Ranger's Apprentice - The Afterwards

Ch. 5

   "So, what do you like to do for fun?" Jason asked.
   They were walking through the market place on the common grounds below Castle Araluen. Well, Jason was walking. Maddie was hobbling around on her crutches.
   "Shoot." She said shortly. Jason laughed.
   "Okay," he said. "But what else?"
   Maddie hadn't been too thrilled about having an escort. When they'd decided it would be Jason, she was even more upset. The fact that she'd been assigned a strong, handsome boy around her age was too much. Maddie didn't have many friends, and the ones she did have were Rangers or diplomats.
   But as much as she wanted to be mad at Jason, he was funny. His easy personality made Maddie feel relaxed. Still, she was careful not to get too close to him.
   "Ride," she said after a while. "I like to ride."
   "Really? Me too!" Jason said.
   Maddie nodded. "That's cool." She said distractedly. Jason noticed and looked at her.
   "Hey," Jason said. Maddie turned to look at his blue eyes. "What's wrong?"
   Maddie hesitated. It wasn't like her to confide her personal thoughts to people. She never spoke about her feelings, not even to her parents or Will. But something told her she should trust Jason.
   "I don't like all the attention I'm getting. It makes me feel crouded." She said. Then added, "And don't say I need to let people help me sometimes." Jason shook his head.
   "Wasn't gonna." He said.
   Maddie stopped, looking for a bench to sit on. She wouldn't admit it, but she needed a break.
   "Over here," Jason said, pointing to a little wooden bench a few feet away. He and Maddie sat down.
   Maddie looked across the market place. The grass was green and soft this time of year. The gentle breeze was warm and refreshing. Maddie closed her eyes and let the wind blow her hair behind her.
   "Who do you ride?" Jason asked. Maddie opened her eyes and looked at him.
   "What?"
   "You said you liked to ride. I assume you have your own horse?" Maddie nodded.
   "Bumper," she replied. "I got him my first year of training with Will."
   "I've never had my own horse. You know, living on a farm and all. But sometimes when the chores are done, I'll sneak our plow horse out. Chariot and I have been on lots of adventures." He said the last part with a smile.
   Maddie looked at her feet. She didn't know what to say. She hadn't ever had much experience with not having something she wanted. Suddenly, she was embarrassed of her upbringing.
   "I'm not stuck up, you know." She told him. Jason turned to look at her, confused.
   "I know you're not." He said.
   "A lot of people think I am. I don't have many friends, and none my age. People always treat me different because I'm the Crown Princess."
   "You don't like the attention?" Jason asked.
   "I used to," she told him. "I used to do a lot of things to get my parents attention. I thought I was better than any simple-" Maddie stopped, realizing her next words could offend Jason. He simply nodded.
   "And simple farmer or towns person?" He asked. Maddie nodded, ashamed of herself. But Jason only laughed.
   "It's okay. I know what you mean. You're the Princess. Your life means a lot more than some random farmer's, in a way."
   Maddie shook her head. "No, it doesn't. I used to think so, but now I know it's the opposite. Others before myself. That's how you lead a hero's life. Like Will. And like my parents."
   "Wow," Jason said. "Sounds like you've got it figured out."
   Maddie laughed. "Not even half of it." She said.
   They sat in silence for a while before Maddie got an idea.
   "Jason?" She tested. Her looked up at her.
   "Yeah?"
   "If we both like riding..."
   "Mhm?"
   "Why don't we take the horses out? You can borrow one of the Castle's mounts."
   "I don't know, Maddie. It sounds like fun, but won't it hurt your leg?" He asked. Maddie shrugged.
   "We can take it slow," she said. Jason considered the suggestion.
   "Alright, but you better tell me if you're hurting. I don't want your parents mad at me." Maddie nodded.
   "Deal," she said, grinning. They stood up and walked to the stables.
   As they went, it occurred to Maddie that she had opened up to Jason, whether she'd meant to or not. To her surprise, she felt good about it. Maybe she had finally found a friend her age.
   What she didn't know was that Jason was thinking the exact same thing.