Author's note: here's the next chapter. I have the rest of the story planned out so it will be posted. Sorry if the grammar is terrible, I wanted to get this to you as soon as I was done. I was quite busy with exams so I hope for forgiveness for the late update but really don't deserve it. So here you go!

Disclaimer: I don't own RA.

Chapter 23

What Gamble?

I sensed it. The little hairs on the back of my neck told me that there was someone outside. Someone that came a warning. So far there was only one person who could chill my senses just by being in proximity and I didn't need to use my powers to know who it could be. Quickly I sat up in bed and face the intruder as he made his presence known.

"A little early for breakfast isn't it?" Eyeing Maverick suspiciously as he seemed to search the dark corners of my tent. Dawn had not yet peaked over the horizon, but those dark eyes could even pierce through the night. Maverick had made up his mind. On what I assumed I was going to find out shortly.

"Time is short." He said gruffly as he finally made eye contact. His patience was burnt, and that fire was ignited in his eyes. My time for sleeping was cut short, I thought drily. I blinked slowly a couple times and pretended to rub the sleep out of my eyes. He wasn't making it easy to pinpoint exactly what he wanted.

"Pardon?" I asked holding the blanket close to my chest tighter as I sat up more in bed.

"You have been slacking in your training." Maverick started, and I could hear that he wasn't pleased that he had to explain. Reading minds wasn't one of my abilities. I didn't say a word to let him continue. "You have become too distracted. We can't lose lack of focus with this training, so I am taking you with me."

Apparently 'taking you with me' meant riding ahead to the permanent camp. The one place I have been waiting to get to since the beginning. I made sure not to let Maverick know of my excitement. It was starting. I would be able to save Becks soon. How? I had no idea yet. I would have to get there, assess the situation and surrounding, figure out what Maverick really had planned and stop him. I would have to do it all without Gilan. The fate of the Kingdom could very well be resting in my hands. There had to be a reason he disappeared, but I couldn't break my cover just to go searching for him. That would be a waste of all we had accomplished so far. His disappearance is still a mystery to me and the worry stopped my hasty packing. I pushed negative thoughts aside. As a Ranger you always had to think of the worst possible outcome, if you did you were prepared, if not then surprise might just kill you.

As an act I dragged my bag behind me as I came out of the tent. Mavericks patience never existed so he took two steps from me and yanked the bag from my grasps. He threw it over his shoulders as he led the way to the horses. The camp was dead quiet as the sun had yet to hit the horizon. Astrum whinnied as we approached.

'How long were you planning on leaving me alone with these idiots?' He seemed to say as I patted his nose affectionately.

"Sorry boy, but I'll make it up to you soon." I replied softly. Our small conversation was cut short as Astrum turned his head as someone threw a bag to attach it to his saddle. He glared at Maverick, if horses could glare that is. "I know Astrum, I know." I soothed him. It won't be long now.

"Let's go." Maverick snapped down at me. He was already seated upon his powerful mound and didn't want to wait a second longer. I turned to Astrum and placed one foot in the stirrup. I let go of a breath I was holding, allowing my muscles to relax. Just being in his presence made my skin crawl not to mention his bad attitude made me want to stick him with my Saxe. I couldn't let him know it or he might catch on to me. I swung my right leg over and settled into my saddle. Waiting expectantly for Maverick to lead the way.

I wasn't even twenty minutes before I heard galloping hooves fast approaching behind us. Even though I couldn't see the rider, because the trees obscured my vision, I could tell who it was. There were only two people who I could think of and those weren't the sound of a Ranger's horse hoofbeats. I didn't question Maverick earlier about why Luther wasn't here to see me off. I let it play as if I was too intimidated to refuse his order. Really it just made it easier to leave and it was my desired destination after all.

"Silas, wait!" A voice cried from the distance. I turned in my saddle and saw a figure at the end of the path racing towards us. I heard Maverick curse as he stopped our procession. He wasn't a fan of variations in his plan.

When Luther reined his horse to a stop he was out of breath. As if it were him running instead of the horse. He gave Maverick a look but said nothing. He dismounted. Took the three steps over, grabbed my waist with both hands and pulled me off Astrum. I shouted a little in surprise at the unexpected action. He led me several paces away into the brush of the forest, so he wouldn't be overheard. He only stopped when my green dress caught some of the branches of the underbrush. He let go of my waist for the first time. Bending down he patiently untangled the hem from the claw like thorns.

