Authors' Notes: We know and we're sorry! I just seem to hit road blocks with this chapter. I knew what I wanted to write but I had no idea how I was going to present it. To make up for it I did make it a bit longer than usual and on the plus side I know exactly how I'm going to write the next chapter so it shouldn't take as long. Of course I have to write a chapter for my other story first because more people would kill me if I don't at least alternate between stories. We'll do our best to update; school is now in so I will take up procrastination from studying as a hobby and probably type faster chapters because of it. Not to keep you any longer... The next chapter! Please review and tell us what you think!

Disclaimer: I don't own RA

Chapter 11

Quick Thinking

Just as we reached the top of the hill, I knew I was right. To one side of the town was a mass of tents, and people starting to bustle around in the bright morning sun. It was clearly visible that they were beginning there set up for that day's performance as they filed with tools from their camp to the town center.

"They have definitely grown in numbers since the last time I saw them." I said looking at the massive amounts of tents. I counted over seventy tents, most of them capable of holding five some even bigger could probably hold fifteen comfortably.

"Not enough if they plan on starting a war against our army."

"They must have a lot of faith in magic if they think they're going to win."

"That's why we're sending you in isn't it? To put a stop to it." Gilan raised his eyebrows as he tipped back his hood slightly. I licked my suddenly dry lips. Now that I was so close to it, so close to what I had been preparing for all my life I could feel the nerves starting to rise in my body. "Nervous?"

"How could you tell?" I asked timidly.

"Felt the exact same way on my first mission. You've proven to me that you are the most qualified out of all the Rangers for this job and that's saying something. And I will check in on you every night, so you can relay me information." I nodded, my hands starting to sweat, making my grip on my reins slippery. What if I wasn't as ready as I thought or everyone else thinks I am? "We still have to wait for Crowley's messenger; why don't we check out what we're up against." Gilan steered Blaze down the hill heading for town. I took a breath of relief knowing I would have some extra time to calm my nerves before diving into the deep end.

The town was a decent size, seeing as it was able to accommodate a large group of traveling performers and still able to function normally. But it was one of the larger towns in Forest Land, any smaller and they wouldn't collect much profit, or should I really say people. People started their usual early afternoon shopping. Of course they stared at the new faceless strangers in the grey and green cloaks. I wasn't sure if they knew that we are Rangers, but they knew that enough rumours of us to stay back and not stare at us too long. Little did they know that the real problem were the simple circus folk that were busy getting the town center ready.

We dismounted our horses and left them by the stand. We didn't want to draw too much attention to ourselves. Gilan started walking towards the curious ring of a circle that was forming. I put my hand in front of him stopping him. "I don't know if Maverick is coming to this, but he'll be able to sense me."

"How far away is his range?"

"No idea, but I know it's not specific, he'll just know that there is someone with magic."

"Well good luck to him then for trying to catch us." I could hear the smile on his lips.

We stayed in the shadows of a low building until there was enough of a crowd around the stretching performers. It wasn't until a line of the outsiders filed behind a man in a long blue coat and top hat into the very center of the ring. "Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen!" said a loud and welcoming voice.

"I take that's Luther?" Gilan asked rhetorically. "Shall we see what my competition is?" He nudged me. I visibly rolled my eyes at him. For some reason I couldn't come up with a smart remark or retort, but my stomach fluttered upwards making my tongue not want to work. Why did it keep doing that? This only started happening a little while ago, about the time when he helped me with my long bow. The way he sometimes smiles at me and if I close my eyes I can sometimes feel his arms around me. What are you doing Silas? You can't think of him like that; he's now your teacher or mentor, to be more accurate. You have worked too hard to get to this point to even start thinking about what you are feeling. It's just a coincidence that you just happen to think of how charming and kind he is or that time when we danced... Stop it Silas!

I was so busy talking to myself that I had missed half of an act. I was tempted to slap myself across the face but I guess mentally will have to do. I couldn't be distracted by the crowd. That's not what we were trained to look for. Gilan would assess the performers and see what kind of abilities they had that could help them in battle. My job was to keep an eye on Luther and see I if I could find... Maverick! He was leaning against a building, just pretending to keep watch over his group. "He's here." I murmured to Gilan. Maverick was sweeping the crowd with his eyes. After scanning everyone in that section he casually took ten paces and then froze. He had felt me, I could even sense it. "He knows I'm here." I said under my breath trying to stay calm. It was as if he was trying to pinpoint my location and freeze me in place like he did to Becks. A warm hand clasped around mine. All tension seemed to fade away as Gilan reassured me that I wasn't alone.

