A/N: Here is another one! I know, I am on a roll, aren't I?

A big thank you to everyone who reviewed for the last few chapters. I really love the feedback. Most of you wanted a one shot of Halt getting revenge... Do not fear! I will write one when the opportunity arises. This chapter just seemed better suited for something else.

Warning: None for this chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own Ranger's Apprentice. Also, the song in italics is from the book... I didn't make that up either...

19. Gray

Halt glanced up as a screeching note came from his apprentice's room. He sighed, looking back down at the mound of paperwork he still had to complete. He had just managed to focus again when another grating chord sounded through the cabin.

"Blasted mandola," he muttered to himself. Why he still put up with it being practiced in the cabin was beyond him.

Just when he thought that his situation couldn't get any worse, his apprentice started to sing.

Graybeard Halt is a friend of mine

He lives on Redmont's hill

Graybeard Halt never took a bath

And they say He never will!

He tried to ignore the new song and turn back to the pile of papers scattered across his table.

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt

Fare thee well, I say

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt

I'll see you on your way

Will began to sing louder, his voice becoming more confident as he strummed his mandola with a new vigor.

Halt closed his eyes, trying to block out the noise.

Graybeard Halt, he lost a bet

He lost his winter coat

When winter comes, Halt stays warm

By sleeping 'mongst the goats.

"Will! Come here for a minute!" he shouted, finally giving in to his frustration. Will tentatively opened his door and sat down at the table, his mandola still in his hands.

"Yes, Halt?" he asked, his face a mask of innocence. "Is there something I can help you with?" Will's mouth twitched up in the shadows of a grin.

"Do you really have to sing that song right now? I am trying to get some work done!" Halt said, trying to keep the frustration out of his voice.

"I have to practice or else I wont get any better! After all, you are always saying how it sounds like I am torturing small animals…"

And in saying that, Will struck another chord and started singing again.

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt

Fare thee well, I say

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt

I'll see you on your way.

Graybeard Halt, he lives with goats

That's what I've heard tell

He hasn't changed his socks for years

But the goats doesn't mind the smell!

Halt growled incoherently.

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt

Fare thee well, I say

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt

I'll see you on your way

"Will!"

His apprentice looked up at him, an innocent expression plastered on his face.

"Yes, Halt? I'm just practicing," he said, strumming the mandola lightly as he spoke.

"Yes," Halt said calmly, an idea popping into his mind. "But you really should be practicing your ranger skills." His voice now had an evil edge to it.

"But, Halt. It's ten o'clock at night…" Will gulped, his fingers pausing over the fretboard when he heard the menacing undertone of his mentor's voice,

"I know that. Do you think an attacking party of Temujai are going to stop just because it's night time?" Halt asked, his eyebrow raising. Will shook his head, swallowing nervously.

Halt stood up, setting down his papers and walking to the door. He swung it open, glancing around for a second before turning back to his apprentice.

"Come here," he said gruffly. Will stood, placing his mandola on the table and stumbling over to the door.

"You see that tree, Will?" Halt asked, his finger pointing to tall oak standing beside the cabin. Will nodded, downcast.

"I want you to go climb it and STAY THERE!" Halt slammed the door after him, chuckling. His laughter was cut off by the sound of a voice coming from the trees.

Graybeard Halt is a fighting man

I've heard common talk

That Graybeard Halt, he cuts his hair

With a carving knife and fork!

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt

Fare thee well, I say

Fare thee well, Graybeard Halt

I'll see you on your way

A/N: There you are! I hope you enjoyed.

Next chapter is Fortitude... Any suggestions?

Thanks again for reading!

-Dawn