"Shan... We've run out again."

Or'kan turned toward the terrified young soldier standing before him, clutching his water skin in his shaking hands. "Didn't we just fill them an hour ago?"

The man's hands dug deeper into the bag with bloodless fingers. "We did, Shan, but... They're all empty."

Or'kan turned slowly, bearing down on the soldier. "And how could that be? No one has drunk enough for even one of them to be empty."

The soldier's whole body trembled now. "True, Shan, no one has drunk hardly anything... They are empty, and we have no explanation. I take full responsibility - "

Or'kan reached suddenly and snatched the bag from the man's grip startling him into silence. "If none of us drank any of it, and they were all tightly sealed, then what could have happened for them to all become empty?"

The soldier was quiet until he saw that Or'kan was expecting an answer. "Uh... Tampering?"

Or'kan smiled thinly. "Exactly, soldier. Exactly." He gently felt along on the bottom of the bag, right along the seam, until his finger hit a small ridge. He turned the bag over, and the last few drops of water trickled out of a thin, nearly invisible slit cut cleanly into the bottom of the bag. Or'kan glanced up suddenly. "Check your water skins! Feel along the bottom by the seams! Do all the skins have a cut?" The men quickly checked all their skins, and sure enough, every single one had an identical slit on the bottom. Or'kan threw the ruined skin to the ground, and muttered to At'lan, "Have the men get out their reserve skins from their packs. We will set out very soon."

"Shan! They have been spotted! The Atabi!" A scout came running up through the camp, panting.

"Where? Are they same ones we ran into a few hours ago? The young one and his friend at the camp?"

"No, these two are much older. They have been following us for an hour or so now. I suspect these are the ones who cut our water bags."

Or'kan rubbed the bridge of his nose. "So now the question is, do we follow the two younger ones, or track these new older ones?" Everyone stood around him in silence, unsure of what to say. Finally Or'kan raised his head and threw his shoulders back, remounting his horse with renewed vigor.

Everyone else scrambled hastily up onto their mounts after him. At'lan leaned over and murmured, "Excuse me, Shan, but where are we going? Are we going all the way to capital?"

Or'kan met his eyes, and the dark light of revenge glinted in them. "Those young ones are wounded. They can wait. I think it's high time we paid these two water skin slicers a visit."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alyss saw the large crowd of people standing inside the courtyard and knew immediately something was very wrong.

She had been filing away some of her reports in Lady Pauline's office when the alert was sounded that someone was approaching the castle. She had heard the rumbling as the drawbridge and portcullis were lowered and raised to let them in, and she went outside onto the balcony passageway to see who had come.

The courtyard was jam packed full. The clump of people, numbering around thirty, was surrounded by one of the elite squads of the Royal Guard. The uniformed men stood in a tight circle, not letting passerby into the center. They stood fiercely in a strict formation, their spears hefted, silently threatening anyone who tried to come near. Villagers, servants, guests, and nobles alike were peering over their heads, trying to see what was happening, but the soldiers, held them back. Why would they have a heavy armed guard in the middle of Castle Araluen? Isn't this one of the safest places in the whole country? Near the center of the group stood a surprisingly large group of men in green-gray cloaks, at least five, maybe more, all with their cowls up, shielding their faces. She couldn't count or recognize them from this distance, but they were all huddled in the center of the circle with their exhausted mounts. Another taller figure, whom she recognized as the King, stood in the middle of the group engaged in what looked like an intense conversation with one of the Rangers. Other soldiers, as well as palace scouts and guards, stood around inside the guarded area. Alyss skimmed the group one last time, and then she saw it. A long, canvas-wrapped bundle about the size of a man was strapped to the back of one of the horses, and she immediately knew what it was: a body.

Will, she thought. I have to find Will.

She leapt into action, running across the battlements through the corridor and practically flying down the stairs, shouldering people out of the way. She burst out into the main level of the courtyard and made a beeline for the group, shoving through the massive crowd of spectators. They all huffed and stumbled as she dashed through them, sending some unfortunate ones reeling. She ran up to one of the Royal Guards, saying breathlessly, "I need to get in there, my - my husband - "

"Miss, I'm going to have to ask you to step back now." The guard held up a hand, barring her way.

