'The Ruins of Gorlan' gives a lot of basic information. Arald is 42, has black hair and a short beard, he's big with muscles and fat deposits, his colors are blue and gold, and his crest is a golden boar's head. This makes him 26 in 'The Tournament at Gorlan,' where his wife, the Lady Sandra, mentions she's been trying to break his bad table manners for 5 years: they got married when he was 21? He finally beat Morgarath for the Golden spur when he was 25. This also means he is 74 in 'A New Beginning.' Perhaps he's just as ageless as Halt.
But where did he come from, and where is the title of baron going? Arald is not much older than Duncan when he takes over Redmont fief, so he must've had a leg up. He has a painting of his ancestor in 'The Ruins of Gorlan' and this must be the key. Like the title passes from father to son in Castle Macindaw ('The Sorcerer of the North') and through the family for Cobram Keep ('The Burning Bridge'), his ancestors must also be entitled to it, one of them even getting a painting done to look more official. Only problem is, Arald never had kids of his own, only set up a ward in his castle for those who lost their parents under his purview. Flanagan has put himself in a tight spot, one he must resolve fast or make Baron Arald immortal.
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A Collection of Ranger's Apprentice Theories
RandomAdmired Ranger goes to Royal Dungeons for Songwriting? Beyond clickbait titles, the world of Ranger's Apprentice has heaps of theory-worthy material. This collection uncovers world-building flaws to be exploited for fanfiction moments and form a dis...
