Authors' Note: I know it's been a while, but I'm really sorry. Thank you to the readers who have enough patience to wait for me to finish typing these chapters and especially to those who review. We love each and everyone one of them. Now my schedule is less busy so I will be able to post sooner. I will not abandon this story so don't worry I will keep updating. I'm also close to finishing my other story so I will only have to work on this story and updates will be closer together. But not to keep you waiting any longer, here is the next chapter.

Disclaimer: my name is sadly not John Flanagan so I don't own anything but my own characters.

Chapter 13

Searching For

I rode Astrum near the back of the line. I had slowly made my farthest from the front for two reasons: one because Luther would have to come find me and explain himself and two it was easier to observe everyone at once. Becks isn't here. There wasn't any sort of prisoners or any signs of anyone capable of fighting. Sure there were men here but I remembered them from the performance and their strengths lie with impressive acrobatics. That means they must have a second camp with the real fighting force including the magic pool they have been allegedly collecting. I wonder where Maverick is? Is he still searching for the two Rangers that eluded him or is he tending to the second camp? That could be where we are heading, no one seems to know when I ask. They probably were just leaving me in the dark just as is called for when dealing with an outsider.

Astrum's ears picked up. Something changed. I patted his neck when I saw the rider coming towards us. Mostly all the horses they had where made for packing supplies. It was humorous when I saw several men trying to mount Astrum and was promptly thrown off. Apparently this crowd was all about self gain and anything left unattended was fair game. Of course they gave expected the same humiliation when I mounted my own horse. But I simply smiled at them taking in each of their glares as I reclaimed my horse without being thrown off before going the line of travelers. It took Luther over an hour to come and find me. Surprisingly, I was expecting him to take more time. I only had a few seconds to settle my face in hateful shun before he could read my expressions clearly. It was harder than I thought, covering up my amusement upon thinking of what excuses he may have. Oh how I wish for my Ranger cloak right about now.

As soon as I saw him put on his handsome smile, I turned away. I had all reasons to hate him at the moment so why not make it hard on him? He pulled up his horse so it was directly beside mine. I turned my face forwards when he tried to meet my eyes. "I thought you had gone when you didn't meet me at the front." He said gently, his voice like silk. His handsome strong face, with the dark brown scruff of a beard and the deep brown eyes made it just that much more difficult to look away.

"Believe me, the thought crossed my mind." I said straightforwardly.

"What's wrong, love?" he asked stealing my hand. I tried my best not to fight back. Of course I couldn't control it completely and my hand tried to pull itself away. Luther smoothly placed his other hand on top, stroking it tenderly and somehow making my whole arm relax. I looked at him keeping the easy emotionless stone face towards him. His face was full of concern and something else that I couldn't quite read.

"Are you sure you're not just referring to another one of your girls that you have hiding and left heartbroken in the camp?" I saw his eyes drop sadly. He stared at our hands, stroking the back of mine with his thumb and sighed.

"It was Cynthia wasn't it?" He asked quietly. He already knew the answer so I waited quietly for him to continue. He sighed again and looked at me with his dangerously warm eyes. "What she probably said is only half of the story. Do you remember the first time we met?" I nodded a little curious how he was going to pull this off. How could I not forget the lecture Becks gave me after that day?

"Yes you tried to get me to come with you."

"If you also remember I also told you I didn't have someone to share my travels with. You see, it is my job to entertain, to be mysterious and charming and full of adventure, that's how we pay for food. But that is most of women's fantasies. I will admit that I have been looking for someone to share my travels with, and I will use the same lines on every girl to see if I can find one that I was truly meant to be with. But all of them were the same. Later that night I will find that they have ran away from their families saying that they had come to be with me. I would try to see if there was a connection but nothing. Eventually they found out that everything they felt was just a fantasy in their own imagination that I was able to create for a moment for them. Every one of them was the same until I met you Silas."

"Me? What do you mean?"

"What did you do when I asked you to join me, even after telling you my sob story?"

"I remember turning down your offer."

"You said no. It was something I couldn't figure out. It actually hurt me that you said no. It plagued my dreams for nights, I couldn't figure out what I did or what I could've done to make you say yes. But then I realised it wasn't me, it was you. You were different than the rest. I dreamed of what I would say to you the next time we met so I could get you to come with me." I could see the truth in his eyes, and for some reason it made my heart skip a beat. I lost my emotionless face, Becks would be very angry for letting my guard down. But then again I was supposed to let him think this; it was my job for us to get close. "And when we ran into each other the other day, I couldn't have been happier, just seeing your face made the emptiness in my heart swell. Even with all those practiced lines that I thought I was never going to get to use, you said no once again. You are the only one I have ever wanted to share my travels, and my adventures with, ever since I saw your beautifully unique eyes. No one has ever made a lasting effect on me, like you have Silas."

