Ranger's Apprentice - Race For Halt

Ch. 27

Will heard a knock and woke. He was still in the chair. Sunlight was filtering though the window.
The knock came again. It was quiet, but there.
Will groaned and stood, walking to the door. He glanced in the bedroom and saw Maddie sprawled on her stomach, one arm drapped off the bed. Her mouth was slightly open, and she was snoring lightly.
Good, Will thought, pleased that she was getting the rest she needed.
The feeling came suddenly, like a punch in the stomach. As he opened the door, he was overcome with a strong urge to protect Maddie. The girl he didn't know until yesterday. He felt a strong love for her, the kind one can only gain over years of time together.
It sent Will staggering back a few steps. At the same time, Gilan stepped inside and caught Will's arm.
"Woah!" He exclaimed. "Careful there."
Will steadied himself and held his head.
"What is it?" Gilan asked. He led Will to the chair in the kitchen, and sat him down.
"I- I remembered something." Will said, closing his eyes.
"What did you remember?"
"It was a feeling..." Will said. "For Maddie. But I can't remember her before, or anything she did. Just the love I had for her."
Gilan didn't answer, and eventually Will opened his eyes. The two men sat in silence for several minutes.
"How's Jenny?" Will said to fill the emptiness. He hadn't been told of Gilan and Jenny's relationship, but even an amnesia-stricken Will could see that something was going on between them.
"She's worried..." Gilan said, sighing. "About me. She doesn't think I've been taking care of myself."
Will didn't answer.
"She gave up her restaurant." Gilan continued. "She's falling apart, I can see it. I just don't know how to help her."
Will looked at Gilan. He had circles under his eyes and his hair was a mess.
"So tell her you're worried." Will said plainly.
Gilan glanced at Will sidelong.
"Easier said than done."
"Yes, but it's necissary." Will replied.
They were quiet for several minutes until Maddie woke and came into the kitchen, rubbing her eyes.
Will watched her with interest. He noticed her limping slightly.
"What's wrong with your leg?" He asked.
Maddie and Gilan froze. They shared an uncomfortable look.
"Ah," Gilan said slowly.
"I hurt it." Maddie cut in. "The limp is going to be there forever."
Will raised an eyebrow. He could tell there was something they weren't telling him.
"How did you hurt it?" He pressed.
Gilan lowered his gaze and Maddie averted her eyes.
Will looked from Gilan to Maddie, but neither spoke up. Will awkwardly changed the subject.
"I think I'm going to take Tug out today," he said.
Maddie perked up.
"I'll go!" She said. Gilan nodded.
"Good," he said. "I have some, ah, things to talk to Jenny about."
Will smiled but didn't reply. Gilan stood and walked to the door.
"I'll tell Halt where you went," he told Will.
Will nodded and stood as well, looked at Maddie.
"Ready to go?" He asked. Maddie snorted.
"You may not remember this yet," she said. "But we Rangers don't leave the house without our cup of coffee."