The New Rangers

Chapter Five

"Holly, where in blazes are you!" Halt called out as he crossed through the trees, disappearing from sight.

In the trees, Holly remained motionless. Any movement would give her away. She did allow herself a tiny smile, knowing her father wouldn't see it, even if he did happen to look her way. The cowl of her cloak kept her face hidden. She and Deva were both becoming quite good at hiding. It worked well when they wanted to get away from their fathers.

The only drawback was the fact they tended to anger their fathers with this little ploy. Right now was a perfect example. Their fathers would come up with some punishment. Like mucking out the stables or some other nonsense. Mostly they were given extra practice as punishment.

Will stomped past several minutes before her father, shouting Deva's name. She had no clue where Deva had secreted herself. Will wandered back into view, followed by her father several seconds later.

"This is getting ridiculous," Will muttered.

"And we thought they couldn't handle this."

Holly scowled in their direction. Not handle this? They were insane.

Will shook his head. "We knew better, deep down, Halt, we knew. They're our children. Crowley is going to become impatient if we don't find them soon. We need to leave."

Why would Crowley be here? Her curiosity got the better of her and she emerged from her hiding place.

"There you are!" Halt cried as she stepped from her hiding place.

She gave a piercing whistle, letting Deva know it was time to come out.

Deva slapped her way free from her hiding spot and sent a glare at Holly. "I thought it was safe ... I mean ... I thought, oh dammit forget it. Why did you whistle?"

Holly flung an arm out at their fathers. "I don't know, they were muttering about Crowley. I thought it was a good idea to discover why."

"Yeah, okay, so what is going on?" Deva looked at the senior Rangers.

Halt was rubbing his forehead as if he had a sudden headache. "We received a message from Crowley."

"He's not here?" Holly questioned.

"No, he isn't," Halt answered. "Are you going to listen?"

The two girls nodded enthusiastically.

"Fine, we received a message from Crowley. The apprentice from Seacliff showed up out of the blue seeking help."

"Help with what?" Deva asked.

"That is something Crowley didn't elaborate on. He's asked us to come and see him and meet the apprentice and hear him out."

"What are we waiting for, let's go!" Deva said with a smile.

Halt sent her a scowl. "We have no idea what this is about. I would prefer to hear the young man out before we go getting all excited about his presence. I can see no good reason for him to have made the journey to see Crowley without his mentor."

"Let's just go!" Deva insisted.

Halt heaved out a sigh. "Everyone get your things together, we'll leave in an hour."

"Someone needs to fetch MItchell," Will put in.

"Why do we need him?" Holly whined.

"Because Crowley requested we bring him along, that is why. Now go."

Holly grumbled as she headed back toward the castle to get her things together. "I'll fetch Mitchell," she called as she walked. It was on her way, she supposed it was the least she could do and save someone else from fetching the fabulous prince.