The Ranger's Apprentice - A New Story ON HOLD

Prologue

The forest started out that night was its usual quiet, yet noisy self. At first it seemed quiet, but if someone stood and waited, they would hear that it is not quiet at all. That someone would hear the movement of animals, on the ground and in the trees, or the hooting of the owls and the chirping ot the crickets that filled the night. But as Will stood, waiting, hiding in the shadows of an oak tree, he heard the forest shifting. Some odd hoot in the forest would cut short, then a cricket chirp, and would cease to continue. Suddenly, all at once, the forest went quiet, the silence echoing to every animal and tree. This gave Will the chance to be focus his eyes in the dark, for having been there all night, his eyes were accustomed to the dark. He scanned the area like he was taught many years before. There was a flicker of shadow in one place, then, a few moments later, a movement ten feet away. Then it was still. Will held his breath, not making a sound or a motion. For what seemed like an eternity, the movement Will saw stepped out of the shadows, into the moonlight, and revealed itself, partially. The figure was still covered in a cloak. and stood for a moment.

"I know you're there Will," said the figure. Will paused, seeing if Halt just took a wild guess, but then chuckled to himself. He knew that tone from years of training and scolding. Halt was certain. Will lowered his hood and stepped out of the shadows, smiling.

"How do you always know Halt?" said Will, trying to sound frustrated, but could not stop the laughter coming in his voice. Halt lowered his hood, shook his head and shrugged.

"What I want to know is why we have to meet out in the forest, in the middle of the night. If someone saw, they would be suspisious of us. Plus, I should be in bed right now, or at least drinking a cup of coffee," Halt replied grupily.

"I know, I know, but I did not want anyone to over hear us. Nobody came here by the way. I was here for hours, I would have known."

"And we could not have gone to my cabin, and talked about this why?" Halt questioned knowingly.

"Because it is too close to Redmont, and I do not want anyone to know!" Will had prepared this answer, knowing full out that it would be asked.

"But you should not have to ask me! It is your desision, not mine."

"I know but I would feel better about my desision if you agreed with me!" Will was beginning to struggle keeping his voice down. Halt sighed. Will knew he understood his reluctance, his nervousness.

"I agree it is a tough desision," Halt started, "but I know that you see yourself in her. No matter what her parents did, she is not them. She does not remember her parents, and even if she did, she knows what they did and hates them for it. She is not her parents, and you know that. When you first saw her as an option for your apprentice, I know you saw yourself. You saw the same boy who was curious, but struggled with his past. You just wanted to ask for my input because you were worried what other people thought of your desision, and if I agreed with you, you would be more confident in your choice." Will sighed. Halt got every thing right. Yes, it was rare for Halt to talk this much at once but it was obvious he wanted to get it over with.

"So?" Will prompted.

"I agree that she would be a good choice for a Ranger, but you must know that she hangs by a thread. One major step out of line, and she is done." Halt warned.

"I know. Thank you Halt," replied Will. He sighed with relief. It was good to know Halt was on his side.

"I would invite you to have a cup of coffee at my cabin, but since you're the reason I had to get out of bed, I won't. Goodbye Will," Halt joked with Will.

"Goodbye Halt," said Will as both Ranger's turned and went their separate ways as the forest started it's quiet, noisiness once again.