OK this is chapter 13!

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Hitting the surging water of the river could not have been worse than hitting a brick wall. Gilan's breath was smashed from his lungs and he slammed into the swirling water. He tumbled head over heels in the icy torrent, and a wave of water shoved Gilan further down into the depths of the river. He could see the surface, vanishing from his sight, he let go of his saxe knife. Suddenly a hand seized his arm and he was being drug to the surface.

Strider's grip on Gilan was ebbing away, along with her strength. She broke the surface, coughing and sputtering for air. Gilan following suit close by her. Another wall of white water crashed over them, and they were knocked underwater. Strider felt the undertow nipping hungrily at her heels.

The river literally seemed to roar, and Gilan couldn't hear anything but the guttural rasping of the river. He felt Strider grip his arm and he looked at her, struggling to stay above the surface as the current threatened to drag them down. He could read the fear in her eyes, and each time they went under she thought it was the end. Then she would break the surface, and she would still be holding onto to Gilan.

Then they dropped. The river dipped suddenly the ground beneath them shifted course. Shadow and Ranger were jerked sideways, they felt a moment of free fall, and then the salty water was driving them under again. Strider felt Gilan's hand slip from her grasp, her eyes stung, and her lungs let out a stabbing ache. She couldn't breath, the cold water found a way into her throat and lungs. Strider could feel herself choking, and she struggled to the surface once more. Her cloak was missing, and she felt the burning of scratches and scars across her body that were now throbbing with the sting of salt water.

A hand snatched at her and she kicked for the surface, fighting back the cold hand of death. Gilan hauled her to the surface once more, pulling air into her lungs was an immense effort, and it sent pain shooting through her lungs. Another painfully powerful wave swept over them, and this time Strider felt herself driven into rock. Her right arm hit first, and a sharp edge dug into her skin, pain lanced through her arm, and she kicked off the hard surface, feeling Gilan's strong arm still clasping her.

"Up ahead there's a branch hanging low, I think we can reach it!" Gilan's yell sounded close to Strider's ear and she shouted her assent. Overhead the clouds rumbled, and then the rain began to poor down like hooves pounding against the earth. Thunder exploded, lightning arced across the sky, flashing dangerously against the muted silver clouds that swirled in the unwavering wind.

The tree branch Gilan had spotted dripped low into the water, the leaves that clung to the dying pine branch were slick with water and still a vivid green against the foam white river. The river dropped once more, this time not as drastically, and Gilan's hand tightened around Strider's.

"Now!" They groped for the branch simultaneously, their hands finding easy purchase on the still thriving tree branch. Their combined weight swung them towards the steep stone bank, and then the branch creaked alarmingly. It wouldn't hold them much longer.

Abelard's blindingly fast gallop kept Halt ahead of Fell and his own horses' rapid pace. The rain began to drench them and Halt urged Abelard along faster as he spotted the distinct face of Gilan,. The Ranger bobbed along the top of the water, gasping for air and struggling futilely against the force of the river. Halt felt his heart go out to the young Ranger, from the banks of the river their was little Halt could do to help his former apprentice. Then he saw the branch, and he smiled in spite of himself as Gilan and Strider lunged for it.

Gilan heard hooves skidding on the rough bank, and them a hand was snatching at his collar, Halt hauled him out onto the bank dropping him there with a damp thud. Gilan felt weakness over take him, he coughed and sputtered river water on the bank. Halt went to reach for Strider but it was too late. Strider felt her feet brush against the rivers bank for a moment, and then a wave crashed over her. She was ripped away from the branch, the rough twigs leaving small gouges in her palms as she was forced to let go. The undertow snatched her, dragging her away into the river.

