers to the left side of the Scotti army. Horace was leading a group to the right side of the army. Halt and Crowley remained with the king in the frontal attack. This way the Scotti army would scatter around to fight all sides.

The only drawback to his plan was that there was no one attacking them from the back. But no army, no matter how small, could just walk around the whole Scotti army without being noticed. If the Scotti decided to draw back to Norgate they were lost. The Scotti would have time to regroup and attack head on without the inconvenience of the attacks from the sides.

Halt had spoken about his worries with Duncan, Crowley and Gilan but neither of them knew a better solution. They had one chance and they would take it today.

"No, I forbid it. You can't ride that far, it's insane. Of all the rangers you are definitely the worst, young Will." The thundering voice of Malcolm reached the whole emptied camp. Will flinched at the anger of the healer. "Malcolm, they won't win this war without help. Right now I'm the only one who can provide that help."

"You couldn't even make it to the other side of the camp without falling unconscious, this is madness." Said Malcolm. Will had tried multiple times to get out of his bed but the healer wouldn't let him. It was an impossible battle. "I'll be on Tug this time. He'll make sure I reach Erak safely and then I return back here I promise. I will take a note with me for Erak, so if I fall unconscious he still knows where to go."

Malcolm saw there was no holding back this boy. The army indeed needed help, he had seen the desperation in Halt's eyes. But letting an injured man ride that far and so close to a battle field was everything against his nature.

"Okay, you can go as I can't persuade you to stay," he said hesitantly. "But please let me at least check you up before you go and you must take the medicine with you."

A smile crossed Will's face "I knew it! I promise I'll do anything you ask, if I can safe my friends." He tried to get up again but was pushed back by Malcolm who started immediately checking all the wounds.

After what felt like hours for Will, Malcolm finally finished the check and bandaging. He was allowed to try to walk. Will bit his lip in concentration to make sure he didn't fall down. If he showed any sign of weakness now, his plan would fail because Malcolm would never let him leave.

"I'll saddle Tug, I'll be back for the medicine in a minute." He said with too much enthusiasm. He didn't see Malcolm shaking his head. The old healer had seen many stubborn people in his life, but this man topped it all.

In war there were never easy choices to make and Malcolm knew this was one of these moments. Either the war could end terribly but Will would be safe, or they would easily win the war but Araluen could lose an amazing ranger and too many people would lose a dear friend. Sadly this wasn't the moment to protect one person, not even Will. Will had chosen his destiny and Malcolm could not help but feel enormous admiration for this young boy.

As Will walked, or hobbled, towards Tug he could definitely see a brow rise from the horse. Not this again, surely? Did you take some heavy blow to the head, I always knew I'm smarter than you but this is getting ridiculous.

"Don't snap please. Malcolm allowed me to go. We are going on an important mission Tug."

Hah I've heard that before. NO, I'm not taking you anywhere. Maybe Halt is not able to keep you long enough in bed to get you well rested, but I can make sure you stay in that bed."

Will had to laugh. He often wondered whether he was just imagining Tug's voice in his head, but right now he knew his horse was actually threatening him. "You know you have to listen to me in the end Tug since I'm your owner. But for the sake of your happiness I'll get Malcolm so he can tell you it is alright for me to go and then we leave."

I was trained to obey reasonable people. Right now I'm beginning to wonder if I should listen to you right now. So hurry up and get your friend here, but I will know if you threatened him into saying you're allowed to leave.

Before Tug could change his mind, Will raced back towards the tent. Malcolm had just started to make his way outside and was surprised to see Will in front of him. "I thought you were going to saddle Tug? Something wrong?" he asked.

"No, well actually yes. Tug doesn't believe me that I'm allowed to go and he won't cooperate anymore with my ridiculous actions unless you tell him that I'm allowed to leave." He knew it sounded strange. Only a few people outside the rangers corps knew about the bond between a ranger horse and its ranger.

Malcolm stared at Will not sure whether the boy was serious, or mocking him or had really lost his mind. He thought it would be best to play along for now and thus he followed Will to the horse. "You can just tell him what we discussed and that's all." Will said.

Malcolm took in a sharp breath "Euhm, well Tug, as you may know there is a war going on. Will, the man that always sits on you, knows a way to win the war. And we decided the only option is to let him go with you on that mission. So I hope you understand all this." He definitely felt ridiculous at the moment. But things got even worse when the horse looked at Will.

Even though Malcolm couldn't hear it Will had to laugh at Tug's response, does he really think I'm senile. He could have just said it's okay if Will goes with you, but no I get the whole baby talk whether I understand. This war is bringing madness to everyone. Will almost choked in his laughter. "He doesn't understand Tug, don't worry I know you are the smartest here." He turned to Malcolm "Thank you, he really does understand what you're saying."

The way Tug and Will interacted with each other convinced Malcolm that Will was telling the truth. He wondered why so many people were afraid of Malkallam when there were rangers all over the country that could literally talk to horses. He decided it would be best not to start about it, so he silently put the medicine in Will's bag.

Once Will and Tug were ready they turned one more time towards Malcolm. "Thank you Malcolm. I know these days weren't the best for you, because of me. I'm grateful for what you've done for me and that you let me leave to do what is right for the kingdom." Malcolm bowed his head "I'm glad to be of help. It is I who has to say thanks, you saved us all from Grimsdell and now you're once again off to save everyone. Just promise me to stay as safe as you possibly can." Will grinned "I'll definitely try Malcolm." And with that he took off with Tug.

They had reached the border where the army would split up. Halt and Gilan jumped from Abelard and Blaze and walked towards each other. "Make sure you come in after we start the frontal attack. Not a moment earlier, otherwise they will have the advantage." Halt began.

Gilan frowned, not once had he seen Halt being worried before getting into battle. He knew the odds weren't great, but Halt had faced worse than this. "I know Halt, I remember the plan and I will make sure everything happens according to plan."

But Halt shook his head "never expect anything to go according to plan, just make sure you won't get attacked first." With that little sentence Gilan immediately understood. "I'll be okay Halt, don't worry. It's not the first time riding into a war and it won't be the last." He put a hand on Halt's shoulder. He knew the man had been through a lot the past few days, so he didn't blame him at all.

He understood that his mentor was worried about him, especially after what happened to Will. He knew Halt didn't like the idea of him being so far away from him. But there was no way to make this situation better and they both knew it.

Halt appreciated the concern from his older apprentice, "I know, I'm getting old. I would rather bind you in a tree to protect you right now, but I know it's not the right way. Although I must say I'm glad that Will is safe with Malcolm."

Gilan laughed, he thought it would be best to keep his thoughts quiet. He knew once Will would awake, he would try to escape and help in the attack. Malcolm was observant but no one could spot a ranger that didn't want to be seen, even an injured ranger. "Yeah, well our easy and risk-free days are long gone Halt. So you better get used to it."

The two rangers hugged each other before parting and Halt whispered "Stay safe, my boy" when he watched the grown up man leave.

An hour later all the knights and men were ready. The small groups attacking from the side had found their position. In the distance Halt heard the clear sound of a war horn. He urged Abelard forward, the war had begun.

Well I hope it was worth the wait. If not don't worry new chapters will be coming soon.

Stay safe, when you're in panic mode (like me this week) trust the cloak, see you next time!