Halt looked up as the sun started to set. Castle Araluen was only half an hour away, so he didn't want to stop for the night.

Along with Bloise and Genevieve, he had traveled far since the morning. Halt willed Abelard to halt. Looking back at Riku, Bloise's horse, who was carrying both Bloise and Genevieve as Halt didn't want to deal with a noisy normal horse, Halt spoke. "We're not stopping for the night."

"What?" Genevieve cried, her eyes widening. "Why?"

Halt rolled his eyes at her outburst. Bloise answered her. "Araluen is close. It would be a waste of time to stay here."

Genevieve sighed. "I suppose so."

The three rode throughout the night. And soon, Castle Araluen loomed into view. Halt willed Abelard to stop at the top of the hill leading down to the castle. The others halted beside him. Genevieve looked out into the distance. "Wow," she breathed. She had never been to Araluen before.

"Wow indeed," Halt murmured. "I always like to stop here. It never ceases to amaze me how beautiful the castle is."

With that, Halt rode down the hill, leading everyone to the castle. Entering the gates were easy enough, and soon they were standing in front of the throne. 

Halt's cowl was over his head, and hos usual grim demeanor carried through the room. Beside him stood Bloise, standing tall and with pride. And beside him was Genevieve, with good posture even when she was tired.

"Halt," King Duncan stood. "What brings you here? Did you complete your mission already? Where's Gilan? Who are your companions?"

Halt frowned. "Milord, one question at a time would be fine. You sound like Gilan." Bowing, Halt gestured to the two beside him. "This is Bloise, Ranger of Drayden fief, and this id Grnevieve, courier of Norgate."

Bloise bowed. "Milord." And Genevieve curtsied, saying nothing.

Duncan nodded. "Yes, yes. Greetings Bloise," he slightly bowed his head in respect. "Genevieve."

"And I am here because of my quest," Halt continued. "I have not completed it, and Gilan is still with the cult." He paused. "I seek counsel from Crowley, my commandant."

Duncan raised an eyebrow, Halt's signature movement catching onto him. "You, Halt?" he mused. "You need counsel."

"Yes, milord."

"Crowley should be on hi-"

The doors swung open. Crowley stumbled in, papers stuck on his shirts and his hair going in all different directions. "You called milord?" he asked, bowing, not noticing Halt.

Clearing his throat, Halt spoke. "I called."

"Halt?" Crowley spun on his heels to face his friend. "What are you doing here?"

Crowley embraced Halt, greeted Bloise, and introduced himself to Genevieve before Halt explained recent events.

>>>------------->

"So, you failed your one task and now need help to complete it?"

Halt, Crowley, and Duncan stood in a small room, conversing about the plans. Bloise and Genevieve had already been shown to their rooms and were probably resting.

Halt glared at Crowley. "It sounds worse when you say it that way."

Crowley grinned. "What happened to "one riot, one ranger?"

Halt growled. "This obviously isn't one riot when there's more people involved than just the cult. They were Skandians!"

Crowley chuckled. "Fair enough."

"So what do you plan on doing?" Duncan asked, ignoring their little banter.

Halt looked at Duncan. "I have no idea," he sighed, leaning back on a wall. "I have vague plan, somewhat planned. But I have yet to know Bloise's or Genevieve's skills."

Crowley and Duncan glanced at each other. "Well then," Crowley started. "You better figure it out soon then. Because I'm getting you three a safe and reliable ride to Gallica."

A/N:

Aughhhh... This is a terrible chapter. But you people probably  think otherwise.

I've hadn't had this feeling about a chapter since what? Chapter 9? This chapter was hard for me to write. Mostly because I didn't know what to write and exams. And it's probably because I'm getting distracted by one-shots, Lost and Found, and Shadowed Sun..

I'm officially on summer vacation from school. I am going to try...try to update two times a week. I'm thinking Wednesday and Saturday. Not sure if it'll work out though.

Also. Technically this is Saturday. It's midnight for me.