Sparks Flying - A Ranger's Apprentice Story

Chapter Twenty-Nine

It was several long minutes before Will moved. And when he did move, it was in response to the tiny child in Maddie's arms letting out another wail.

With tears still running down his cheeks, Will slowly stood, then walked to where Maddie stood. It was with a horrible mixture of awe and grief in his eyes that he carefully took the baby into his own arms. He let out another sob before dropping to his knees again.

Maddie was unaware of her own tears until she had to wipe them away to read the note on the ground.

My dear Will, the note read, all I really want to say is that I love you so much, no matter what happens. I don't know what will happen, where he is taking me, if I will live another day without him deciding to kill me. You haven't seen him, Will, the madness in his eyes. I cannot reason with him, predict what he will do next. I can only hope you will find this note - and our child - in time. I know you're tracking us, Will. I know you'll never give up. And for our little Lyssa's sake, I am truly grateful. She is so beautiful, Will...and so helpless. I know finding her will tear you apart, but I know you cannot survive without her.

I love you with everything I am, Will...and I will always love you, no matter what.

Alyss

Crying again, Maddie turned to look at her mentor. Will's cheeks were still shining with tears, but he appeared to have stopped crying. He knelt on the ground, gazing down wordlessly at the child he held. His daughter.

Maddie's brain, as much as she hated it, kept returning to the same thought. The same conclusion. That this, although apparently not a trap, was still a sick strategy of Ruhl's. Clearly, Will and Maddie could not track him with a baby. It was too dangerous, and they had no way to care for the baby - Lyssa, Maddie reminded herself. Which left two options, both undesirable. The option Maddie knew was untenable was for them to abandon the search. Otherwise, they would have to split up - one to continue the search, one to retreat with Lyssa to safety.

And Maddie knew which of the two would press on after Ruhl alone.

A minute later, her mentor seemed to come to the same conclusion.

"Maddie," he breathed, his voice broken.

She knelt next to him. "I'm here, Will," she said, her voice clear and sad.

"You have to take Lyssa to safety," he said. "I have to go after Ruhl."

Maddie's face twisted. "Uncle Will," she said, forgetting everything for one moment. "Are you sure you can't wait for reinforcements?"

She knew the answer already, but had to try. She hated having to abandon her master in this life-threatening situation.

Will shook his head. "No," he said, his face hard. "Ruhl has to die for this. For making Alyss give birth like this. For leaving our daughter out here as bait. He can't get any farther away."

Maddie nodded. "I knew you'd say that," she said, her voice sticking in her throat as she swallowed back more tears. She succeeded though, and stood straight and proud to receive the tiny, squirming bundle of Lyssa.

Will let out a piercing whistle and, a moment later, Tug and Bumper broke into the clearing. Before turning away to mount Tug, Will pulled Maddie into a tight hug, careful of Lyssa.

"Ride fast, Maddie, and keep her safe," he whispered. "You carry something infinitely precious."

"I know," Maddie replied. "I would give my life to protect her." She glanced down at Lyssa, tiny and perfect. "Now go find Alyss before it's too late."

Will nodded once, fiercely, and in one smooth movement, vaulted into Tug's saddle. They disappeared into the trees a moment later, leaving Maddie, Bumper, and Lyssa utterly alone.

A/N: To be continued...at some undefined point