The Ranger's Apprentice - A New Story ON HOLD

Chapter 8-Getting What You Want the Hard Way

Anna gripped her head as she opened her eyes. Her head still hurt from the handle of the knife. She sat up and realized that she was in her bed. She stared blankly for a moment, then got out of bed. She stayed in the clothes she was in, they did not seem dirty. She walked into the main room and saw Will reading something quietly. He did not seem to know that she was up yet. She tried practicing her stealth and get to the table without Will knowing. She took five steps when Will looked up at Anna and chuckled to himself. 

"I see that you are up," Will said.

"What did I do wrong?" Anna asked, frustration in her tone. Will shrugged.

"I saw you," replied Will. Anna sat down and Will pushed food toward her. 

"Want some lunch?" he asked. Anna looked at the late afternoon sun. She shrugged as she grabbed the food and took a bite.

"How long was I out?" Anna asked worriedly.

"An hour or two," He responded simply. Anna continued to eat in silence until a question came upon her.

"What was up with those men?" Anna asked, pausing from her food.

"Those were the men that we had taken here when we were coming here. They escaped this morning and were trying to get back at me. That is why I had to leave this morning. Some people though, just don't know when to stop." he said. He sighed. Anna silently agreed. She finished her food as Will continued to read. She cleaned her dish and went back to Will.

"Are you up for training?" He asked. Anna laughed. Will gave her a confused look.

"That's how this all started this morning. I came to find you about training," Anna laughed. Will considered this, knowing exactly what she wanted to talk about. He continued.

"After today, I feel like it is finally time to get you started on weapon training." Anna's hopes lifted but were quickly guarded, judging if Will was kidding. He looked dead serious.

"But didn't you think that I did not trust you?" Anna responded.

"After this morning's events, I think that it is obvious that you trust me," said Will simply. He set down his single piece of paper and stood up. 

"Come outside when you are done," he said, motioning to the half eaten food in front of Anna. Realizing this, she quickly continued eating.

Anna stepped out of the cabin an half an hour after Will told her to finish eating. She closed the door behind her and quietly stood in front of the cabin. Not too far from the entrance of the cabin was Will with an array of weapons out in front of him. She studied the weapons in anticipation, especially the bow. The weapon had a permanent scar on her memory, and she was nervous to start working with it. She decided to work with that weapon last as she focused on the array of knives.  Will stared at her as she did this, in what looked like disappointment. The young ranger looked up, and her heart sunk.

"I was wondering if your head was bothering you again. I was about to go back in there to go get you," Anna relaxed in relief, realizing that Will was not disappointed, just concerned.

"I am fine, just got a little distracted. That's all," she replied.

"Good, if your head starts bothering you again, let me know. It is really hard to practice when you are in pain, trust me. Are you ready to start?" Will looked on, knowing the answer. Anna glanced at the bow again, then nodded with certainty.

"Alright," he paused, "It is safe, come closer." Anna stepped closer, so the weapons were a little past arm's length. Will knelt down and Anna knelt down as well. Will started.

"These are the weapons that a Ranger will use. Now usually we will try to gather information and do our work hidden, and try to be stealthy about it. Occasionally, there will be situations where it is required that we defend ourselves, others, or occasionally attack. That is where these come in. Each of these require a large amount of skill and practice. What do you want to start with?" Anna pointed to the array of knives laid out. Will nodded. 

"As a ranger, you will have a variety of knives used as both tools and weapons," he picked up a small knife with a short blade and a broad handle, "This is a throwing knife, there are several different types of throwing knives. Throwing knives are used if the enemy is at a medium distance and you want less of a piercing and directed power to a general area and a force that can stun an enemy. This particular knife is used if you want a blunt force, often used against armor or to disarm from a distance. And although they have a short blade..." he whipped his arm around in a blur, throwing the knife at the side of the cabin, and causing it to stick out of the cabin wall. He continued,"...they have a surprising amount of penetrating power." Will continued to teach Anna each of these weapons in a similar way: first explaining their purpose, then demonstrating them. Anna soon became overwhelmed with which knife is used for defence, penetration, as a tool, disarming and so on. Anna's head began to hurt again, but she said nothing.

Will had just finished going over the knives and strikers, and paused at the bow. He was not sure how ready she was for the bow, based on her past. Anna was not sure she was either.

"Are you okay? Are you ready for the last weapon?" Will asked. Anna hesitated, then nodded.

"You recognize this weapon. Although this is not considered a high class weapon, it is a light and efficient weapon for a ranger. It is the preferred weapon, and even though knives are in case of close contact battle, the bow will be used first to prevent the enemy from reaching striking distance." He held up his bow, modeling it.

"I know it may look like a simple weapon, there is an amazing amount of power in this weapon," Will grabbed an arrow,"This is the arrow, this is what makes the bow so deadly." He stopped, realising what he said. He glanced at Anna, but she kept a uniform face and expression. He continued by demonstrating how to load the arrow and shooting the bow. 

"You will be using the recurve bow because it is smaller and easier to use," the mentor said, holding up the recurve bow. Anna nodded. Will glanced in the direction of the sun.

"We only have about two hours before it gets too dark to practice with weapons. Which one do you want to start with?" He asked. Anna quickly picked up two of the throwing knives.

"I want to start with these," she said simply.