Authors' Note: So sorry guys, we didn't mean for you guys to wait so long for this chapter. We want to thank everyone so much for their lovely reviews. They mean a lot to us and made me feel guilty for not typing faster to give it to you guys. I didn't take my laptop to Brazil so I had to quit typing cold turkey for two weeks and it nearly killed me. That's also why it took longer than normal. We won't keep you any longer so here it is, what we have all been waiting for... more Gilan and Silas!
Disclaimer: We don't own RA
Chapter 10
Dark Light
I almost choked on my morning coffee. But after being deprived of the delicious elixir I wasn't about to waste a single drop. I swallowed hard. "What do you mean?" I asked cautiously. I had never been asked before without a hint of alarm or wariness.
"These magic powers of yours, what can you do with them?" he asked calmly, wide-eyed with curiosity as he leaned back against the tree and drank the last of his mug. "Because if these guys are aiming for war I want to know what advantage we have on our side."
I blinked at him a few times. I had never really explained to anyone about the things I could do. Sure I mentioned them to Crowley, Will and Halt but not in full detail. The only other person besides those four Rangers who knew about my powers was Beckett and he tried to stay as far from them as possible. He was terrified of what I could do and of what might happen if people found out. So I just assumed everyone was just as scared of the idea as he was so I made sure that they never saw. Gilan waited patiently for my answer, scooping another spoonful of honey into his new cup of coffee.
How was it once again Gilan to be the first person to hear this secret side? What was even stranger was how comfortable I was beginning to feel with him. Maybe it was because he was my new Ranger teacher and he could help me out. But something about his warm eyes invited me to say what I had been hiding for a long time.
"Well," I cleared my throat. I didn't even know how to explain. I licked my suddenly dry lips before continuing. "Mind you, I wasn't exactly allowed to practice with Becks so I'm not sure how much they'll be worth in a fight."
"Power, even if it's not magical can have a huge affect over people and people have killed in the name of gaining more. If you have a gift Silas you should learn how to use it to your advantage, and best before the enemy does because they'll do the same thing given the chance." His wise words surpassed his years. He was right. "As I was told, you made a pretty convincing dragon. Rumour was it was able to fight off five fully armed knights. And you expect me to believe that it doesn't have a place in a fight?" He arched an eyebrow and nudged me with his elbow.
"Really it was only three knights." I said modestly.
"I heard another rumor saying that it was seven. The key to a good story is not to keep it from evolving, the wilder the story the more believable it will be. Why don't you tell me how you did the Dragon first, if that's easier for you." I dared a glance over at Celeg and was sure that he was giving me a warning glare reminding me of my promise.
"I can't exactly tell you every detail because someone is a little sensitive about the subject." I jabbed a thumb behind my shoulder pointing at Celeg. Gilan laughed understanding what I meant. "I built a bonfire so that the shadows were easier to manipulate into the shape of a dragon. The breathing fire trick I had learnt from watching a street performer, that or fire arrows, so there wasn't any magic in that."
"Wait hold on. You said you manipulated the shadows? As in magically willed a shadow to do what you want?" I nodded slowly at his mixed look of disbelief and awe. "Can you show me?" He asked like a little kid. There was a little too much light for a good demonstration but I concentrated and eventually I felt the energy of the shadow and grabbed on to it. I pulled the shadow of the tree nest to me and expanded it until it had covered me completely. If possible Gilan's eyes widened even more. "So you're like a master of shadows!"
"That sounds more impressive when you say it."
"What else can you do?" he asked excitedly.
"I can sort of control trees."
"What does sort of mean?"
"Move branches, and roots. When I was younger, and really had no knowledge about my powers, it was as if the wind carried what the trees were saying and they kind of told me what I can do?" I finished in a question to basically tell him, I really had no idea how any of this actually works.
"The trees told you?" Now this was the face I was looking for, the one of absolute disbelief as if I was just making up the whole thing.
"Yeah, it's as crazy as it sounds. Well I don't know for sure f it is the trees, or maybe it was the wind. Personally, I always thought it sounded like someone whispering from behind a tree or something but I could never feel them through the ground."
"Hold on again, what do you mean feel through the ground?" He gave me another questioning look. I laughed at how ridiculous he looked.
"I don't really know how to explain it, but just by touching the ground, I can sense everything around me. It rather sucks to walk barefoot because it gives me a huge headache to constantly feel everything, even blocking my mind gives me headaches, so really it's a no win situation."