"Silas, I'm so sorry." Luther said quietly head still bowed. He rose slowly to his feet, hands reattaching to my sides. "Maverick told me that he was planning on taking you ahead, but I thought I would get a chance to tell you. But when I went to see you this morning you were already gone." The bright dawn light shone on his black shiny hair as his eyes trailed down on his hands refusing to look at mine for the first time.

"I'm alright." I said plainly, gently placing my hands on his arms. Luther sighed.

"I figured that much. But I'm not." He finally lifted his head, a sad look misted his eyes. His right hand came and cupped my face. His thumb stroked my cheek a couple times as he gazes into my face as if he was trying to memorize every detail. "It is only going to be a few days, but I am going to miss you terribly." He said finally, making me drop my gaze to compose my face. It made remember something Gilan said, what seemed like forever ago.

'Don't try to hide it… you have no idea how that makes us men feel.'

Trying to keep my mind of Gilan was going to be hard if he keeps popping into it. The hand on my face became increasingly present as it tipped my chin upwards. Every time I tried to hide my face from Luther made him want to capture my eyes. His brown eyes were wavering as he fought to keep his eyes from watering. My eyes weren't the only thing he captured. With his warm hands he pulled me, so our faces were level. His eyes expressed his emotion deeply as he glanced at my lips before closing them. His lips pressed against mine softly. It felt as if he was trying to mold himself against me, so he wouldn't have a reason to leave. I could feel his sigh as we parted. Maverick's horse had whinnied loudly as he purposely pulled hard on his reins to get our attention. Luther circled his arms around me and squeezed. "Sometimes I really do hate him." My laugh was muffled against his chest. I don't think I've ever heard the word 'hate' come out of his mouth before. Even when he had to deal with Gilan. Luther kissed the top of my head before giving me a last squeeze. Of course, I had to think of Gilan again.

He didn't let go of me until Astrum started moving. His hand was still reaching as far as I turned in my saddle to watch his distancing figure. Astrum on the other hand seemed to be only one happy about Luther's torn expression. He shook his head, ears twitching happily as strutted smugly ahead. He didn't have to say anything for me to know what he was thinking I refused to add to his mood.

I urged Astrum forward. I had to take a calming breath before riding sidelong with Maverick. He was looking straight ahead, eyes hard on the road ahead. "So where are we going?" I asked him to see what answer I would get out of him.

"It's a long ride." He answered. Not really the answer I was looking for, but I rarely got any response from him, so I wasn't surprised. I had a rough idea of where we were going because Gilan had described it when he came back from finding Becks. I knew it was going to be a long ride and guessing how I know Maverick he won't be taking the scenic route. It was a good thing Astrum was a ranger horse or we would never be able to keep up with his standards.

Maverick only slowed when his horse was running low on energy. Astrum, as a ranger horse could run all day, so we didn't have a problem. What I was really worried about was the animal under Maverick. I followed the towering blond man for hours without rest as he pushed his brown mare. The stops he made were purely for the animals. I had snacked on pieces of smoked jerky while riding over our last stretch. I dismounted, stretching out my cramped muscles. The dark eyes followed me. A hint impatience burned through them which I chose to ignore. He may want to get there in one day but that won't happen if either one of us falls off our horse. Leisurely, I poured some water from my canteen into a bowl and held it to Astrum's mouth. He appreciated the water as he slurped it down happily. I did the same for the other horse and it nearly snatched it from my grasps before I finished pouring the water. With a quick rub to Astrum I sung my leg over and mounted him. Maverick's black irises where narrow as he clicked his heels against his mount without another word.

"Not the best riding companion, is he?" I asked my horse and he shook his mane in agreement before following.

When a Maverick said it was a long ride he meant it. It was nightfall. The sun had set over an hour ago and the horses were still walking. The stars were hardly visible as clouds had forecasted most of our day. The moonlight was dimmed as well making it difficult to see more than five meters in front of us. I yawned and laid against Astrum's neck as we followed Maverick's silhouetted back. We were nearly there. No one would willingly go through a narrow path between two cliffs in the dead of night without knowing where they were going.

