An Unstable Relationship

Chapter Nine Part Two

Tug  ^
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(Will's POV)

       Will gave an inaudible sigh as he handed the saxe knife down to Alyss.  He hated to leave her alone but there was more danger for her if she was seen interrogating people with a ranger at her side.  He blew his girl a kiss and sent Tug off down the street.  A few minutes later when he turned around, the ranger could just make out the forms of Alyss and Fox Sparrow leaving the alley. 

       Off we go to the castle, off we go to the king!  Tug snorted cheerfully. 

       "We're not going to see a king."  Will pointed out bluntly. 

       Shut up.

       They continued their headlong trot toward Castle Trelleth, occasionally dodging pedestrians in the road.  Once they had come out of the busiest part of Riverton, Tug struck up the casual lope for which ranger horses were known. 

       "Whoa, Tug."  Will said quietly as they pulled even with the castle gates.  A pair of guardsmen stood vigilant, watching them approach.  They moved slowly to block their way. 

       "State your name and business."  The larger of the two guards declared. 

       Will cleared his throat and gave them a wry look.

       "Will Treaty, King's Ranger.  I need to see Baron Scully."  He stared at the men.  "It's urgent business."  Will added as an afterthought.

       The guardsmen hurriedly scooted out of the ranger's way.

       "Yes, of course, Mr.  Treaty.  The Baron will be alerted to your presence." 

       Will inclined his head to them and continued inward.  A stable boy immediately rushed up to them.

       "Can I take your horse, Sir?"  He asked eagerly.

       Will contemplated the young boy beside him, he would rather take care of Tug himself, but he knew that the youth would talk about the opportunity for years.  Tug carried quite a hefty reputation himself, almost as big as his partner's.  So, the reluctant ranger passed his little horse's reins to the groom and looked on as he was led away.

       "Go ahead, Tug."

       You're really sending me with this dolt?  The grey horse questioned annoyedly, but Will Treaty only chuckled.  The ranger turned and moved quietly into the castle.

       Will was soon stopped by a man whom he assumed was the Baron's secretary. 

       "Will Treaty, Sir."  The secretary said warmly.  "Welcome to Trelleth Fief, it's a pleasure to have you here."

       "Thank you, I wish I could say that it's under pleasant circumstances that I'm here."

       The man nodded understandingly. 

       "I do too, that is why I have cleared a space for you in the Baron's day.  He is waiting in his office for you.  I'll show you in."

       Will's eyebrows raised in mild surprise, he had not expected an appointment so soon after his arrival.  Nevertheless, he followed the amiable secretary down stony corridors and through heavy wooden doors. 

       "Here we are."  The man said kindly.  "Just give a knock and go on in." 

       Will dipped his head and lightly rapped on the thick door in front of him.  Without waiting for a reply, the ranger swept into the room, pulling his cowl up over his face as he moved.  Inside the room, the Baron jumped at his sudden arrival.