It was a quiet day in the village, though the village itself was anything but quiet. Horses, oxes and donkeys alike pulled along carts and carriages holding a variety of vegetables and hand made products. Stalls off the side of the road were home to shouting sales men as they worked their charm to goad people into buying their products. Women in simple woollen or silken gowns walked along, talking to each other and those with children chided them when they did something wrong or scolded them for doing something reckless.

Men herded flocks of sheep and pigs, some leading a prized cow for sale behind them, their sons trailing behind and looking to find a way to impress a girl. Smoke from chimneys billowed into the sky as cooking fires inside cooked raw meat into a meal fit for a king. Legs of chairs scraped against wooden floors and the bottom of mugs banged against the polished top of the bar as some who had too much to drink banged their flagons in show of good times.

Unnoticed by the happy-goers of this fine little village, sat two men in the darkest corner of the tavern. They had chosen this seat to get the best view of those coming and leaving the tavern. They, unlike the villagers, were dressed different and acted different. They wore dull colored clothing- woolen and plain. Their soft leather boots and black leather belts were polished but didn't shine. Their faces were obscured in shadows casted by the cowl of their cloaks, mottled in dull green-brown and gray. And if a passing person looked out of the corner of their eyes just right, they would be able to see a dull gleam of a silver chain around their necks. But perhaps the most important thing about these strangers were the weapons they had with them. Set to the side- but still within easy reach, was a quiver of two dozen war arrows. To match such deadly missiles were two, yew long bows- too powerful for most grown men to pull back to their highest point. Unless that grown man happened to be a Ranger.

Two of the Kings officer's had decided that after a long, hard mission to stop at a tavern and for the first time in days, enjoy a nice, hot meal. Of course the older of the two wasn't as pleased about this plan as much as his younger companion.

"Oh come off it Halt. We just successfully disbanded and rounded up a gang of bandits, don't you think we deserve a nice meal as a way to celebrate a missions success?" Halt glared at his ex-apprentice in hopes of having the youth back down and finally agree to leave this place to be on the road again, but to no avail.

Will was no longer the insecure Ward who would have been terrified of Halts fearsome glare, but now a brave, well-known and well-respected Ranger who had faced things that were far more fearsome than his mentors annoyance. Will merely grinned at his ex-mentor before Halt gave in by dropping the look, muttering darkly about how younger people don't show proper respect.

Soon enough though, his mood lifted when the serving maid came to their table with the cups of coffee and small pot of honey they asked for. Just as she left, the wife of the tavern owner came to their table and served their meal of a hot beef stew with slices of freshly-baked bread. Thanking them both, the two Rangers set about eating the delicious food, only breaking for a sip of coffee or a soft belch in a show of compliment to the food.

When all was done, Will leaned back in his booth and smiled, putting his hands over his head, sighing contentedly. "That was nice." Halt rose an eyebrow at him, "I'm not even sure you tasted it with the way you wolfed it down." Will's smile broadened. "The same could be said for you Halt." The older Ranger shrugged and finished the last of his coffee. "It can't hurt to be in a rush to get home."

After paying for their meal, the two Rangers left the little tavern. Mounting up, they turned their horses in the direction of the Kings Highway; a quick route to the Redmont fief.

It was a pleasant ride. With no pressing matters at hand, the two Rangers talked along the way and began a series of arguments of who's turn it was to do the paperwork of their most recent mission.

They kept the argument up until they crested a the top of a hill and suddenly the sight of the Redmont castle came into view, and of course it was the moment when Halt won the argument anyway. Both men gently stopped their horses to gaze at the beauty of the towering castle and the feeling of finally being home after a long, hard mission.

Will turned to his former mentor, "I suppose your going to the castle to alert to the Baron of our return?" Halt nodded in reply. "Well," said Will," say hello to Lady Pauline for me when your done." Turning to the younger man, Halt finally asked a question of his own. "Your not coming with?" Will shook his head. "No. The cabin is much closer and besides, I might as well get a good start on that report while there is still daylight." Halt smiled at Will before touching his heels to Abelard's sides and turning him in the direction of the castle. While he didn't turn back to say good-bye, he did wave his hand in farewell while shouting back to Will, "Good luck with the report!"

Will shook his head in mock despair, grinning as he did so. "He just has to run it in doesn't he?" He muttered to Tug. The little horse flicked his ears back to his master for a brief moment before flicking them forward again.

Well he is a senior Ranger.

Will glowered at his horse. "Your taking his side on this?" Tug rattled his mane.

It's not my fault that his side happens to be the winning one.

Will rolled his eyes at the logic of his horse before turning him in the direction of the cabin. "Keep it up and you won't have an apple tonight." At this, Tug wisely didn't respond. Will nodded in satisfaction at finally being able to get the last word in with his horse as they traveled under the green canopy of leaves that blocked the sky from the little dirt track.

When the trees thinned to expose a wide clearing with a small cabin and lean-to was when Will sighed with happiness. He was finally home after another day at work.

•Yes yes yes I know- I need to update more often in all of my story's. Theres just a lot that has been going on recently with exams, auditions and graduations and a whole lot of other stuff, so updates are going to be slow. Mainly in this one.....

Well, hoped you liked the first chapter.

~SO•