Here is the next chapter of Shunned One and would like to thanks Wilhelmina Vandom & Ice Queen of Candracar for betaing this fic.
Would also like to thank Wilhelmina Vandom, KnightofFaerun, GuyverZero, Lisifa, The Crazy Talk Kid, Darkness-Lightness for reviewing. Thanks for all the support!
Disclaimer: Don't own W.I.T.C.H. or D&D. Now on with the story!
Chapter 10: The Hunting Trip
A week later things were back to normal for Susan and Will. Right now Susan was watching as Will was practicing her archery while they waited for Julian and his group to arrive. Susan mind was not entirely focused on the practice though as she thought back to earlier in the week.
Will's day of being confined to bed was not as bad as Susan had thought. Will, for the most part, enjoyed being able to sleep in for a change but she was still bit bored by the end of the day.
Susan on the other hand had as bad a day as she though she would. The local nobles had finally gotten word of soldiers heading for the ruins and were demanding to know all the details. Susan had explained a group of adventures found the army of the four races while exploring the ruins.
While this was partially true Susan clearly left out who the group was. She knew the nobles would throw a fit if they found out the heir to the throne had been involved in the discovery. That would only make them bring up an old issue many nobles had been using for years about Elyon's choice of friends.
Many of the higher-class citizens of the kingdom did not approve of those their princess associated with. They accepted Cornelia due to her being of noble blood so they believed the druid was worthy of associating with Elyon in their eyes.
Taranee was accepted to a degree, but this was because of two things. One, despite Taranee's family not having a high social rank, it was a respected one because of her parents' careers. Taranee's mother being a Paladin made an excellent judge, except when it came to Nigel of course, and her father was a lawyer. Both were very good at their jobs and thus had the respect of many in the Meridian legal system.
The second reason for the nobility to not mind Taranee too much was because of the girl's own achievements. Taranee was a very smart girl with a thirst for knowledge that very few had and with it got her way into the very best magic and academic academy in the capital. Hard to argue that the princess having a genius for a friend is bad, even if said genius was of common blood.
It was the last two members of the group that the nobles disagreed with, three if you counted Will. Both Irma and Hay Lin were commoners but unlike Taranee had nothing that made them worthy of associating with royalty in those fools eyes.
Irma was just the daughter of a member of the village militia and a rouge of a small guild. Nothing really out standing from those who believed social status was what determined a persons worth.
Hay Lin was even worse off because she was the granddaughter of Yan Lin. Yan Lin was once part of a once famous group of female adventures that had accomplished many things other groups only dreamed of achieving.
Normally this would be a good thing but Yan Lin back in her youth often told the more stuck up nobles to go blow their hot air some were else. This pretty much cursed Hay Lin for having blood ties to a woman who offended many of the higher crust.
Sade did not stand for any of this, of course, but it still did not stop the nobles from using the complaint when ever possible. They would most likely blame Irma and Hay Lin for risking the princess and who knows what they would come up with if they knew Will was there as well.
Susan shook off those thoughts knowing she needed to focus on Will's lesson right now. While Will had good aim she showed she did not favour using a bow that much. For the most part that was fine since Will was being trained for melee and magic combat, not to be a master archer.
Susan was still glad Will was willing to learn the basics though. It was always good to know the basic use of a long-range weapon like the longbow especially, for magic users. You never know if you'll run low on magic or an enemy had defences against magic so knowing how to use a ranged weapon would be useful.
The one thing Will did excel at during the week of training was riding. Will seemed to have a knack with animals and enjoyed riding. Susan had to admit she was glad she found out about this ability of her student.
Since Will liked animals so much and showed interest in the caring of the horses it meant Susan had new tasks she could give to Will that the young girl would enjoy. She wanted Will to learn other things besides ones that directly involved combat or survival.
A few minutes and several arrows later a servant came and told them Julian had arrived. This made the two wrap up the lesson and head out to meet him. Will had all the same things as she had when she went to the ruins with the exception of the longbow and the arrow quiver she now carried.