Maverick walked in front of the crowd searching for what he desperately needed. He spotted what he was looking for. His eyes locked onto us. It probably would've been easier to spot the outcasts but we did have our Ranger cloaks to hide us. Maverick began pushing through the crowd, receiving many angry yells from the spectators being pushed to the ground in his pursuit. By the hand, Gilan and I dashed from the crowd. Time to go, I guess. We had a head start by being at the back of the crowd.

"I thought you said he wasn't able to sense exactly where we were." Gilan let go of my hand as we reached our horses. Quickly, we mounted and I followed him as he turned east.

"I did and if you noticed, it took him a while to spot us because of our cloaks and that probably made it look like we can magically disappear." It was too difficult to yell over the wind. Not to mention the riders behind us might be able to eavesdrop if we yelled any louder. The seven pack horses pursuing at a gallop never had a chance of catching Ranger horses. Over the hill was our plan. We could hide in the dense forest and have a more defensible position. It would be easier to see what kind of talent Maverick brought with him to catch some sorcerers. They would reach the top of the hill in a matter of seconds. Astrum and Blaze were given the command to stop just as the seven appeared on high ground.

Quietly and nimbly we dismounted, leaving our horses hidden behind thick shrubs. Gilan pulled off his bow and nocked an arrow and I followed suit. Carefully but quickly, we made our way through the trees. The riders slowed down and looked around the eerie forest. We settled behind a fallen tree, the massive trunk concealing us completely from possible harm but great for firing arrows.

"Are you sure they came through this way?" One asked.

"Of course they did, where else could've they gone?" Another snapped. Not very friendly crew you have there.

"Shut up all of you!" Maverick hissed at them, turning a hateful gaze on them. "They're here, I can sense them." They stopped in the middle of the road. The six variously armed men sat wavering in their saddles, waiting for Maverick to give another order.

Gilan leaned over, brushing the cowl back on my hood just on one side just enough to cup a hand around my ear. Very quietly he whispered: "They seem a little wound up by this place. Anything you can do to make them feel comfortable here?" I could hear the smile on his lips. My heart skipped a beat when his lips brushed my ear as he spoke. It was a good thing my cowl covered my face because I could feel the pink rising in my cheeks. Mentally, I shook all of those kinds of thoughts out. I had a job to do and I had to concentrate on that. I must learn to control these female feelings because they hinder my attempts of proving how capable I am as a Ranger.

Concentrating, I closed my eyes. Just then a tree branch on the opposite side of the road moved. All seven eyes turned in that direction. At random intervals the branches I chose moved, making even their horses' jump in agitation. One set of eyes could see through this trick, but he couldn't see what he was looking for. "I know you are there." Maverick said loudly in a commanding voice. His eyes were peeled open looking for any signs but he would find none. "We do not mean to harm you. We want to help you." No wonder he left Luther to the talking, he lacked the friendly open-armed welcome that Luther had mastered. "I know you have a secret, one that many would burn you at the stake for it. We are the same in that way." He waited again waiting for a mistake at our end. The men at his side grew restless in this ominous forest. They nervously held on to the hilt of their swords at their hips. Several, I noted, had crossbows but there was no way to tell if they had any skill with either of them. "There are many things I can do for you, come with us and you'll see."

Gilan put up his hand telling me to wait here. Confused I watched him disappear into the trees. Why would he just leave me here? What was he doing? I kept my bow ready. Just then I saw Gilan appear in front of them, riding out on Blaze confident but completely hidden behind his cowl. I noticed Gilan was the exact same distance from Maverick as I was. It would be my job to keep that constant but that way Maverick couldn't tell that there was in fact only one of us. Two of the six followers rearranged themselves in their seats trying to discreetly arm themselves with their cross bows. I could only be so fast at taking them both out, but I might be a little more in trouble if they had any training with those.

