I'll Be With You Again (A Ranger's Apprentice Fanfiction)

Ch. 2

Chapter 2

George knew he had to do something. His friend, Will, was dying, and no one was bothering to get help. He had heard the tale of 'Will Treaty and the Sorcerer's Curse'. That tale was told to children as a bedtime story. He knew it was exaggerated, but there was a grain of truth in it. There was a healer in the northern fief. That healer is very talented, George knew. He had to get him to visit Redmont.

"George! Where are you?" Called a voice that broke George away from his daydreams.

"Yes? I'm in my office." George called. It was probably Grace, his wife. Grace walked into his office, frowning at him.

"Why aren't you helping Will Treaty?" she asked, "You said you were going to go get the healer!"

"I was! I am, now. Do you want to come along?"

Grace smiled. Her smile sent men staggering with wonder, even though she's over fifty years old. It was not unlike the smile of Alyss, thought George. He hopped up from his chair. The paperwork was going to have to wait. He had never given up his work for personal matters before, but today seemed like a good day to start.

***

Horace wiped the tears away from his face. He couldn't show emotions, especially in front of the Royal Guards. But the thought of Will brought tears to his eyes. His good friend - No, correction, his best friend - was dying, and he could do nothing about it. One of the guards stepped forward from the assembled line.

"Is everything alright, sir?" He asked.

Horace smiled at him. It was a weak smile, but a smile nonetheless.

No, John. Nothing is alright anymore. Horace wanted to say.

"Yes, John. Everything is fine."

"Well, alright sir." John replied, and stepped back in line.

Horace finished his routinely check of the Guards and sent them off to their positions. He frowned. He had a plan, forming somewhere in his mind. He suddenly had the thought that it was usually Will who had great plans, and they always got them out of trouble. Now, here he was, thinking up a plan to save Will. Then, he got it.

"Malcolm." He said.

***

"Go right away!" Cassandra said to Horace, after he had explained his plan.

"This is his only chance. I have to go."

"Well, then. What are you WAITING FOR? GO!" she screamed.

Horace understood the reason for Cassandra's screaming, so he didn't say anything. Instead, he packed some clothes for his trip and left the house.

"Don't worry, Will," he said, "I'll make sure you stay with us."

He didn't know that George was saying exactly the same thing, in another part of the castle.