Will found it strange that Susan asked her to wear her armour and bring her sword when it was just a hunting trip until Susan explained the reason. There was always a chance of things like bandits or monsters being in the woods so it was always best to have regular weapons and armour as a precaution.
As they arrived in the courtyard Will had to suppress the urge to blush as she saw Caleb. Susan smiled knowing the young girl too well. 'He has not even looked in her direction yet and is affecting her so strongly.' The Elvin woman mused as they approached the group.
Julian greeted the two with a friendly smile as a horse was brought over by Caleb for Will to ride. Will had to use even more effort to keep her face from going red, but had only managed to keep it a light shade of pink.
Caleb did not notice the slight blush much to Will's relief. Not that she believed he would pay much attention to a half-elf commoner like her, or that's what she thought any way. Unknown to her he did have some interest though he did not know if it was any sort of affection but he did know he was curios about the red head.
But he put curiosity aside as he watched Will mount the horse then went back to his own. Once every one was ready to head out Susan spoke to Julian, "I'll be heading for the ruins to help with the attack. Unless I send word that I am finished there please take Will back to the capital with you."
Julian nodded that he would, knowing Susan wanted Will to have some one watching out for her while Susan was away. Will on the other hand looked up in worry at the thought of Susan going up against those things in the ruins.
Caleb noticing this put his hand on Will's shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Lady Vandom has so much skill with both sword and magic that I bet she will be back before we got our first kill." He said reassuring Will of her teacher's skills.
Susan laughed at this statement "Well, I hope it's not that quick, it's been a while since I have been able let loose some of my more powerful spells and I don't want to run out of targets too quickly." This got every one else laughing too, expect for Will who was still concerned.
Susan noticed and gave the girl a reassuring smile. "Will, I'll be fine, I have dealt with bigger problems with smaller groups at my side and this time I have a small army watching my back. You just relax and pay attention to what Julian teaches you on the trip, okay?" This made Will give the elvin woman a reluctant nod of acceptance.
With that the group headed out on a four-day ride for the forest village where Hay Lin and Irma lived. During the way there Julian gave Will the lecture portion of what he would teach Will.
He mostly explained the how to tell what was edible in the forest while using a small hand book that showed a drawing of the plant being talked about. He could only do so much while riding but he wanted to get the little things out of the way before they got there.
This way Will would just have the stuff she could just watch and learn once they were in the forest for the rest of the stuff. But for now he would just make sure she knew as much as he could teach her before then.
Besides the minor lessons from Julian on edible plants and how to start a fire, the journey was uneventful. When they arrived at the forest village Will saw a wall of wooden logs that surrounded it. This was most likely to keep out the more dangerous animals that lived deep in the woods.
The large wooden gate that served as the entrance to the village opened as they approached but Will was more focused in the archers that were standing watch with arrows ready to fire. This made Will nervous which Julian noticed and said, "Don't worry, they are just making sure nothing tries to enter village besides us, you can't be too careful out here"
Will looked back at him and asked nervously, "Do I really want to know what has them so worried?"
Julian was about answer when Caleb and Aldarn spoke up, "Probably the Trolls." Caleb said first. Aldarn then added, "Ya, those will be fun to hunt again, if we get lucky we will find some fresh tracks when we get out there." This made Will go pale as Julian glared warningly and say, "Boys, stop it or else"
This made the two become quite knowing their little joke was not going to go over well. Julian then looked at Will and smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't worry, these two were just making a bad joke. I personally saw to it every last one was hunted down long ago so you have nothing to worry about."
Will looked up at the man in awe as she asked, "You killed them all? When was that?" this got Caleb groaning. "Don't get him started!" Caleb said in exasperation as they entered the village with the gate closing behind them.
Julian looked back at them with a playful glare. "It is a perfectly good story, you used to love hearing it as a child, as I recall." He said as he looked right at his son.