Fell's horse whisked past Halt, he'd seen his Deputy, swallowed up by the vicious wave. He spotted her as she resurfaced, he nudged his horse to the side, his feet already slipping from the stirrups and the horse ran into the icy water of the river. Fell landed knee deep in the frosty current, and he waded forward, the horse stayed on the bank, the reins clutched in one of Fell's hands. The Shadow was counting on the horse to keep him from being swept away as well. He was far enough out into the water to seize hold of Strider's limp body, she'd felt the pain of a jagged rock slamming into her back, then the world was dark. Fell caught her, just before she slipped under the torrent, and out of his reach. Fell let go of the horse, confident he could make it back to the bank now, with his Deputy in his arms. Fell dropped to one knee as he reached the river bank, his Deputy slipping from his grasp and onto the rocky river bank. Her second boot had been lost in the fearsome waters of the river, and her cloak was long gone. She'd let go of her second knife, and she had no more knives hidden up her sleeves. Her arm guards were missing, discarded some where along the way.

Strider let out a cough, and Fell knelt beside her as she coughed up several mouthfuls of water, she leaned back against the river bank, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She was beaten and bloodied, and Fell guessed she had a few sprained ribs, along with a jagged cut across her right arm. He tore off a small piece of his tunic that was still dry and pressed it against the wound, Strider winced then held still, apart from the shivers that racked through her body. Fell shrugged off his cloak, which was half dry from the rain and wading through the river, and draped it over his Deputy.

"Fell, if I never see a god damned river again it'll be too soon…" Fell smiled in spite of the battered shape his Deputy was in, he watched as she closed her eyes, and then she was asleep.

"Is she alright?" Gilan and Halt were standing nearby, Gilan was on his feet, looking pale as a ghost and just as frail. Halt had an arm around the younger man's shoulders to support him, Gilan too was missing his cloak, along with his quiver and saxe knife.

Fell nodded, "I think she's going to be fine. What about you Gilan?"

Gilan shrugged and shuddered, "I don't think I'll ever swim again." Fell grinned up at the Ranger.

"We should get out of the rain, you look like you could use a warm bed and a hot dinner."

Gilan and Halt didn't object, and as the storm raged wildly they mounted and left the river behind them. Gilan whistled, and blaze came galloping to him, the Ranger managed to drape himself limply over the back of his horse as he was led back to the village. Halt rode beside him, ready to catch the Ranger if he fell.

Fell rode with Strider, the unconscious girl leaned against him as the horses trudged along through the forest. The leader of the Shadows had swung up behind his Deputy and slipped his arms around her to reach the reins. Her head rested against Fell's shoulder and his cloak was wrapped tightly around her, her bare feet hung down on either side of the horse. She didn't so much as twitch the whole ride back to the village.

The village was quiet, not a soul was in sight as the drenched riders' approached the small settlement. Halt led the three horses and their exhausted riders' to the front of the Inn, a motherly looking lady was just leaving as they stepped onto the verandah. The woman had warm brown eyes and a face full of care, the instant she saw the weather beaten figures she let out a gasp of surprise.

"My lord! This simply won't due, follow me, follow me, you need to be seen by the healer right away!" Fell hesitated a moment before following the women, Strider cradled tenderly in his arms. The Ranger's followed after him, Gilan having trouble placing his feet down firmly on the ground without swaying. He was thankful for Halt's guiding hand on his shoulder.

The elderly woman led them a few houses over, and into a small dwelling filled the warm scent of fresh herbs and coffee. The warmth of the large entryway almost knocked Fell down, and he felt his knees going weak at the homely feel of the place. The elderly woman showed them into another large room with a crackling fire and a hall leading off into the rest of the house. She led Fell to am empty room, instructing him to stay there until she returned and led Gilan and Halt to another. The room was small, and square in shape. The walls were made of wood lined horizontal, the floor matched the walls in a similar fashion. Along on wall stood a wooden chair and a small night stand with a basin of clean water on it. The bed was in the center of the room, the headboard pressed firmly against the wall opposite of the door. A small lantern placed on the night stand sent light spilling through the room.

Fell gently laid his Deputy down on the bed, he brushed his hand against her forehead and felt the beginnings of a fever. He bit his lip nervously, he knew he shouldn't worry about his Deputy. She was made of tougher stuff, and he was fairly certain a fever wouldn't claim her life. He pulled his sodden cloak away from her, reaching for a dry blanket to drape over her instead. He left his cloak on the chair and waited calmly for the healer.

