Chapter 24

The following months felt like a blur to Will and despite having fought in another war against the Temujai and winning, despite having been praised to no end for stealing those crucial battle plans and despite being back with his loved ones again he had never felt more lonely. Shanya's death had broke something inside him. Something that had let him cope with having to fight in a blood thirsty war, something that had let him cope with being imprisoned again. His innocence.

At least when he was abducted with Evanlyn he knew it wasn't his fault, that he still managed to burn the bridge. When he was walking towards the Temujai at least he knew he was doing what he needed to do to save his friends. But what happened to Shanya? He kept feeling as though he could have done something, anything to have helped her, and those thoughts tormented him every day.

Finally he consulted his feelings with someone he knew he could trust. The one person he knew that could comfort him. Halt. He knew why he chose Halt over his best friend Horace and his girlfriend Evanlyn. Halt was the only person who knew what it felt like to lose something for a cause or to let someone die for a mission. Rangers often knew what it felt like to watch others sacrifice. So he sought comfort from his mentor and followed his advice carefully.

"Listen Will" Halt had told him once he had finished saying what happened. "Sometimes bad things happen to good people. This girl clearly was a good person and she made her choice. She chose to sacrifice herself for a good cause. She chose to help you. The best way you can repay her is to stop blaming yourself and try to move on. That's a choice you have to make." Halt said softly, abandoning his usual gruff tones. Will nodded slowly; letting his mentors soothing words penetrate his brain. Halt always knew exactly what to say he thought. Surprisingly talking about it had helped him. Opening up and letting at least one person know made him feel a lot better, as though he didn't have to carry the burden of his truth alone. For no one else knew about Shanya and he made no effort to tell them. Finally he started to feel more comfortable and in the months to come he felt a lot more like himself around his friends.

So here he was. Standing outside the King's massive dining hall with Horace, Halt, Crowley and a dozen other nobles and ladies beside him, back in Araluan. A great feast was about to start as a mark of celebration for the King getting his daughter back. Evanlyn or rather Cassandra was arriving a little later with her father and her usual escort of guards. Will squirmed slightly. He was sort of glad that she wasn't coming in with them at the normal time but a little later with her father.

He didn't know why but for the past few weeks whenever he came across Evanlyn his speech was fragmented, stilted and awkward. He kept saluting clumsily and bashing into walls when she was around. It was more to do with the fact that she was Cassandra now and not Evanlyn. She was surrounded by guards wherever she went, wearing the dresses of a noble woman, standing straighter and more confident. Yet he remained the same he reflected sadly. He was an orphan, a dead farmers son and he always would be. The few times they had managed to meet without her having to rush off for important court events he became more distant with the different side of Evanlyn. The side he was not accustomed to.

Cassandra for her part had noticed his increasing distance from her and was feeling frustrated at his behaviour.

"Doesn't he see that I'm the same person I always was?" She asked herself in the mirror. She kept trying to find opportunities to meet him but his life as a Ranger's apprentice kept stopping her from doing so. What she wanted very much was to find a way to have Will close to Araluan castle, close to her…

Horace had noticed the slight tension between his two friends and had no idea what was causing it, they were extremely close during the two wars in Skandia and yet all of a sudden he was having to talk to each person separately. He was confused to say the least and slightly sad that his best friends relationship was starting to fall apart.

Before Horace could ponder anymore about the mysteries of relationships the huge double doors swung open smoothly by the guards inside and they were allowed to walk in.

Will and Horace's heads turned identically as they surveyed the hall with great interest. There were so many fascinating paintings and monumental ornaments Will suddenly found himself wishing he had an extra three eyes just to see them all. He looked at Halt behind him and saw his mentor keeping his head straight and looking forewords formally. Everyone else for that matter was doing the same. Hastily Will copied them and realised how much of a gawping idiot he must have looked like. Straightening his formal tunic, he patted down his hair, though he didn't know whether it made any difference, and continued walking beside Horace who was now also looking at the front respectfully.