"Ya, back when I had not heard it a million times!" The younger Russell said in protest getting Will and Aldarn laughing as father and son argued back and forth as they headed to where Irma and Hay Lin were waiting.
Five minutes later they arrived at were Hay Lin's family lived, the inn called the Silver Dragon. As Will dismounted her horse she heard two very familiar voices yell out, "Will!"
She barely had time to turn around to see her friends come running up and got her into a group hug. "Our saviours have arrived." Irma said making Will look confused as she looked at her friend.
Yan Lin chuckled as she came out of the inn and answered the unasked question. "Their parents have had them doing non-stop chores since they heard of the incident in the ruins. This little job Julian has hired them for will get them away from those chores for a while." The old woman explained.
Will looked at her friends with a regretful expression on her face. "I'm sorry you guys, you only went along with my idea yet I get off easy and you get punished." To Will's surprise she heard Yan Lin laugh at this comment.
"You still don't know much about Irma, do you? She's gotten both her self and Hay Lin into trouble since they were babes, if you ever find these two not grounded for any prolonged length of time then you should worry." This got a strong amount of protest from the other two girls as they glared at the old woman.
Julian, Caleb and Aldarn were enjoying the show until they saw four adults coming out of the inn. These were the two girls' parents Tom Lair, Anna Lair, Chen Lin and Joan Lin.
Julian had a rough time calming these four down after hearing the new events with Yan Lin and his wife's help. Hay Lin's parents were very overprotective of their daughter, even more so than most parents. They were about a stone throw away from telling their daughter that she was forbidden from being friends with Will until Yan Lin reminded them who really was in charge in their family.
Irma's parents, though hysterical, were a bit more reasonable once they settled down and thought things over. Irma was of course still grounded because her father believed if he did not then Irma might go jumping head first into trouble. Anna did not believe Irma would do this but let her husband have his way.
Julian knew Tom and Anna would not be a problem. Tom would only be upset that a group of young girls tried something so dangerous and Anna being a rouge who was used to taking risks back in the day practically applauded the group's actions.
It was Chen Lin and Joan he was worried about. Chen especially because he was the most protective of the pair, Joan could be more reasonable but had a very traditional way of mind that following the lead of her husband was more important than personal opinion. Yan Lin had tried to encourage her daughter in law to be more independent but had only minimal success.
Julian knew those two were going to be very hard on Will as they set their sights on the poor girl. "So this is the girl you told us about Hay Lin?" Chen said as he looked Will over making Will cringe under his gaze.
Caleb knowing the man would probably start doing something that would make Will very uncomfortable such as lecturing her on what she had done spoke up so to save her from Chen's wrath. "Father, should we head out now or wait until tomorrow morning?"
Julian knowing what his son was trying to do, though pausing for a moment as if in thought then said, "Yes, lets leave today and get and early start." Julian then looked over to the other two girls.
"I assume you're already prepared to go?" He asked getting a very quick nod from both Hay Lin and Irma. They also knew what Caleb's intentions were and quickly went to go get their gear.
Chen was about to protest the girl leaving when Yan Lin cleared her throat and gave a warning look. Chen maybe was Hay Lin's father, but some how Yan Lin tended to get final say on things that happened to her granddaughter.
The only reason she allowed Hay Lin to be grounded was because Irma was so she worked out a deal for the two to do work in the inn as their punishment. The fact that Yan Lin was letting her son have his way was a rare thing so had to agree to his mother's terms.
Julian loved watching the man cower under his mother's gaze. He did not hate Chen by any means but the man was way too protective of his daughter for her own good. If her father had his way Hay Lin would be stuck working at the Silver Dragon her whole life never being able to choose her own life.
Yan Lin refused to allow that and outright encouraged her to take up the art of wizardry once she took interest in a class called Arcane Trickster. It was a class that combined arcane magic and rogue training to create a powerful blend of the two arts. Chen did not approve of this but any one who went against Yan Lin quickly learned their mistake.
