...

Arald watched Will leave as he drummed his fingers across his desk. He knew the young man didn't have the best relationship with his ward mates. With Horace specifically but he had a funny feeling that the others would be happy to see him.

Should he risk it? Driving Will away would not do him any good. There was every chance it would ruin his goodwill with the White Tower. They were very touchy about their Warders bonded or not.

Then again if he didn't tell the other wards they would not be happy with him. Again with the exception of Horace who would've been happy if Will never came back. Arald should probably do something to fix their dislike of each other. It was childish and could cause a lot of problems. The thing was he wasn't very good at dealing with children. It was why they lived with caretakers and tutors. He only saw them a few times a year.

Sighing he pushed himself out of his chair and headed for the door. Will wasn't likely to thank him for this but it was better in the long run. Let the kids get over whatever hurt feeling they had and grow.

Arald left his office and headed down through the castle. Daniel had tried to follow but he sent the man back to his desk. If anyone came with important news it was better to have someone there to receive it. Servants bowed deeply to him as he passed. A few asked if they could get him anything. He would raise a hand in greeting or give a gentle smile to most. The ones who asked questions he would give a slight shake of his head.

Once out of the main castle he headed straight for the Ward House. Despite the niceness of the day there were only a handful of the youngest Wards outside. The rest were inside with their studies and judging by the sun would be for several hours yet. If the group about to age out weren't ready by now they wouldn't be. He was going to give them the week off so they could get reacquainted with Will.

The young Wards called out happily to Arald who waved and smiled as he went inside. The inside was immaculate and didn't look like it was in need of repairs. That was good. There was one time where the caretakers had not done their jobs very well. They had been exiled long ago but Arald still liked to do surprise inspections just in case.

It only took him a few moments to find the older children's school room. As he expected they were all in attendance and mostly paying attention. With the exception of young Horace who was fighting a losing battle with sleep. He was never very studious. He'd have to learn if he truly wanted to be a Knight. Knights needed to be able to think tactically. To be able change plans on a dime. Rodney wanted this boy to join the Battle School. Arald thought that he was physically good but mentally he had doubts. Time would tell however.

A few seconds passed before the tutor noticed his presence and the man started, "My lord! Pardon my rudeness I did not see you there. What brings you here today?"

Why were so many in his castle like this? He was not a hard master. Nor did he treat his servants badly even when they made mistakes.

Sighing he said, "I got a visit today from a young man. After talking to him I decided that these young adults are to take the rest of the week before choosing off."

Excitement filled the children though young Alyss looked put off. She always was the most studious of the group. The tutor for his part looked stunned and half like he wanted to argue. Then thought better of it given who was giving the order.

Alyss asked, "Who came to visit you, sir? It had to be someone specula if you want us to take a week off from studies."

"Don't complain," grumbles Horace, "I for one will be happy to have a week off."

Arald said with a smile for the girl, "A friend has returned. He is at the inn now. I'm sure he would be happy to see everyone."

"A friend?"

There was confusion across their faces. It had been a long time since any of them thought about young Will. If he had to guess only Alyss still thought of the boy. They had been close before he left for the White Tower.

Arald smiled softly and watched as realization hit her, "Will! It's Will isn't it?"

Arald nodded and the others started cheering happily. All except for Horace who didn't appear to know how to feel. He didn't appear angry but neither was he as excited as the others.

...

There was a slight burn in his arms as he drew back his knocked arrow. Before him was a target he drew on a tree so he could practice. In his hands was a black yew longbow made from an area known as the Two Rivers in Andor. It had been a gift from a farmer Will saved from having his throat cut by bandits. The farmer had not only given him the bow but taught him how to draw it.

In that time he learned to Two River folk had muscles like iron. The draw weight of a black yew longbow was immense. It has taken him most of the last six months for him to be able to reliably draw it back. Now he was working on his aim and adding distance. He could hit a target at 75 yards now but it was said in the Two Rivers there were archers who could hit a moving target at 200 yards.

Will released the arrow and to his delight it struck home. Reaching into his quiver he drew another arrow out and notched it. He stared at his target assessing it before drawing back the arrow. It rested in between his index and middle finger easily. His thumb touched his cheek drawing a line as he pulled back. Again he released the arrow and again it struck home. He would need to add more space soon. If he kept at this distance he would become complacent. That was one thing he could not be. Will continued with this practice adding another 10 yards until his quiver was empty.

As he went to retrieve the arrows he heard a gasp from a female behind him. With protesting arms Will nocked and drew back the arrow he was holding. He spun just as his thumb pushed next to his ear. Just a dozen yard away was a tall girl of sixteen years with ash blond hair and grey eyes. Behind her were other sixteen year olds. All of whom Will immediately recognized as being his wardmates before he left.

He eased the tension on the bowstring until he could return the arrow to its quiver. Everyone began to approach as he did so now that they were sure he wasn't going to put an arrow through them. Alyss being the closest was the first to reach him and wrap him in a bear hug.

Will very nearly dropped his bow as she started him. Everyone had grown but no longer was Will the smallest of them. In fact he was the third tallest now though he was leaner. What were they... the Baron must have told them. Damn that man worked fast.