Authors' Note: Hey guys! Here's the next chapter. It's is up because I really love procrastinating so I hope I passed the tests that I didn't really study for. I can't wait for this story to play out. Hope you like it. Leave a review and tells us what you think! Until then... happy reading!

Disclaimer: I don't own any part of the Ranger's Apprentice.

Chapter 4

Fair Facade

Beck I know would be lecturing me about my clumsiness later, and how I had almost all the attention. So much for keeping a low profile.

"Careful miss." The man said who was holding me in his arms. He put me back on my feet making sure I was steady before letting go. I had to grab a hold of him a second time because the snow piled up around the scraped performing area was a bit slippery. I gave him a half smile and murmured thanks. "Some of these tricks can be a bit dangerous if you get too close." He smiled sweetly at me and gave me a wink with his dark brown eyes before turning back to the street performers. Backing up to the level of the crowd, I found myself surrounded by girls who wanted to know everything about the few seconds they just witnessed. Being a normal girl I probably would've squealed in delight with them. But I had no idea how to act normal around these boy crazy girls, so I smartly acted shy and kept my mouth shut.

"You are so lucky." One said dreamily. For what? Almost falling on my face. He just happened to be right next to me and so I didn't completely embarrass myself.

"He is so dreamy." Another said, starring the dark hair man that had caught me that was announcing the next performer. He was handsome I could admit, he had messy black hair and was unshaven giving him a dangerous look to him, a man only good for fantasies. Not one that would make a good husband unless you liked travelling around without a permanent home, and definitely not a man that could handle a Ranger. I merely nodded and smiled at their comments.

"He's looking at you again." One whispered in my ear and I looked up and saw that they were right. He caught my eyes and smiled again. The sixth sense that developed with my Ranger training told me that Becks was close enough to hear and see everything. Meaning that I would get another talking to about men and their intentions, I would rather have stay with Mrs. Padavick for an extra week then go through that again.

"Of course he would choose you; he would have to be blind to choose one of us before you." One pouted. It was as if they thought he was for sure going to court me. He said one sentence to me for God's sake because I accidently got in his way! I ignored them and continued to watch the street performers do their acrobatics, all with avoiding the ring leader's eyes. I wonder if someone could teach me those tricks, they would be useful for a Ranger's repertoire. I was actually surprised that Becks didn't pull me back from the front so we could get on with it. I actually got kind of worried when he wasn't behind me when I checked. I guess I was supposed to be acting normal and any normal person would stay to watch the performances. I don't know why I was worrying; I have spent nights alone in the middle of a forest with nothing but my Saxe knife and my wits. It was just one of the many Ranger situations that Becks made me perform. Maybe the daunting unknown about being a girl was what I was still figuring it out, but there was no one really that could teach me.

I clapped my hands when the performers did their final bows, even tossed a few coins into a hat that was being passed around. They had earned it; not to mention they had performed wonderfully on the cold ground. I quickly lost myself in the crowd and tried my best to blend in, if only I could put my hood on to completely disappear. But there were too many people around, not to mention people would freak out if they saw footprint suddenly appear in the snow. I pretended to drop something and I knelt down to touch the ground. It took me a second, but I could feel where Becks was. I dusted the snow off my dress and headed towards the inn. Figures he go there.

"Here's your list." Becks handed me a small piece of parchment with four things written down. "Meet you back here for lunch." I stared at him in confusion; usually we went together why was he sending me alone? "While you were busy watching that show I already finished what I need. Don't look at me like Silas you are a grown woman perfectly capable of roaming around town by yourself."

"I know I am able to, but not as a girl." He shoved a basket in my arms, not caring about my complaints.

"I did everything else." I saw a smile spread across his face but it wasn't the happy kind. More along the lines of mischievousness. Now I remembered why I hated going to town. Gave me a small push and shooed me with his hands. "Just think of it as training, being able to deceive someone into believing you're someone else. An undercover mission if you must."

Training got it. Just think it like a training exercise. There was a reason he was making me go to and get these specific items. Being an attractive young lady I was always able to charm my way to a better price by fluttering my eyelashes. But these men were old and creepy and I liked having Becks standing right behind me so they wouldn't dare try anything. I was perfectly capable of handling any of them because of my Ranger training; I could cause some serious damage. But no girl should be able to, and then Becks won't be happy about me blowing my cover.