"Really?" I asked timidly. If I didn't know of the danger his words could cause, I would be in serious trouble. I was having troubles remembering that I was only pretending to join the circus. Only my wrapped-up, unstrung bows hitting the side of my leg reminded me that I was a Ranger.

"Really." He said with his crooked smile before bringing my fingers up to his lips. "Now my Lady Silas, would you be able to forgive my past and honor me with a second chance?" He asked and I laughed when he tried his best to make a bow in a saddle look smooth.

"That depends, do you have any more secrets I should know about?" I asked coyly, knowing all too well. Let's see how well he can cover up.

"We'd have to get to know each better before I can reveal all my secrets, love." He drawled smoothly, winking playfully at me. "Now my Lady Silas, would you graciously accompany to the front of the pack?"

I considered it for a second, playfully looking into the sky. Turning, I smiled at him. "I suppose I can give you a second chance." If possible Luther smiled even bigger, making him infinitely more handsome. How could a girl blame him for other women for falling for him? He brushed a stray strand of hair out of my face and brushed it behind my ear, letting it fall through his fingers.

"That is all I ever wanted with you." He mused. He clicked his tongue, urging his horse forward. I nudged Astrum but he made no attempt to move faster to catch up. A second time just made him look sideways up at me. I could see the warning he was giving me.

"Thank you for the warning, but you know as well as I do that we don't have any other choice." I patted his neck. He huffed and quickened his pace. Against Astrum's wishes, I followed him. Obviously, I will have to have a word with my horse and tell him that I have to get close to Luther if I want to accomplish my mission. Passing the group, I did take in some shocked faces of Cynthia and some of the girls when they noticed I was still with Luther. Maybe he was telling me the truth. On second thought, I don't think he has ever lied to me, well at least stretched the truth as much as he could. That calculates factors for him as a man, but what does that mean, why else would he be with Maverick?

"For a second there I thought you had changed your mind." Luther actually sounded relieved.

"Apparently, you are also going to have to convince my horse." I laughed, and Astrum huffed again.

"Is that so? How 'bout a nice bucket of apples when we stop next?" He talked sweetly next to Astrum's ear. His ear perked up on the word apples but then as if remembering who was talking shook his head. Actually I think he was wishing Luther was a bit closer so he could hit him.

"It might be a harder than you think; Astrum is a very stubborn horse. He won't let anyone but me ride him. Even ask some of your men who tried to take him this morning."

"So the way to your heart is through your horse is it? Well then Astrum, you and I will be best friends before you know it."

We rode for several hours, stopping multiple times for the less unfortunate people without horses to break. He cordially stayed away from taking about myself, probably thinking that it would make me think about home again. He just convinced me to stay and he may be pushing his luck if he had to try again. Instead he told me of the adventures he had. I couldn't be sure if they were all true, like he said he was an entertainer, but they sounded pretty exciting I will admit. They reminded me of the tale Becks used to tell me about the Rangers and I wanted nothing more than to share in his adventures. Of course I would have to go through the hard process of becoming a Ranger first.

"Do I bore you?" Luther asked placing a gentle hand on my own, waking me into the present moment. Yep, Becks is definitely going to kill me.

"Not in the slightest."

"I can tell what you're thinking." Maybe I was getting too into this character and I was losing ever bit of training I had accumulated up until now. "I may not be able to ever replace the family you left behind but this is also a family: my family." He gestured to the people walking around us. "It may be even too early to ask, but maybe you could give them a chance too."

He wasn't looking for an answer yet, well not from the girl who just ran away from that is. It was very strange, the way he talked. It was almost too easy to feel comfortable with him. I could tell why the other girls had fallen for him so easily. But why was I different? How am I different compared to those other girls? Ok that's a silly question, but still it made me curious. Luther stood up suddenly. Bowing to me he held out his hand. "May I escort you to your horse, my lady?" It still made me tingle inside when he treated me like a princess. I thought that feeling would pass. It made it that much harder to suppress a smile. Unable to hold my smile, I accepted his hand. He pulled me to my feet, purposely pulling us closer than normal.

"Are we leaving already?" I was surprised that this break was considerably shorter than the last ones. It would also be appropriate for a girl like to complain, well one that isn't used to this yet.