The room Halt and Gilan had been led to was almost identical to Strider's. Gilan stumbled towards the comfy looked bed, Halt's had steadying him for at least the tenth time in the last several minutes. The grizzled Ranger helped Gilan settled onto the bed, and Gilan kicked off his boots, unclasped his cloak and felt Halt tugging his soaked jerkin and tunic over his head. He'd lost his quiver in the fall and his sword was still at the cliff he realized with a sudden wave of worry. His bow, thankfully, was fastened to his saddle which was still strapped to Blaze's back.

Once Halt had reassured him that he'd take care of Blaze for him Gilan closed his eyes, not being able to bare staying awake any longer. The woman checked Gilan over quickly, and finding no serious injuries she tended to a few of his sprained ribs, binding him tightly in clean white bandages. She then sent Halt away, telling him to get something to eat and clean up. Reluctantly, the Ranger agreed, leaving Gilan to rest.

Fell was rushed from the room by a gentle old lady whose hair was heavily streaked with grey. Soon after Fell had been left alone with his injured Deputy the elderly lady had slipped into the room, explaining that she was a healer and knew what she was doing. She then sent Fell away with the promise that he could see Strider in the morning. He left, leaving is cloak still draped over the chair and a discontent look on his face. Fell went with Halt to tend to the horses.

"They shoed you away too?" He asked as they led the horses to the stables. Halt nodded.

"They always do," He replied gruffly. They tended to the tired horses in silence. Once they where done they made their way to the Inn. They were greeted by an ecstatic group of men at arms and Shadows. They'd all made themselves at home in the cozy dining room of the Inn, and the Inn Keeper's wife brought fresh clothes for Fell and Halt, directing them to a wash bin out back. Once they were clean they rejoined the excited dinners, seeing for once that the Inn was packed full to the rafters.

"We won buddy, we won!" Marek shouted as he danced in circles, gripping Fell in a tight bear hug, Fell's feet didn't even touch the ground and he felt like a very small child again. Fell assured Kerjack that Strider was in one piece, enjoyed a quick meal of fresh stew and warm bread. Then he stumbled up stairs to a room filled with beds lined up along the walls, tiredly Fell sunk onto one of the clean beds. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

Sir Cedric, Baron Arald, and Sir Rodney greeted the grizzled Ranger with open arms, and they settled around a table to discuss the matters of the battle. All in all they were pleased with the outcome, the Cult's leader had escaped by some means, but for the moment, Araluen was safe from the threat of the sinister leader. The garrison would be replenished with a fresh and reinforced guard, and the Baron was highly intrigued by the Shadows. The subject of what was to be done about them had come to his attention over dinner, and Arald simply brushed the matter aside.

"Without them we wouldn't still have this village, we shouldn't be so quick to call them enemies just yet." Halt had been content with that, he'd enjoyed fighting along side the mischievous warriors, and he hoped they'd get another chance at an alliance in the future.

Halt and Kerjack were seated around a small table, sipping coffee and trading idle conversation occasionally. The next day had dawned bright and early, many of the Shadows had left for the encampment, sent out by Kerjack himself. The older man was far more experienced in ways of battle by Fell, and when Halt had voiced his query about the such fact Kerjack had merely shrugged.

"Fell's nothing short of a mastermind. He's more than fit to lead the Shadows than I am." Then a little awkwardly he added, "I'm more of a parent to Fell and Strider than a comrade sometimes."

Fell had woken and made his way downstairs, he'd approached the table and caught the last of Kerjack's words.

"Sometimes?" He asked with a look of shear disbelief on his face, "I don't think I've ever bothered anyone more than I bother Kerjack for advice in my entire life." Fell exclaimed as he flopped down into a chair beside Kerjack. The older man was heavier built than the Shadows' leader, something that Halt had come to find as common. Most of Fell's comrades bested him in size and girth, but his authority was rarely questioned.