A few minutes later they two girls were back with their backpacks and combat gear. The only thing new was two quivers of arrows they carried and a weapon to fire them with. Hay Lin had a light cross bow which rouges often preferred. Irma, despite having rouge training, preferred a longbow like the one Will used.
Now that the others were ready to go Julian made sure the horses would be looked after since they would go on foot for the actual hunt. The horses would alert animals more easily of people being in the area so going on foot was better.
They left the village by going through another gate on the opposite side of the village and headed deeper into the woods. During the walk Julian explained the reasons behind things to Will.
These things were like how to track something by using tracks, damaged branches or… Their poop. The last one made Will look a little disgusted which got a wise crack from both Caleb and Aldarn as they both said at the same time, "Girls!"
Irma got them back for all three female members of group by pulling back a branch then letting it loose just as the two boys got in range. They were not paying attention and got whacked in the chest by said branch and made the two stumble backwards to the ground.
Irma gave her two friends a thumb up making them giggle while Julian rolled his eyes as he said to his son and his friend, "When will you two learn that Hell have no greater fury than a woman's scorn."
"That does not qualify as a girl, let alone a woman." Aldarn said pointing at Irma who promptly through a dirt clod at his face, scoring a direct hit. "I rest my case." Julian said with a smirk on his face as the elf spat dirt out of his mouth.
After that they went back to hunting and found deer tracks. This had Hay Lin locking in an arrow into her cross bow until Julian raised his hand to stop her. "Will's taking the shot if we find it so no one draw an arrow."
This made Will look at Julian in confusion as she asked, "Why me?" Which got a gentle smile from the man as he placed a hand a on her shoulder. "You have killed in self defence before but shooting an animal during the hunt is a bit different. Some people just don't have it in them kill an animal unless there is actual need to do so, such as a desperate need for food. Its best to see if you have it in you and if not then one of us can take over."
This did clear things up for Will but it also made her nervous. She wondered if Caleb would think her weak if she could not even try to take the shot. This trail of thought was in her mind the whole time they tracked the deer.
They eventually found it in a clearing deep in the forest and they were hidden in the bushes in the perfect location for the shot. "Alright Will, this is your chance. Just notch an arrow and show us what you can do." Julian instructed Will as they gave her room to work.
Will slowly took out an arrow and readied her bow. As she took aim she got a good look at the animal and saw it was a male deer because of the antlers on its head. It must have been a rather old but still strong one judging by its size and was eating some grass ignorant of the hunters near by.
Will finding out she was very good with animals lately was finding it hard to bring her self to shoot her arrow. The others watched Will as she was trying to bring her self to fire all knowing the first time was hardest, some are never able to bring them selves to do it.
Eventually Will shot her arrow trying to make it look like she only missed but it did not fool the others. Once the arrow shot past the deer it hit a tree and made the animal run at the sound of the trunk being struck.
Will looked at the others while still putting on her act that she missed by accident. "Sorry, guess my aim is not as good as I thought." The others just smiled and nodded as they all started heading out while Julian pulled Will to one side.
"Good try Will, next time though just say you can't do it. What you did was actually the right thing if you're some one who can't bring themselves to shot and I think you fooled the others. I just don't like seeing arrows being wasted." Julian said lying about Will being able to fool the others but he knew it best to let her believe she succeeded.
Will felt a little embarrassed that she thought she could fool the older man but was surprised she fooled the others, or at least that was what she believed. "I'm sorry, guess you are disappointed that you got such a lousy student." Will said as she looked downward at her feet feeling ashamed.
Julian just smiled down at the young girl and placed his hand on her shoulder. "You're not lousy, there are plenty of nobles who only make them selves shoot so not to look weak in front of others. I believe there is nothing wrong with it though. Like I said, killing in self-defence is different from this and you're probably better off not forcing your self. Now let's go catch up with the others."