My basket was filled with two out of the four items. I bought excess amount of apples knowing that Celeg will devour most of them on the way home and a two month supply of coffee grounds for two Rangers leaving absolutely no room left in my small basket for anything else. Next was oats and flour, purchasable only from my least favorite vendor out of all three which is why I kept him for last. A little bell rang as I opened the door, and it sounded a lot louder in my head. Oh how I hate being out in the open. The shop was pretty busy, everyone out shopping now since the performers finished. At least I can hide within the crowd. I weaved my way to the counter and rested my elbows on it, waiting for Mr. Urticaria. Once I caught his attention he ignored his other costumers, dropped what he was doing much to his other customer's complaints and strolled over to me. All of his customers knew that this balding man was a creep but they didn't have any other choice but to wait.

"What can I get for you darling?" He drawled and winked at me. He also looked past me just to make sure that Becks wasn't standing by the door. I did my best not to pull back in disgust. Becks was going to pay for this, and if he makes me do it again I will threaten to turn him into a girl so he knows how it feels. I can't actually turn him into a girl, but what he doesn't know won't hurt him.

"Two oats and one bag of flour please." I said sweetly through my teeth. I smoothly avoided his groping hand without making it look like I was doing it on purpose. He grunted and turned to get my items. Everyone in the shop, who weren't being helped by his shop boys, stared at me waiting for me to leave so they could get some service. I wanted nothing more than to do exactly that. He handed me the two small bags of oats and I tried not to shiver at the touch of his lingering hands and place them in my basket which was now over flowing. He returned a second with the heavy bag of flour over his shoulder and dropped it on the ground. Being the lady that everyone thinks I am would mean that I had no ability to lift that heavy bag and would need assistance. Really the only thing stopping me was that I couldn't bend down to lift it up in my corset.

"Will that be all miss?" I nodded. I handed the money that I owe, which was a fraction of the cost that everyone else had to pay. I didn't even have to bargain for it, mostly because Becks wasn't here. Normally, he would slink his way to the counter and pick up the bag of flour, making my escape from Mr. Urticaria easy. "Do you need any help with that?" He asked suggestively, but I knew he was hinting at something else that I would rather not think of.

"Don't worry about it, I got it." Said someone from beside, and I internally relaxed now not having to use the plan I had just came up with to get away. The man with already one huge bag of flour on his shoulder picked it up and heaved it over his other one. He turned to me and I almost dropped the items I was carrying. It was the same person who had saved me from falling on my face. I knew that voice was familiar. I didn't complain because I wanted to get out of there and this was the fastest way out.

"Are you following me?" I asked him once we were outside.

"I was in there first, so I do believe you were following me, love." He gave me a crooked smile. Now I understand why those girls were fawning over him.

"Fine, if you're so concerned about it then you can just hand me my flour and you can be on your way." I stopped in the middle of the street and hooked my basket on one arm. With my free arm I gestured to take the bag from him. That way I could indirectly tell him that I was strong enough to carry it and really didn't need his help, meaning that I wasn't a spineless girl that he could lure me with his charm. Well he did a bit, but he didn't need to know that. He hesitated for a second then a thought flashed across his face.

"I do believe that you still owe me for catching you earlier." Darn, Becks was right about people coming back for what is owed. "You can pay me back by letting me walk you to where you're going." He cocked an eyebrow and he knew he was right. I rolled my eyes and started walking again. Out of the corner of my eye I saw him smile because he had won.

"How rude of me, here we are arguing like an old couple and I have yet to know your name."

"So now you pretend to have manners, how lucky for you to finally remember." I said coyly, hoping he would realise that I was only kidding.

"We circus folk aren't completely uncivilized."

"My name is Silas." I finally answered his question. He grabbed my hand, turning me around to a stop. He had thrown both bags of flour onto one shoulder, but he didn't seem to be struggling. He bent down slightly and raised my hand to his lips.

"Enchanted to meet you, Miss Silas." He said kissing my hand once again before meeting my eyes. "My name is Luther." Even being raised by Becks couldn't help me remain emotionless. Accidently, I let slip a smile and I could only do so much to keep in a blush.

We walked along the street, passing people running by as if it was cold outside. It's funny what a little snow will do to people. "I was just wondering, how did the performers not slip on the ground or were even able to do those tricks on the frozen ground?"

"We spent all last night and some of this morning scrapping the snow and ice of the ground so they wouldn't slip and most of them wear gloves. We don't really get a choice when we get to perform. It's usually around the time when we run short on supplies that we stop in towns. Plus we need a way to pay for the supplies." He said with a smile still on his face. "But that's a life of a traveler I guess."