"Not this time, love." He patted my hand as he placed it on his arm. "I'll help you unsaddle your horse so we can set up camp."

"But there still is over an hour before the sun starts to set." At the pace he kept we may never reach Castle Araluen.

"I don't want to push the group to hard or they start complaining, as soon as there are too many complaints the more people might leave. Besides you my dear have been riding a horse all day, while everyone else's feet will be killing them." He sounded like he cares for the people under his care, probably why Maverick let him be in charge. The compassionate Luther, why on earth would you want to start a war against the kingdom?

I had to refrain from booting Luther for having the chivalry to help me with my horse. The only thing keeping Astrum from doing the same was me rubbing him down, and whispering softly in his ear. He carried my bags over his shoulder and held out an arm for me. "Shall we go find a place to set up camp?" I grabbed his arm with my left and towed Astrum behind me by the reins. He wouldn't be as forgiving if I didn't let him come and watch over me this time.

"But I didn't bring a tent." I just remembered that a girl like me should've never slept outside. I knew it wasn't going to rain by the sky and the smell of the air but a girl like me wouldn't know that.

"Not to worry, there is no better canopy than the dark starry sky watching over us."

"But what if it rains!" He laughed at my reaction.

"I've been doing this a long time love, I know it won't rain. But if it makes you feel better, I can set up a small tent for you. It won't be as lavish as the one you slept in last night but it should protect you from the wind."

"Thank you." I smiled down at my shoes, trying to ignore how pathetic I sounded.

"Anything for you love. Now let us hunt down a tent."

Luther set down the supplies. I chose a lovely spot and by its spot I could say that I didn't feel like I belonged yet. It just so happened to be bordered by a forest. Gilan better check in tonight, I needed to feel like myself for a bit. "Is there anything I can do to help?" I stood behind Luther. I couldn't stand him taking over every little thing, like I was made out of glass. Luther stared at me, taken aback. As if this was the last thing he expected to come out of my mouth. "I know you consider me a princess, but I am far from it. I'm not afraid of hard work and feel useless doing nothing." I told him truthfully. There was no way I could completely change to fit this character I was creating for this mission.

Luther stood up and grabbed both of my hands in his. His deep brown eyes captured mine and for some reason I couldn't find a way to tear away from them. "I learn something new about you every day. I apologize, but that was how I was brought up. Since my world was changed by you presence I guess that my old ways have yet to catch up with my heart." He bent and picked up a peg from the ground. "Now, how about I teach you how to pitch your own tent; though, it might make me feel useless." He laughed as he brushed my cheek with the back of his fingers. I turned to hide my face as I knew my emotions we getting the better of me and showing on the outside. He smiled bigger as he pulled me by the hand to the ground.

I let him teach me, secretly assessing him. He wasn't terrible. Actually, he was pretty good. Minus the fact he seemed to need to protect my hands with his when hammering the peg into the ground, which conveniently allowed him to put his arms around me. A tingle ran up my spin. My sixth sense warned me that someone else, someone new was approaching. I couldn't tense knowing that Luther would be able to feel it if I did. He was coming closer. "Luther, may I speak to you for a moment." That was the one voice I did not want to hear up close. My hand froze slightly making me drop the mallet in the wrong spot. Luther held in his yell as I hit his hand.

"Sorry." I apologized. I grabbed his hand to see how hard I had actually hit him. Not enough to bruise, so he should be fine in a few minutes.

"Can I trust you not to hit yourself on the next one?" He asked handing me the next peg. I nodded as he stood up. "I will only be a moment." He smiled then turned to Maverick. Maverick was staring at me. He didn't take his eyes off me until Luther had pulled him away a few steps and caught his attention. I moved to the last side of the tent. Only with Ranger trained ears would someone be able to hear their hushed conversation.

"Whatever you do, you need to get this girl to stay."

"Well that's what I plan to..."

"No you don't understand," Maverick hissed at Luther cutting him off. "She is what we've been searching for."

"What do you mean? Do you mean she has magic, my dear Silas?" I could feel Luther's eyes turn back to me.

"She has more magic than anyone else I have ever met combined." That could just be him over exaggerating, I didn't think I had that much. I couldn't do anything impressive except move branches and play with shadows. Well that on their own could be considered impressive, seeing how their not supposed to move. "Anything she wants she gets. At any costs you need to get her on our side." Now Luther understood. I felt him standing up straighter as I felt the ground with my fingers. He looked over this way. I hit the peg hard once with the mallet, driving it into the ground like I had been working on it a while. I wiped the imaginary sweat off my forehead as I sat back and pretended to admire my work.

