The Guard

by Dr Crazy Glasses

A conference has been called between the nine major allied nations. Halt, Gilan, Will and Horace accompany their king to the far off land of Viridian. Many rumours surround this small nation. Who are the Guard? And are they as fearsome as they say? This is my first try, so constructive criticism would be appreciated

3. Chapter 3

I do not own Ranger's Apprentice

"I don't know a lot about their customs." Gilan said apologetically "The time I was there I was more thought of as an interloper than an honoured guest." King Duncan frowned

"I heard their policy to interlopers is to throw them bodily from the country." He said. Gilan grinned

"True, but my friend is one of the founding members of the Guard and he never left my side. They couldn't do anything big without seriously offending him."

"Useful friend to have." Duncan observed. Gilan nodded

"Old sparring partner." He explained "Not that I ever beat him." He added a little ruefully.

"What is the Guard exactly? I've heard a lot of wild stories."

"They basically do as their name suggests. They guard the entire border of the country. Nobody can enter without being spotted by one of their scouts, who would assess their strength and send one of the patrols to meet them. There is only one major city and seven smaller towns which all have at least ten members of the Guard in them at a time."

"Effective." Duncan said "But are ten Guard members enough to drive away anyone?"

"You haven't seen them fight." Gilan said flatly "Two Guard members could stop a force of thirty. Ten could hold off an army whilst the populace escaped to the big city. Their system is designed that way." Duncan let out a small whistle

"And is their army like this?" he asked, imagining the chaos fighting it.

"Nope." Gilan said cheerfully "What you have to remember is that the Guard are hand picked and hand trained. They stay in their school until the prince is certain of their competency, and then are apprenticed until their mentor is confident in their abilities. And the Guard is strictly defensive."

"Well that's something." Duncan said "But don't get on their bad side?"

"Definitely not. They could just send out their army without fear of retribution. You wouldn't be able to counter attack. Speaking of the Guard, it looks like one of them is here to greet us." Gilan pointed towards the heavily wooded shore. Standing there waiting was a man in a wolf mask.