Ghost of the Past-Ranger's Apprentice Fanfic *Working Progress*

Chapter 8

As the sun rose the next day Gilan grabbed his bag and left the Cabin, he's week with Will had come to an end and he had to return to his duties back at Castle Araluen. He wasn't particularly eager to leave but his duties couldn't be neglected, thus the reason he was leaving so early. Will bade his friend goodbye and watched as he and his bay horse disappeared into the trees. Goodbyes were something that Will hated and this time was no exception, it seemed the past days had been nothing but farewells. Never the less life carried on and he retreated back to the safety of his Cabin and began the daily cleaning duties.

He'd only finished sweeping the floors when there was a knock at his door. He carefully propped the broom up against the chest of draws and wandered over to it in no real hurry. He wasn't quite expecting to be greeted by a heavily panting Ayla, leaning against the side of his Cabin for support as she tried to catch her breath.

"Gil" she panted, "has he gone?" Will nodded with a frown not sure why she had returned so quickly.

"What's wrong?"

"They-they're going to kill him" she wheezed in a single breath quickly taking a lung full of air before proceeding. "Can I borrow Tug?" Will nodded instinctively, if Gilan was in trouble of course he was going to let her take Tug. She nodded her thanks before heading to the stable at the back of the Cabin.

"Wait!" Will called abruptly as she disappeared around the corner. She quickly skidded back to him, an expectant look on her face. "I'm coming with you."

He reached behind the door and grabbed a prepacked rucksack, ready for emergencies such as this, along with his cloak, bow and quiver before slamming the door closed. As he hurriedly kitted himself up Tug trotted around the corner with a very exhausted Ayla on his back.

"Come on Will!" She said impatiently, watching as he struggled to tie his cloak in a hurry.

"I'm going as fast as he can" he snapped back in frustration at his cloak before giving up and leaving it in a pool on the veranda and hauling himself onto Tug's back behind Ayla. He'd only just sat down when she sharply nudged Tug into a fast trot, something he wasn't prepared for. He threw his arms around her as he struggled to stay seated for a moment,

"I thought you were used to riding" she smirked as she navigated Tug through the thick alcove of trees surrounding the Cabin.

"I am, just not with you in charge. Do you know even how to ride a horse properly?" He asked finally stabilising himself. She shrugged as she ducked a low hanging branch which slapped Will across the face causing him to curse in annoyance.

"I know how to ride, Ranger horses are different but I've rode a few over the years."

"How?" He asked curiously fearing the answer he may receive.

"That would be telling" she smirked before swinging Tug out of the trees and kicking him into a canter.

As they cantered into the village Ayla swung Tug towards the castle causing Will to frown.

"Why are we going there?" He asked his head anxiously looking towards the direction in which Gilan would have travelled.

"You're taking a detour" she explained as she gently pulled back on Tug's reigns "we'll need Halt." She added looking to him, "and you know where he is and then the route Gil would have taken." She explained causing him to sigh with a nod.

"Alright, just be careful" he sighed as he dismounted his loyal companion.

"Hurry" she commanded before kicking Tug into a canter and speeding down the dusty track and onto the open land. Will nodded as though she was still there before running inside the castle walls to find his old mentor.