Gilan had described the camp being surrounded by cliffs on almost all the sides with a thick forest protecting the last open face. Strategically it was very well hidden and protected. 'No one could accidentally stumble across it unless they were really lost. And then they would probably just be killed' Gilan had told me. It could've been because of the exhaustion from riding all day and into the night, but little phrases that he told me would just pop into my head and make me smile. It did help from the loom of the walls that seemed to lean over us as we squeezed through the path. My knees scraped against the wall occasionally as Astrum trotted along. Complaining would do nothing but annoy Maverick. I didn't have to keep up the facade if he couldn't see me. Not to mention, the pain coming from forming theses small cuts and bruises helped in keeping me awake.

It was the twists and turns that made this squeeze feel longer than it was. My ability was able to tell me exactly how long it was. Our slow pace made me put my fingers against the walls frequently to double check that I didn't get it wrong. The breath of fresh air that came when we finally entered the clearing was refreshing. It was as if we had been breathing under a blanket. My eyes had adjusted to the dim night long before, but visibility was still minimal because of all these shadows. We could see the outlines of tents because of the few lanterns that had been placed near the perimeter.

Four men, despite the late hour came to meet us on foot. They briskly came to a halt and waited for instruction. They held a lantern making their features easier to see and to remember. Three of them were tall and had a stocky build. No doubt from training with heavy weapons like broad swords or even battleaxes. It was the last one that caught my attention. I even pretended to wake up and look around at our new location just to get a better look at him. He had dark set eyes that were hooded by thick brows and a scar that ran along his cheek. But it was his clothes that caught my attention. A long time ago when I was listening to Becks' stories, he had mentioned about his drawn-out battle between a foe in a purple cloak. Outwitting this Genovesan was the only thing that had won against this deadly assassin. The feeling in my gut was telling me that this man dressed in purple was one of those Genovesans.

"Ms. Silas will be sleeping in my tent for the night." Maverick's voice brought my attention back to the discussion. I blinked in surprise. I didn't think Maverick would do something like that. I was almost convinced that I would be sleeping outside for the night. "Have a tent set up for her tomorrow." With Maverick's tone there was no option for question or putting it off. I could hear the exhaustion in his voice. He didn't want to deal with anything more for the day. He dismounted and handed the reigns to the burly man with dark sideburns. I followed suit. I folded my left leg over to the right, so I could easily slide down being as ladylike as possible. I didn't expect the set of hands offering to help me off. The Genovesan waited patiently like a gentleman until I placed my hands on his shoulders to help me down. When I was lowered to eye level I knew I wasn't mistaken. Even in the light that only came from the lantern I could see the dark calculating murderer in his eyes. This was a Genovesan. That means my job just became even more difficult.

I was led to a grand tent. No one said a word. Two men escorted me the central-most tent, opened it, and gestured with a motion with their hands that I should enter. Only the red-haired man holding my saddle bag followed me in. He placed my bag next to the bed, lit the lantern on the desk, spun on his heel and left. The sounds of two footsteps fading was the last noise I heard. Quickly I stripped out of my dust covered riding clothes and changed into my dressing gown. Extinguishing the lamp, I wrapped my mother's cloak around me and pulled on the hood. Completely invisible to the outside world and to anyone who might chance pass by I set out to Maverick's table. I had seen it when I entered. This was not only Maverick's Private tent, but it would appear to be his war tent as well. I didn't want anyone to think that I would be snooping around his tent hence the cloak. No light would make it look like I went straight to bed.

My eyes had adjusted to the dark but the shadows casted by the clouds made it more difficult to identify specific details. Shadows! I bet I could take care of that. The table was solid meaning that he had been here a while planning all of this. Five chairs meant he only trusted four other people with his plan. Concentrating I closed my eyes feeling the shadows around me. I pushed them aside allowing the light from the moon to shine through directly overhead. On the table was a carefully crafted map. One that I could tell Maverick added details that were unknown to the cartographer when he first made it. I memorized every last detail of it. The placement of the camp and it's three secret passages that would all come in use for their attack on Castle Araluen. From what I could see it wasn't a direct attack on the castle, that would be suicide. It was a shot in the dark attack on the throne. They were planning an attack on King Duncan himself! They were going to ambush him. From the set up on the map they would meet him and who ever was with him head on. Using the forest for cover they would have to time it perfectly or it would be a bloodbath. But why did he need me? Why would he gamble everything on magic? That was the real question. Why would he use so much of his energy to try and gain magic and then control it? It had to fit in here somewhere. Without a real explanation of his plan there was nothing more I could learn from this.