"Did you by chance use this on your exam?"
"Of course not!" I was appalled that he even considered it. But seeing how being a female Ranger was unheard of before I showed up; the idea of me cheating wasn't that farfetched. "If I am to be a Ranger, I want it to be because I earned it and I am as capable as any man, not because of some tricks."
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to offend you, that was not the intent. I have complete confidence that you will be Ranger one day I'm just saying that you could be a great Ranger if you accept that part of you and use it to your advantage" I gave him a shy smile forgiving him for accusing me. "After you pass your tests of course."
We rode at a quick pace all morning only breaking for lunch when the sun was at its peak. Personally, the ride took much longer because of Gilan's constant teasing by asking and I quote 'could I move that tree over there?' By the third time I was beginning to wonder if he was testing my patience. By the sixth time, I think he was seeing if I was holding back some secret magical ability and if he pushed the right button I would explode and unleash a mass fury on him. When he finally called us to a stop, I couldn't be happier. With food in his mouth he would at least be able to shut up and not ask any more ridiculous questions where the answer was always the same. An irritated 'yes'.
"Has Ranger Beckett ever taught you the double knife sword defense?" He said a normal question finally coming out of his mouth. From his tone, I could tell that he was back into Ranger mode. I liked how he could just change from the different sides of his personality like Becks could. Of course Becks only had two: Ranger and my grandfather who was a Ranger. I didn't know Gilan that much but I could tell that he had more sides than Becks did: most people did in that fact. He had a serious Ranger side but he was also able to have fun even at my expense, but there was a different side to him that had me confused. I only saw it for a few seconds and that was when he held my hands and was smiling down at me. That one had me absolutely puzzled, worse is the way it made me feel. It was an experience I had never felt before.
"No, I don't think he has." I answered him, trying to recall five years of training techniques I had learn to date.
"Well by that answer, I'm betting not." He stood up, putting his empty bowl to the side. Then instead of reaching for his knives on his hip he walked over to his horse and drew his sword. He swung it expertly in small circles as if testing to see if it was in fact his sword. He raised his eyebrows as he stood in front of me.
"Oh, we're doing this now?"
"When else were you planning on learning this?" He said in a way that resembles Becks when he was teaching me something new. I sighed and looked at my unfinished stew. It will be cold by the time I get back to it. Placing it to the side I undid the clasp of my cloak like Gilan so it wouldn't hinder my movements while I am still a beginner. I grabbed both of my knives and held one in each hand waiting for instructions.
We moved into the open field. "What would you do if someone was coming headlong for you swinging a sword like a madman?"
"I would shoot him down."
"What if your bow was broken?"
"I would wonder how a Ranger could be so careless about her weapons."
"Silas?" He said, clearly the wrong answer. "What if he was too close for you to use your bow?"
"I just going out on a limb here, but I believe the answer you are actually looking for is the double knife sword defense." I saw him stumble on his words. He probably was waiting for another wrong answer but I was ready for him. It was something I had learnt over the years with Becks, sometimes the answer was obvious and much to Becks annoyance it took me a while to figure that one out.
"Well, yes." He sheathed his sword at his left hip. He then grabbed my wrists. "Deflecting a sword is a good tool, but it can only get you so far not to mention deflecting overhead blows usually will end up clipping your shoulder on the way down. Since we don't wear armour we use this technique." He placed my hands above my head and locked the hilts of my knives together, creating an X with the blades. "Catch the blade of the sword in here and this might just save your life. Ready to try it?"
"Wait, what..." I never got the chance to finish my question. Faster than I could blink he unsheathed his sword and had raised it above my head. It was a good thing I left my knives where they were because all I had time for was to raise them higher to avoid being split in two. It was a smart idea to raise my defense just a little higher because the force behind Gilan's swing made my elbows buckle slightly.
"Now, what would you do from here?" He asked as he smiled wily down at me.
"That depends; do I want you alive or dead?" I tallied, figuring out how useful this defense is.
We spent a good half hour practicing this technique as well as other disarming techniques. Including several tricks for disarming or killing, or whatever is the case. Ways he claims that no other Ranger would know because of his extra knowledge of the sword. He started by going easy on me, but quickly advanced to harder and quicker blows. At the beginning he was assessing my strengths. I had originally thought he was going easy on me because I was a girl, but I now realised that Will was right. Gilan didn't care that I am girl or he was on the verge of getting over it. He was making sure that I was going to be ready, and he was training me to be a Ranger.