"Wait." Luther stopped Maverick with a firm hand on his shoulder. "Don't tell her about magic just yet. I have a feeling that it will just scare her off."

"She must be powerful if you haven't won her heart yet. Scaring her off would be the last thing we want."

"Silas?" Hearing my name I turned. Luther closed the gap between us. Offering his hand he helped me to my feet. I brushed off the dirt off my dress. "Sorry for being so rude, I believe that since you will be staying with us introductions are in order." Maverick took a few steps closer, eyeing me carefully. "I'd like you to introduce you to the man with the brain behind this whole operation." Maverick was nowhere near as handsome as Luther now that I saw him up close. His blond hair was slicked back showing his black dead eyes. He was tall and thin but there was an air around him that screamed his lust for power. Stage one of our mission is complete, joining the circus. Now Gilan and I have to figure out what he's planning and put a stop to it.

"I thought you were in charge?" I asked Luther after giving Maverick a smiling handshake.

"He likes to think that." Maverick said. I couldn't tell if he was joking or not, probably why he was behind the scenes. "So this is the infamous Silas, Luther has been moping over for weeks. It figures that the only one he wanted would be the only person able to resist his charm." I blushed slightly as I pulled my hand away.

"Well at least I won't have any competition from you." Luther teased back, punching Maverick lightly in the shoulder.

"It was a pleasure to meet you Miss Silas. If you need anything to make you feel more at home with us, just say the word." After that Maverick left without saying another word. No wonder Luther was the front man.

"He is definitely and interesting man. How did you and Maverick meet?" I asked casually.

"He found me actually, back in Iberion. He told me I had a gift and it eventually turned into this adventure." He smiled; a mischievous glint sparkled in his eye. I wonder how many other secrets you are hiding. "Since your tent looks pretty solid," He walked around my tent nodding approvingly. "May I escort you to tonight's festivities?"

"What kind of festivities?" I grabbed onto the arm he held out for me.

"No food, music or dancing that you have ever seen before." I stopped when he said dancing. That was still one of the worst things Mrs. Padavick made me learn.

"I've never been one for dancing." I said honestly. I wasn't as gracefully as a lady should be. He raised an eyebrow at me as he brushed his hair out of his eyes. For some reason my breath caught for a second as he flashed a crooked smile at me.

"What I'm hearing is my darling princess Silas is that she is perfectly comfortable sitting on the sidelines when her adventure is just about to start. I just may have to ask if she is scared."

"Scared?" I asked disbelieving. I was actually impressed. Luther had me figured out, well partly at least. "Hardly, but don't say I didn't warn you when you have stumps for feet."

"There's my girl." He smiled even brighter as he pulled me into a one armed hug. "Besides this type of dancing isn't something that can be taught in the traditional way." With that he excited pulled me towards the middle of camp where people had already started to form a crowd. I could already tell that this was way out of my comfort zone. And that could only happen when dancing and being at the center of attention.

"See love, I knew you'd have fun." Luther started a small fire next to my tent.

"I'll admit some parts were more fun than others." I replied truthfully. He was right in saying that the dancing wasn't something Mrs. Padavick could've taught me. I had almost as much fun as the first time I danced with Gilan.

"Well I can definitely say that was the best night I've had in a long time." Luther said pulling my hands near the fire to warm them up.

"Of course you can say that, you weren't the one being stared at and examined every second."

"Don't worry about them love," Luther caressed my cheek softly with his fingers. "I had the most wonderful time just because I got to spend it looking into your beautiful eyes." I blushed into his hand. Why do I feel like I'm unable to control my emotions when I'm around him? It feels like he's molding me into something I'm not. Where on earth is the Ranger side of me stopping me from becoming a pile of mush? "Rest Silas, let your mind be free from your worry. I will be right here if you need anything." He kissed me on the forehead. I forgot how to breathe for a second, as I felt his lips touch my skin. The tingle still lingered as he smiled at me. "Goodnight love." He said as he stroked my hair, letting a few strands slide through his fingers.

I tried not to make it look like I was eager to be out of his sights when I slipped into my tent. I sighed, letting today's tension slide with it. Who knew pretending to be someone else could be so exhausting. It was impossibly small for a one man tent, even the one I had had enough room to at least be able to take off my shoes without having to crawl out first. I couldn't imagine sleeping with these tight laced up boots which did nothing but make my feet hurt. Tomorrow I am definitely changing into my soft soled shoes. No one would see them under my dresses anyways. I was about to crawl back out of my tent when someone locked me into place, covering a hand over my mouth so I wouldn't scream.

