The Battle of Mackindaw - Ranger's Apprentice

Captured

Will rode through the chilly forests in northern-Araluen alone, following the roads that lead to Seacliff Fief. He had departed from Castle Redmont two days prior, and he was already missing Alyss. On the morning he had left, only a small group of people had come to see him off, because much of the castle's staff were swept up in war preparations. Only Alyss, Halt, Pauline, Crowley, and Evanlyn had come to say goodbye.

Evanlyn had gone first, squeezing Will into a hug, kissing him on the cheek, and wishing him luck. She had then swept back up into the castle to go through some paperwork with her father.

Crowley had slapped him on the back a few times and told him, "Will, I really hope you succeed because if you don't, we will all be in big trouble." On that cheery note, he also left quickly, to send numerous messages to all the Rangers to give a report on what was happening.

Next Will stepped up to Halt and gave him a hug, and Halt slapped him on the back a few times as well. "I believe in you, Will, and I know you can do most anything once you can get your arrow to go in the right place. You have got your extra arrow cases, right?"

"Yes, of course Halt. Don't worry, I'll be back soon with lots of information. And hopefully a dead Scotti general."

"Now that would be something." Halt gave just the barest hint of a smile, and stepped back to let Alyss in. He walked back into the courtyard of the castle, knowing that those two would want a little privacy. It is, after all, Will's first mission since he's gotten married, Halt thought.

Alyss took hold of both of his hands and looked deeply into Will's eyes, drinking in his presence. "Be safe, Will."

"I will. At least, I'll try." But I can't promise, he added silently.

"I know. But trouble always seems to find you anyway." Then she leaned forward and gave him just the tenderest of kisses, and then leaned in for a hug, burying her face in his cloak, try to memorize what he smelled like. Will stroked her long blonde hair and breathed in the light scent of her perfume. She murmured into his cloak, "If you die, I'll kill you."

Will smiled. "I won't die, Alyss."

Alyss also smiled, but it was a sad smile. "I know you're trying to make me feel better, but you really can't guarantee that, can you?"

"That's... True. But - ," Will muttered.

"Go, Will. You must leave soon if you are going to get there by nightfall in two days."

He took one last good look at her, and then kissed her gently. "Don't worry about me, Alyss." Will climbed up on to Tug, and grabbed the reins.

"You know I will." Alyss raised a hand in farewell as Will rode off to the north.

Will smiled faintly at the memory, but returned his attention to the forest around him. He had been travelling for two days now, and had to reach Seacliff before nightfall and meet with the Baron just briefly before setting off to locate the camp. The Ranger there, Liam, had ridden away to Castle Araluen after receiving the news that Will was coming, so Will was completely alone.

The leaves crunched underneath Tug's hooves as he made his way through the forest path and up toward Castle Seacliff.

Don't worry, Tug said. You've still got me.