After Gilan decided we were done and had to get back on the road, we packed up and mounted our horses. According to the map and my calculation, that Gilan insisted I do, we still had quite a way to go. An easy ride tonight and we should be arriving at Castle Redmont by tomorrow, early afternoon. Then just a short walk to Old Bob's and I'll have my very own horse. I was rather disheartened when Gilan told me we wouldn't be taking Celeg with us. We would leave him in Old Bob's care. But of course I would have to start training with my own horse and we didn't have room for Celeg with us on our mission.
I patted Celeg on the neck sighing. I would tell him later. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Gilan smile. When I turned to him he turned away, scratching the back of his head pretending he was focusing on the green scenery in front of us. There was nothing but more trees. Strange, just the other day he had been smiling. What had come over him? It's not like anything has changed.
Several times I saw him glance over, even start to say something but then retreated. I also could've sworn he was having a hushed conversation with his horse. "So are you just going to listen in on their conversation and not give me any clue to what they're saying?" I whispered to Celeg. He gave me a sideways glance. He didn't need to say anything for me to understand what the look meant. I was going to have to sit patiently until Gilan decided to tell me what has been on his mind for the past hour.
I was glad when the light faded. That meant it was easier to ignore Gilan and his glances. My guess was he was just testing my patience: something Rangers are really fond of. At least it meant a break from this saddle without any walking and a steaming cup of coffee in my hands. Loosening the billet strap, I rubbed Celeg down thoroughly, remarking how Gilan did the same. The smile on his face as he stroked his horse out of adoration made my heart skip a beat. I had to turn away because his smile was infectious and I didn't know why. The last time I felt like that was when he was helping me with the long bow.
My arms were still aching the next morning after arm condition last night. All in hopes for the long bow, but I wish sometimes there was an easier way to get there. Like all mentors I've had to date, complaining would do nothing but give me harder drills next time. Two cups of coffee each and we remounted heading West. It only took a few hours before we could see Castle Redmont rising up from the horizon.
"I always loved seeing this coming into view." He said with a remembering look in his eye. "This is Halt's Fief and where I spent five years learning to be a Ranger. Kind of feels like home to me in a way." He smiled brightly at me and urged his horse forwards to a gallop. I wish I had more memories like that, the only home I've ever know is the forest beside Faciem Cliff. I lightly nudged Celeg in the side to get him to catch up with my mentor, not that he needed much telling what I wanted. He was just waiting until I was ready. Maybe with Gilan, I'll make those kinds of memories.
I doubted Old Bob was in town so why Gilan was dismounting his horse I had no idea. Guessing I should follow suit I dismounted and led Celeg over to the post where two other horses were tied up. Good thing I didn't have to tie Celeg up because I would've lost Gilan in this crowd of shoppers. I had never seen anyone move like him before. Even Becks with decades of practice under his belt couldn't make it look like he was appearing in only some locations of the crowd. One thing for sure was he took unseen movement to the next level and he didn't even need a magical cloak. I started to wonder if he was purposely making me try to follow him just as another training exercise.
"Looking for someone?" Gilan said quietly in my ear and I almost jumped.
"How did you do that?" I asked in awe walking into step beside him now.
"Unseen movement happens to be my area of expertise. You can play with shadows all you like but the real trick is finding them when there is none. But I was impressed that you were able to keep up." I could see a wolf-like smile from under his cowl. "Baron Arald, may I have a word?" Not everyone had the ability to hide emotions and reactions like a trained Ranger because the plumping Baron nearly jumped out of his clothes.
"Gilan!" The Baron exclaimed when Gilan took off his hood. "Why can't Rangers have some sort of bell to warn the rest of us that there behind you?"
"Where's the fun in that?" Gilan laughed as he shook the baron's hand. "Halt and Will are going to Toscana so Crowley will be sending Bartell in their absence."
"Don't you normally..."
"Not this time I'm afraid. We have our own mission up North; we have to check on a group of circus performers who seem to be stirring up some trouble."
"Well you sure have trained this one well Gilan I didn't even seen him there." The baron said looking to me and nodding his head in brief greeting. "Circus performers you say, they didn't seem to be much more than that when they stopped here. But of course you would know more than I would about these sorts of things."