While the two went to catch up with the rest, the dark figure from the ruins was watching from distance. Had any one been close enough they would have been able to feel the anger and annoyance radiating from him. "Why his highness wants the brat tested here instead of his own kingdom I'll never understand, but orders are orders." The figure said as he took out a scroll and started chanting the spell written on it.
Mean while the group had found rabbit tracks and located where a few were. Irma and Hay Lin managed to pick off a few for a meal. Julian was now teaching Will how to prepare the meat to be cooked and as expected it was making the young girl look a little green.
"Don't worry you get used to it, you should have seen Caleb after his first time he refused to eat any kind meat for month." Julian said to Will as he teased his son at the same time.
"Father!" Caleb yelled in protest while Will looked back and fourth between the two. 'He had the same problem.' She thought to her self as a part of her thought she might have a chance with Caleb. She quickly pushed those thoughts aside as the part that she assumed was the more reasonable part of her brain told her she would never stand a chance of being with the likes of Caleb Russell.
Suddenly Will's keen half-elf ears picked up some clicking sounds…A lot of them and quickly stood up to look around and along with Aldarn who also heard the sounds. The others looked at them confused but Julian knew from past experience from watching Susan get like this was getting ready to reach for his sword.
Caleb seeing this also reached for his sword while Irma and Hay Lin just waited to see what was up. The sounds kept getting louder until even those with out Elvin blood could hear it. Julian's eyes widened knowing what the sound was while every one else was confused. "It can't be…Everyone we need to head back to the village. Now!"
Caleb looked at his father confused and asked, "What is it father?" The only response was a look that said, 'You don't want to know.' With this every one did as the older man said. They grabbed their things and started moving but the clicking sounds kept getting closer.
Soon they could see what was making the sounds, a large group of fifty skeletons and they were bearing rusted weapons in hand heading right for them. "Damn, they caught up already!" Julian growled out as every one got ready to fend off the undead attackers.
Will let loose a barrage of eldritch blasts while Aldarn did the same with a flurry of arrows. Since they were just animated bones some of the arrows missed or did minimal damage while the blasts had a bit more effect. All together six skeletons were taken down by the joint effort of the two but it would not be enough to stop the whole group.
"No choice but to keep running, Will is the only one not at a disadvantage against these things." Julian yelled out to the group and kept moving. While they ran Hay Lin asked, "Why is Will the only who can fight them?"
Caleb answered for his father as he spoke up first. "Because the only weapons we have with us are ether piecing or slashing weapons. Skeleton creatures are not damaged easily by those kinds of weapons and we can only have so many spells we can cast. But Will's reserves of supernatural energy for her blasts are practically limitless so she could shoot at them for hours while we can only cast for minutes."
This was when Julian spoke as well to add something to his son's explanation. "Plus, only you and Caleb are the only ones with long range combat spell besides Will. But the skeletons are constantly trying to catch up and attack so we can't just stand still to give you time to casts your spells."
Hay Lin glanced back at Will surprised while Irma did not react at all to this bit of information. After all, as an arcane hunter she knew a fair bit about warlock power. Not that it helped them much in this little predicament.
As the group ran they began to tire and knew that unless they could find a place to mount a counter attack from they would be overwhelmed. But fortunately Irma knew this specific part of the forest quite well. Her knowledge about warlocks might not help them but her knowledge of the forest might.
"Hey Julian, head that way there is a place I know about were we might be able to hold up for a while." Hay Lin looked at Irma knowing what her best friend was suggesting. "I thought you said you would never show a grown up where that was." The rouge/wizard said in confusion.
This only made Irma look at her friend, "Ya, but I'd rather not be skinned alive by skeletons!" She called back. Then suddenly Will came up from behind Irma and started pushing the girl to the front of the group.
"None of us want to be skinned, so less talking more leading!" the half-elf yelled while all three males in the group yelled out, "Yes, please do!"
Irma now at the front of the group started to lead them where to go, all the while grumbling. "Rush me why don't you, sheesh!"
