AN: here's the next one. Hope it's good. I do not own Ranger's Apprentice.

CHAPTER 8

"Daniel!" Josiah called to his best friend as Daniel came riding down the path. The Treaty's were coming to Castle Araluen for a vacation. The two best friends ran to each other and started sharing everything that had happened since their last visit 6 weeks ago. Esther was 2 and the Daniel was 9. Josiah was 10. Maddie was now 18 and courting a young man from the palace. His name was Jordan.

Alyss, Cassandra, Will and Horace all met in the courtyard to exchange greetings and hang out. Maddie took care of Esther and the boys went off to make trouble again. Daniel followed Josiah to their special spot in the castle backyard. It was a small fort made of branches and wood they lifted from the lumber yard.

"So, what did you want to tell me that was so important?" Daniel asked Josiah. Josiah had sent a letter to Daniel about some important event that was going on while the Treaty's were visiting,

"Okay, so the king of Ariddi is coming tomorrow. I heard that that's the reason you guys are coming in the first place." Josiah explained. Daniel grinned,

"And this is important how?" Daniel asked. He was confused as to the significant ramifications of this news.

"Remember our dads saying that he had a sense of humour?" Josiah asked and Daniel nodded starting to comprehend, "let's play a prank on him!" Daniel grinned.

"Yes!" Daniel gave Josiah a high five. "What prank?" Josiah smirked and explained his prank plan.

The next day, Josiah and Daniel set their plan into action. Selethen would be there in the morning and so the boys woke up early to set up. Josiah set up the bucket while Daniel rigged the trip wire. When it was all set, they scrambled back into bed before the bell went signalling wake up.

"Mom, when will Mr. Selethen get here?" Josiah asked Cassandra innocently.

"He should be here any minute." Cassandra answered. Just then a page came in announcing that Selethen was here. Josiah and Daniel grinned and went out to meet him.

"Mr. Selethen!" Both boys yelled at once and bowed.

"Ah, the two trouble makers." Selethen said smiling, "you may call me Selethen boys." He said as the rest of the group came out. Alyss was holding Esther and Maddie was chatting with a friend.

"We'll take you up to your room!" Daniel and Josiah offered after the adults had exchanged greetings. The adults thought this was a great idea. So did Selethen. Josiah and Daniel brought Selethen up to his room and offered to let him go in first.

"Thank you boys. Much appreciated." Selethen said and walked into the room. And then it happened.

A bucket full of water and compost from the kitchens was dumped onto Selethen's head. He had pulled the trip wire as he walked into the room and caused the bucket to fall. The boys had lifted some scraps from the kitchen and made a sludge with it. Selethen stood with the sludge dripping down his face, watching the two boys double over with laughter, and he was completely at a loss for words.

AN: there it is. Btw, the boys get in serious trouble. I just didn't feel like putting it in this chapter. Its also almost 10 pm so I am going to bed soon.