Ranger's Apprentice - The Afterwards

Prologue

Maddie stepped out of the cabin, subconsciously fingering her new Silver Oakleaf. It was time for her to leave for home. Part of her was spilling over with joy. She missed her parents and her home at Castle Araluen.
But another small part of her didn't want to leave what had become like a second home to her. She'd miss Will and Halt. She'd miss her new friends at Redmont. Most of all, she'd miss her new freedom.
"You alright, Maddie?" Will asked from behind her. She looked back at him.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah. Yeah, I'm good." She said distractedly.
"I didn't ask if you were good, Maddie. I asked if you were alright." Will put a hand on her shoulder and turned her around to face him. He looked at her expectantly. There was no lying to Will, she knew.
"Will, I've been so excited to head back home. But now that the day is here..." She let Will finish for her.
"You don't want to go." He smiled. "Listen, Maddie. You need to go home. There's nothing left for me to teach you. You've grown into a beautiful, strong and independent young woman. And I couldn't be more proud." Maddie's heart swelled with joy. She liked to know she had pleased her mentor.
"I know," she said, dropping her gaze to his boots. "But I'll miss being able to get out in the woods and hunt, alone or with you. And not having people gawk at me every time I pass by."
"Well, Maddie, you are the Crown Princess." Will said. She didn't reply.
"Maddie." Will lifted her chin up and she was forced to look at his eyes. "You're still the same person. You aren't going to change. Your surrounding, maybe. But not you." Maddie let a small smile play on her lips.
She turned and walked down the pourch, across the yard, and mounted Bumper. Once astride her horse, she took one last look at the clearing. She gazed at the yard where she'd spent countless hours practicing with her bow and knife. She looked at the stables, where she had learned to care for Bumper. She gazed at the cabin, where she had changed from a pampered princess into a Ranger. Then, her sight focused in on Will.
Will, her godfather. Will, her mentor. Will, her family. Will...her friend.
"Goodbye, Will." Maddie said as she let a tear roll down her cheek.
"Goodbye, Maddie."
She turned and trotted Bumper towards the path that would lead her to Redmont, where a small group would accompany her back to her home.
Will watched silently from his porch as his former apprentice, and more importantly his goddaughter, disappeared from view.
"Travel safely, Madelyn." He said as a few of his own tears cascaded down his face.