"Are you sure it's him who needs to be ready?" Gillian questioned as they walked out of the door. Starting on their journey again . Will behind them both. So were the ponies.

Halt gave a sigh, not answering at the moment. Instead let his gaze sweep over the landscape and trees. "Yes. I'm pretty sure."

His first and oldest of his two apprentices shook his head, dropping the subject. He didn't understand why he wouldn't tell. But he assumed Halt had his reasons. He always did. No matter what situation it was.

Will meanwhile was walking along Tug, petting his nose gently. "Suppose you don't know the answer, do you boy?" He murmured to the horse who just bobbed his head in response. Snorting softly.

"Yeah, didn't think so." The boy replied, a slight small smile on his face. "I'm pretty sure a certain Ranger doesn't spend his time talking to you guys anyways." He joked.

Gillian gave a laugh. "Actually, you'd be surprised." He began. A mischievous twinkle in the back of his eyes. "Once, when he'd just taken me in. I went out to the stables to find him. Lo and behold, there he was. Talking to them as if they were you and me." He shook his head, glancing at Halt who grunted with a frown.

"I could tell a tale or two of my own, boy." Came O' Carrick's reply. A hidden smirk playing at his lips. Though he hid it with a glance momentarily to the ground. "Like that one time when you and-" He paused, being cut off by Gil.

"Yeah, that's a story for another time." His oldest Apprentice quickly said, a blush grazing his cheeks.

"Exactly," Arratay commanded with a nod. "So don't go telling mine." The older man once more became serious as his gaze swept quickly around in awareness. Fingering the weapon in his hand.

"Bows." He whispered to them both as confusion showed on each of their faces. Though they didn't hesitate to comply.

What is it?" Was the questioning look Treaty gave the Ranger who shook his head, telling him to hold in his many thoughts.

A snarl broke through the air, followed by a few more. As well as grunts and vicious growling.

"Wargals." Gillian spat in disgust, his bow now held in the direction of the sound.

Halt gave a nod, letting loose an arrow, only to fire another. "They've been following us since we left Thomtree."

"Why didn't you say anything!?" Will squeaked, fiddling to quickly string an arrow.

"I thought you would have been smart enough to know. A Ranger always knows his surroundings Will. Always. " He scolded. "And they never let themselves slack on watch"..