I apologise for taking so long to update but I have had tones of homework lately. CrazyJ888 gave me the word NEWS so thank you, I wouldn't have got this idea if you hadn't reviewed and given me an idea. Thank you.

Disclaimer: I do not and never have owned Ranger's apprentice.

Chapter 3: N for News

Will sat on a log just outside the gates of castle Araluen. The sun was out, shining its rays on the castle, making it look even more fantastic and glorious. It did look slightly gold anyway but with the suns light beating on it, the castle looked as if it had been made from pure golden blocks itself. The castle was big, bigger than any castle Will had seen and Will had seen many. The towers were huge, towering over the green carpet of trees in front of it. There were two guards standing at the gate in case of an attack, ready to warn the people inside. The moat that surrounded the castle had a draw bridge over the top at the moment but if there was an attack the bridge was hauled up and the moat was then another barricade for enemies to get through.

Will shifted his position on the log. Halt had trained him to stay in one position for hours if necessary but today it wasn't. Today he could relax he had come to visit Horace who was his best mate. They had gone through a lot together including life threatening situations but now, Will hardly saw him. Horace lived at Araluen with Evanlyn or Princess Cassandra as she was more widely known as. They didn't even go out on many missions with each other anymore.

Alyss had chosen to stay at Redmont with Pauline and Halt as she hadn't felt very well. Will had wanted to stay with her and look after his wife but Alyss had insisted. 'You don't see Horace often and I won't be the one to stop you' she had said or ordered was probably the more suitable word Will thought with a smile. You don't disagree with a diplomat, especially when said diplomat is your wife.

A gentle breeze blew from the north cooling Will down from the heat of the sun. Now that Will thought about it, it was very hot outside. He shielded his eyes from the light with his hand and looked up. The sun was like a yellow glowing orb in the middle of a crystal blue sky. There were no clouds around just a sea of blue. Will got comfortable on the log and then pulled out the letter from his coat pocket. The letter had arrived earlier this morning and he had had no time to open it until now.

The envelope was about the size of Wills hands and was a slight yellow in colour. It was closed with red wax and on the back were six words written in black ink. WILL TREATY, READ ON YOUR OWN. The writing swirled about on the paper in neat curls and lines. He recognised Alyss's handwriting anywhere, but why was she writing? He hadn't been gone that long, had he? "No I've only been gone for four days" he told himself casting the thought away. He looked over at the two guards to see if they had heard him talking to himself. Luckily they hadn't or that could have been very embarrassing.His name was in the centre of the envelope and the notice was underneath his name by about a centimetre. He was about to open the letter when he had another thought. What if Alyss was gravely ill? He quickly opened the letter and read. He let out a breath he didn't know he was holding when he read the first sentences. He then read the rest.

Dear Will

If you are reading this then you should be at Castle Araluen by now. I know the journey is only a couple of days long but I didn't know whether you would visit Gilan on the way there. So how are Horace, Cassandra and Christopher?

I know you are probably wondering why I am writing to you. I don't feel ill anymore. It is actually the complete opposite, but what I have to say is very important and I couldn't wait for you to get back to Redmont. As you know I haven't been feeling well for the past couple of days. I tried telling Pauline that all I had was a cold and that she didn't need to worry but she wouldn't have it. Even Halt seemed concerned for me. They sent for the doctor and he came and visited. It is great news and hopefully you're happy too. The doctor said that I'm pregnant. I know you're going to be as shocked as I am. I don't mind if you tell anyone, it isn't exactly a secret in Redmont. Will please don't come running home to me as you hardly have time to see Horace and Cassandra and I can wait.

Love from
Alyss
xxx

Will looked up from the short letter in his hand. He couldn't quite believe it, but he knew Alyss was sure or she wouldn't have sent him the letter. He felt tears prickling his eyes but they were tears of happiness. Suddenly a huge smile appeared on his face and no matter how hard he tried he couldn't stop it. He quickly stood up and stood still as his legs felt slightly shaky. He turned round and walked to the gates, the two guards let him through with concerned looks on their faces.

Will saw Horace walking down the steps of the castle talking to a soldier. Horace noticed him and started to walk over to Will, also with a concerned look on his face. "Gorlogs teeth, are you alright Will?" Horace said rushing over to his friend. Horace, like Halt had started using Gorlog to express his feelings of shock, even though it got on Cassandra's nerves when he said it in front of a group of nobles or people of some importance. When she gave him a stern look about this he would always reply with the same comment 'sorry, it's Halt's fault, blame him'. That was probably another reason to why she got so annoyed with the saying.

"Alyss is pregnant" Will stated in complete shock and happiness.

"That's great, since when?" Horace asked with a smile.

"I don't know, I just found out" Will said.

So did you like it or was it boring or was it just completely terrible, let me know. Thanks again to CrazyJ888 for the idea. Like always review, follow or favourite and if you have any ideas for the next chapter or any other future chapters let me know. The next letter is G. If there is anything that you think I can improve or tell me as I want to improve as a writer. Good bye.