"Please, sir, I'm one of the Ranger's wife. I need to see him." She tried to glance up over his shoulder, but he leaned over her.

"Miss, how should I believe you? I'm ordered not to let anyone in, and that includes you, 'Ranger's wife' or not. Now, please, step back and be on your way." He extended an arm and put his hand on her shoulder, gently propelling her away. But she resisted, brushing off his hand and speaking more urgently.

"Please, sir, I swear! Just ask any of the Rangers, they'll most likely know who I am."

The guard raised an eyebrow. "Most likely?"

Alyss looked at him pleadingly. The guard pursed his lips, and then finally turned away, whispering something to the guard next to him, as he went inside the group for a moment. He returned shortly after with a cloaking figure walking behind him. It was Berrigan, one of the Rangers Will had worked with during his earlier years at Seacliff. She glanced down inconspicuously at his peg leg, and then up at his face as he spoke.

"Lady Alyss, is that you?" Berrigan asked politely from behind the soldier. She was momentarily puzzled, she had never seen or heard a Ranger act in such a... Cautious, even nervous manner. But she quickly dismissed it as her thoughts flew back to Will.

She nodded. "Ranger, I don't think we've had the pleasure of meeting." She held out a hand, and Berrigan shook it. She couldn't help but notice that when she extended her hand, the guards on either side tensed up for a moment.

"I'm Berrigan. Ranger Will's talked about you at the Gatherings sometimes. It is an honor to finally meet you. Sirs, please let her through." Berrigan turned to the soldiers next to them, and the guard gave Alyss one last glance before he turned aside, allowing Alyss to pass through into the enclosed space. Berrigan tried to say something to her, but she shouldered him off and took off running through the small group. She stopped at each Ranger, peering into their faces to see if it was Will, but the first four she checked she didn't recognize. Then she froze.

Two soldiers were leading a horse behind them, and strapped to that horse was the canvas bundle. As the horse walked by her, something moved under the bundle and a hand dropped out of a fold. The skin was pale with light freckles, and there was a special glove on it she recognized from Will's archery equipment, in fact, it was eerily similar to his. The sleeve was the dull green hue, signature of typical Ranger attire.

Alyss watched, pale-faced, as the horse moved slowly by her, the body coming past just inches from her own, and she couldn't help but think, Is that Will? And if it isn't, then who is it?

A sudden panic overwhelmed her again, and she shoved past the horse, ducking through the crowd as she searched desperately. She reached the center of the group and saw a Ranger leaning up against a horse, clutching his arm, red blotches of blood smeared across his hands. She leaned in and saw the face of... No, she didn't know him. But as he dragged his bleary eyes up to meet hers, she saw a spark of recognition in them. "Lady Alyss? You're Will's wife, right?"

Alyss nodded emphatically. "Yes, I am, do you know where he is? I need to see him."

The Ranger glanced up after the horse still steadily clopping away with the body on its back, and then back at Alyss. "I - uh..." And then he fainted. He collapsed to the ground, his arm still gushing blood. Two guards broke in and picked him up, giving Alyss strange looks, and then carried him away inside the castle. Alyss felt the little blood left in her face drain away as terrible thoughts raced through her mind. What if he's dead? What if I never see him again? What if he's not even here? What happened to them? What's going on? Where is he? What if he's dead? What if he's dead... These thoughts became a chant as she whirled around frantically, searching for the last Ranger, whom she had seen talking to the King. She turned one more time, then spotted his back in the other side of the group. She shoved her way through the pack, still chanting, what if he's dead, what if he's dead, what if he's gone, what if he's dead...

She reached the King, practically slamming herself into his back, twisted around him, and gasped.

"Will."

Will stood there. His face was grimy with dirt, sweat, and exhaustion. A series of small cuts were scattered about his face, one on his left jaw, another on his right eyebrow, and one small one along his hairline, as well as a few small bruises. His eyes, which were tired, but determined, widened as they saw Alyss. His jaw dropped open and he stuttered, "A - Alyss? Why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be at Redmo - " but he never had the chance to finish before Alyss threw herself into his arms. She took deep shaky breaths as she breathed in his all too familiar scent of sweat, earth, and pine. She squeezed his shoulders as hard as she could, trying to remind herself he was really there standing in front of her, hugging her.