"Are you from here in Araluen?" I asked at something that I had only guessed at.

"No, we're from far away, you've probably never heard of it." He shrugged it off.

"Try me." I nudged him on.

"Most of us come from Iberion."

"Iberion? Isn't that South of Gallica?" He nodded impressed.

"Impressive, not many people know that. But we have had people join us from some towns that we've stopped in. We of course didn't mind and as long as they pulled their weight they were welcomed like family. We always welcome people with special skills and talents."

"Traveling along without a home to go to after, must be pretty hard."

"It's not so bad, just as long as you have someone to share it with." He sounded almost sad. No wonder he was in charge of the performers and their announcer: he had a way with words. From the way he spoke, I could tell that he didn't have the luxury of sharing his travels with anyone. Any normal girl probably could be charmed into going with him. I wonder how many times he has already used these lines. I remained silent not exactly sure how to respond to that.

"You could join us you know." He said as if the thought just suddenly came to him. I had a feeling that this was what he was insinuating.

"And why would I join you? I have everything I want right here."

"You're telling me that your long for adventure is satisfied by simply looking at maps?"

"No, but..." Why did he want to have me so badly? Has he never had a girl say no to him before? We just met and we are still strangers. My Ranger instincts told me he was hiding something, and I knew that he wasn't someone I could trust.

"You could always come with me you know. Lots of adventures to be had. I bet that you have some other talents; we could even train you." He said with his charming smile, but I no longer bought it.

"We're here." I said plainly stopping in the stables behind the inn. I patted Celeg's neck handing him an apple which he chomped on excitedly. I started to unload my supplies, packing the saddle bags that were on the floor at the moment. As usual, the saddle bags would eventually switch from Celeg to me and become my burden to carry, once we were out of sight of the village that is. "Just put the flour down there." I pointed to the stool near the stable wall; I would take care of it later.

"So what do you think?" He leaned casually against the wall and ran his fingers through his hair. There was a look in his eyes and I couldn't exactly tell what he was thinking.

"Did you get everything?" Becks said out of nowhere. Internally, I sighed in relief.

"Of course Mr. Beckett, did you honestly think that I wouldn't be able to negotiate a lower price for you?" I smiled sweetly at Becks and he knew that something was up.

"Let me buy you a late lunch for your troubles then." He walked over to me with a grateful smile, that didn't match his face at all, and offered his arm so I could link onto it. It was a little strange to say the least. Becks guided me out of the stable pretending that he didn't even notice Luther. Being a lady however, I stopped us briefly to turn and say farewell.

"Thank you for your help... and maybe next time." I smile while answering his previous question, leaving him alone in the stable dumbfounded.

"What was that about?" Becks grumbled over his lunch. We sat in the corner as usual, farthest from wandering eyes.

"Simply repaying a debt, he was the one who caught me this morning and he asked me if he could carry the flour for me." I said, remembering to sit up straight like a proper lady as drilled into me over the years by Mrs. Padavick. I daintily finished my food, as Becks sipped his coffee, leaning back in his chair. He had a look on his face that I had come to dislike: it usually meant he was thinking of something that involved me doing the work.

"Time to get going Silas."

"What do you mean?"

"How do you expect to become a Ranger if you can't even figure out what get going means?"

"I know what it means but what kind of a gentleman would make a lady walk home?"

"The kind that tells his granddaughter to take the saddle bags with her." I knew I couldn't win with him. "Just use your cloak and no one will notice." I scowled at him before leaving. I guess this was all part of the training and work is the only way to get stronger.

I don't think Becks remembers how hard it is to find dry wood in the winter—maybe because he hasn't done it in years! I know I'm complaining, but anyone would if they were out in the cold and had to swing an axe at the trunks of nearly frozen trees. Of course I had to do it the Ranger way and take the extra step to make sure my tracks were covered up. I just finished chopping up the small tree and loading it into the makeshift bag designed to hold a good supply of wood. A good supply of wood was only about fifteen pieces; nowhere near the amount to fill the entire wood shed that needed to be completely filled by the end of the day. He blames it on the cold winter we went through; personally, I think it's because of his coffee addiction. I have one as well, but his is way worse than mine because it has become worse over time. Becks reminded me each time I returned with more wood that I first had to chop it into smaller pieces, so I wouldn't have to do it later. Make sure not to cut down all the trees in one area, make sure you spread it out. The list went on and on. Of course I had already learnt that a million times before, I also knew not to tell him that because then he'll explain the importance of remembering the small details.

