Chapter Two:
"Will, what is Halt to you?" Gilan asked the boy unexpectantly.
Both were grooming and taking care of their horses in the comfortable shade of the forest.
Will glanced up in surprise at the question. He smiled lopsidedly and replied, "Halt is Halt."
Gilan smiled despite the seriousness of his question. In truth, it was hard to describe what Halt was and if he was asked the same question, his reply would probably have been the same too.
"Well really I meant is Halt a friend or...?" He left the question hanging as he moved on to brushing Blaze's mane.
Will paused in his work, earning a snort of disapproval from Tug.
"I guess he would be family, as well as a friend." He mused, chewing his lip thoughtfully. "But then again, I can count a lot of people as my family, whereas once I didn't have any." He laughed quietly and returned to grooming Tug.
Gilan had already gone over the fact that Will had no blood relatives, and perhaps that's why Halt had formed a deep bond between him. But then he knew Halt wasn't one moved by pity, he appreciated a person for who they were.
Glancing at his young friend, he tried to pick out the pros and cons between them.
Will was smaller and lighter on his feet. He could shoot brilliantly, and had perfect aim so long as he kept practising. But Gilan was one of the best unseen movers, and he wasn't a bad shot with the bow either. To top it off, he was strong and tall, unlike most Rangers, and he could wield a sword with deadly skill.
So what was it that made Will so much more important in Halt's eyes?
The thought occurred to him that perhaps it was because Gilan's father was alive and well.
Sir David was a great man, and a good father. He had been understanding, even if slightly reluctant, to let Gilan become a Ranger. But Gilan had spent five years with Halt, learning his skills and creating a bond almost as close as family. He didn't think David's existence would counteract a bond like Will's and Halt's from forming.
Gilan recalled that Will had been very apprehensive about becoming a Ranger's apprentice, while he had deliberately followed Halt one day in the hopes that he could impress the legendary figure.
"By the way, why did you ask me about Halt?" Will questioned lightly.
The tall Ranger looked up, breaking out of his revenue of thoughts.
"Oh, just curiosity really." He replied absently, hoping the younger man didn't press the matter.
But Will seemed content with the answer, moving over to pick an apple from a nearby barrel and letting Tug crunch on it.
Gilan followed automatically, treating Blaze to an apple as well.
Both horses sounded their approval with small huffs.
Together, the two walked back to their camp, noticing that most of the other Ranger's were packing or already gone.
Gilan liked Meric Fief, but without any trouble or missions floating around, he would be hard pressed to see Will or Halt.
As much as he was puzzled and confused about his newfound information, it didn't change the fact that he respected them as his friends and enjoyed their company.
Halt hadn't returned and was most likely with Crowley, either doing work or simply relaxing.
"I'm going to fetch some water." Gilan told Will.
The young apprentice nodded. "Alright, I'll see you later then."
With a wave, Gilan strode off towards the nearby stream that supplied fresh water.
Will watched Gilan with a smile, feeling that the tall Ranger was acting strangely.
A voice from behind him interrupted his thoughts and he turned to see Halt walking towards him.
"Where's Gilan?" He asked.
The apprentice pointed in the direction he had left. "Gil went to get some water. Most likely for coffee." He told his mentor.
Halt frowned and glanced beside his tent, where a bucket of fresh water sat in the shade, ready to boil for cooking use or coffee.
"Tell me Will, has he said anything unusual this afternoon?" He asked quietly, after a small stretch of silence.
Will turned to blink in surprise. "Well actually, he has. He was asking me about you."
The grizzled Ranger felt a small smile tug at his lips.
"Was he now?"