"How long ago did they pass through?"
"I would say they packed up and left five days ago." This was good news. It meant my calculations where right. Gilan obviously noted the same thing for he turned and gave me an approving nod.
"Thank you Arald." Gilan greeted the Baron.
"Good luck on your mission and on your training."We turned and left the baron as the streets began to fill even more. Shoppers filled from vender to shop as the midday grew closer. We retrieved our horses and towed them behind us, not wanting to call extra attention by riding above everyone's head.
Out of the corner of my eye I saw Gilan stiffen and freeze. Without moving my head, my eyes wandered but the threat was nowhere to be found. Quietly I asked "What's wrong?"
"Jenny." Was the only word that came out of his mouth. It took a second but eventually it dawned on me. Will said that the reason he was in his tent was that he was moping over some girl. I was pretty certain that Jenny was the reason. What happened between them I didn't want to know.
"Well I could recognise you from a mile away." I highly doubt that I said to myself as I located where the voice was coming from. A pretty girl with blond hair bounced her way over here, but I could tell she was faking a smile. Whatever had ended their relationship I had an inkling of a feeling that it was probably because of something on her side. Where Gilan had been moping for the lost, Jenny didn't look too pleased to see him. "I'm sorry Gilan but I said it before I..."
"Can't you slow down next time?" I quickly said with a bit of a pleasant laugh pulling off my hood. Jenny had obviously not seen me, or was too focused on Gilan to notice another Ranger standing next to him. I smiled brightly at him as I found his hand and linked fingers with his. I laughed a bit more as I leaned against his shoulder. Then I pretended to just notice the slightly stunned Jenny who stood in front of us in front with her mouth close to gaping like a fish. "Oh I'm sorry Gil, I didn't realise you were in the middle of a conversation. I'm Silas by the way." I reached out my hand, keeping the smile on my face making sure that it reached my eyes.
"Jenny." She shook it shortly after fumbling with her baskets filled with food.
"Pleasure to meet you Jenny, Gilan told me all about you." Jenny didn't like the sound of that. She shot Gilan a glancing dagger and I figured it was time to escape before she used that ladle in her pocket as a weapon. "I'm afraid I must cut your conversation short because we are already late for lunch." I switched and grabbed Gilan's arm and steered us and the horses through the rest of the square. It wasn't until we had crossed the bridge out of the castle that Gilan spoke.
"Where did that come from?" He asked in surprise as we mounted our horses.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean how were you able to switch like that? It was if you were two completely different people." By the impressed tone and the smile on his face I figured it was a compliment.
"I don't know really. I just always have been able to do it I guess, I always had to fake it for Mrs. Padavick and every time I went into town. It's usually accompanied by a dress."
"If you can do that for me without even thinking, I don't have any doubts you'll be able to fool Maverick and Luther when we get there." I shied into a smile modestly. That was one of the things I was worried of. I had never really been in the field before; not to mention being thrown into an undercover mission where I'll be mostly by myself. "Thank you by the way." He said rather nervously.
"Any time, really. Besides how many other apprentices or even Rangers for that fact could help you like that?"
Old Bob could be described as dirty. He also had almost a horse look to him, but my guess was because he spent most of his time with horses than with humans. His bright eyes nearly popped out of his head when Gilan introduced me and I took off my hood. Obviously Crowley had told him that Gilan was bringing an apprentice for a horse, but he forgot to mention that I am a girl. His mouth opened and closed several times as he scratched his chin. "Are you sure?" He asked Gilan. Gilan just laughed. I however didn't find it that amusing. Of course I had been waiting for a response like this but nothing could've really prepared me for how infuriated it made me feel.
"She just passed her Ranger apprentice test." Gilan patted Old Bob on the back. I even brought out my bronze oak leaf to solidify Gilan's assurance. Old Bob walked over to me, glance at me from head to toe then did something surprising. He turned to Celeg.
"Where's Beckett?"
"He's been taken and that's why I'm here without him."
"Silas is Beckett's granddaughter." Gilan explained further.
"So that's how ya did it. Makes sense now." His suddenly bright attitude was an unexpected twist. "Come over here and meet your new horse."
We entered the enclosure. There standing patiently, saddled and everything was the most beautiful horse I had ever seen. It's dark chestnut brown colour made it look taller and outline the muscles in his legs more defined. It wasn't as tall as Gilan's horse but it was a few inches taller than Celeg. The most unique part was the white diamond around his right eye, giving it a permanent almost erratic glint in its eye.
