Chapter 17
The following day after another amazing breakfast courtesy to Cielema, we set off for the coast. Ishea and I had been declared well enough to travel but were told to take it easy because in our exhausted states we would be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Will thanked the Bedullin for their generous hospitality and we left. I still was carrying the warm bundle of joy in my chest from Will's praise and it staved off the discomfort caused by the sand and sun. Ishea was trying to hide her laughter at my behavior. I mean really, we were safe, going home and Will was pleased with my performance. There was plenty to be happy about, so the reason why she wouldn't stop snickering is beyond me.
The night before had been interesting I reflected, we were looking at the colts and several stood out to me as excellent mounts. There was one black mare that was stunningly beautiful and she had the looks of a racer. I quietly pointed her out to Ishea and she showed stunning powers in negotiating for which horses could come back home with us. At the end we had picked out 15 healthy looking colts and mares. Umar was muttering under his breath about being cheated while I looked on with amusement and helped ready the horses for the journey. The greatest shock came later though when I was walking around the outside of the camp to take a break from the celebrations and I saw Alberard and the stunning black mare named Shadow being friendly with each other. I came back into camp half stunned and explained in a whispering embarrassed voice what I had seen. Hmm, I thought, that would give her a reason for smirking. I would plan my revenge for her laughter at my embarrassment. Maybe the Skandians would help me, now there is a thought.
The sight of the open water interrupted my thoughts, dusk was falling and there was a ship just on the edge of the horizon coming out way. Ishea laughed at the sight of the sea and our ticket home, while Will pumped his arms up and down. My mentor's actions sent both of us girls into peals of laughter, while Will crossed his arms and acted hurt. I just smiled some more and challenged Ishea to a race down to the sea, Will followed behind with the purchased colts and Coconut and I splashed into the sea seconds before Ishea and Etoile did. I smiled, all was well here and we were going home.
The ship took about half an hour more before it reached shore. We quickly loaded the horses into the hold, taking care with our new purchases, as they had never been on a ship before. Once all the horses were settled we set off and had a meal on the deck, we had roast duck, cooked just before the wolfship left Skandia. After dinner Will, Ishea and I went to visit Halt in his cabin. Will said nothing about what this meeting was supposed to be about and I was slightly worried. I squeezed Ishea's hand in support and to comfort myself before entering the room with Halt sitting down waiting for us. Three chairs had been laid out and we sat. Only then did Halt speak, "I can read whatever report you submit to the corps but I want the story from you," Halt looked strait into my eyes and said, "start talking."
I was nervous Will had judged me worthy, but what about the legendary Halt. Will had his own legend but he was warm and friendly. Halt was older, and more withdrawn. I couldn't claim to know the old grizzled ranger well at all. He was my superior though and obediently I told the story that I had told Will. Halt remained expressionless but I continued knowing that whatever happened I would have Ishea as my friend. When I had finished Halt looked at me for a good minute or two. This was slightly freaking me out but I did my best to not show my nervousness. Halt then turned to Will and said, "She's most certainly rough around the edges but she's worth working for in order to polish her up." I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding and smiled while Ishea squeezed my hand in support. I was going to be a ranger, it was the best feeling in the world, and I had a wonderful mentor and friend to share it with.
Sorry about no update last week, but it was homecoming week and I didn't have time to write a chapter. Alright, so there almost home one or two more chapters I think. A promise to my faithful reader there will be more pie before the story is over. Any other suggestions I will do my best to incorporate in the final chapters of this story. Thank you guys so much :D
Wolfdragonz