Hello everyone!
I'm so glad people liked Flare. I get so nervous writing OC Ranger horses because I'm always concerned that they aren't like the books.
Anyways, time to take a trip into the past – once some Ranger business is clarified.
Read, Comment, and Enjoy!
Chapter 8: The Past Can Haunt You
Halt stirred the coals. He had been mulling something over for some time. His eyes roamed over the merry band that surrounded him. There was Crowley sitting cross-legged with Tara, encouraging the girl to eat some more of an apple tart Robina sent with the group. Leander was missing, out scouting the perimeter of camp. Egon was skinning a large bull deer with Norris tearing up greens beside him. Berrigan had climbed a tree somewhere behind Halt. He was the lookout in that direction, the same direction as the main road, until Leander returned. In total, there were six Rangers. Then there was Tara. A frown touched his face. This same itch had been bothering him since Egon joined the group. Maybe, once everyone had sat for dinner, the topic could be discussed. Halt's gut told him that it was important.
It could be the difference between life and death for them all.
Full bellies made everyone comfortable. All leaned leisurely against logs. Halt gingerly ran his fingers Tara's damp brown hair. Berrigan had escorted her off to a nearby stream to take bath while dinner was cooking. Brown eyes were drooping. It wouldn't be long before she fell asleep. The fire crackled between them. They were nearing Eagleton Fief. It was where one of the other dismissed Rangers, Samdash, was located. Then they would head straight for Redmont. The plan was to gain Arald's allegiance. Once that was obtained, the group would split – some would go in search of the remaining Rangers, one or two would head to Gorlan, and others would head out to find Duncan at Castle Wildriver and wherever his fake counterpart was hiding out. It was a solid plan. Yet Halt wanted to be sure of something vital.
"We need to discuss something," he said quietly.
Heads turned in his direction. Tara's head shifted. She might be sleepy, but she would listen and learn. Halt knew she would help anyway she could. Her aide was another point he wanted to discuss with the group. That would come later. This talk was more vital. A groaned came Leander's mouth. Berrigan was absentmindedly plucking at gitarra strings. Of the group, only Egon seemed interested in what Halt wanted to discuss. Based on the glance he sent Halt, the young Ranger could guess that Egon knew the topic.
"Let's talk about whatever tomorrow," Berrigan replied.
"Now," Halt replied curtly.
That had the others attention. Crowley groaned, muttering about hating having conversations on an empty stomach. When Norris sent him a confused look, Crowley elaborated, stating that conversations on a full stomach were even worse. Egon sat a little straighter. Leander moved himself from a reclining to sitting position. All eyes landed on Halt.
Crowley looked at Halt, "Alright, what must we discuss?"
"There's six of us now…" Halt began.
Crowley instantly piped up, "Well, I'm glad that's settled. I was wondering, seeing how I have trouble counting pass three. But if you say there are six of us now, that's good enough for me." He leaned back. Easily he flicked his hood over his head. Tara instantly transformed. Her dog form landed on Crowley's full stomach. The Ranger squawked with indignation. Tara merely shook her head and body – reminiscent of the horses – at him, showing she couldn't care less. Hazel eyes returned to Halt, "Did you want to say more?"
Grins were exchanged by the group. Only Egon didn't smile. He was waiting for the conversation to get back on track. Secretly he nodded to Tara. He approved of her quick action to end Crowley's joke.
"Now that there are six of us," Halt repeated, glaring at his best friend. Crowley merely smiled at him, eyes completely guileless. Halt continued, "We've become a bit of an unwieldly group."
Leander glanced up, "How so? We've been doing fine."
"Doing fine is the key. We all have tasks around camp. We all have a general purpose," Halt explained. Then he spread his hands, "However, we don't have someone in charge, directing our actions. We're bumbling along from day to day…"
Crowley again interrupted, eyeing Tara coolly, "Can't say I've noticed a lot of bumbling."
