Ranger's Apprentice - Race For Halt

Ch. 8

The tavern door flew open in a gust of wind. Or, what seemed like a gust of wind, until the hooded figure stepped through the doorway.
Silence fell on the townspeople who'd been enjoying their meals and chattering loudly with their neighbours. Now it was so quiet, you could've heard a pen drop.
The hooded figure came in and another, nearly the same in height and wardrobe, followed closely behind. However, this figure was clearly feminine, which caught the eyes of several troubling onlookers.
"Hey pretty lady!" One man called as she sat down next to the other figure.
"What did you say?" The girl replied. Her tone was like acid, venomous as a snake. Any smart person would know she wasn't to be messed with. Unfortunately, this man was not one to be classified as "smart".
"I said hey. You look like you could use some warmin' up. Gettin' awful chilly out t'night." The man stepped closer to the girl, reaching to grab her arm.
"Touch me," her cold voice warned. "And you'll lose that hand."
The man froze, confused.
"Aye now, that ain't no way to act." He said, grabbing her arm firmly.
It happened so fast, nobody could tell exactly what took place. One minute, the man was standing, his hand clutching the sitting girl's arm. The next second, the man was on the floor, face pushed against the wood. His head was held up by the girl, who was holding him by the hair. She sat on his back, knee against spine, with a long knife against his throat.
"Think I'm messing around?" She hissed. In the ruckus, her hood had fallen off. Her blonde hair now flowed from her cloak, framing her beautiful face.
Several onlookers gasped.
"She's a Ranger!" One whispered.
"No, there ain't such a thing as a female Ranger!" Another protested.
There might have been a fight right there in the tavern, had the second hooded figure not stood at that moment. Without a word, he removed his hood, staring the townspeople down.
"Think again." He challenged. Then he turned to the girl. "I think he's learned his lesson, Madelyn."
Maddie growled, but sheathed her knife and stood up. Immediately, the man she'd pinned scrambled away and out the door.
"Next time..." Maddie swore to herself. Will put a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"What did you call the girl?" A braver townsperson called. Maddie stepped forward.
"My name is Madelyn Altman. I am a Ranger." Her voice was proud, confident. The voice of royalty. And the townsmen noticed.
"Madelyn Altman?" One squeaked.
One by one, the men knelt before their Princess. Maddie glanced back at Will, unsure of what to do. Will cleared his throat.
"We're here on business. Is there someone who can take us to the castle?" He asked. No one spoke for a while. Then, a thin, wiry man stood and walked up to Will.
"I can," He said. Maddie looked at Will, hoping he would know what to say. Instead, she found a stranger sight. Will held out his hand, grinning widely.
"Hello, Xander." He said.
"How are you, Ranger Will?" Xander replied, grinning as well.
"I have a problem," Will replied, losing his smile. "And I need your help, along with Orman's."
Xander nodded.
"Let's go then."

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The castle hadn't changed much since the first time Will had been here. The towers still rose high above, casting shadows on the ground below. The snow fell thickly, making everything more sinister.
As they walked inside the castle, Xander spoke again.
"I don't believe this one was with you last time?" He said, gesturing to Maddie.
"No," Will said. "Much has changed since then. This is Ranger Maddie, my former apprentice. She has agreed to accompany me on this mission."
Maddie didn't speak. She knew that Xander and Will somehow knew each other, and she was happy to let them catch up without her interruptions.
"What brings you back to Macindaw?" Xander asked.
"Nothing good, sadly. I'd like to tell the story only once, though."
Thankfully, Xander took the hint. The three of them climbed the stairs in silence and, within another minute, Orman's door opened.
"Ranger Will!" The baron exclaimed. "How do you do?"
"Hello, Baron Orman. I'm fair." He replied.
It was clear that the man had not aged well. He was still sickly thin, but his hair was now thinner and more white.
Will took a deep breath.
"First things first," He said. "I think it's only fair you know this immediately. I am no longer under the title of the Rangers. However, my former apprentice, Maddie, is."
Xander and Orman stared at Will.
"Not a Ranger?" Orman questioned. "How so?"
Will cleared his throat.
"It's a rather long story, and I'd prefer to get to business. I'm in a bit of a rush."
Orman nodded and motioned for him to continue.
"You remember Halt, I presume?" Will asked.
"Yes, of course. Not someone to be easily forgotten." Orman replied. Will nodded.
"Agreed. He's sick, and the doctors at Redmont say it's an unknown illness. There's only one person I can think of to help me save Halt's life, and I need your help to find him."
Orman and Xander shared a looked. Xander shuffled his feet while Orman stared at the floor.
"We'd love to help you in any way possible, Will..." Orman said slowly. Will raised an eyebrow. He felt a "but" coming.
"But..." Xander said, as if reading Will's thoughts. "It's just that, Malclom..."
Silence passed for several seconds.
"There is no easing the news." Orman finally said.
"Malcolm is dead."

This was a rather long chapter, but I hope it was enjoyable! Shocking enough? Lol don't worry, there's a plan! ;)