"Who said anything about needing your help?" The voice that came from Gilan's direction was completely different. As if he was trying to pull off the powerful sorcerer, I'll admit it wasn't half bad. Although I do believe mine was more impressive, he didn't have to change gender with his.

"We are the same; we are brothers of the same cause." Maverick said through his teeth. He didn't have the patience or finesse Luther had at persuasion.

"We are not brothers." Gilan sounded almost scary. "Our brother we know is a prisoner in your camp. If you really were about helping us, he would've been right alongside you." Even from here I could see Maverick fuming a bright shade of red.

"We just need them alive, boys." Maverick sounded downright evil. Battle cries from the six behind him faded into nothing in the dense forest. Just then both men carrying crossbows raised them to sightline. I pulled on my bow aiming at the closer one and fired. The other bowman didn't shift his gaze even when a loud cry followed by his friend falling to the damp floor with a thump. I didn't have time to protect Gilan from the second shooter. My fingers fumbled with my next arrow making it impossible to knock it in properly.

"Fools! After them!" Maverick yelled. I looked up and the scene had changed. Gilan was nowhere to be seen. Maverick was out of his saddle with an arrow sticking out of his shoulder and the men around them looked around frantically for where the next one was to be shot. They all pulled out their weapons; I counted four swords and a spear. As long as they we don't give them time to reload their crossbows they won't be able to last long against two Ranger and their bows, if my fingers start working again that is.

"Care to join me?" I almost jumped. How could be so careless? Gilan stood above me and offered his hand. I took it knowing I wouldn't make such of a fool of myself if I was with him. Quickly we ran through the trees, parallel to the men on horses. We darted diagonally away from the road, taking the shorter distance. We would only have a few seconds to pull away once we reach Blaze and Astrum. Through the trees I could see our escape. I didn't have to look back to know how close the men were and how loud the hooves were getting. Any closer and the spearman would be able to hit his target, which is if he actually has any practice with it and if he could pinpoint a Ranger with their cloak on.

We didn't waste any time. Gilan dropped my hand and I jumped onto Astrum's back. As if reading my mind she leaped forwards into a sprint. "We can lose them at the river!" Gilan yelled from beside me still using his deeper voice. He intended for our pursuers to hear, but what I wanted to know was what he was planning once we got there. I dared a glance back. The gap widened. Soon it will be impossible for them to spot us through the trees if they can't all ready. The sound of running water grew louder every second. Gilan and Blaze slowed as we reached the edge of the swift river. Then he did something I did not expect. He swung off his horse, pulled off his bow and quiver of arrows, and attached them to Blaze's saddle.

"What?" He asked when he turned to me. Probably because I looked as confused as I felt. I dismounted Astrum and reluctantly did the same. What is the point of a Ranger without her bow? "A wet bow is just as bad as no bow at all."

I had to clear my throat before opening my mouth, still finding it difficult to get words out. "We're going in there?" Gilan nodded with a wily smile on his face.

"Once they get here we'll jump in. Then we'll swim until that overhanging tree there." He pointed to the tree that had long since fallen where the branches suck deep into the water. "Then you have to make it look like we are still floating down river with your master of shadows thing. Once their gone we'll whistle for our horses." He explained his plan all while giving our horses specific signals. I was too busy trying to figure out the flaws in this plan to focus on what he told the horses before they trotted into the woods without us.

"You really have that much faith in my powers?" I asked incredulously.

"You said you could make a dragon, I figured two little people floating down a stream wouldn't be too hard." I was just about to retort when Gilan put his arm around me and pulled me down into the water. The cold water shocked the air out of my lungs forcing me up to breathe again. The one thing I did remember was to make sure my hood stayed on. That was the one thing that could ruin the whole mission. Concealed by my hood, I chanced a look back. The men stopped for a moment at the edge of the river. One of them cried something incoherent pointing his sword forwards. One deep breath and I plunged back into the river. It was difficult to open my eyes let alone see through the murky water. I don't know how I was going to find a branch to hold onto. Luckily the branch found me. And when I say the branch found me, I mean I was pushed very hard by the current straight into it. My lungs will only be able to stay under for so much longer. I counted ten more seconds before pulling myself up gently on the slippery branch. Raising just my mouth out of the water I sucked in much needed air. With new air I lowered myself back into the water, holding as tight as I could to this slippery branch. I kept concentrating. I couldn't tell if they were still following but that was my job and I wanted to make sure we are getting out of here.