"Maybe not right now," Halt replied. His right hand indicated for Tara to calm and not pounce on Crowley again. The redhead had a fair point. "But sooner or later we're bound to disagree on a course of action. That could lead to squabbling and people taking sides. If that happens, it well break up the group. That risk will only get worse as we add more and more to our ranks."
Egon spoke up, "We need a leader."
Halt dipped his head to the older man. Norris sat up at that moment. This was a serious conversation. He wanted to be fully alert. Berrigan and Leander exchanged a glance. Crowley frowned. His mind saw sense in what Halt was saying. Tara let out a soft whimper. Her head cocked to the left. She didn't understand how the Rangers would go about agreeing on a leader. She knew they had a Ranger Commandant from what they had told her. Yet picking a leader amongst them seemed to be one of those "risky" topics. Crowley was quick to scratch her ears reassuringly.
"Exactly," Halt said to Egon. "We need a leader with the power to make decisions and the authority to have those decisions carried out by the rest of us."
Leander nodded. He then glanced sidelong at Halt. Tara saw a hint of nervousness enter the Ranger's eyes, "Point taken. A leader should be elected." He sat in silence for a moment before fully turning to Halt, "Are you offering to take on the job."
Tara almost burst out laughing at the alarm that flooded Halt's body language.
"Me?" he practically squawked with horror. "By the ghost of Barry Boru, no! I'm not an official Ranger, let alone the best choice for a leader."
Crowley winked at Tara, "Barry Boru?" A smile spread over both their faces; Tara's a bit more awkward and toothy. "He sounds like an interesting character."
"I'm suggesting Crowley for the job," Halt finished.
Tara actually fell over laughing as the redhead shot up into a sitting position. "What!?" he cried. "Me? Are you joking?"
"You. And no I'm not," Halt replied bluntly.
Norris finally stepped into the conversation, "He's got a point. You've been the driving force behind this whole affair. It was your idea in the first place and you're the one who's recruited and convinced the rest of us. Who better to lead us?"
Crowley looked at Norris as if the man had leave of his senses. It only increased Tara's laughing fit, causing her transform back into a human and roll on the ground. The redhead indicated her to Egon and Norris, the two Rangers closest to her. As Norris slid closer, Crowley finally found an argument, "But…I'm younger than the rest of you – with the exception of Halt."
Leander smiled, "That's not altogether a bad thing. You've got a younger man's passion and drive for this task. You've shown us that."
"And a younger man's energy," Berrigan added.
The minstrel started strumming a few soft chords. He had been watching Norris desperately hold the laughing Tara. It was time to make her relax. Norris nodded, handing her over to Egon. The eldest Ranger often laid down the law when Tara went a step too far. She knew better than to disobey him.
"Shall we vote on it?" Halt asked.
Crowley rounded on his friend, "No! We need to discuss it further!"
"I thought you hated talking on a full stomach," Halt replied with a wicked smile curling his lips.
Hazel eyes blazed in an instant. Hands waved dismissively, "This isn't a matter for joking."
Egon finally jumped in, having calmed Tara down, "The thing is, Crowley, it seems to me you're ideally suited to be our leader."
Crowley slowly turned to him, knowing Egon wouldn't tolerate an outburst, "Oh? And why would that be?"
A sad smile touched Egon's face, "Remember when we met? I was angry and disillusioned. I became a drunk. When you came to me, I tried to attack you and you threw me into the water. Then you sat me down and talked for a few minutes." He dipped his head to Crowley, "That's all it took you: a few minutes. In those few minutes, you explained to me what you were planning and convinced me that I should join you. Your case was very succinct and very convincing. Perhaps the most compelling part of it was your total belief in what you were doing. That came across unmistakably."
Leander smiled, "You didn't have to throw me off a boat, but I agree with Egon – you made me believe in your case."
"You've done it with all of us," Berrigan added quietly.
Finally, Norris jumped in, "And you've done all of it while caring for a lost, beaten, and broken child." The man smiled at Tara. She smiled back, reaching out to hold his hand. He readily held hers, "I haven't known her as long as you have, Crowley, but its clear that she has regained a lot of her light and hope thanks to you."