Irma led them through the forest to a rocky hill with what looked like a cave at the top. Julian could easily guess to why Irma thought to come here seeing how it could easily be defended compared to being out in the open like they were now.
"Good idea Irma, this will be a good spot to start fighting back." Julian said as every one made their way to the cave. The skeletons was continuing to pursue them and make their way up the hill, but by the time they got half way up Will was sending pinkish red blasts of energy raining down on them.
The others were firing arrows trying to thin the numbers of the small skeleton army. They managed to succeed to a small degree by taking out another eight before the skeleton warriors reached the cave entrance.
Fortunately Caleb had just the spell to even odds now that he had time to cast it. It was a grade one spell called Fists of Stone. It did not make his hands look any different but now his physical strength increased dramatically and one blow shattered the skeleton it hit.
Julian knew that while his sword was not able to fully affect the skeletons it still could help and was hacking away at them as best he could. The others stayed back, so to give the father and son room to fight at mouth of the cave. The entrance just big enough for the two of them to fight in, with out getting each other's way. But every so often Will would let off another shot of her eldritch blasts, to help take the enemy down.
Eventually the last skeleton was taken down but it was getting dark so Julian turned to the group and said, "We stay here tonight then we head back to the village in the morning."
Irma looked up at Julian in confusion and asked, "Why? We took care of all of them so why head back early?" This made Julian shake his head at the girl's forgetfulness. "Skeleton creatures don't have any will of there own, some one needs to order them to do something." This made the missing information click into place for Irma and shock Will.
"That means some one sent those after us?" Will asked which made Julian shake his head again. "Not necessarily, but it's possible and I would rather not find out so we head back first thing tomorrow morning."
With that the group started to set up camp in side the cave when Will asked, "Why is it you did not want any adults knowing of this place Irma?" This had the attention of three men in the group as they waited for Irma to respond.
After a moment Irma finally answered, "This has always been sort of a secret hang out for me and Hay Lin, when ever we get permission to go camping by our selves we come here so we don't want any one to know about so adults are not constantly checking up on us."
Julian nodded knowingly at this and said, "Don't worry we won't tell any one. But I think you'll under stand when you're parents some day why yours do that…All be it Chen and Joan take it a bit too far at times."
Every one smirked at the last part and went about finishing the preparations of the camp inside the cave. It did not take long since they were using the cave all that was really left to do was gather some wood for a fire.
Julian while not seeking to play matchmaker like his wife was, decided to help push things along and spoke to Will and Caleb. "You two go get the wood, just don't go too far." He instructed getting nodded from Caleb but had a confused and blushing Will.
Caleb trying to figure out why she was not moving started tugging on her arms saying. "Lets go, Will." Making the young girl get up and follow but looked back at Irma and Hay Lin and mouthed, 'Help me!'
Irma being as helpful as usual mouthed back, 'Okay, remember to get dry sticks.' Which caused Hay Lin to giggle while Will made a mental note to challenge Irma to another sparring match later.
After that Will started moving on her own so Caleb let her go and they made their way down the hill to go gather wood and kindling. As they did Caleb spoke up. "Good thing you were with us or we might not have been able to beat those skeleton warriors." He commented as he looked at her with friendly smile.
Will blushed at Caleb's comment as she tried to answer. "Th-thank you but I don't think I was that much help, you and Julian took out the majority of them while I only to took a few out with my blasts." She managed to stammer out as she picked up some sticks.
Caleb just shook his head while keeping the smile on his face. "I don't think so. You also heard them coming sooner than even Aldarn and he is a pure blooded elf. Plus you took the first few out making their numbers smaller and easier for me and my father to fight." This made Will's blush go even deeper under her crush's praise but she managed keep it hidden because she was bent down to pick up fire wood.
Caleb wondered why she was being so silent but girls always confused him so he would just wait for her to start the next conversation. 'Got to admit she is more confusing then most girls I have met but at least she is not hanging all over me as some of them do.' He thought to him self as he gathered wood for the fire.
