Meeting The Lost (A Ranger's Apprentice Fanfiction)

Replacing Rulers

Will was looking for Cassandra. He had remembered it was her birthday, and wanted to see her and wish her a 'Happy Birthday', even though she wouldn't be able to hear him. It was the thought that counts, after all. Will was riding on a horse that looked so similar to Tug that he'd thought it was Tug at first glance. But there were small differences. Crowley had told him that it was Tug's father. Will had opted to just call him Tug.
He had gone to mount him, but the horse had moved out of the way and turned to look at him balefully, Really? Tug? What a strange name!

Will had stared, "What? But your son is called Tug!"

I never chose it. My name is Bellerophon.

Will started, "Wh- What? Tug chose-"

He chose that for his new name? Well, it's obvious why he did, now isn't it?

Will was silent.

***

As they rode to Castle Araluen, the Ranger and his horse had an amusing conversation.

"So how did you die? Old age?"

Well, it's obvious that I died in battle! Wargals everywhere! One of them was too close, and I got run in with a spear! See this hole right here?

Will turned to look, "That? I thought that was your-"

The horse reared up violently, and Will was thrown from the saddle.

***

There was a great crowd of people at the castle. Since they were living, none of them could see Will. He rode right past the crowd and towards the stables. But before he could dismount Bellerophon, he heard the words of the crowd: "The King is dead! Regent Cassandra is now Queen!".

Will quickly dismounted and ran into the castle tower where King Duncan's room had been.

Inside, he ran up the steps two at a time and came to the top landing, where he found the door to King Duncan's quarters slightly ajar. He slowly opened it further, and was rewarded with the small voice of Cassandra.

"Who's there? M- Maddie?"

Will was about to reply, "No, it's me." but remembered that no one could hear him. Instead he slowly walked into the room. Cassandra and Horace were sitting on chairs, and beside them was King Duncan in his bed. He looked asleep, but by the look on Cassandra's face, it was obvious he would never wake again. Then a large hand came to rest on his shoulder, and Will turned and found himself looking at King Duncan. He knew it was his ghost, but the sight of Cassandra crying over the death of her father while her father stood right next to her was upsetting. Duncan seemed to know it too. He was looking at Cassandra and the tears were streaming down his face. He turned around and left the room. Will turned back to Cassandra.

"Happy birthday, Evanlyn." He whispered.