The sun had already reached its highest place in the sky and started to climb back down when I had found the next tree. It was small enough that it wouldn't take all day to chop through, but it was tall enough that it might fill the rest of the shed. My arms ached and I hacked feebly at the tree with my ax; they protested with every movement, but I pushed them to work harder. They would get back at me tomorrow. I wonder if there was any chance Becks would give me a day to rest: if I couldn't move my arms or any muscles he may give me the morning off. Longing to be done, so I could collapse in front of a fire and drink some coffee, I quickly bundled up the remains of the slaughtered tree and hoisted it onto my back. Again, I made sure to go the extra step and wiped away an evidence of me being here. After doing this all day, I could make the ground I had stepped on look like it had this morning: a fresh dusting of snow from the night before and everything.

Something was wrong; I could almost taste it in the air. I didn't know if it was my Ranger senses or if it the trees were warning me but it was wrong. I dug in the snow until there was nothing but a brown patch. I took off my gloves and touched my fingers against the frozen ground. It took a second to focus, but I finally found what was wrong. No one should be walking towards my house and their heading straight towards it as if they knew exactly where it was. No one really came to our house; let alone know where it is. People knew that Becks is a Ranger and that generally gave him a wide birth. The only people who were brave enough to do it, or stupid I should say, are teenagers daring each other. No one really gets that far in, and they are always able to see the village. Scaring them is my favorite part about being a Ranger. I don't even have to do anything, and I even wear a Ranger cloak. I just stay completely still and wait till their close enough to hear and whisper something. Teenage boys can run incredibly fast when they are scared.

Anyways this is not the time to be thinking about that. There are six of them in total. I filled in the hole I dug, once I realized where they were heading: straight for Becks. I knew he would be able to handle six against one, he is a Ranger after all, but something felt different about some of them. They didn't feel normal when I sensed them through the ground. I moved painfully slow through the snow, well not as fast as I wished I could go. Becks always said not to rush because then I might accidently give the opponent an advantage. I put down the wood I carried, hiding it from view. This way I could move faster and still cover my tracks. I moved like the wind, no marks on the ground and completely unseen in my cloak. If this turned into a fight I could already hear Becks asking me what took so long.

My Ranger-trained ears told me that I was already late. I heard voices, but I kept running, so I could actually hear them clearly. I stopped and hid out of their view, my breathing controlled and quiet. Becks took off his hood, appearing suddenly in front of the group arrow knocked and half drawn, ready to shoot down any one of them in a split second. And the rest of their lives were just waiting inside of his quiver. They took a step back in astonishment.

"What did I tell you boys?" One said with confidence. I have heard that voice before, maybe if I could match the face to the voice I'll remember. They mumbled amongst each other, and I knew they should hurry and explain themselves if they didn't want to die today.

"You have three seconds to explain what you are doing on my land before I start shooting." Becks said dangerously calm. The one in front who had spoken early took another step closer with his hands up in surrender and took off his hood. I almost made an audible gasp. Standing at arrow point was the smiling Luther. I thought they had left and moved on to another village a week ago. I was right to have my suspicions about him.

"We are not here to harm you." He said with his silver tongue. "We want you to join us." I moved, so I would be Becks' line of vision. Only Becks would be able to see one small movement in the forest, that way he would know I was ready to help. He knew I didn't have my bow so I would have to fight at close quarters. I knew he saw me because he didn't keep his focus on me. Instead he pretended to be interested in what Luther was saying and relaxed the bow and held the knocked arrow and bow in one hand.

"Why would I join you?" I eyed them. I watched his hand move in the small movement that meant I was to wait.

"Because you are one of us, brother." He said as if he actually believed it. "You have magic."

"I am no sorcerer!"

"I can sense magic in this place." Another voice said. Luther turned to the person on his right and then smiled maliciously at Becks.

"Thank you Maverick. Another one trying to lie to us, how disappointing." Luther shook his head in regret. Becks gave me the sign to stay hidden and I knew why. If they were looking for magic then they would definitely find it in me. "You have two options old man." Luther didn't sound light hearted and carefree anymore. His voice was tainted with dark power; the kind gain by overpowering men. "You can come and join our campaign of taking over the kingdom or we'll just have to take you with us." Becks took up his bow and raised it so it was pointing straight between Luther's eyes.

