Thanks for all the reviews! I like the criticism; I've already started working on that. Being a girl, I'm more touchy feely than the visuals. I'll redo the first chapter when I have a bit of spare time. Please keep reviewing… anything that can improve my writing must be good!

Getting my first reviews felt awesome! I was running around the house screaming and fangirling. :)

Also the spoilers (being a newbie) won't appear until late in the story, maybe the last chapter or so (I know how this will end). Sorry if I caused angst to the people who haven't read the 7th book.

Finally, I know it wasn't long since the last update, but I've got more of the story so I thought I might as well post it. Anyway, hope that wasn't too boring. Onto the story!

--Chapter Two--

When Will awoke, he was aware of a huge pain in his shoulder that seemed to penetrate his entire body. He was lying barely 500 meters away from the spot where he had pushed Halt over.

"Thank God you're awake. I've been worried about you! What happened? What do you remember?" asked Halt. Will had never seen him so worried.

"I remember that there was an arrow that was heading towards your chest and it looked like a killing shot. So I decided to take a hand… and I knocked you out of the way. I actually hoped to clear the arrow too."

"Well," said Halt briskly, "we need to get you back to Araluen as soon as possible."

"What about the Temujai?"

"You're in no shape to go after them now. Don't worry, there's only one of them left," Halt added, seeing the question in his apprentice's eyes.

~*~

Over the next few days, Will passed in and out of consciousness as they trekked through the mountains towards the Skandian capital, Hallasholm, to ask the Oberjarl Erak Starfollower a favour. Their road was quite steep at times, and there were many trees and low bushes. There was a lot of covering and the green forest suited the two Rangers. Will spent most of the journey leaning onto Tug's shaggy neck.

Halt hoped that their Skandian friend would be able to transport them back to Redmont where Will could receive the proper treatment for his injury. In all his years of using the bow, Halt had never seen an injury like Will's. It was ironic, Halt reflected, that his apprentice would be the one to suffer an arrow wound before he did.

As they rode, Halt felt the silence between them keenly. In the times that Will was conscious Halt maintained an outwardly happy demeanour, but when Will fell unconscious Halt felt the quiet press on him more heavily than before. It was just as he'd gotten used to having Will by his side and that this time Halt might lose Will again. But this time it might just be forever.

~*~

As the two riders arrived in Hallasholm after their journey, Halt was bone-tired, but wanted to get back to Araluen as quickly as he could.

"And what brings you here? Where's Will?" Erak asked as soon as he saw Halt. Halt's face fell and Erak saw that all was not well. Without a word, Halt led Erak over to the semi-conscious body of his young friend.

"I was wondering if anyone would be able to get us back to Redmont. I want to get him home," Halt whispered, eyes on Will.

"Rest here tonight. Tomorrow morning I will have a ship ready for you."

~*~

The ship crossed the water slowly. The Skandians knew that this must be an important patient, as the Oberjarl himself had asked them to transport the two Araluens home. The seas were merciful and there weren't too many jolts and bumps. Halt hadn't even suffered his usual seasickness because of worry for his apprentice.

At the small village of Sesley, close to the extreme western border, the ship landed. Halt hurriedly got off the ship and after a hasty goodbye to the good-humoured crew set off to Redmont.

The road was beautiful and serene. There was much animal activity, lots of shrubbery, and heaps of trees dotting the landscape. But Halt saw none of it. He was too troubled by Will's condition.

As Halt approached the fief, he felt relief flooding through his body. At least now Will was home.

"We'll get you up again in no time. I promise," Halt whispered.