"Alyss... I - "

Will tried to say something, his voice light and breathy in her ear. But she squeezed him all the tighter, murmuring hoarsely, "I - I saw the body - "

Will pulled back, his eyes suddenly frantic and worried, but she grabbed his hands and held them to her heart, still trying to convince herself it was all real. "Oh, Alyss, you thought... You thought that was me? You thought I was - "

"You're not dead," she whispered as she leaned into him again, and this time he pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair.

"I'm not dead. I'm here and I'm alright."

"You're not dead." She felt her heart finally slowing down, and her breathing relax as she savored Will's warm embrace, one that she had been afraid she would never feel again.

After a long moment, she felt Will inhale to say something, and she leaned back and looked up into his dark brown eyes.

"I know you're upset, and I know you're wondering what happened to me, to... Well, to all of us." He gestured to the bedraggled group of Rangers around him. "And I'm so sorry to have scared you like that, but unfortunately..." He glanced at the King, who pursed his lips sympathetically. "Unfortunately, I can't fill you in right this very minute like I wish I could - "

"Don't worry about it. I can wait. I know there are far more important people who need to know what happened right away, for example, Your Majesty..." She turned and curtsied quickly to the King. "I'm sorry, my lord, for interrupting - "

But the King just smiled gently and put up a hand to stop her. "Don't apologize, Alyss. I completely understand. I know the fear of losing a loved one well." He glanced off over Will's shoulder into the distance for a moment, his eyes clouding over momentarily with memories. Then he seemed to snap back to reality, and continued. "In fact, we were just about to move everyone into the Great Hall and hold a large debrief meeting. You are more than welcome to sit in on that, if you wish to know what's going on."

Alyss smiled at him. "Thank you, my lord, I would like that very much." She turned back to Will, her hand brushing a cut on his jaw, and he winced. She pulled her hand away, but reached down grabbed his. She felt her face scrunch up with worry, and Will tried to smile at her, but she knew him well. The smile was a lie, an almost pitiful attempt to hide the grief and emotional turmoil in his eyes. The cuts and bruises on his face were in stark contrast to the paleness of his skin. His lips curved into a small, bloodless smile that never reached his eyes, and the deep brown of his irises has darkened into pools of black. She could even swear there was a sheen of tears glittering along his lash line as he looked at her.

Will broke eye contact first, glancing away quickly as the King spoke softly to him from off to the side. "Will, I think maybe pushing the debrief back another ten minutes might be a good idea, don't you think?"

Will smiled again, this time a more relaxed, grateful smile as he recognized the King's attempt to give them a minute to themselves. "Thank you, my lord."

"Yes, thank you," Alyss echoed softly, giving the King a warm smile.

Duncan nodded at them both, then pointed at Will and muttered, "Ten minutes, on the dot. I expect you to lead the debrief, so don't be late."

"Yes, my lord."

The King turned on his heel and walked off through the crowd, followed by a couple of the Royal Guards, and crossed the courtyard to enter the Great Hall. Servant and soldiers were pouring in and out of the double doors, bringing in cots and tables, chairs, platters of food, jugs of water, medical supplies, and all manner of papers and maps. Rangers, soldiers, and other people pushed in from around the ring of Royal Guards, and Will thought, I have to get out of here. He took Alyss's hand and pulled her through the crowd, past the Rangers and horses. He tapped on a guard's shoulder, and he was immediately let through. He ignored the sudden cheers and shouts from the crowd at his appearance, and pulling Alyss with him, he plowed through the edge of the crowd and into a secluded hallway near the garden, off to the side of the main courtyard. Some people tried to follow him, but the guards quickly stepped in from of the entrance, sealing it up, and effectively giving Will and Alyss privacy. The floor above created a stone overhang that blocked out the worst of the sunlight. In the garden nearby, birds fluttered about from limb to limb and bees buzzed around the fresh, fragrant blossoms. The sky was cloudless and a soft breeze whooshed through the trees. Alyss would normally have loved to sit outside on days like this, watching the birds, preferably with Will. But the events of the past few days seemed to have shaded the beauty of the day, and everything seemed dull and lusterless. The worm of worry in her mind winced and writhed as she noticed Will's heavy limp as he pulled her along. He was obviously in pain.