"I don't know where the Shadows would be without this guy here," Fell said, elbowing Kerjack tenderly. "In fact, I think he's the only one without one our names."

Halt was once more interested in the Shadows, and the questioning glint in his dark eyes brought forth an explanation from Kerjack.

"Fell's real name is David, but to the Shadows he is simply known as 'Fell'. It's a title you have to gain. Your named for something you've done, or do."

Fell nodded, then continued were Kerjack left off with a quieter tone. "I got my name 'Fell' because of an accident I had. I went out on a patrol early in the day, we were patrolling the Breaking Cliffs, I went off on my own for just a minute, slipped on a wet rock and fell into a millpond."

Kerjack couldn't suppress a grin, "He came back to camp soaked and shivering, Marek picked out the name for him that same day."

"And Strider?" Halt asked, finding it amusing to hear about an embarrassing past time for Fell.

"For running." Fell retorted, "I don't think I've ever beat her in a straight race. What she lacks in strength she makes up for with her dominance in celerity and cunning wits."

Kerjack smiled, "She's as cunning as a wolf, and just as deceptive."

A ghost of a smile touched Halt's lips, "I gathered that." His mind had wandered back to the day he'd first met Strider. He's found the girl stubborn and arrogant, but she'd proved to be a loyal and crafty fighter.

Fell rose from his chair, letting out a deep breath, "Speaking of Strider, I think I'll go see how she's doing." Then he let out a muttered word of curse, "Right after I send out the late patrols…"

Kerjack smiled, "Already done, and they weren't late."

Fell's face split into a smile of pure gratitude. "You see, I can't live without this guy." Fell said, clapping Kerjack on the shoulder before fastening his knives to his belt and venturing out into the drizzling rain.

Halt had already gone to check on Gilan that morning, and he was content with knowing that his former apprentice was well fed and in great comfort as he regained his strength. He hadn't woken during Halt's visit, and one of the many healing maids had sent him away with a wary aura. She felt frightened of Halt, knowing he was a Ranger she figured he dabbled with the black arts, there was no telling what kind of harm he could do to her many patients. Gilan however was another story, it simply went against all her morals to leave the handsome young man in pain, even if he was a Ranger, he couldn't do much harm if he was suffering dearly from a fever or several cracked ribs. Halt seemed to sense her distrust and went away without resistance, he only wanted Gilan to return to full health, even if it meant him being distrusted and despised by the healers who tended to the wounded Ranger.

The previous days smothering rainstorm had washed away the suns blistering heat, and the morning air was crisp and cool. Fell walked slowly to the healer's house, enjoying the gentle chilling breeze on his skin.

"What can I do for you, sir?" It was the grey haired healer speaking, and Fell didn't blame her for not recognizing him. The night before when she'd promise him he could visit his wounded Deputy he'd been mud drenched and half asleep. He refreshed her memory, and she told him that he cleaned up real nice and showed him to his wounded Deputy.

"Here you are now, she's going to be just fine my dear." Then the healer left him alone with Strider. She was asleep, and he immediately took notice of the faded and weary composure. He moved to the chair pushed against the wall, he slid it closer, careful not to let it make much noise as he settled himself next to his Deputy. Suddenly she opened her eyes, and he realized she'd been awake the entire time.

"Is the maid gone?" She asked softly, her voice didn't reflect the weakened state she appeared to be in. She still sounded Fell's defiant Deputy.

He smiled and nodded, "Yes."

She let out a sigh of relief, "Good, I've had about enough of her poking and prodding me at any chance she gets."

"She only wants to make sure you'll be alright."

Strider sat up, the covers falling from her neck to her lap as she leaned against the headboard she coped with the pain the movement sent spiraling through her. She was wearing a clean grey tunic, with short baggy sleeves and clean brown trousers. Bandages wound themselves tightly around her right arm, from her wrist to her elbow. They twined themselves past her wrist and wrapped around her thumb and the top of her knuckles. He could see more bandages, some placed at random places along the length of her arms. Both palms were thickly bandaged. He couldn't see her legs, but he was fairly certain they were in the same condition.