He found looking straight ahead didn't help with his nerves any either. The King and his daughter had chosen that moment to enter the hall through the side door right next to the throne. Will felt his heart stop at the sight of Cassandra. Her hair had grown since she had cut it last and it seemed to reflect the candle light turning her hair gold, her figure was fuller, less skinny so she looked slim and healthy, there was a tint of red on her lips that made them look rosy and soft. And her eyes glittering green shined with an unfathomable happiness he hadn't seen in a long time. No doubt due to her being reunited with her father he thought. He continued looking at her all the time his feelings of inadequacy increasing.

Once his heart had resumed beating he next eyed the tall broad man next to her. Now it was time for his stomach to fill with butterflies as he saw King Duncan look at everyone in the room with delight. He was nervous for two reasons. He knew the King would want to congratulate the people who had helped save his daughter, and any form of public ceremony was always nerve racking to him, but secretly he was also worried about whether the King knew of his and Cassandra's relationship and whether he approved or not. He was pretty certain King Duncan wouldn't be too impressed upon hearing his only daughter was rubbing shoulders with an orphan like him.

Horace tugged his arm a few moments later and he realised he was still standing when everyone had already sat down on the benches next to the long wooden tables. He blushed furiously and quickly sat down next to Horace. He looked up at the centre of the hall again where the King was standing, to find a pair of green eyes meet his. He looked down quickly as he realised the princess was looking at him but he had been slightly surprised to see a curious smile play her lips. She really did look beautiful, especially in her pale blue dress that fitted her seamlessly. He chanced another glance and saw the King and his daughter sit down gracefully in the high backed chairs at the front of the hall. Servants were hurrying in between tables setting down platters of delicious, roasted meats, steamy greens and puddings that made his mouth water. He could already see Horace wipe at his mouth hastily to get rid of his dribble and Will smiled at his friend.

The King stood up from his chair a few moments later, and the background noise of nervous babble had turned silent. Will once again marvelled at how powerful the King looked, standing tall and confident. He smiled at the eager crowd.

"There will be speeches yet to come, ladies and gentlemen, but for now we must eat." And with that he sat back down and tucked in to the delicious food on his plate while talking to his daughter with a serious expression.

Horace immediately helped himself to the dishes on the table and Will followed suit, piling second helpings of everything on to his plate. Halt eyed the two apprentices with caution as he delicately added more meat to his plate. There was a sudden rise in conversation again.

"So what do you think the King is going to give us?" Will asked apprehensively and, dare he admit it, eagerly. Halt eyed Will again, and suddenly he didn't feel too eager.

"I suppose he will want to give you more food to eat Will, goodness knows you need it." Halt replied with a sombre expression. Horace laughed at the joke while Will frowned. He should have known better than to give his mentor openings like that.

"The thing is Will" Crowley sat forward to join in to the conversation. "Rangers are a breed apart from everyone else-"

"They're a breed apart all right, more like animals." Horace snorted at his own joke, then realised the majority of his audience were in fact Rangers, and none of them looked too impressed with his wit. He stopped laughing and adopted the expression one might wear at a funeral. Crowley turned to Will again.

"As I was saying before young Horace here so pointlessly interrupted, we are different from other nobles, knights and all the other craft masters and apprentices which means we have different rewards and rankings that the King cannot award us." Crowley concluded, to a slightly crestfallen Will. Horace noticing his friend's expression hastened to comfort him.

"Don't worry I am sure the King will want to give you something for what you have done."

"That was not what I was worried about." Will said.

"Then what is it?" Halt asked abruptly. Will looked at his mentor then blurted out.

"Halt are we leaving for Redmont soon?" Halt looked at him for a moment, scrutinizing the reason behind the unexpected question. Then raising an eyebrow he answered.

"I suppose, we need to get back to training do not get the mistake of thinking two wars have made your camouflage and concealment any better." But Will knew he was joking from his mentors raised brow.

"Oh right." Will said shortly.

"What's the matter not hungry?" Horace asked for suddenly Will had lost his appetite. He always knew that Rangers and princesses never mixed all too well but the reality had sunk in just now. He would have to go back to Redmont, he had no choice.

