The Forgotten Ranger - A Ranger's Apprentice Fanfiction

The Offer

The wagon rolled on in silence, wheels crunching over the forest path. Aiden sat beside Gilan, his thoughts a maelstrom. The events of the day—the ambush, the truth behind it, the look in Gilan's eyes—churned in his mind. He hadn't asked questions, not yet. The quiet between them wasn't awkward, but charged. Something unspoken lingered just below the surface.

It wasn't until the trees began to thin and the forest broke into patchy sunlight that Aiden finally spoke.

"Your name... it sounds familiar."

Gilan chuckled. "I wondered if you'd remember."

Aiden turned, brows raised, but no words followed. His mouth opened slightly, then closed again. Nothing fit.

"You were very young," Gilan continued, his voice softer now. "But I met you when your father was assigned to Caraway Fief."

The memories stirred faintly in Aiden's mind. He had lived there for five years, but much of it was a blur. He'd been eight when they moved again. Still, something surfaced—flickering images of a boy around his brother's age, always nearby. Now, staring at Gilan's profile, the resemblance clicked. It was him.

They entered the village with the tied-up prisoners still slumped in the back of the wagon. Heads turned. People paused mid-step. Without Gilan's telltale mottled green cloak, the townsfolk didn't see a Ranger—they saw an unknown man transporting two bound criminals, and Aiden beside him. Whispers followed their passage like a wake. Aiden sighed. So much for keeping a low profile.

The village square was teeming with life. Noon brought noise, clamor, and crowded streets. Merchants hawked wares, apprentices hauled sacks and shouted instructions. It all clashed against the quiet hush of the forest, and Aiden found himself longing for that silence again. He tipped his head back and studied the sky, watching clouds drift lazily overhead. Anything to drown out the noise.

But Gilan had other plans. "I heard Sir Rodney taught you to use that blade," he said casually.

Aiden didn't look away from the sky. "Yes. He's a good teacher." He tried to keep his reply short, but curiosity got the better of him. Turning to Gilan he asked, "who told you that?"

"Your brother told me," Gilan added with a light chuckle. "We've kept in touch."

That tugged something in Aiden's chest—unwelcome and uncomfortable. He kept his reply buried. He didn't want to know how much Gilan knew about him.

The wagon slowed as they entered the main square, pulling up beside the keep. Aiden grimaced. From here, the forge was clearly visible. And so was Kay. His brother's eyes found him immediately—wide with concern. Aiden had barely jumped down before Kay reached them.

"Gilan?" Kay's voice cracked with recognition.

They greeted each other like old friends, an embrace, quiet laughter. Aiden stood to the side, arms crossed, watching the exchange. A subtle ache bloomed in his chest. Kay had always been better at navigating relationships—easier with people, more open. And their father's legacy had always loomed heavier over Aiden.

"What's going on?" Kay asked, gaze flicking between them.

Before Aiden could speak, Gilan stepped in. "Your brother got himself a little mixed up in Ranger business."

Aiden cringed.

"We'll be at the Baron's office at dusk," Gilan added. "I'll let the guards know."

Aiden took that cue and slipped away. He didn't look back until he was nearly out of sight. Kay and Gilan stood talking intently. He didn't like how comfortable they looked. That knot in his gut tightened.