"How do you feel?" Fell asked.

Strider shrugged, "Kind of like a bruise. Everything's sore, and I'm kind of cold still."

Fell nodded his assent, "It's my fault." He said, his tone dropping into sadness.

"Fell, it's not your fault I'm cold, they just don't realize I was half drowned in a frigid river."

Fell was shaking his head, "I didn't mean that your cold, I meant that you got hurt. I should've kept my promise, your brother should never have even gotten the chance to hurt you. I'm so sorry." Fell lowered his head and stared at the floor, shame faced.

Strider moved closer to the edge of the bed, she could see the disconsolate look on Fell's face and she suddenly had a heavy heart.

"Fell, it's not your fault."

"If I would have kept my promise, you wouldn't be here being poked and annoyed by nurses," He argued in his tortured tone of voice. Strider moved closer to him, swinging her feet ungraciously over the edge of the bed to rest on the smooth wood floor. Suddenly her fingertips were brushing gently against his chin, she raised his gaze to hers, and he felt suddenly entranced in her tawny eyes.

"David, you can't turn the tides," Her voice was silken and comforting. He heard every word she whispered. "Saying you're going to protect me from him is the most chivalrous thing any has ever done for me. You did keep your promise as far as I'm concerned. If you hadn't, I wouldn't be sitting here, I'd be six feet under, maybe more, you pulled me from the river after all. There's no telling how deep that watery grave would've been if you hadn't."

Fell smiled, and Strider pulled her hand away smoothly, he felt slightly better. "You still shouldn't have been hurt."

Strider laughed, "If I wasn't hurt in the battle you'd have to worry about exactly who's side I was on."

Fell was beaming, "I guess I would, wouldn't I?" He was silently recalling all the times that Strider had been injured during battles. He'd lost count.

Fell wasn't allowed to stay for long, but the healer gently reassured him that Strider was in good hands, and not to worry. His cloak remained with Strider, she offered it back to him, he'd denied, despite the recently cleaned softness and pungent clean scent that clung to it. He'd told her to keep it, in case she got too cold. She'd smiled warmly as he went on his way. Before he left he took a moment to visit Gilan. The young Ranger was slumped under the covers in his own room. He looked up when Fell entered.

"Hey," Fell greeted him lightly, and Gilan returned the greeting, his voice rough and scratchy from the salt of the river.

"Hey Fell." Gilan moved, wincing as he rolled onto his back and drug himself into a sitting position. His ribs let out a vicious ache.

"How do you feel?"

"Better than I did last night. I still can taste salt though."

Fell grinned as he leaned on the door frame, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his trousers. Gilan noticed how odd it was to see Fell without his cloak and knives, he looked more like an adulterous thief than a leader of any sort. Gilan sighed inwardly, he must look the same to the lean muscled Shadow. Like Strider, the only thing Gilan had been permitted to do that morning so far was wash, and eat. With his sore throat Gilan was offered steaming soup for breakfast, and it soothed the stinging ache considerably. The rest of the chilly morning he had spent sleeping, or thinking laboriously about the previous day. The battle was still fresh in his mind, and when the Ranger closed his eyes he could almost feel the rough torrent of the river tugging at him, threatening to drag him under.

"How's Strider?" Gilan asked after a moment of silence.

"She's doing alright, she seems a little bit anxious, she doesn't take well to being injured, or ill."

Gilan grinned, he could see by Strider's short temperament exactly what Fell meant. In truth, Gilan hated being unable to do anything other than rest, but he was grateful for the coffee. It was in an abundance, and one of the healers helping maids had taken notice that the Ranger seemed to enjoy the aromatic drink. She'd brought him a second mug after he'd finished one with his breakfast, and he was overly thankful for it. The same maid had also informed him of Halt's visit, and Gilan took note of her careful tone. She didn't seem to enjoy speaking of Halt, the maid was almost wary of the grizzled Ranger, and Gilan expected that Halt had taken notice of this as well. The ignorant tone of the healer as she threatened to scourge Fell by means of poisonous herbs brought Gilan back to the present. Fell was grinning and waving a hand in farewell.