"Looks like you let your guard down." He whispered into my ear. I relaxed when I recognised Gilan's voice. I put away every escape plan that had formed in my head leaving room in the front of my mind to think about how close Gilan was. Somehow he had found room in this tiny tent and slinked into it. He was pushed right up against my back and it was close enough to feel his body heat through our clothes. He could probably feel my heart beat speed up a little. At least he couldn't see my face go red in the dark.

"I was still in character." I whispered back trying to weasel my way out but I heard him laugh. Just then he hit me on the back of the head. Rather hard I might add. I bottled up my reaction so Luther wouldn't come barging in on us.

"I leave you for one day and you forget everything." After the pain subsided a little I felt lighter almost, as if taking a breath of fresh air. "Just as I thought, Luther's getting to you. You'll have to figure out a way around that to keep your head clear."

I could feel tickle of Gilan's warm breath on my neck. I had a feeling that this could be an alternative to Gilan knocking sense into me. I felt my cheeks burn even more. No Silas you can't think that, just do what he said and find a way to block Luther's persuasiveness. Why is the girl drowning out the Ranger in you? It's never happened before. Well I've never had to be a girl pretending to fall in love with a man before, and you've never been kissed before either. Stop Silas, you can't think of that now, not when he's this close. Maybe this was why there have never been any female Rangers before, too many conflicting ideas and emotions.

"Find out anything yet?" Gilan asked.

"Becks isn't here. Nor is anyone else that seems remotely capable of fighting minus some of the acrobats. Plus it wouldn't take Maverick until today to get here with his injury. I think there might be a second camp somewhere, closer to our final destination with the fighting force if they in fact have one."

"Not bad." Gilan whispered. "Speaking of not bad, I must say you are doing a fantastic job with Luther. You seem to have a talent for men to fall in love with you."

"He's just saying that to get me to stay and so I won't freak out when they tell me about magic."

"You obviously have forgotten what I told you. Well you'll have enough time to look for the signs while I'm away."

"Wait you're leaving me!" I said that louder than I should and Gilan covered my mouth again. We heard Luther turn over in his sleep and his breathing slower again.

"Someone has to go and scout out for the second camp, and since you are busy distracting Luther that leaves only me. Don't worry you'll be fine, just crash your head into a tree once in a while and I'll be back in a few days."

"I know it just feels like I'm going soft by doing nothing all day and having every need accounted for. I'm never going to be able to fire my long bow at this rate."

"Good luck with that." Gilan laughed quietly before tapping me on the shoulder. Just as he came he darted out of the small tent. I listened but there was no sound, and nor should there be. He is a Ranger after all. Which reminds me, I'm an apprentice Ranger and I haven't been training. Becks and Gilan are going to kill me unless I can figure out how to train in a dress and in this tiny tent where no one else can see me.

Authors' Note: Oh My God I think I'm in love with Luther. He is just so good with words; if I was in Silas shoes I don't think I would have her resistance. Gilan might have some competition. I can't wait for the next chapters; I just wish I could see your reactions when I write what I've planned. So next chapter I plan to have a Gilan POV not guaranteed but it's planned to happen sometime soon. Then we'll get to see what he thought of that kiss. But you'll just have to wait until next chapter and hopefully this chapter had enough to satisfy you for a while. Reviews would be nice but we don't deserve them, but it does motivate me to write faster.

Love, C & M

PS: If you are curious to what I think Luther looks like, then I would search up what captain hook from once upon a time. That's my Luther.

aRangersHorseLovesApples- There was a little hint in this chapter of Gilan's true feelings in this chapter, sorry if there wasn't enough of Gilan for your liking but I had to get the story going somehow. Thanks for the review!

yoohooha- Gilan POV coming up next... hopefully. Loved the review, Thanks!

Peachycupcake- Yep now stage one of the mission complete. Thanks for the review!

Daughterofak1ng- Don't worry a little obsession is healthy. I have to reread chapters to look up things so I don't mess up parts by confusing my readers. But the word devotion means that you will keep reading (and possibly reviewing). Gilan POV is coming soon. Thanks for the review!

ScbaStv- Thanks for the review!

PjoHoOFan-I think your review made me smile the most. Well awesomeness does take a while to write so hopefully it was worth the wait. Thanks for making your name clear too! Thanks for reviewing!

Silvercloud- Oh Gilan will remember that kiss when I write his POV, don't you worry. Thanks so much for the review!