A tap on my shoulder told me the coast was clear. The air was silent around us, nothing but the sound of the flowing water and our breathing. "I think it's safe to..." Gilan's words were cut off as I was pulled under. My feet slipped on the slime covered rocks making it impossible to keep my hold on my branch. There was nothing to grab onto. The current pulled me swiftly through its waters. Just then I slammed into what felt like a wall, at least I won't be meeting with our new friends as I had originally feared. I couldn't move. I was able to push up only a few inches before noting my other leg was trapped. Squinting through the water I could see a dam of logs and my left leg was now hidden up to my knee. Twisting did nothing but shoot excruciating into my leg. The trees budged a little; more like roll even more onto my leg, but there might be a way to push myself out of this. Of course, if I only had more than seconds left before I ran out of air in my lungs. I could feel the pressure increasing in my chest as my lungs screamed for air. I was running out of strength. There was no way I could lift these by myself. Someone pulled my arms away from the fallen logs. I turned and it was Gilan. Instead of going for the log trapping me under, he pulled me against him, pressing his lips to mine. I was so shocked I breathed in. Then I realised what he was doing. He was giving me air! I took as much as I could; holding onto his face with both hands so there was no spaces for air to escape. He must have pushed the log off my leg because the blood went rushing back to my extremities. Pushing with my good leg, I rose to the surface.

I let go of Gilan as we surfaced coughing up the water that had entered my lungs before he had come and saved me. He made sure that we were both on solid ground well away from the water's edge before letting go of my arm. I felt weak lying on the ground. The throbbing in my leg just became worse, but I was too relieved about being out of that water I didn't care. I took a few extra moments to allow air to fill back into the rest of my body; the only thing seeming to working normal at the moment was my brain. In a split second, all of it came rushing into my conscious mind like the current of the water that pulled me under. Did Gilan really just kiss me? But he was just doing the logical thing and that probably was the only way to save me. But he could've just tried pulling the log off first and then pulled me out. Of course I would already have drowned by then, so yes it was the only way to save me. Does that count as my first kiss then? Or does it not count because there was an alternative motive to it? Wait, but what if Gilan wanted to do it? Well of course he was saving his apprentice's life and I will somehow have to make up for it, but what if he counted it as a kiss? I must say he is far better and more handsome than all of the other suitors Mrs. Padavick chose out for me. Does he even like me in that way? Of course he can't, because this thing I have invented is completely inappropriate, me being his apprentice and all. I am only his temporary apprentice I wonder if we could... No! What if Crowley found out, worse what if Will found out! What would Becks think? What if he hurt Gilan because of me?

"Are you alright?" Gilan touched my shoulder gently. I would've jumped if I wasn't so drained. I shook my head trying to push back everything that just made me more confused. His kind expression warmed me from the inside. Did I mention how beautiful his hazel eyes are? The green and the brown mix reminded me of... Stop Silas! I pulled my gaze and sat up. Well Gilan did most of the work for me. He shot a piercing whistle over his shoulder.

"No. I fumbled. I couldn't take a second shot, my fingers just went numb! You could've been hurt all because I couldn't do anything! What kind of Ranger am I going to be if I can't do..."

"Stop Silas." He grabbed my hands and forced me to look at him. "This is the first time you've shot someone isn't it?" I nodded embarrassed. "Every Ranger I know has never made their first shot. The fact you actually made your target is surprising. Don't worry you'll won't make the same mistake twice. Now are you alright?" He sounded sincere, easing my doubt of not being able to be a full Ranger.

"I think so." I even sounded weak. I hated being weak. Becks would not like this. I could clearly picture every single one of the drills he would make me do. I wish I could get up and do them but I even have troubles keeping my head up. A few moments later Astrum and Blaze trotted back to us. He helped me to my feet, but that just invited dizziness. Astrum sensed something was wrong and nudged me with his nose comfortingly. Unfortunately, I was pushed and stepped on my left leg and went limp under my full weight. I grabbed the nearest thing to me for support, which in this case, was Gilan. "I'm sorry Gilan, but I don't think I'll be able to train tonight." I laughed slightly trying to ease the severity of the recent situation. He laughed as he basically lifted me onto Astrum.