"This is Astrum." Old Bob said patting her neck and passing me the reins. "He's all yours now." He gestured for me to mount and I did excitedly. I remember the first time I mounted Celeg feeling like this, because it was the first time Becks allowed me to ride. I froze. I was still standing on one foot ready to sit down in the saddle. I also happen to remember what happened the first time I tried to ride Celeg. Quickly, I dismounted Astrum and faced the two gentlemen.
"What do I have to say to get permission?" I asked the horse breeder. Both he and Gilan looked mildly disappointed that they didn't get to see me thrown off.
"In all my years you are the first apprentice not to have been bucked off. Even some full Rangers forget when they come back for a new horse."
"Don't worry I've been bucked off both times, three times when I was first learning and after he stopped laughing. The second time Becks apparently forgot to tell me that it was a new horse and I would have to ask permission again."
"Dark light."
I carefully walked up to my horse, placing my mouth close to his ear. "Dark light." I repeated the phrase. Astrum shook his mane and I took as a sign. This time I didn't hesitate. I swung a leg over and placed my feet in the stirrups. Giving the silent order he moved forward. It took several laps around the enclosure for us to figure out the rhythm. Eventually he would feel just like an extension to me but I would have to patient and wait for the time I would mold to fit like a puzzle.
Gilan talked to Old Bob about how we had to cut the normal process short and asked if he could watch Celeg until we return, all the while I was getting the feeling for the animal between my knees. I can see why learning with your own horse from the beginning was a good idea. Sure I learnt all the commands with Celeg, but now I was use to Becks' horse. Astrum on the other hand had a totally different feel to him. He was much more agile than Celeg but I assumed that was because he is younger and has a lot more energy.
"We'll get the hang of this." I told Astrum as I jumped off the saddle.
"Usually I would have to tell the new apprentice how to care for their new horse but I guess we can skip that part because Celeg is still healthy and all in one piece." I patted Celeg on the nose and he nuzzled into my hands.
"I'll be back with Becks, don't worry." I changed all of my gear from Celeg's saddle bags and attached them to Astrum's saddle. Celeg obviously didn't like to get left behind for he was struggling with Old Bob as I turned in my saddle for one last wave goodbye. Astrum and Gilan's horse sounded as if they were having a conversation, probably getting to know each other.
"Just in case anything should happen you should be able to ride Blaze." Gilan said as he petted his horse, I mean Blaze's nose. "It's brown eyes."
"Worrying that something might happen to you?" I asked coyly as I mounted Astrum, my very own horse.
"Never hurts to be careful, not to mention plans don't always go according to plan." He mounted Blaze with a smile. "Besides we don't really know what we're about to face."
"Getting thrown into messes with unknown threats is kind of our specialty."
"Ready to go fight some magic?" Gilan asked as he turned Blaze north and raced forwards with me hot on his heels.
Authors' Note: See we can be nice and not put a cliff-hanger in. Well even if you think this is it isn't even a fraction of the one I left in my other story. Have a favorite part? We would love to know. Also if anything is unclear please ask and we will answer your review or PM. Hopefully I can type the next chapter faster than last time so you don't have to wait as long this time. Review and tell us what you think.
Love, C & M
Daughterofak1ng- Sorry to take so long. Gilan is my favorite too, which is why I'm writing this fanfic. Thanks for the review.
Firefly1939- Well thanks for the two reviews! Brings our numbers up =]. Hopefully this was the kind of action you were looking for. Thank you so much for all your reviews!
StarHunter- hopefully you won't have to wait too long for the next one but I can't really make any promises. Thanks so much for the review!
Guest- Thank you so much for your review. Well there relationship has to start somewhere right and due to Silas being inexperienced with relationships I wagered it was the best to start it as awkward for her and with no clue what is going on. Leave your name so you know it's for you next time.
Guest- Well your review will definitely add to the pot. Thanks so much for the review but make sure to leave your name so you know this is for you.
Peachycupcake- we love Gilan too. Thanks so much for the review!
Adrianna- I always love your reviews. It's a good thing you explained it to me after because some of it actually didn't make sense. I'm excited for her dresses and how he will riding in on his steed as her knight in shining armour. Thank you so much for the review, I always smile when I see it's from you.