Heyo! I'm back again! Did you miss me? Really sorry guys for the late update, but I had some slight writers block and it's all gone now, hopefully forever. Btw I didn't think I'd ever say this but OMG 300 reads!! So, thank you for everyone who has borne (is that how you say it?) with me on this story, and without further ado, the seventh chapter!

Will and Gilan gaped at her while Halt remained as impassive as ever. Sophie and I of course had already guessed that this was coming and so weren't surprised. Eventually Will managed to get out a question in the stunned silence that had fallen over the group after Evanlyn's announcement,

"What do you mean there's a bridge?!" Will was wide eyed from shock, and I could tell his mind was thinking about what that meant for the kingdom. I risked a glance at Halt and saw that even his usual gruff demeanor was failing. I could now clearly see the worry etched on his face, which scared me to no ends. If Halt was scared and he showed it, that's when you knew to run for cover.

"Wait, have there been any war preparations?" I asked feigning idle curiosity. I looked at Halt, but it was Gilan who answered,

"No, Morgarath hasn't shown any signs that he was starting a war. I'm guessing he's preparing for one now." Interesting I thought. Apparently Morgarath isn't as smart in this as he was in the books. In the books he waited till the last possible moment to start building the bridge to avoid detection. In this, he's building it first. I realized Halt was talking and snapped back to reality,

"-should check it out tomorrow. If we ride hard today we could be there by midday tomorrow." So we we're going to check out the bridge. Not that I didn't think we'd do something. Then an idea popped into my head,

"What about King Duncan? Shouldn't he at least be notified?" Halt nodded agreement,

"If we had anybody to spare I would, but we don't know what's going on, and I can't afford to weaken our forces any more. I mean, I would send Evanlyn or one or both of you two, but you don't know the way to Castle Araluen, and I can't spare Will or Gilan to guide you." I reluctantly agreed and sighed at the turn of events. And we still have to worry about the Kalkara. Never know when they could sneak up behind us, ambush us, and- No don't think like that. I scolded myself for even considering that, especially since we had ranger horses on our side. They sniff the Kalkara out before they could even get near us. Plus, Halt's probably already thought about that. I reassured myself, even though I still felt uneasy about it. The whole thing just felt off, but I couldn't tell why.

Abruptly Halt decided that there had been enough chit-chat, and that we should get on the road if we wanted to make the fissure in time to scout out the bridge with the sun still up. We saddled up the horses and mounted, Evanlyn riding double with Halt, and Sophie and I in the same spots.

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            The next day, we arrived at the foot of the fissure a couple hours after noon. We had skipped lunch at Halt’s insistence and were now eating while discussing strategy.

            “How should we do this Halt?” Gilan questioned his former mentor. Halt was silent for a moment while he thought. Eventually he revealed his plans,

            “I think the safest bet is for one of us to go scout out the area at nightfall and to report back. From there we can figure out what course of action we need to take.” Gilan nodded as if expecting this. I could tell Will was thinking something over in his mind by the way a furrow formed between his brows, and the tip of his tongue ever so slightly protruded from his mouth. Gilan spoke again,

            “I’m assuming I’ll be undertaking this mission?” Then he pushed his luck and with a smile added, “Captain Halt.” Halt rolled his eyes and sighed, mumbling something about young people. Eyes still on the sky he replied,

            “Yes you will be,” He looked directly at Gilan this time, “but no messing around. Just get in, scout the area, and get out.” Gilan nodded, completely serious again.

            “Of course,” Gilan’s smile slowly returning he continued, “but if Morgarath himself were to say gallop on past…” He left the sentence unfinished, but even so Gilan caught the sarcasm lacing Halt’s words,

            “Then you’ll have to be the hero. How silly of me to forget.” Even Will stopped pondering for a moment to grin.

“Now, Gilan get some rest before you head out tonight, Evanlyn you, Abbey, and Sophie can do whatever, and Will, you go practice.” Will groaned just loud enough for me to hear since I was sitting beside him.  I grinned and stuck my tongue out at him. Unfortunately Halt saw it and immediately added,

            “On second thought, Abbey and Sophie will want to join you in practicing.” Now it was my turn to groan and I saw Sophie give me the “thanks a lot” look. I grinned sheepishly at her and got up, following Will a little ways away from the camp to practice.

Okay so, really short chapter I know, but I finally know where I'm headed with this story and I should update this weekend maybe? We have a three day weekend so I'll probably finish a chapter by then. If not, then I promise it will be before next wednesday. Anyways hope everyone enjoyed and I will be back soon! BYEEEEEEEE!!!!