"Tell you what." He said as he carefully placed my bad foot into the stirrup. He smiled up at me when he was finished. "We'll spend a night at the inn so you can rest properly. I think we deserve it after today don't you?" I raised an eye brow at his sarcasm.

"Becks always told me that a night in the woods builds resilience." I said jokingly.

"Character too. But we can start working on that another night."

Gilan told me to wait with the horses as he arranged a room for us at the inn. I didn't object because that would mean less walking for me. Carefully, I hopped off Astrum onto my good leg. I tested putting weight on it assessing the damage. It twinged a bit but it was manageable, and shouldn't last too long. It would be pretty hard pulling off a graceful damsel if I had a limp, not to mention I'd have to come up with some story to cover for it. "Starlett!" I turned confused because it sounded like Gilan who was calling out. "Darling, I told you to stay on the horse." It was Gilan who said it. He came and wrapped his arm around my waist. From behind him I noticed another man, round around the middle but had a pleasant face. "I told him you were my wife." Gilan whispered in my ear. My heart fluttered at the idea.

"She sounds like she's as stubborn as my wife. You'll never have a dull moment with her." The man said as he started to untie our packs from our saddles. I wasn't sure what was going on until Gilan knocked me off me feet and held me in his arms. I let out the tiniest squeak of alarm and I wrapped my arms around his neck just so I wouldn't fall if he were to accidently drop me. I could feel the powerful muscles holding me without wavering but putting myself completely at someone's mercy was new for me.

"Don't worry I have you." Gilan said and I could hear the laugh behind his voice.

"I told you it's not that bad!" I protested, playing along now that I knew what was going on. I even added a small laugh. The man carrying our bags rushed to open the door for Gilan, a smile on the man's face that sort of reminded me of Mrs. Padavick. Gilan followed the man, who I guessed was the inn keeper, up the stairs.

"I'll send my wife Erika for you my dear." The inn keeper said to me as he held open the door of our room.

"Thank you kindly." I said to the man sweetly. When he closed the door he placed me onto the bed. He then collapsed on his back beside me, shaking the bed and making me having to move to avoid falling into him.

"I'll take the floor don't worry. I just said you were my wife to avoid talk and suspicion."

"It will definitely do the trick." I said trying not to let the idea soak in too much. I also think we'll be able to pull it off quite easily. "Why is my name Starlett?" I raised an eyebrow at him at the peculiar name.

"Well we can't have the name Silas going around, it's too unique and if she's here with her husband, we might blow our cover." He explained and it made sense.

"But why Starlett? And what name have you given yourself?"

"I'm not the one running off to join the circus because she met the con of her dreams."

"Fine, I will call you George."

"George? Really? Anything else you would like to discuss about this relationship of ours?" He said jokingly. There was a small knock at the door. Good timing too because I was afraid my mind would go back to contemplating my situation and which mostly included Gilan. Gilan hoped of the bed and opened the door. A plump woman with a round warm face came strolling in with two large pitchers in her hands. Two younger ladies followed carrying one each followed behind her. They strolled straight behind the room's partition and I heard the pouring of water. The older woman handed her pitchers to the younger ladies as she came to shake Gilan's hand.

"I am Erika Goodreau, lady of this inn. My husband tells me you had a little accident on your travels today."

"Yes." Gilan shook her hand then led her over to me. "She fell off her horse into a river and twisted her knee." He shook his head sadly as if it was a tragedy. That just made me sound pathetic and for the record I did not fall off my horse and I was pulled into the river.

"Oh my poor dear! My daughters are getting more water for your bath. We'll have you warm and fixed up in no time." I pulled off my hood and smiled at her. I pretended to huddle in the cloak for warmth, that way it would be easier to convince her I was just borrowing his cloak. I wasn't sure but I had to assume that they knew who Rangers were and how they were recognised. At least no one would believe that a girl could be a Ranger on my side. Her daughters struggled as they carried the two pitchers with steaming water. They moved slowly trying not to burn their hands or spill any on the way. Obviously, they haven't mastered it like their mother yet. "I think one more will do it girls." She told her daughters who nodded with their heads down and rushed out the door once more.

