Ranger's Apprentice: Tales Untold

Promise

HE MADE HIS WAY down the empty hall and towards the stone doors. Two guards stood on watch, both carrying menacing spears. The first one looked up as he approached with a bored look. 

"No one is allowed to enter," he said. Crowley glared at the soldier and plucked out his silver oakleaf for them to see.

"Ranger Commandant. I'm here to see my Ranger." The guard stared at him for a moment longer before nodding to his companion. The stone doors were opened, and Crowley brushed past them, striding down the stairs and into the damp, cold cells.

He stopped at the edge, staring at the occupants. His eyes narrowed as he saw the one at the end and approached it. In the corner sat a man with badly cut hair, bruises all over him, and a blank expression upon his face.

Crowley leaned down, fighting to keep his hands steady. "What on earth made you decide to do a foolish thing like this?" he hissed. "Are you mad, or desperate to get yourself killed?"

No answer. Crowley stood, putting his face in his hands. "Halt, I am not leaving until I have an answer."

A long silence filled the air. Crowley was tempted to open the cell door and strangle the man for his stupidity. "I made a promise." He jerked his gaze over to Halt as he spoke. "And I'll do whatever it takes to keep that promise."

Crowley crossed his arms. "A promise?" he echoed, though he already knew what it was about. "And pray tell, what is this promise of yours?"

Halt looked up at him, and there was a deep bitterness in the younger man's gaze. "I promised I would find him," he said in a low voice. "Neither you nor Duncan allowed me to leave. What other choice did I have?"

"What other choice?" Crowley threw his hands in the air. "And tell me, did the thought ever occur to you that he can have you executed? Then what about your promise? Halt, a month more, maybe, and you would have been free to go! And this mess wouldn't exist!"

Halt shook his head. "No. The trail would be cold. Will would be dead if I don't go now. I don't have a choice, Crowley. I will find him and I will bring him back."

Crowley turned around and sighed. "You stubborn, idiotic man." He gave Halt one final glare as he spoke. "I swear, if you ever come here back without Will, I will kill you." And as Halt stared, he continued. "Unless you want your possible death to be for nothing."