"I've got to go."

Gilan smirked back, "Yes, I wouldn't want you to be forced to contract a possibly fatal illness on my behalf." Fell's grin widened.

"Get well soon, Gilan." Then he was gone, leaving Gilan to his thoughts.

"Honestly I don't know very much about their leader." Fell was back at the Inn, he was speaking with Baron Arald and the two Battlemasters, Cedric and Rodney, along with Halt and Kerjack about the Cult. They wanted to know as much as possible about the Cult and the Shadows. When Arald had asked about the Cults' leader, Fell could only shrug.

"I can't say I know very much about him, I've never actually sat down to dinner with him. I've only met him once, I didn't really have time to jot down his personality, he seemed content with trying to kill my Deputy." Then after a moment of thought, Fell went on, "I do know that he's been keeping a careful eye on the Ranger's, he seems to be wary of the Corps."

Halt nodded his assent, "He should be."

Arald seemed eager to know more about the Cult. "D'you really think they have the force to wage war against Araluen?" His question was very straight forward, a dark look crossed Fell's face.

"He's got more than enough force, they could easily cripple the Shadows without a second thought. While our numbers only range roughly around a mere hundred, the Cult has at least several thousand, or more men waiting in Gallica." Fell looked very solemn as he continued, "I think the only reason he hasn't done away with the Shadows completely yet is because he doesn't want to waste the force. If he plans on killing us off, were going to make sure we take a lot of his men with us."

Kerjack, who seemed to be the most rational and least aggressive of all the Shadows Halt had met so far spoke up. "This doesn't have to be the end of our alliance, if it does come to war, we'd be honored to fight alongside you against the Cult." Fell nodded his agreement.

Arald smiled, "Sounds like a plan." He had a wandering thought, could he trust the Shadows?

Fell grinned, "Skeptic? Don't be, it's only logical for you to be cautious, we feel the same way. This isn't exactly familiar ground for us."

Rodney had to admit, Fell's words were well spoken, as young as the leader might be, he seemed to have some form of wisdom lurking about him. The diplomatic discussion continued, and the five men spoke about a possible temporary alliance that would allow the Shadows to be present in the Kingdom of Araluen.

Strider winced as the elderly healer applied a healing salve to her stinging palms. The healer had come along with her herbs and salves a while after Fell had left, she wanted to check Strider's hands, along with her several other aching injuries. Strider had several more gashed from the tumble down the rocky turf by the river, most of which were not severe, but the healer was thorough.

"It might be just a cut, but infection can kill."

Strider had sighed and held out her hands, wriggling every so often at the pain in her hands. Above the rest of the aching scrapes and bruises were a few sore ribs. None were sprained or broken, but the healer exclaimed that the soreness was a result of rough bruising, and would go away with rest. The healer wrapped the rest of the bandages.

"There you are, my dear." The healer began packing up her supplies as Strider experimentally flexed her hands, clenching and unclenching them into fists, she was satisfied that the pain was only a dull ache now.

"Thanks, is it all right if I go for a walk, to visit someone else who was injured?"

The healer looked at Strider suspiciously, her dull grey eyes narrowed sharply, then she nodded.

"Oh alright, but you best get some rest once your done."

Strider murmured another word or two of thanks, then she stood and left the healer to finish collecting her pots of salve, Strider crept through the long hall of the Healer's Den. That's what the maids who tended to the patients were calling it, their were at least fifteen doors along the one hall, and the number of maids was an estimated five or six from Strider's guess. It took her only a bit of exploring and poking into a few rooms to find Gilan's.

The Ranger was sitting up, flipping through pages of a book and looking rather discontent.

"I didn't think Ranger's liked to read." She said, stepping through the doorway, her feet made soft muffled thuds against the floorboards.