After a few minutes Will, out curiosity, asked. "Caleb, I was wondering, you can cast magic but I don't know what kind of caster you are. Are you a sorcerer like me or a wizard like Hay Lin?"
Caleb smirked at her as he answered "Nether I am a Warmage" This made Will gasped know about Warmages from some of the books she read in Susan's collection. It was quite common for a lot a nobility to have training as one if they were of a long line of warriors but wanted to use magic to augment their fighting abilities.
Then Will realized something that made her believe he was lying, "Wait, if you're a Warmage how come you can be away from your academy so often?" She asked with the tone of her voice making clear she did not believe him.
This only got a chuckle from Caleb as he responded, "I started my training much earlier then most would or could. Its one of the perks of having two very influential parents, though as my mother often tells me if I were not too stubborn for my own good I would have never have succeeded in finishing my initial training at thirteen."
This made Will look a little uneasy as she asked what considered the most important question yet, "How old were you exactly when you started your training?"
"Five years old." Caleb said casually with smirk on his face but it quickly changed to a look of pain as Will screeched out, "FIVE YEARS OLD!" Making Caleb cover his ears.
Back in the cave Aldarn was covering his ears as well while Julian, Irma and Hay Lin laughed. "Gee, I wonder what that was all about." Irma joked knowing that Caleb probably told Will about his early training.
Hay Lin trying to get her self under control again while Julian was just letting his laughter go unchecked. Aldarn on the other hand growled out, "I'm glad you all are have a good time!" Once again this proved that to have heightened hearing was an advantage most times for an elf but at times like this it was a disadvantage.
Back with Will and Caleb the boy was just getting his hearing back when he grumbled out, "You mind screaming a little louder next time? I don't think the people on the other side of the world heard you!"
Will cringed and looked away while saying. "Sorry." Her face looked a little red due her embarrassment. Caleb seeing this gave her a gentle smile and said, "It's alright, lets just head back, they will want this fire wood to make dinner…Don't want to starve poor Irma now do we?"
The last part made Will laugh as they headed back towards the hill with Will leading the way. As they got close the cave Will was starting to have trouble with her load and as she tried to adjust the load to hold it better she tripped. "Aaaahhhh!" she yelled as she started to fall but Caleb dropped his load a grabbed her.
Caleb tried to pull Will towards him so she could use him to help regain her balance but as he did Will also turned to face him at the same time and their lips met. They were both so surprised by what was happening nether tried to pull away due to their confusion.
The others hearing the commotion came out to see the pair still having their lips pressed against each other. "Caleb, you dog." Aldarn said with a grin on his face while Irma added, "Way to go Will!" While Hay Lin was cheering at the sight. Julian on the other had been doing his best not laugh at his son's and Will's expense as they broke apart both blushing so deeply they nearly glowed.
But the blushing did not last long as three younger members of the group continued their cheering/taunting making the two draw their weapons. This made the three run into the cave to keep their distance from the two sword wielders but Julian stood in their path.
"Calm down you two, the joking will stop now alright?" Julian said in an attempt to calm them down. From inside the cave Irma's voice rang out. "Ya, we will stop. Just put those over grown knives away!"
Though it seemed to take a while for the two to calm down, giving their current desire to murder the three in the cave, they did eventually sheath their weapons.
Julian knew if he had to he could easily handle the two if they tried any thing but was glad he did not need to as he breathed a sigh of relief. "Alright let's go grab that wood you dropped and get dinner going. Good thing Irma threw the rabbits into a sack before we got moving or we would be hunting for more food again."
Several hours later, Caleb was doing his watch while every one slept…With exception of one. "You can't sleep or are you waiting to talk to me alone?" Caleb asked and saw his father get up and head over to where he was sitting.
"Just wanted to know what happened earlier. I know it was probably an accident from the way you two were acting afterwards but I just want to know for sure. I want to know if I'll need to increase the number of guards back home to protect you from Susan." The man said teasing his son with the last part.