"I think I may have lost my appetite." Will grumbled disconsolately. Halt eyed him curiously wondering what was going on, but Horace had been completely satisfied with his friends answer.

"Never mind, all the more for me then." And without warning he tipped the contents of Will's plate onto his now empty one and began munching once more. Will looked at him in shock for one moment, before he busted out laughing, Crowley joining in. Horace grinned sheepishly at them.

"What? I'm a growing boy I need food."

"I doubt a whale could eat more than you." Halt muttered, watching Horace eating who had his mouth open. At the sound of the animal Will sobered slightly. He remembered the first time he heard of the animal, from Svengal on that tiny island where he was staying with Evanlyn…

"Halt is there any way for us to be able to complete my apprenticeship here?" He asked suddenly.

"Complete your apprenticeship here?" Crowley interrupted before Halt could answer. "What on earth for?"

"Is there something wrong with Redmont that you feel the need to move to a completely separate fief?" Halt asked dryly. Will blushed and quickly glanced at the high table where Cassandra and Duncan were still eating. Halt followed his apprentice's gaze and immediately found out what was taxing Will's mind.

"Will" Halt said softly. Will knew what his mentor was about to say but he found he didn't want to hear it. Horace cottoned on a little later and realised why his friend didn't want to go to Redmont yet.

"Hey I'm sure you two will be able to see each other don't worry about it." He added comfortingly. Will sighed deeply and tried not to look into any of his friends' eyes. Truth be told he was a little ashamed to be wallowing to his friends about his love life. When had life become so complicated?

"Will" Halt said in a firmer tone and this time he did meet his mentor's eyes. Halt gazed at him sadly. "You knew the consequences of your choices when you refused Arald's offer of becoming an apprentice warrior and opted to remain a Ranger's apprentice."

"Yes but all that was before I met Evanlyn." Will said.

"Cassandra." Horace corrected.

"Princess Cassandra." Crowley added. Will glared at the two of them.

"Not helping." Will said. All Horace and Crowley had done was serve to remind him why the princess and he had such a social gulf between them. They were never meant to be.

"Sorry mate." Horace said apologetically. He couldn't understand why Will was finding it so hard to talk to Cassandra, to him all that had changed about her was her name and otherwise she had still remained the pretty, vivacious girl he had known her to be.

"That's alright." Will said glumly.

"Would you have changed your mind about being an apprentice warrior then if you had met Cassandra earlier?" Horace asked peevishly. Halt stiffened slightly and Will could tell his mentor was listening to his answer as well. After some time he answered.

"No." Will said, and he was glad to find that he meant it. Girls were too much trouble than they were worth he thought. At least a career was stable. Some time later during the dinner Will remembered a professional musician tightening his strings nervously before he started his song. He vaguely remembered wondering why the musician had rhymed Halt with salt when they were completely unrelated. But before he could ask Horace about it he saw the chamberlain Anthony raise his staff on the flagstones of the dining hall.

"Silence before the King." He bellowed. All at once the noise and laughter disappeared, replaced by eager silence, awaiting what the King had to say.

"My lords and ladies, this occasion is one of great pleasure for me. For start, we are here to celebrate the safe return of my daughter, the Princess Cassandra- an eventuality that brings me more joy than you could possibly comprehend." Enthusiastic applause greeted his statements as the crowd knew how much the King had suffered while his daughter had been in danger.

"The other source of pleasure to me tonight is the opportunity to reward those who were responsible for her safe return." At this the roar of applause was longer in the crowd as everyone knew this was the main reason why the ceremony was being held. Will felt a nervous jolt in his stomach again and forced down the urge to puke.

"First, would the Ranger Halt please step forward." Will signalled a thumbs up to his mentor, who as per usual ignored him completely. Will grinned wondering what on earth Duncan could possibly offer this man. There were murmurs throughout the hall as people stood up to see the legendary figure. Will had to put a fist in his mouth to stop laughing at one man who knocked over a whole flagon of wine over his breeches in his haste to see Halt. Will looked forward once again to see Halt bowing to Duncan.

