...

Jenny was the first to lunge for him as soon as Alyss released him. Her arms wrapped the youth in a bear hug. For a long moment he was as stiff as a board. Then slowly he relaxed into the hug. He carefully angled away the bow and arrow that he carried.

Quietly he said, "Hello, Jenny. It's been a long time."

Jenny asked her voice rising an octave, "Where have you been, Will? Do you know how worried we've been?"

Will pulled away slightly as he said, "I'm fine, Jenny. I had quite an adventure while living in Tar Valon."

She released him full now. This allowed Will to replace his arrow in the quiver as well as sling his bow over his back. Given his upbringing he wouldn't feel comfortable with his hands tied up. Nor could he just drop his bow. The risk for damage was too high.

"You expect us to believe you went to the White Tower?" Sneered Horace, "You're a liar, Will. There is no way that the witches of Tar Valon or their freaky companions would let you stay with them."

Witches huh? That's not what he had called Moiraine when she had visited. Nor had he called Lan a freaky companion. Though knowing the man as he did, Will doubted that was the rudest thing he had been called.

Many outsiders called Warders, shadow spawn. They didn't know what they were talking about. Warders were a gift to their world. A trained Warder even one unbonded like Will could sense the shadow from a mile away. Experienced Warders like Lan could sense them from closer to a League. If a Warders said there was trouble it was in your best interest to listen.

Alyss asked curious now, "Did you go with Lady Moiraine? I thought she said none of us had the talent. She tested both Jenny and myself."

"No one had the talent to become an Aes Sedai," admitted Will, "However Lan thought I might make a good Warder. So he asked if I wanted to go along. I agreed."

Not entirely true but neither was it a lie. Everyone had looked the other way to Horace's bullying, even Alice. Lan had been a life saver. Will doubted he would have made it this long without help. Horace would have killed him.

"It's good to see you, Will," came the quiet voice of George.

George maybe had an inch on Will. Thanks to his time in Tar Valon Will had grown quite a bit. He was no longer the shortest out of his year mates. Only George and Horace were taller than him and it wasn't by much.

Will smiled warmly at the other boy and returned, "As it is to see you, George. Tell me do you still have an interest in being a scribe?"

Cautiously the taller boy nodded, "I do but why?"

"I have some speciality papers and inks," explained Will, "I'll have to get them out of my saddle bags later."

A screech sounded above them in response he let out a sharp whistle. The others jumped back as a flash of silver dived at them. Will didn't move an inch as Aiden landed expertly on his shoulder.

"A falcon," breathed Horace in surprise.

"A silver winged falcon," countered Alyss, "Aren't they extremely rare? However did you tame one?"

Horace said grumpily, "It has to be some kind of trick. There is no way a falcon would ever let wimpy Will tame it. They need someone powerful to tame them."

Will could not help himself, he snorted loudly, "Like you? I'll have you know, Horace that Aiden chose me two years ago. He has not left my side since then. He has aided me significantly in my work since leaving Tar Valon. I am no longer an apprentice and am simply waiting to find the right Aes Sedai to bond with."

"Bullshit," stated Horace bluntly, "If anyone should have been chosen as an apprentice so young it would have been me. Where were you really? A farm? I bet that's it. The Baron thought you were a disgrace and sent you to a farm."

"Horace!" Cane Jenny's cry.

Will's eyes grew cold as he said, "I would challenge you to a duel Horace but I'm afraid it wouldn't be fair. For you."

"You think I couldn't take you?" Rage made the boy's face go red.

Will sighed, "Horace I have been trained by some of the fiercest warriors in rhe world. I might not have the bond other Warders have but I can certainly take you."

He was glad that he had freed his hands for Horace lunged for him. A quick movement pushed Jenny away from him. Alyss had been smart enough to move away from him.

Just as Horace hit him, Will dug in and was able to keep his feet under him. Horace grunted trying to lift him from his feet. Will brought his fist back and slammed it into Horace's side just below the ribs. He let out a cry of pain and was forced to let Will go.

Will gave a harsh push toppling the slightly larger boy. Despite every bit of his training screaming at him to jump on top of Horace and finish it. Instead he rocked back on his heels. It would be too easy to finish off and he would not learn his lesson.

Horace jumped back to his feet his arms swinging. Will sidestepped each wild attack. Each attack went wide and if he waited the boy would wear himself out. This was a strategy that Lan would use on him when he was too angry for real practice. A lesson he had to learn quickly that anger would get him nowhere. Only a calm cool head would allow him to achieve his goals. Moiraine thought it was funny as she would watch many of their practices.

Side stepping the other boy was too easy. He was constantly aware of where he was in the yard. When Horace got too close to his left side Will pivoted and gave him another harsh shove. Once again he was sprawled across the ground on his back.

Before Horace could regain his feet an angry voice snapped, "Enough! What is happening here?"

Dante the local blacksmith was the owner of the voice. Turning Will took in the man who was in his late thirties. He was stocky and wore the heavy leather apron of a blacksmith forge.

Will greeted, "Master Blacksmith I apologize for the disruption of your day. Ward Horace Altman didn't like that I had been chosen as an apprentice twice before he was even chosen once."

Dante looked Will up and down with a critical eye before he asked, "You're Will no name correct?"

Will bowed slightly and said, "Master Thief Catch Will actually."

There were several sharp intakes of breath from those around him. To his credit the blacksmith only raised a disbelieving eyebrow. Until Will pulled back on his glove revealing the falcon tatto.

Then he received a bow with a breathy, "Master Thief Catcher."

To Horace he growled, "Ward Altman you should know better. Get up," reluctantly the boy did so, "You're lucky that the Thief Catcher didn't seem to want to hurt you. Get out of here until you learn manners."

With hatred in his eyes Horace did so and Dante said his goodbyes. They then headed into the inn at his suggestion.