NOTE: I don't own any of the characters from Ranger's Apprentice! I just own Will's father.
I'm really sorry for the late update! Unfortunately I had a project finish and my wrist is not doing so good. However, I am working on getting better. Therefore, please forgive me if my writing isn't as good as it used to be. I am working with a new software that allows me to dictate instead of typing and I'm still trying to get used to it. Some sentences may not flow as well as they used to and my grammar will possibly suck.
One of my fans asked me if you could send fan art to my email. My answer to that is yes if you can figure it out. I don't know how to send pictures to other people so don't ask me. However, if you do know how to send pictures and want to, feel free. It makes me really happy to know that my ideas are giving artists inspiration and fellow writers the encouragement to continue trying.
Review and Enjoy!
Unknown Blood Chapter 4
"So you saw it too?" asked Sir Rodney.
Halt nodded, "Yes, I saw it too. However, I don't know what it means."
The two men were sitting inside Rodney's office at Castle Redmont. Before them, littering the desk, were all the papers that Bruce had given to them when he arrived to take Will. Sir Rodney was pacing back and forth behind the desk. Slowly Halt scratched his beard as he tried to think. Neither man knew what to make of the situation that they now found themselves in. After all, none of them had ever thought such a time would come to pass. Yet, there was something going on that was making them itch. All they had to do is figure out what was going on. Rodney had been tracking all of Bruce's guards throughout the past days while Halt have been keeping an eye on Bruce himself. Time was of the essence and both men knew it. King Duncan and the others had been informed and were on their way to join them at Castle Redmont. Word have been sent ahead from the group explained to be here within a few days. There was also a few sentences from Princess Cassandra and Sir Horace, congratulating Will and his father. Secretly Halt had also summoned Crowley to come down as well to take a look at the paperwork.
After all, both Halt and Rodney were sensing a trap or trick.
For all they knew, Bruce had been extremely secretive since the moment he had Will in his sights. The man was constantly taking the apprentice away from training sessions with Halt. The man rarely answers questions about where he came from or what position he held. He never seemed happy when he found Will talking with his friends. When asked, Will admitted that he thought his father was kind of secretive but he resolved to let it go. His mentor, however, could not let it go. All of Bruce's actions were making him extremely uncomfortable and wary. He was afraid the man was planning something more sinister than what he was leading the others to believe. Now it seemed that Sir Rodney shared his fears.
The knight stopped pacing long enough to pick up a piece of paper. As he continued, his eyes scanned the paper in his hand, looking for some trace of fraud. With a sigh he sat into a chair and rubbed his face. As far as he could tell there was nothing wrong with the documentation. Looking over at Halt, he could see the Ranger was having the same problem. That grizzled face was set in a frown, those dark eyes bore into the pages, and his fingers silently drummed on the desktop. This was the most agitated and worried Rodney had ever seen Halt. He knew from experience that this was never a good sign.
"What do we do now?" Rodney asked.
Glancing up for a piece of paper, Halt glared at the knight. "Do you expect me to have all the answers," Halt snapped angrily.
"Just wondering if you had any suggestions is all," Rodney said, holding up his hands in surrender.
Halt sighed and looked out the window. "I wish I had the answers to this. However, I'm afraid I don't this time." Those dark eyes gained a distant look, "I'm afraid that whatever answer we are looking for has something to do with Will. Whatever it is, I hope it doesn't bring the boy any harm."
Rodney silently nodded his head. He could understand that feeling because he felt the same way towards Horace. At least his parents were known, unlike Will's. Bruce had appeared, virtually out of nowhere, claiming the boy as his own and insisting they leave as soon as possible. Forgetting Bruce for the moment, there were still many issues with the situation. The primary one for Rodney where the guards. There were huge, well-trained, and spoke harshly with everyone they met. They most certainly have little respect for the knights of Araluen. With King Duncan coming down in a few short days, Rodney was really worried about what these men might do.
With soft, worried goodbyes, both men said good night. Halt immediately set off to the stables to retrieve Abelard. After saddling the horse, he set off for his cabin. Rodney, meanwhile, slowly made his way to his own apartments. It was past midnight and both men had early mornings ahead of them. For Rodney, it meant working with Baron Arald to prepare for the king's arrival. For Halt, it meant continuing his training with the Will and possibly spying on Bruce. With a heavy, worried heart, halt push open the door to his cabin and walked inside. Sure enough, sitting next to the fireplace for the cup of coffee was Bruce. Two pairs of dark eyes glared at each other as each one waited for the other to make a move. Finally Bruce Rose, put down his mug of coffee, and walked towards the door.
As he passed Halt, Bruce quietly whispered in the man's ear, "Think you're so clever that you can sneak around me without me knowing? I think not! Beware where you walk, Ranger. One of these days you'll take one step too far."
"For Will," Halt whispered to the empty cabin, "I am willing to do much worse."
Sorry this was so short but I can only dictate for so long. It's a time-consuming process for me but I'm getting the hang of it. I'll do what I can to have the next chapter up this weekend. First, I need to finish a test and a presentation.
Feel free to private message me with any questions.
See you all soon!