Gilan looked up, he wasn't the slightest but startled by Strider's sudden appearance.

"I didn't think women fought in wars." Gilan was grinning broadly, and Strider returned the warm gesture, moving to sit in a chair beside Gilan. He noticed her short brown hair was brushed behind her ears, a few strands too short to be brushed back hung to the side of her face. He was once more reminded of an errant thief.

"I can't say it's a common occurrence," Strider admitted, "So how do you feel?"

Gilan shrugged, "A little bit restless, this lack of activity is driving me insane."

Strider let out a snort of contempt, "Your telling me, they tried to put sleeping herbs in my lunch because I refused to sleep. I told the Healer, Helen, that she slipped anything into my food I'd slip something into hers."

Gilan rolled his eyes, "I can almost see you doing that."

"Well of course, do you want to help?"

Gilan chuckled softly, "That's alright, I think I'll stick to my book reading."

Strider's smile faded and her voice lost it's humorous touch, "I never did get to thank you for saving me."

Gilan shrugged, "I wouldn't say I saved you exactly."

"You kept my brother from gutting me like a fish on the cliff, then you kept me from drowning. That means a lot Gilan, thanks." Strider leaned down and gently kissed his cheek, her lips just barely brushed against Gilan's skin. The Ranger was reminded oddly of a noblewoman by the delicate touch, he almost didn't think it was Strider giving the thanks, he'd already become accustomed the quarrelsome and defiant demeanor of the girl, or woman, he corrected himself. He guessed Strider was at least seventeen years of age, old enough to be wed.

Suddenly there was a gentle knock on the door frame, a young maid dressed in a blue dress and soft white apron was standing there, a cup of coffee in her gentle hands. She was slightly taller than Strider, with ashen blonde curls that reached her shoulders. With high cheek bones and a wonderfully tan complexion, she was quite the young beauty. At the sight of Strider her blue eyes blinked, losing some of their grace.

"Oh, sorry, I didn't know I was interrupting something." Her voice was soft, and Strider was reminded of the sweet taste of sugar at the kindness in her tone.

"That's alright, I was just leaving." Strider slipped past the maid as she greeted Gilan, handing him the coffee, the Shadow stopped in the doorway and looked back at him.

He saw her mouth the words to him when the maid's back was turned, "Knock 'em dead." Gilan blushed, and then Strider had disappeared into the hall.

Helen, the Healer of Faladore village gave Strider a threatening look as the lanky figure slunk back to her room, a grin dying on her lips as she went. Strider had left Gilan's room, and went along with visiting the rest of the patients, popping in on a few unsuspecting Shadows for brief conversations. Helen had caught her doing so, and now she would have Strider confined to her small room to rest, and leave the other patients alone. Strider went without force, feeling like a disobedient child. She'd been feeling like that a lot lately, and she was becoming almost accustomed to it. The restlessness Gilan had complained of drifted over Strider as she flopped down lazily on the bed. She let out a long sigh, she didn't like the Healers' beds. They were too soft, she missed her bed roll and her tent. It had a feeling that reminded her vaguely of the home she'd left behind. Strider closed her eyes, and slipped into a world of nightmares.

Her brother was standing over her, naked sword in hand, a twisted smile on his face. All around stood the friends she'd fallen in line with after her exile. They ringed around her like a circle. They all stared at her with disappointment on their faces. They were staring at Strider with a deep hatred, a vehement rancor seemed to dominant their many faces. Accusations were thrown forth at the girl, she looked down, and with horror she realized she was covered with blood. The hot sticky liquid clunk to her, the rank odor of it made her want to retch.

"Murderer!"

"Traitor!"

"Conniving thief!"

The accusations rang loud in Strider's ears, she felt fear rise up in her. She stared at the blood on her hands. They were right. She was everything they accused her to be.