"Halt has already stated that his restoration to the ranks of the Ranger Corps is sufficient reward." The king said. The crowd applauded but were still puzzled at the grizzled ranger's choice. Halt slipped quietly back into his seat next to Will, next to invisible to the rest of the hall.

"Please Halt make sure you walk quicker I'm sure there was someone in the hall who saw you move." Will said sarcastically.

"Shut it." Halt growled quietly while he smirked.

"Next let the warrior apprentice Horace stand forward." Duncan said. Will slapped Horace on the back with enthusiasm and to comfort him, since Horace looked extremely nervous. One thing led to another and before Will could clear his eyes properly to be sure of what he was seeing, Horace was being knighted by Sir Rodney as a royal guard of Araluan. This was so unheard of Will couldn't help cheering with the rest of the crowd and a ridiculously broad grin stretched his face as he saw Horace being awarded his shield and sword. He pounded Horace on the back as his friend came to sit down, still looking astonished.

"You more than deserved it Horace." Will shouted as the crowd was still creating bedlam. Horace turned to him, a bemused expression still on his face when the next words rang out.

"Would the Ranger apprentice Will stand forward." Duncan looked down at Will and swallowing down the lump in his throat, he stumbled out of his seat and seemed to stagger onto the high table. On the way he briefly caught Cassandra's nervous smile and his throat constricted even more, so he was finding it extremely difficult to breathe.

"Will, your Ranger Corps have their own ways and their own regulations. I've spoken to your mentor Halt, and to the Corps Commandant, and unfortunately it's beyond my power to rescind your period of training and declare you a fully qualified Ranger. Halt and Crowley insist that you must complete your full period of training and assessment." Duncan stated. Will nodded vigorously mostly due to his nerves but also because he knew Crowley had warned him at dinner that Ranger customs were different. Will didn't mind though, he knew that he definitely didn't know enough to become a full fledged Ranger yet, unlike Horace who had become a master at his craft. There was a lot more technique, precision and different types of skills to be learned with Will's craft and he found that this was one of the main reasons why he loved being a Ranger's apprentice so much. He realised the King was speaking again.

"However I can offer an alternative. It is within my power to appoint you as a lieutenant in the Royal Scouts. Your masters have agreed that you are totally qualified for such an appointment and will release you from your apprenticeship if that is your wish." There was a collective gasp of surprise from the audience as Will stood there, shocked. A whole new door had been opened for him now. This was the equivalent of knighthood and dimly he could see Horace's face grinning in crowd. He could live a life of honour, prestige and rank. He could rub shoulders with royalty and his life at court would certainly mix perfectly. He also thought that this was the perfect status he needed to finally be proud of being with the princess.

Yet with all his heart he knew he couldn't do it. He just couldn't leave the job that he loved so much. During his time at war he realised more than anything that a Ranger was what he wanted to be. He wasn't going to compromise his dream. And he knew that the royalties and etiquettes of court life just wouldn't suit him, he preferred roaming in the forests, being unrestricted and free. Staying at court was just a little too limiting.

"You do me great honour, your majesty. But my wish is to continue my training as an apprentice." Will said. He could hear a babble of noise rising at this unexpected news yet when he quickly glanced at Halt and Crowley he saw the both of them smiling at him and knew he had made the right choice. Duncan gripped his shoulder in a friendly manner and said quietly.

"For what it's worth Will I think you've chosen wisely. And for your ears alone, your Craft masters tell me that they believe you will be one of the greatest of the Rangers in the years to come." Will, wide eyed and astonished found this statement especially from the King to be praise enough. He walked back to the space indicated by Halt and Crowley who were both making space for him to sit between them. He could hear the polite yet confused applause and smiled to himself. As he sat down Horace patted his shoulder as friends do, yet when Will turned to hear the rest of the King's speech he realised one seat was missing its occupant. Cassandra had left the room.

Hey guys, hang in there we're almost finished now! Anyways the parts in bold are the parts copied from the actual book Oakleaf bearers and I didn't want to take credit for something I didn't write. Please review, let me know what you thought, 2 chapters in one day is like a double whammy for taking so long to update!

Hope you liked it.

Oakleaf Girl.