Luckily the next morning didn't have a Luther to disrupt my finally peaceful sleep. Unfortunately, no one else was lucky enough to get to sleep in either. Not completely rested but fully awake thanks to the shouts and the grunts that came in from outside, I slowly rolled myself to a seated position. The sounds of clashing metal and hard thuds of the whacking wooden objects together filled my waking ears. I wouldn't be getting back to sleep with this noise. Yawning I stretched out my sore muscles that had cramped my movements. Stiffly I began my morning routine. Maverick would be expecting to start as soon as he saw my face. Pulling on my dress over my loosely tied corset reminded me of Jane and Beatrice. I smiled to myself thinking back to the other camp and what news would stir on my sudden disappearance with none other than Maverick. Those two would give Luther an earful before getting to hear his side of the story. At least I won't be present for the loud whispers and looks like what happened when Gilan disappear.

Lastly I carefully placed my knives in my boots in the hidden compartment, so it wouldn't cut me if they shifted accidentally, before facing the outside. Stepping out I blinked against the harsh morning light. After a couple of blinks I finally saw the camp. There were several rows of tents, all of different sizes. Off to the left was the training ground and from what I could see had more than forty men going through different fighting exercises. Doing some quick calculations in my head from the number of men and number of tents, I guessed he had just over a hundred men. Nowhere near the thousands King Duncan had at his disposal. Maverick's end goal was to take over the kingdom. With so little men even if he successfully manages to capture or kill the King his victory would still be short lived. The black clad leader also didn't strike me as the suicidal type. I had this strange feeling events were going to start unraveling more quickly because of his haste in bringing me here. That just means I had to find out what exactly he was planning and put a stop to it fast.

"Good morning Miss." a calm voice greeted me. Turning I faced a purple cloak. The man that was probably told to fetch me had an expressionless face. This was the look of a killer, this was the look of a Genovesan. His blue eyes were dark and calculating taking in his surroundings but watching me intently. This one I will have to watch my steps carefully. I had to make sure that the last thing he knows is that I'm a Ranger.

"Good morning…" I acted surprised letting my words trail as an invitation to introduce himself. He did no such thing.

"If you would follow me please." He extended his arm chivalrously. I nodded quietly and stepped beside him. Being in a new location did give me an advantage to glance about curiously without raising alarm. The mercenary lead me to an eating tent. The meal wasn't eventful. It was almost worse than Claudia's and that was saying something. The man's eyes never blink as he watched me eat. He was either taking his job of making sure nothing happens to me very seriously or I was a new prisoner. Speaking of prisoners there was one I wanted to find, but having a guard was going to make it difficult. I could use my powers but I didn't want to risk the Genovesan alerting Maverick.

After eating I once again trailed behind the man in the purple cloak. More people bustled around. My eyes darted around taking in every detail worthy of noting. I couldn't see anyone tied up or being treated like a prisoner. We did pass a blacksmith forging weapons, except the finished products I could see were not high quality. Again the question of what Maverick real plan was passed my mind. A bad feeling started aching in my gut, what was he going to do to me?

Maverick was waiting expectantly. We walked to the outside of the camp where the men were training. He stood away from the rest of the men sweating under the morning sun. Once we came up alongside Maverick and my escort politely cleared his throat to signal our arrival. Even the Genovesan seemed a little wary of the tall slender man who always wore black no matter the occasion. It did not help soothe the chill the hairs on the back of neck felt every time I was in his presence. Maverick turned. He didn't even say a word and my escort was glad to be free of his menial task.

"Are you ready Miss Silas?" Maverick asked smoothly. I blinked in confusion to what he meant. Normally, he wouldn't be so gracious to offer me a chance to prepare. I furrowed my brow in question. Just then my body reacted. Years of Ranger training helped my senses to notice unwelcomed pressences. Someone with the intention to harm swung a leg low to the ground from behind me. Tripping me failed as I quickly jumped over the leg. It was a reaction that made my heart sink. Maverick had tried to catch me off guard. Does he know my secret? The man who tried to trip me stood in astonishment as he didn't think I would be able to react that quickly.

"What wer-" I started but Maverick interrupted.

"You're reflexes are quick I guess we will have to find another way." Maverick brushed my muted question to the side. He simply walked on closer to the forest, expecting me to follow. So maybe this wasn't a revelation of my identity.