Strider woke with a start, she inhaled sharply, feeling the breath catch in her throat as she did so. The stench of blood hung heavy in the air around her, slowly she came back to reality, the yells of her dream faded out. The scent of herbs came back to her. She could hear footsteps as someone passed by her door. She felt relief, she was back in the village of Faladore, confined to her room. Nobody knew about her past. Nobody knew what she'd done.

Slowly Strider slipped out from underneath the covers, her bandaged feet touching the floor with a soft murmur of muffled movement. She crept to the door and cracked it open, the hall was silent, no one was there at the moment, she slithered from the room, feeling like a wolf sneaking among a herd of sheep. It took her only a few minutes to find her way out of the large building, she felt the cool night air surround her, and she smiled. It felt unimaginably good to breathe in fresh air. The verandah of the Healer's Den was surrounded by a small sturdy railing of oak wood. Strider leaned on the wooden guard rail, staring up into the night. The sky was a banner of stars, the moon shined down on the forest and village, washing everything in a heavenly blanket of silver light. There wasn't a cloud in the sky.

"I didn't think they'd let you out so soon." Strider almost jumped a foot in the air at the sound of Halt's voice, the Ranger had snuck up on her without the slightest hint of difficulty. She regained her sense and shrugged.

"They don't know I'm out here, if they did, they'd probably feed me poison ivy."

Halt stepped onto the verandah, the cowl of his cloak rested on his shoulders, he'd come to check on Gilan, but he didn't mind sharing a few words with Strider before hand.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"That depends, are you talking about mental or physical health?"

Halt shrugged, "Whichever."

"I'm fine," Then she sighed and turned to meet Halt's gaze. "Fell told me about what happened at the cliff. You put an arrow through my brother, but you didn't kill him."

"Your right, your brother's alive." Halt's stony gaze and grim tone gave nothing away.

"I'm not exactly a stranger to Araluen you know, I've been here for quite awhile now. I know a thing or two about Ranger's, I've heard the rumors."

Halt cocked an eyebrow, "So you think I'm a dark magician of some sort?"

Strider chuckled softly, "No, I don't, but I do think you could put an arrow exactly where you wanted it, no matter what the distraction. Why didn't you, it wouldn't have been much of an effort to have killed my brother, you could have put an end to his reign then and there."

Halt's eyes flashed in the shadow of the overhanging roofing of the verandah. "My shoulders still a bit bothersome from the assassins, I was a little off with my shots yesterday."

Strider let out a snort of contempt, "How convincing," She said snidely, then added sardonically, "Don't make me get the Healer Halt, you won't like confinement any more than Gilan does."

Halt stayed silent for a few moments before he spoke, "Would you be happier if I'd killed your brother?"

Strider shifted her weight from one foot to another, she thought hard for several seconds then she came to a decision. Halt had never heard her speak in a softer tone. "No, I wouldn't have been. He's still my brother, no matter what he's done, or what he'll do, I'm still going to miss him when he's gone. I'm already missing him." Strider's words were as much as a confession to herself as they were to Halt. The grizzled Ranger smiled faintly.

"Then I made the right decision by wounding him, and not killing him."

"But Halt, doesn't your loyalty to Araluen matter more than my opinion of my brother?"

Halt nodded, "Of course, but would killing your brother really have brought the Cult to their knees?"

Strider's shoulders sagged, she didn't like the way Halt was turning every one of her questions for him, into questions for herself. She'd picked up the hint that he didn't like it when people did that. "Well no, someone else would step up, take his place, and probably pursue his same interests."

"Then I haven't done anything wrong by letting him live. I didn't exactly plan on letting him get away, I was going to go back for him. He would have been a good prisoner to keep, he could've told us all about the Cult and their plans."

Strider smiled, "Before Gilan and I ended up in the river."

Halt grunted, "I didn't exactly think you were serious when you promised to throw yourself into the river."

Strider grinned, "Yeah, me neither."

"I'm going to go check on Gilan," Halt said, and Strider stepped forward and hugged him, the grizzled Ranger let out a short series of gruff words that Strider didn't catch.

"Thanks, Halt." Halt smiled, and went to see his former apprentice.

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