"It looks like you'll be in good hands Starlett. I'm off to get some things for the rest of our journey home." He said before putting his cheek against mine. This way it would look like he was kissing me. "I'll go see what I can find out." He whispered quietly in my ear before waving goodbye and heading out the door.

I spent the last hour having to explain what happened, including how I had to change into my husband George's clothes to keep from getting sick. Luckily, they noticed how shy I was about Gilan, so she just looked at me knowingly and held her tongue. She did have an annoying smile on her face and it grew bigger every time I caught her eye. My left leg was a blue-green colour and quite swollen compared to the other side. My hopes of walking tomorrow just decreased significantly. After scrubbing every inch of evidence of the dirty river water off of me, she helped me out of the bath and into some dry clothes. To my distaste she tied the corset extremely tight and chose my least favorite dress out from my bag. I had only brought it to make it look like I had more; the peach and yellow ruffles were even more hideous than I remembered, even after I had ripped off half of the ruffles a while back.

I shot Gilan a murderous look when he re-entered the room. Mrs. Goodreau was pulling through my hair rather ruff with a hair brush, as she kept saying how beautiful my hair was and saying what she was going to do with it. It was if I was completely handicapped. 'Help me.' I mouthed to Gilan and I saw his handsome face about to crack into a smile.

"You look lovely Starlett." He said pleasantly with a mastered calm expression on his face. I would smack him if I could reach him.

"I fixed her up as much as I could but I'm no healer. Just make sure she stays off it." Gilan nodded at her recommendations. Smoothly, I pulled my hair out of her grasps, making it look like I was excited to see my husband safely returned. She must've noticed because she smiled at her feet and headed for the door. "I'll send some supper up for two when it's ready." She said before closing the door behind her.

"That is um, some dress." Gilan unsuccessfully held back a laugh.

"Not one word about the dress." I warned him with pointed finger. I heard him stifle a laugh as I hopped on one foot to the bed. "It wasn't my first choice either." I jumped on the bed and placed a pillow under my leg.

"So while you were in here being pampered," I glared at him. He knew I was the only girl in this kingdom who didn't like being "pampered". He came and sat on the other side of the bed, facing me. "The performers apparently left right after this morning's show." His lowered voice made sure that no one could overhear everything.

"I guess we'll just have to beat them to their next location." Gilan nodded, agreeing.

"So have you figured out your story yet?"

"What story?"

"What are you going to tell Luther when you see him next? It might be a good idea to have a something all planned out so you don't have to make it up spot." I think I had a story planned out but that was before more and more thoughts of Gilan infiltrated my brain, making me slowly become less of a Ranger. "Ok. Let's start with why you're there."

"If we get there first I could just say I live there." Gilan waited for me to continue on my own. "And I was just in Faciem Cliff visiting my sister; no cousin will be more likely to be farther away."

"Good start. Now why are you running off to join the circus?" Gilan urged. I knew this part already because I wasn't the one who came up with the idea.

"Because my mother didn't want me to die alone so she set up an arranged marriage for me and I didn't want to be forced into marriage to someone I don't know."

"I think we should make it more interesting. When I come in to claim you and bring you back home," Gilan mimed riding in on a valiant stead, chest puffed out and everything making me laugh "why don't I be a childhood friend. One you haven't seen in a while because he was sent off to Battleschool. That way you could have a caring mother because I being you childhood friend wouldn't be as freaked out of your magic because I had grown up with it. That could also be a way to bring you out if we need to pull out."

"Let me guess I'm going to have to come up with the rest."

Authors Notes: Crazy! Things are starting to fold into place. Silas' mission is about to start, what else am I forgetting... oh right they KISSED! I totally counted it. Catherine probably read that part at least ten times, and when she was supposed to be editing it. I think she might be starting to figure out these feelings she's having even though she may not want them to. How is she going to work this out? You'll just have to wait patiently for the next chapter (hopefully I won't take too long. But 5000 words a chapter does take some time you know) any questions... feel free to ask in a review or PM and we'll do our best to answer. Until next time... Review Please!

Love, C & M

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Guest (but I think it's Adrianna)- I don't think it was that short, it was at least 5000 words. My favorite part was also Jenny. Thanks so much for the review

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I'mSufferingOfCerealBoredom- Don't worry, we will continue until all the end have been tied up. Thanks so much for reviewing!

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