"Excuse me, but why were you trying to trip me just then?" I asked blatantly.

Maverick stopped in his tracks and I nearly bumped into him as i was trying to catch up.

"I believe I have found a way to access your full power and I was going to test it out. Since I cannot use my power to help you reveal it I had to make other preparations to get it to come forwards." Maverick attempted to sound calm and informative. The wolf hidden in his smile was all too obvious. He was still going to have to force it out somehow and I didn't like the calmness he emanated.

Just then I felt two solid hands clap down hard on my shoulders. I almost used a counter attack maneuver when I halted. I couldn't move without exposing my training. I felt a hard kick to the back of both of my knees. My legs buckled painfully under the impact. The hands weren't so courteous to hold me up. I fell to the ground hard. The hit was so powerful it caused a my whole body to feel a wash of pain rise to my head. The whole scene in front of me shook. I breathed in and grounded myself to let the pain subside. Finally free from this feeling, I lifted my hands off the earth. Brushing the rocks that had embedded into the heels of my hands I stood up.

"Not even ten seconds." I heard Maverick curse. I scoffed looking up at him from my knees.

"I hope you have a good explanation for pushing a woman to the ground." My words were tight as I picked up my skirt and placed my feet back under me. The man who pushed me gave no hint of emotion. He stood still with his hands behind his back, like a soldier at attention. Maverick was still muttering to himself, as if a hundred thoughts were running through his head. "Perhaps a little warning would be nice before you hurl me to ground next time." At that Maverick snapped back to focus.

"No that's it." I didn't like the excitement in his voice. It had the same tone a snake would after biting its poisonous fangs into its victim. "You can't have a warning, that way the magic would be raw and unhindered."

"Could you make it a little more clear so I know why you're going to start pushing me to the ground." I blinked trying to get the information out of his head.

"Hit the ground with your hand I would like to test something." Maverick placed on hand on my lower back and guided me forwards. I eyed him carefully. I knew nothing was going to happen if I quickly hit the ground so I followed his request. I bent down and hit the ground hard. My hand went a little numb so I massaged it hoping that the bruise that had started forming from my last fall wouldn't get worse. I straightened knowing nothing had happened.

"I had noticed this a while ago and wanted to test it that is why I pushed you." Maverick admitted. "You didn't feel anything earlier when you hit the ground now did you?"

"No what do you-" then I remembered Becks complaining tone to get a handle on my earthquake. I never meant for it to happen but it just does. I can't feel it or explain how it happens. Unfortunately it looks like Maverick was the one to find out. My heart rose up in my throat as I heard his whispered revelation. An 'oh no' would probably fit this situation if I could run from here. Was that a weakness that he just found? No, it couldn't be. In his eyes it's a strength. Except he will push it out of me, and use any means necessary. This is how he will find a weakness.

"This is what I have been looking for Silas. This is what will ensure us victory."

Maverick luckily let me go after, saying he had to make other preparations. He guided me silently back to the camp. Probably to make sure he found my guard and make sure I don't run away. I knew he was going to use this knowledge to take over the kingdom and defeat king Duncan. It was now job to figure out a way to stop him from getting this power. But how can I stop something that I have no control over?

Just then we passed by a group of people. It was the arrangement of the group that caught my eye. Three men surrounded the fourth who was shoved into the middle. My steps slowed to a stop. I had to do everything to stop myself from acting out of character. I couldn't risk my cover and especially this. I turned slowly and called out. "Is that you Mr. Beckett?"

Author's note: oooh this are starting. They'll start picking up too if everything works out. I you leave a review I would be immensely happy. And I would like to thank those who kicked me into posting saying all those beautiful things. My love goes out to you.

Love, Maire.

Iloveyourstory- thanks for the review!

Adrianna- thank you for always reviewing. They really make my day and inspire me to keep the story going. I have the same dilemmas as you for falling for characters don't worry.

Mando'a Ranger- I am really glad that Silas' emotions are coming out clear. Sometimes I'm afraid it's all in my head and doesn't quite make it to paper. Thanks for the review

India- thanks so much for the two reviews!

GeorgiaIsAwesome- I have an ending planned out don't you worry. Gilan might come back next chapter but there are no promises, cause I need them together to. Luther makes me forget who the real couple is, I'm not as immune to his silver tongue as Silas is. Thank you so much for the review