"Indeed," Halt said. Then he roughly nudged his friend in the ribs, "Isn't it nice to be loved?" An evil grin spread over his face as Crowley glared balefully at him. The Hibernian turned to the others, "Let's vote on it! Crowley for leader. All in favor?"
"Aye!" came the chorus of four voices.
"Aye!" Tara said, wriggling free of Egon. She pounced on Crowley, smiling up at the man who helped save her life.
"And I say aye as well," Halt finished. He slapped Crowley on the back. "Congratulations. Looks like you are our new commander."
(Oh, Crowley! Tara and I love it when you tease Halt but there is a certain enjoyment when you are put in these situations by your comrades!)
The group continued to ride calmly. They were heading for Redmont. Samdash had surprised them late last night. He wanted to know who was searching for him. To the group's shock, Samdash had the remaining dismissed Rangers with him, minus Farrel. After some debate, the new group agreed to accept Crowley as leader. Then it was new group's turn to be shocked – by the presence of little Tara. The girl, using her dog form in case of an attack, had circled the group whilst they were talking with Crowley and the others. She sniffed at each one. It seemed like ages before she chose to accept the new members. Those who knew her couldn't blame her. She needed time to accept strangers, especially when a near fight broke out. Once she had accepted the new bunch, she had padded straight up to Jurgen and flopped in his lap. Lewin, curious in the shapeshifter, reach over to scratch her ears. He smiled gently as her tail began to wag. As the two groups mingled, brief discussions passed. The new group was filled in on Halt's background and what little was known about Tara. Even the Ranger horses seemed to mingle and chat.
Throughout the ride, Berwick – one of the best horse riders – would speak with Tara. After earning her trust the night before, he had asked Crowley how she traveled with them. He was then introduced to Flare. The two-year old mare had snorted a greeting at him. Crowley explained how Young Bob had given her the horse. The new commander had then asked if Berrick could train Tara and Flare, as his reputation was well-known in the Corps. Berrick had agreed. He started his focus on Tara. She needed to learn and practice the basics. Quick of mind, Tara had already learned how to properly saddle and, with a little help from an adult, mount her horse. Brown eyes never stopped watching Berwick. She would adjust her position to match his. As the group rode into Redmont Fief, Berwick started demonstrating the Ranger signals. Tara tried to copy them but now a new problem arose – Flare hadn't been fully trained. Yet Berwick's horse seemed just as willing a teacher as his rider. As Berwick taught Tara the signals, his horse seemed to teach Flare what the proper response was. Other horses would neigh or shake their manes. Every Ranger exchanged grins. Their horses never ceased to amaze them.
Jurgen and Berrigan were dispatched to hunt. The group of Rangers set about preparing camp. Norris sat down to care for his fishing pole. It had become slightly damaged after a particularly large salmon his attempts of reeling it in. Norris had to determine if the damage was fixable or if he needed a new pole. Lewin helped Halt give the horses apples and water. Samdash readily jumped in to set up Jurgen, Berrigan, and his tents. Egon and Leander were sent around to scout. Crowley had no intention of being caught off-guard again. Tara padded around camp. Her brown ears swiveled as she listened to the forest and the Rangers. She had already found a few good stones for the firepit and cleared away the fallen leaves. Now she looked up at Crowley as the commander brought in firewood. Quickly she padded after him. A low whine asked what she could do to help.
Crowley ran his right hand over her head, "Go and rest. Its been a long day for you."
