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

Ch. 3

Chapter 3

As George and Grace trotted their horses along the narrow path, George wondered how he was to find this healer. He had heard enough stories to know that the healer was deep in the wood, with scary lights and sounds to keep intruders away. He gave a start.

"Grace. Something is there." He said, to his wife beside him.

Something had moved behind them, and it was approaching them at a deadly pace. Suddenly -

"George? Grace?" a voice called. Grace realized who it was a fraction of a second before George did.

"Horace? It's you!" she cried, in relief, "George was getting worried!"

"So were you!" George replied, not seeing the joke behind it.

"It's a joke, George." She replied, feeling slightly sorry for Baron Arald. She knew how his jokes were always taken seriously. Now she knew how he felt.

"What are you doing here?" Horace said, stopping beside them.

"We're going to get the healer-"

"Malcolm." Grace interrupted.

George scowled, "Yes. Him. We were going to get him so we could-"

"Help Will?" Horace asked, the delight in his eyes unmistakable.

"Yes. Stop interrupting me! It is highly uncalled for!" George said.

Horace grinned.

"Well, then. Let's go!"

And everyone's heart felt lighter than it had for weeks.

***

Will groaned. Immediately, Madelyn sat up in shock. She was staying with Will. A routine had been planned. Will was not to be left alone, at any cost. Madelyn ran into the small bedroom, where Will was.

"Uncle Will? Are you-?"

"No. I'm not alright, Madelyn. As you can see, I will die soon."

"But you will survive! You must! Where there's a Will, there's a way! Get it? There's a Will? Your name is..." she trailed off, realizing that Will was staring at her.

"Sorry, Uncle."

Will smiled. It lightened Madelyn's heart, to see her uncle smile again.

"It's alright, Madelyn. But, I would prefer to rest in quiet."

"Sorry."

***

Horace led the way through the wood. They had been traveling for a while, and had arrived at Grimsdell wood. He still remembered the way through to the clearing, where Malcolm's cottage was. He burst into the clearing, George and Grace close behind. They first found an odd bunch of people. Horace remembered when he had thought Malcolm had created these people. But now, he knew that they were just disfigured people. People who had been kicked out of their homes, because of their looks. He led George and Grace through the people, calling greetings to a few that he could remember. He knocked on Malcolm's door. The door opened, revealing an old man. He was in his seventies, but was still in fit condition.

"Horace?" He whispered, in amazement.

"Malcolm!" Horace exclaimed in delight. He hugged the man, nearly crushing him with his strength. George and Grace watched on, smiling at the man who they knew could save Will's life. Horace explained the situation, and Malcolm immediately agreed to come along. Everyone smiled. Will was going to live!