"Father!" Caleb growled in low tone of voice so not to wake the others. He then looked away from the older man and grumbled out, "I thought you said the teasing was over with."
Julian chuckled as he responded, "I'm your father, it's my job to tease and embarrass you when ever possible. It's one of the perks to being a parent." He said as his son gave him a huffing sound as a response.
"Anyways, back to the question, what happened?" Julian asked in a tone that was not forceful but it did say that his son should answer. After a bit of reluctance Caleb finally responded, "Nothing much to it, she slipped, I caught and while doing so she turned around at the same time and our lips met by accident." Caleb explained as he retold the story to his father.
Julian had to chuckle at that. "Your admirers better not find out about this or the poor girl will be hounded by them…Unless Susan decides to remind them what kind of spells she has access to." He joked, one that made them both chuckle. This was due to the fact that they both knew Susan was probably going to get tips from Abele. Being the 'Mage' she naturally made girls fear her when they got too close to her son but she also knew how to intimidate them with few tricks with her magic.
Caleb had to love that idea, "Ya, two birds with one stone. I lose a few admirers and Will dose not need to lock her self in the tallest tower…But I'll admit it was one heck of a way to get a first kiss." This made Julian look at son with a surprised expression on his face.
"How so? Most people want their first kiss to be a little more…Special than a simple accident." Julian asked wanting to know if the two circling hawks named Susan and Abele where going to have their way.
Caleb blushed a little as he thought how what to say then answered. "Well, I'm not sure if I 'like' her or not seeing how we have just met. But I'll admit I'm impressed by what I have seen and heard her do. Will has lived a life that would have broke many, she managed to save that Blunk creature from a massive number of enemies, and today she did not even freeze up for a second when we fought those skeletons. You have to admit she is not like most girls."
Julian had smirk on his face from his son's tone, "Sounds like you admire her a bit." He commented making Caleb blush again a slight bit. "Well, how can you not admire and respect some who is both that strong…Yet some how she is still a girl. Irma is strong but is so much a tomboy that many don't see or treat her as a girl, yet Will while a bit of a tomboy her self still has a gentleness to her that makes everyone not forget that she is a girl." Caleb explained to her his father.
Julian hearing this made him wonder if his son really knew his own feelings as well as he thought he did. 'Caleb, I think you like her more then you know. Perhaps I should send word to Susan to have Will come back with us any way. Might as well encourage the possible relationship while the feelings are still there.' The older man thought to him self then noticed Caleb standing up.
"Father, since you're up…Could you…Well?" Caleb said pointing towards the entrance to the cave trying to hint at what he needed to do. It did not take Julian long to figure it out and said. "Go ahead I'll keep watch until your back."
With that Caleb nodded his head in thanks and took off out of the cave. While Caleb was gone Julian said, "Get to sleep, you'll need you energy for tomorrow." With that there was a small squeak and Will's blanket was pulled over her head. This made Julian chuckle at her actions and went back to keep an eye out for trouble.
Meanwhile Will was resisting the urge to squeal with joy. 'He may not have said he likes me but he did say he was not sure yet so maybe I do have a chance!' She thought to her self with glee. Will then calmed her self down enough to drift off into a peaceful sleep unaware of what lurked near by.
Off in the distance hidden by the darkness and trees the dark figure watched and contemplated on what happened with the skeleton warriors he summoned. 'Not what one could call a successful test but I can't call it a failure ether. The brat did show some skill with the ones it did take down but not enough to fully gauge its strength. His highness will want a detailed report of its power so I'll need to think of another test.' The figure thought to him self.
Then a thought struck him, 'Yes, that would do it. If it would even handle the creation process let alone perform it then that would truly gauge it's mental and physical strength and get an idea of the combat skill it currently has.' With that the dark figure teleported away to gain permission to use his idea.
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There you go. The next chapter will take longer then the last few, but I will try to get it out as soon as possible.