Tara nudged his arm. Big brown eyes begged to let her help. The redhead shook his head. He wouldn't be swayed. With a huff, Tara's dog form let its legs slide forward until she flopped onto her stomach. Pointed ears continued to search the world for new sounds. Eyes watched as the Rangers moved about. She hated being so small and weak. Her body was recovering at a faster pace now. With no injuries drawing her body's attention, every ounce of energy from food and drink helped build her muscle mass. No longer could her ribs be seen. She was still thin but no longer looked starving. She could eat a full meal without throwing it up. Snacks were needed less and less each week. Both forms were healing. Yet the Rangers weren't letting up. They knew one wrong step could rewind all the progress made. Crowley was actually glad for Lewin's presence. He started out training to be a healer under his father before turning fifteen and joining the Rangers. The young Ranger readily put his skills to good use. He would watch for sickness, which was the most dangerous thing to Tara in her state outside of fighting.
Suddenly Tara's head snapped upward. A happy bark escaped her mouth. That told them that Jurgen and Berrigan had returned. The sound of wheels reached the group's ears. Everyone reached for their bows or knives. Tara cocked her head slightly right. Her black nose wriggled as she sniffed the air. A worried whine escaped her mouth. Both Rangers came trotting the bushes. They had managed to catch several rabbits. Following behind them was a traveling trader. His sturdy mule was pulling his wagon of goods.
"Found William here out of the road," Berrigan said. He dismounted gratefully as Lewin took the reins. He stretched his tired, aching back as he continued, "His wagon had lost a wheel. We helped him get a new one on. Decided he would be safe here with us for the night."
William, a short, wiry man with gray-black hair and green eyes, smiled at the group. He was balding at the top of his head. Jumping to the ground, he revealed how nimble he was. Arms seemed unusually long compared to the rest of his body. He was hunched over slightly, a small bulge in his back. His eyes sparkled as he took in the other Rangers. He put his hands on his hips, remaining bent over. "Well, now. It's good to see good Rangers again. Thought Baron Morgarath had chased you all out."
Crowley smiled as he rose from a crouch, "He hasn't chased us all out." He frowned, "How did you know about that?"
William's smile faded. A look of dislike and a past-horror flashed across his face, "I used to work for an ally of his. Know that none of them like the Rangers. Think of you as melding foresters that have more power than you deserve." He shook his head, "When we received word that the Rangers were committing crimes and were being exiled, the family I served said 'good riddance, glad the nuisances are gone'. Me and the other servants said, 'now who's to stop bad people like our master and mistress?' Things under them got a lot worse for everyone after that. The Ranger of our fief always checked on us and tried to stop our master and mistress, reminding them that we were paid servants, not slaves." A sad gleam touched his eyes, "Renard was a good Ranger. We knew that his crimes were false. Tried to stand up for him…until they killed him." He then drew a deep breath and smiled kindly at them once more, "You Rangers are good like Renard. Always friends, we are."
Egon smiled back, "Well, welcome to our camp. You keep our location a secret?"
The trader instantly nodded vigorously, "Of course! Never betray my friends, I will. If asked, I ain't never seen any good Ranger. Only those who serve Baron Morgarath." He practically spat out Morgarath's name.
Halt looked down as he felt movement. Tara, still in her dog form, had slid under his cloak. Brown eyes were watching William. She met his gaze before burying her head against his leg. Halt glanced up at the man. He knelt down to scratch her ears. Tara whined softly. The other Rangers were dealing with William. Only Halt knew she needed support in that moment. Crowley jerked as he realized Tara had left. He turned to Halt. The grizzled Ranger put a finger to his lips.
However, it was too late.
William jerked back a step as spotted Tara next to Halt, "Marielle!?" Tara quickly ducked further behind Halt. The trader gave her a sad look. Softly he murmured, "I forgot. They changed your name to Raina."
"You know her?" Lewin asked.
A sad nod was the reply.
Leander stepped closer, "How?"
The man looked at them then to Tara. The girl, watching him from between Halt's legs, looked away from his gaze. That told William all he needed to know. She hadn't found the strength to talk about her past. He rose a little straighter, his humped back keeping him from standing completely straight. A hard resolved filled his green eyes.
