NOTE: I don't own any of the characters from Ranger's Apprentice! I just own Will's father.
2nd NOTE: A pet project of mine is finally completed! I officially have my own website which you can find at www storiesarewritersdreams weebly com (the spaces represent periods). That is: Stories Are Writers Dreams. On this website, you can discuss your favorite books (I'll even allow for homework help if you really need it), I'll post any fan-art that I receive, you can talk with me about anything, and eventually you can have me write short stories for you. Hope some of you come to see it!
3rd NOTE: Finals are coming up for me. I'll try to post next week/weekend. If not, I'm really sorry but school must come first.
To show how sorry I will be, here a proposal: Vote YES in the comments if you want me to give a little description on the book I'm writing. You'll be the first ones to see it (well, besides the friend who is acting as my proofreader). Keep this in mind.
Now on to the actually story!
Review and Enjoy!
Unknown Blood Chapter 5
It was not overly hard to spot it. That feeling had always been there really. The feeling of worms wriggling in his stomach, of the cold ice freezing his veins. It was only a matter of time until he noticed it. Only a matter of time before he understood what it meant.
Will was doing his chores outside Halt's cabin when he first began to recognize the feeling. His father had just trotted into view with some of his men. Halt stepped out onto the verandah, those dark eyes watching them like a hawk ready to strike. Bruce gave Halt a simple nod, showing no emotion. Distrust was a mutual feeling between them. Will could sense it from where he was crouching in the bushes. The bucket of water he had just fetched rested at his feet. The two men exchanged a quick word before Bruce led his horse over to Abelard and Tug. Both shaggy horses gave a little neigh in greeting. Bruce's paint flicked its tail and turned its back to them. Even the horses were having problems which each other.
The next time was not with Halt and Bruce. Instead it was with Sir Horace. Will was laughing and joking with the young knight when his father came walking past. Spotting him, Will called him over and introduced them. Horace instantly gave his hand, congratulating Bruce on finding Will and wishing them happiness. Bruce took the hand and gave a small smile. Then he asked his son if he could find Render, the captain of his guard. Nodding, Will left to do that. However, he stopped as he rounded the corner. That's when he heard his father hiss angrily at Horace:
"Stay away from my son if you know what's good for you."
Horace ignored Bruce's warning, however. He continued to talk with Will. Everyone did. It started becoming more common for Bruce to approach and pull Will away with some question or request. Will couldn't understand it. He thought his father would be happy he was spending time with his friends. After all, once they left for home they would have plenty of time together. There was no need to act mean and jealous. It was an itch that was starting to bother Will.
Then he heard a conversation that made him nervous.
Will was walking back to Halt's cabin after eating with his father. When he had left, Will could sense that his father did not approve of Will's choice to continue his training until they left. Why, the boy could not fathom. The woods around Will were dark. He had chosen the woodland path to Halt's cabin instead of the main road. That took him close to a small clearing. It was there he heard the voices.
"What's the plan?"
"Why are you asking me? I'm not the boss."
"Quiet down, both of you!" snapped the deep voice of Render.
Will's feet stopped dead. Quickly he dropped into a crouch and moved toward the clearing. Standing there were all of Bruce's guards. Each one was leaning against a tree, blending in perfectly. Then a short, soft whinny cut through the air. That's when Bruce appeared from the trees opposite of Will. His paint horse was walking quietly, avoiding anything that could make a sound. Halting the animal, Bruce dismounted. At once his guards swarmed forward.
"Well, Boss, what's our orders?" asked the first man, the lankiest of the group.
Bruce looked at him, "You know your orders. Stay low and keep your eyes and ears open. But, more importantly, keep your mouth shut." As he snapped the last word, he backhand slapped the lanky guard. With a growl, he continued, "It's bad enough to have the Battlemaster investigating us. Now we have the Ranger and the King looking into us. I don't want our plans getting out until we are ready. To do so would ruin everything I'm trying to accomplish."
"Forgive me, Boss, but you don't seem to be doing your job. We were supposed to leave several weeks ago," spoke the second voice, a broad shoulder man with a broken nose and massive hands.
Bruce glared at him, "To pull Will away from this place too soon will set alarm bells in everyone's minds. I've come too far, searched for far too long, to lose him now. When he is ready, then we'll leave. The problem is keeping his friends away from him. I know their responsible for why he taking so long."
Render stepped forward, "Then why don't we take care of that. We've done it before. We can do it again."
Bruce nodded, rubbing his chin. Will's stomach knotted as he watched his father smile. "Yes," Bruce said, "It worked before. It'll work again." He looked at Render. "Finish it. You know my parameters: no witness, no evidence, and no chains."
Render and the others bowed, "By the full moon, it will be done."
Will's heart leaped into his mouth. The full moon was only two days away. Silently he slinked back to his path and continued onward. Reaching the cabin, he entered, said good-night to Halt, and entered his room. Once in bed, Will let his mind start thinking. Two days with a target set.
But who was the target?
Dun, dun, dunnnn! Please look at my website if you have time and tell me if you want to give you a "preview" to my story.
Sorry this was so short. Dictation takes forever. My wrist is so bad I can't write more than a few sentences.
See you soon!