"It is very unwise to threaten the Kingdom in front of a King's Ranger." Becks said angrily.

"That means nothing to me except that we'll have to make room in our prisoner tent."

Something was wrong. Becks was at full draw but he didn't fire. Luther simply laughed and walked around him. It was as if Becks was frozen.

"What are you doing to me?" Becks yelled at them, he was frozen. His bow dropped from his hands as if he just let go of it. They started circling Becks taunting him. I had to do something, but what could I do? They would probably freeze me too and then they would have the magic they were after. I felt the ground rumbling underneath me. So did everyone else. They looked around in panic.

"It's him, he's doing it!" Someone yelled attempting to get his balance. The person in front of Becks raised a fist.

"Halt!" Becks shouted right before the fist slammed him in the face. My grandfather's body fell limp to the ground. I concentrated hard to stop my frustration and the trembling ground calmed.

"Good try old man, but you could've nothing against Maverick's control." Some taunted and spat onto the body on the ground.

"Hush fools." Luther said. "Search the house and surrounding area and detain any witnesses. Bring the body." He barked orders at the men and all started their jobs at once. Maverick and Luther stood looking at the men hauling Beck's body from the ground. The two men came out of the house and started searching the grounds in a small arch. They came close to the spot where I was hidden, but I trusted the cloak and waited until they passed.

"Let's just hope that this one has more magic than the rest of them and not just more baggage to carry."

They left within minutes, unable to find anything more worth their while but didn't go without tearing through the entire house. They also couldn't get Celeg to move. I gasped a shuttering breath not realizing that I had been holding my breath. I had just sat here and let them take my grandfather away. What could've I done? Becks even told me not to do anything, I felt useless. I felt like a girl, unable to do anything but sit pretty and watch. I ran up to the whinnying horse and calmed him down.

"Shhhh, I know." I patted his muzzle. "We'll get him back." That I knew for sure.

I sat in the snow, in the exact spot Becks had been standing before he was dragged off. Something was nagging at my brain, telling me that I missed something. I dug until I felt the cold ground with my finger tips following the men as they traveled west. Celeg stood beside me itching to go after his master, but stayed obediently beside me. I ran through the events that just took place, trying to put away my emotions so I could think clearly. Luther and his friend Maverick are the leaders, that was easy to figure out. I knew that at least Maverick has magic and can control people with it. And I also know that they are looking for more power so they can overrule the King. I found his bow in the ground and laid it on my lap dusting the snow off. Maverick can control the body but not the minds of people. Becks was still able to talk. And he really let them know of his hate for magic. Slowly I pinched the bowstring and slid down the entire length a few times until it was completely dry. 'A soaked one can become soft, just like you if you keep sitting here while I talk.' I could hear him say and it saddened me. No amount of Ranger training could've prepared him for this. I suddenly remembered what was bothering me. It was right before he was about to be punched, when I accidently made them believe it was him causing the earthquake. He had cried out 'Halt!' as in stop. But why would he use halt when stop would've passed the message along the same way. I have never in my life heard him say the word Halt unless he was talking about the Ranger Halt, otherwise that would just be confusing. He was telling me what I had to next. He was telling me that he needed me to get help; he needed not just Halt but he needed the Ranger Corp's help.

Authors' Note: OMG! Becks is gone, and now she has to get the Rangers! I am so excited for the next chapter you have no idea! Sorry for those who were hoping that Gilan was going to be the one to catch her but I did warn you that he wouldn't be in for a few more chapters. We also needed to add Luther and Maverick in because they are important in the plot. Any questions... ask and we will answer them the best we can. Have any ideas that you think might add to the story, we love fluff... we'd love to hear about it. What was your favorite part? Review please, they really motivate us to write.

Love, C & M

Athena's Warrior- Did you get it right? I am actually curious why you had to wear a corset. Thanks for the review

Firefly1939- I hate those stories too, when characters fall in love after first sight. I will try to continue to make it sound realistic as possible. Thanks so much for the review!

Adrianna- I really love long reviews and I think yours is one of the longest ones I have ever received thank you so much. We love Gilan over on this side too. Mrs. Padavick is probably my favorite part of that chapter I laughed so hard writing it.

Guest (next time you use a name so you know this is for you)- I tried finding a fanfiction that I had everything that I wanted in it but it didn't work so I just decided to write my own. Thanks for the review!