He nodded firmly, "Aye, I know her. Used to serve her grandparents. Then I served her father and his brother. After her father fell in love with and married a smith's daughter, his family disowned him. We never saw either again. Then a farmer woman came to their house. She told them about the fire. Her family had raced to their aide, but it was too late. Her mother got her out by dropping her from the second-story window. The mother's family was dead, as she was the only child. Her uncle and aunt were the only surviving family. Her grandfather ordered them to take her in – as was the family's responsibility. However, they gave her to a kitchen worker. When the grandfather died, her uncle changed her name to Raina." Hands balled into fists, "That's when they started beating their own niece. They forced her to sleep with us servants, and our quarters were absolutely terrible."
Norris spoke up, "Didn't Renard do anything?" He had known Renard personally, as they had been apprentices at the same time. He couldn't imagine his friend doing nothing.
William shrugged, "We told Renard. Her uncle and aunt always kept her hidden when he came by. Not even we knew where. Had no proof. Could do nothing."
Egon spoke up, his voice shaking with barely suppressed fury, "Finally, someone who knows! Can you tell the names of her uncle and aunt?"
"No…" a soft voice interrupted William.
All eyes turned to Tara. She had transformed back into her human form. Her body was shaking. Eyes were wide with terror. Tears left clear paths in the light dirt on her cheeks. Halt reached for her. Instantly she pulled away. Her head shook. Mouth shook, slightly open. She wanted to say something. Yet fear killed her ability to speak. Halt tried once more to approach. It was too much.
Tara turned and bolted into the forest.
William bowed his head, "It's hard for her. They taught her to never speak, never complain. If she did, the beatings would get worse. Starvation and dehydration were used to keep her weak. That way she couldn't fight back or run away. Her aunt made the girl food, ensuring that we couldn't stop their actions." Green eyes were dark with sadness and fury, "We argued. Each of us were fired – claimed we were telling lies. Like the Ranger Renard, anyone who came to find proof of our words, she was hidden away. It was like she didn't exist to the outside world. If she left the property, she was hunted down like prey." His eyes closed, "Coltswood. She is the only child of Quarter and Sally Coltswood."
"Coltswood," Jurgen replied. His mouth formed a grim line, "They are a minor lord family in Wildriver Fief. Named for their control over the Colts Forest, where most of our castle lumber comes from." He looked to the others, "They are also distantly related to Morgarath. If my memory of ancestry is correct, Tara should be Morgarath's fifth-removed cousin."
The trader shook his head, "Third-removed cousin. The Coltswood family never cease to remind their servants and nearby villages of that bloodline. Its also why they are strong supporters of Baron Morgarath." Then he frowned, confusion written on his face, "You called her Tara. Why?"
"None of us liked the name Raina," Halt explained, waving his hand dismissively. He had been listening in while watching the darkening forest for Tara. "Since we knew nothing of her past, we decided on that name instead."
William nodded. He smiled sadly at Halt, "Let her be. She knows how to care for herself. Also, I saw that chestnut horse follow her. She'll come back once the memories fade." Green eyes closed. He patted his stomach as a pleased gesture, "Good Rangers, she's found. Tara is a good name. Maybe now she'll have peace and happiness in her life. But I smell supper. Let's eat!"
There we go. Tara's real name (Marielle) and her family history. But poor William doesn't even know the half of it. He was fired for "claiming falsities" when Tara was barely four – almost a year after the beatings began. Things got a lot worse after he left.
Just for reference – Tara's parents died when she a year and half old. She didn't even meet her uncle and aunt until she a month shy of three years (the day after her grandfather's death).
And yes, I added some backstory to Jurgen and Lewin. Lewin always came off as softy and I attributed that to being raised by healer - helping his family care for wounded or sick people. Jurgen for some reason reminded me of my history professor in high school so I came to view him as a bit of a history nut. For the purposes of this story, I'm imagining Jurgen came from a fief near Gorlan and Wildriver, thus why he knows the Coltswood family history.
Also, if you didn't catch it, Flare did follow her rider to make sure Tara would be safe.
Next chapter: Redmont! Where Arald, Pauline, and Farrel shed a little more light on Tara's past (for remember, she's been to Redmont before).