DISCLAIMER: i don't own ranger's apprentice or any of its characters :)
Week 2 - a disrupted week
The sun burst through the clouds like a thousand and one spots of shimmering gold, the sky, only seconds ago, was dark and pittyless. But bright and happy was the morning on which Ellie awoke to find Maddie standing over her, shaking her cozy body to tell her that 'it was nearly time for her escort to leave'
Ellie jumped out of bed, energized by the news. She quickly pulled on her pants, tunic and boots, then ate a hurried breakfast of sweet berry porridge with honey and rushed down like a hurricane to the front of the castle, where a comfy looking wagon with a sun shelter was attached to two sleek brown mares.
Her escort consisted of 5 soldiers all on similar horses to the ones on the wagon. The 5 soldiers were only needed because Maddie, after a lot of persuading, had gotten her parents to agree that she should go with Ellie and her maid, down to see Alyss too. Cassandra and Horace had only Agreed on two conditions, that Horace would go with them and Maddie would not stay at Alyss's for any more than five minutes.
With that settled they had gotten out early so as to be at Alyss's and Will's place by late afternoon. Maddie had helped Ellie pack some clothes and shoes into a small trunk that was now swinging on the back of the Wagon. The wagon (as mentioned before) had a sun shade, with two seats in the back, and two more in the front, it was padded with soft cushions that looked to be made of fine leather, so as to be weather resistant. All in all it was a jolly, happy and comfortable ride. As estimated, they got there late in the afternoon…
"Well, I guess this is goodbye. For now anyway!" Maddie and Ellie embraced each other on the front porch of Will and Alyss's cabin. One stray tear made its way down Maddies cheek.
"It's ok Maddie, after another two weeks, we might see each other again!"
"Yes, mabey…" Maddie's voice trailed off and she seemed to be thinking. And thinking hard. They stepped apart just as the door to the cabin slowly creaked open. A stunning, blonde-haired lady stepped out, she, of course, was Alyss, the beautifull courier who was married to the famous ranger known as Will Treaty.
"Why hello Ellie, welcome to our humble cabin." Alyss practically radiated smiles and she stepped forward, one hand held out in greeting. Another face popped out from behind the door, this one belonged to a man, similar in age. He was brunette and had a rough beard, not very neatly cut. He also stepped forward to shake hands with Ellie.
"I'll see you…soon, hopefully" Maddie still seemed to be thinking very hard, she said these parting words as she hopped onto the wagon. The wagon slowly moved away, and Ellie waved frantically until it drove round a bend in the road. Ellie slowly lowered her hand and turned to see the two adults more closely, but before she could complete her observations, Ellie realized that Will was talking to her.
"Why don't you come in and have a cup of coffee." Will said smiling. Alyss jabbed him in the ribs and hissed to him
"She's only twelve, what sort of person In their right mind would give a girl of that age Coffee, she can have tea."
So with the matter of hot drinks sorted, the trio sat down and enjoyed a mix of coffee and tea. But of course, you can't sit down to a relaxed drink without a bit of chatter…
"So how was your time with Horace and Cassandra Ellie?" Ellie's head snapped up, she had been enjoying her tea and hadn't noticed Alyss drawing in breath.
"It was amazing! Cassandra introduced me to her daughter, Maddie. She taught me how to ride, I did bring the horse she gave me. Her name is 'Skitty', I think she's cute. We rode everyday, had some picnics and played hide and seek in the library. On the last night of my visit there was a ball. Maddie and I tried to teach ourselves how to dance, but we failed miserably."
"Wow, sounds like you had quite the time!" Will was trying his hardest to smother his laughter, she had said it in such a breathless ramble, it reminded him of himself, as an apprentice, he usually said too much, too fast. His mentor, Halt, had made fun of the fact many times.
"You must be very tired after you ride here, would you like to have a meal then go off to bed?" the ever caring Alyss had only just noticed the small dark circles under her eyes. Being the thoughtful woman that she was, she had already dusted the sheets of the spare room. Will had added some flowers in a pot on the bedside table, a ritual that his mentor had performed in his cabin when Will was training with him.
After Ellie had eaten a hearty dinner of beef stew, changed into her pajamas and went to bed, a messenger arrived. He was quite a sight, the royal araluen crest was emblazoned on a satchel that was obviously holding the message for Will and Alyss. He stepped down off his horse and went to rap on the door, when it opened to reveal a tired looking Will Treaty.
"A message from her highness the royal Princess Madelyn for the ranger Will treaty." the man said in a stout voice while coming to attention. Will took the scroll that was pushed towards him by the Messenger, thanked the Man and closed the door. He walked over to his favorite chair, plonked himself down, and began to read…
Dear Uncle Will,
I would like to invite you, Alyss, Halt, Pauline and Ellie on a cruise to scandia. It's ok if you Can't come, But it would be nice to see you. Hal and His crew have just Finished their term as Duty ship and have invited us to come. It isn't time for the Winter gales, storms and other unpleasantries, plus, I would like to see what Scandia actually looks like, I am sure Ellie would too. I know it will disrupt yours and Pauline's Week to take care of Ellie, but I am sure that you Won't mind.
If you would like to come, please meet me and my Mother at the Boars Race River, next to castle Araluen in a week's time.
Godspeed To you Uncle Will,
Her Royal Highness,
Princess Madelyn of Araluen.
Will smiled down at the letter. They were definitely Coming, Will thought. He got up and walked over to where Alyss was reading through reports and notices, Will handed her the letter, she read and nodded.
"How could we refuse? You would be able to catch up with Erak too."
"That Maddie is a smart girl, it's quite obvious that she wants to spend time with Ellie, so she invites us on a cruise to Scandia! Devilish girl."
"Mhm, now if you've stopped jabbering, I might just go to bed."
"Quite the plan Alyss, Quite the plan."
That's a shorter one! I hope you've enjoyed the twist! Next chapter might take some time. See you whenever I get to the next one, and as always PLEASE PLEASE PLEEEEEEASE REVIEW!
