Ranger's Apprentice; The Final Pieces

Never Again - Lost Love

Third and last part of the 'Lost Love' Trilogy. You know that I'd appreciate it if you would tell me your thoughts about this story. Especially since I've now tried a new type of writing... let me know if you like it this way!

PS: *hands out tissues*

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It had been two weeks since Alyss' death. Just as Lady Pauline had expected, the word of her demise had been out soon. After a week, the whole country knew that Alyss Mainwearing-Treaty, had died saving a little girl out of a burning inn. As had been agreed about, Lady Pauline had told the Diplomatic Service. Halt had gone to Will and Baron Arald had sent word to Castle Araluen. And as they had expected, Horace, Cassandra, Madelyn and Gilan had immediately left for Redmont. They had just arrived, and watched the three guards that had formed Alyss' escort, as those told the story again. It obviously hadn't become any easier to tell, especially since they now had to tell it to the most important people of the Kingdom of Araluen. Madelyn was crying and leaned against her mother, who also had tears streaming down her face. Horace held their hands, tears in his eyes. Gilan was pale.

As soon has the story was told, Halt gestured the guards to leave. It was quiet for a few moments, as their minds flew back to the Alyss they had known, the Alyss that no longer was with them.

"How did Will react, when you told him, Halt?" Horace asked quietly. Halt shrugged.

"As expected. He was clearly shocked, but there was nothing I could do. He wanted to be alone, understandable, but he seems not to realize that he can't do it alone."

Cassandra nodded sadly. "That's typically Will. I think we must start with doing what he wants. Maybe we should leave him for a few days, so he can mourn alone. Then we'll get to him and get him to let us help. He can't refuse that."

Halt looked at her. "I'm afraid he can. Look, if he would just need some time, that's okay. But we have to get to him right now, before it's too late. I'm sure he is planning on going after Jory Ruhl in his gang; there's nothing he wants to do so desperately as taking revenge. And if we can't convince him right now to let that plan go, we'll be too late and he'll leave."

"And we can't let him do something he'll regret later," Gilan finished his old mentor's story. "Has anyone actually seen him since he heard the news?"

Pauline shook her head. "As far as we know, he hasn't been far away from his cabin since. A few people have gone to him, to visit, but every time he pretended not to be home. That's understandable, as long as they're not close friends, but he did the same when Jenny visited. He also pretended not to be home when we came. But he could not stay away for long. In the end, he did come to us. But there was nothing he let us do."

"And did he already send the letters?" Horace asked. This time, Halt shook his head.

"We wanted him to do so, but he just didn't do it. I have send letters in the end. We have already received word from Malcolm, but not from Skandia and Arrida, for example. Logical, because the letters may not have even reached either Erak of Selethen."

"So what are we going to do?" Cassandra asked. "We can't help him, but we also can't do nothing."

Halt shrugged and looked at Horace. "I was actually hoping you'd want to visit him. You're his closest and oldest friend, maybe he'll listen to you."

Horace nodded. "I will, although I doubt he'll listen."

Not even five minutes later, Horace was on his way to the little cabin in the woods. The sooner, the better, they had all agreed on. But as expected, the cabin seemed all empty when the knight arrived. Only Sable seemed to be there, as she lay on the veranda.