...

In the room he was given Will stood in a green shirt and black pants. He was considering whether or not he would wear his Warder Cloak. It would definitely be a fun experience for him seeing the reactions of those who didn't know. It would be best to wear it as proof he hadnt been screwing off. It was the same reason he belted his sword leaving the hilt wear it could easily be drawn. And easily seen by the Masters at the castle.

A small smile crossed the teenager's lips as he grabbed the cloak. He adjusted it so it wouldn't hamper his movements. For once he left off his gloves ensuring his Their Catcher tattoo was seen. Then he ran a hand through his hair tousling it further. He did leave his swordbreaker in his room as he left the room. Aiden followed and landed on his shoulder.

When he walked down into the bar the few early morning patrons gave him strange looks. They recognized what his cloak meant to him. The way it shifted in the light made people look away from him. The color shifting always made it difficult for them to look. Part of being a Warder, Lan had said.

Will didn't say anything as he headed out into the streets and made his way to the Castle. There were a few greetings thrown out to him as he passed. People were adjusting to him being back in the town.

The Castle was quiet. Servants were few and far between as they didn't want to keep him from the other Wards. A few did however give his sword a dubious look. There was a good chance they thought he couldn't draw the blade properly. He ignored them as he went through the halls until he found the other Wards.

Alyssa greeted happily, "Will! You made it!"

"Good morning," he replied looking between the group.

Horace still wouldn't look at him. George however was happy to see him. While quiet the boy was kind. Jenny handed him a pastry. It was sweet with honey and he wouldn't have turned down a second.

Daniel entered the hallway his eyes sweeping over them. When they found Will he shuddered at the sight. It seemed Will had made a big impression on the man.

The man snapped, "Line up children. Tallest in the front. Smallest in the back. Now children there is no time to waste."

Will was third in the line of wards as they headed to meet with the Masters. They were practically marched through the halls. Upon reaching the room Daniel knocked and announced them.

Arald ordered, "Enter."

Doing so brought them a large room with many adults in their late forties to early fifties. All of them were Masters of their trades. Only Sir Rodney was young being in his late twenties. The Battle Master was a hard man. It would be difficult to impress him even for someone like Horace.

It was quiet as Arald looked at them with sharp eyes. The other kids shifted uncomfortably but Will stood tall not shifting any. He kept his stance loose but his hand lightly resting near the sword hilt. Rodney was eyeing him noticeably. A few of the other Masters were eyeing him as well. He could tell they were uncomfortable with his presence. It was obvious who he has already apprenticed to.

Arald began after a few moments, "Welcome young Wards. Today is the day that you will be choosing your trade. These are the Masters who are free."

Will stopped listening at that. He felt rather than heard the door opening and closing. Turning his head he saw that it was the man from the other night. He wore a green grey cloak of a King's Ranger. There weren't any signs of weapons but he was sure they were there.

Dark eyes glanced at him and there was a flicker of recognition. They seemed to search him with a sense of being assessed. Will didn't shift with the unease that he felt in his gut. This man was different from the others.

"Will," came Arald's calm insisting voice.

Will turned to look back at the Baron noticing in his distraction both George and Horace had been chosen. Horace the bully smirked smugly at him and the Thief Catcher rolled his eyes. Really the boy should just get his head out of his ass.

Then he stepped forward with confidence learned from Tar Valon as he said, "I am Will and I seek to join the Battle School."

Arald allowed Rodney to step forward to look at him. Will refused to move about as he was examined.

"Can you use that sword you wear?"

Will drawled, "Obviously. I was trained by the Warders within the halls of the White Tower."

Rodney sighed and shook his head, "Thought so. Sorry Will but I can't retrain you."

"Excuse me?"

Rodney explained, "Warders are highly trained don't get me wrong. I'm not denying that you can use your sword. But knights are trained completely different and in such a way that it's not compatible with Warder training. So no I cannot train you."

Will let out a breath. It was something he should have expected. Rodney was correct. The training that he went through was extensive and that didn't include his extra training from Thief Catchers.

Arald asked gently, "Is there anywhere else, Will?"

Not particularly. He didn't have the skills necessary for scribe or diplomacy cores. That would end terribly especially for the diplomacy core. His silence spoke volumes and the Baron did not look happy. The older man wanted to keep him around besides his duties as a Thief Catcher.

"I'll take him, Arald," came a gravelly voice that Will didn't recognize.

Arald's face seemed to lose some of its color as he looked over Will's shoulder. He turned to face the speaker. It was the man, the King's Ranger. Oh wouldn't that be an interesting time.

Arald asked looking between them, "Are you sure about this Halt?"

Halt gruffly replied, " I'm sure Arald. What do you say, lad?"

Will considered it for a moment before he said with a wild grin, "Why not. I'll be your apprentice."