Alyss took all this in in a moment, and decided not to comment on it just yet. Instead, she asked, "Will, where are the other Rangers?"

He scratched his head nervously. He looks so beautiful in this light. I've missed him. "They're still coming. I lead the first group, so we were the first arrive, but the rest of them are in other groups, coming at whatever pace they can manage... I have no idea if they'll all make it. I left them all out on their own..."

"I'm sure they'll make it. I mean, they're all extremely capable - "

"Most of them are, but lots are injured. There's no telling whether some of them succumbed to their wounds in the last couple days, or were captured or killed by the Temujai - "

Alyss's eyes suddenly widened, and her face went pale. "Temujai?" Her voice was soft and strained. "Will... I know I'm about to hear about everything that happened to you, in excruciating detail, but I need to know... What happened to you all? Just give me the short answer."

Will squeezed her hands and, not meeting her eyes, said quietly, "Well... There really isn't any other way to put this, but..." Now his eyes met hers. "Alyss... The Gathering was attacked."

Her hands trembled. "By the Temujai?"

"Yes." Will fell silent.

Oh my god.

It took Alyss a long moment before she was able to speak, and even then, her voice was raspy and soft. "How... How many dead?"

"Two." Will's voice cracked.

It's only by sheer luck that you aren't dead. A terrifying thought struck Alyss. She squeezed Will's hand so tight she thought she might break his fingers. "Where's Halt?"

But Will immediately shook his head. "He's not dead, Alyss. He's not going to arrive later like the others, but... The last time I saw him, two days ago, he was fine." Alyss started to ask him where Halt was again, but Will held up a hand. "He stayed behind to track the Temujai and find out why they attacked us. He snuck away unharmed during the battle with Crowley, and I assume he's been tracking and figuring out what's happening over the last few days."

Alyss pursed her lips. "But he could be dead."

Will shook his head again. "I know Halt. He's the best tracker I know, he wouldn't let himself be caught, at least, not this quickly. He's fine, I know it. So is Crowley. They were quite the team a few years back, you know. They know how to fend for themselves better than the best of us."

Alyss nodded slowly. "That's right. I should trust him." She trailed off momentarily. "So if it wasn't Halt or Crowley... Then who died?"

Will's face went slack, and she recognized the mental shield he had suddenly thrown up. He's protecting himself from the grief. He squeezed her hands as he said, "A retired Ranger named Jonathan, and... Trevor."

"Did you... Did you know them?"

Will didn't answer for a long time. Eventually, he said, "I knew Jonathan, I cooked with him. I've learned some of my best recipes from him. And Trevor... I only knew him for a short time. But yes, I knew him."

"Who was he? How old was he?"

Will swallowed hard. "He was... A young apprentice. Barely even fifteen. He was younger than me when I first joined Halt."

Fifteen. So young. "How did you know him?"

"I just met him a few days ago. He really... Really looked up to me. He was so excited and eager to have met me. It was strangely endearing." A small smile, a real, genuine smile curved on his lips for just the breath of a moment, and then it was gone. "He got shot during the battle as I was running to help him. Another Ranger and I carried him for hours as we ran towards our emergency meeting place. He... He died halfway there. We had to... Carry his body the rest of the way."

Will's voice had gone very soft as he described what had happened. By the end Alyss could barely hear him. Or see him. Her eyes blurred as they welled up with tears, but she blinked them away, shutting her eyes to hold them back. You can't break down. Stay strong for Will. He needs you right now. "I know this doesn't help you feel any better, but... I'm so sorry, Will. I'm so sorry." She pulled him into a tight hug, wrapping her hands around his shoulders, digging her nails into the warm fabric of his cloak and boring her head in his shirt. When she pulled away, little tear stains were left on the material, but she swiped them away off her cheeks with a flick of her hands. "You know..." she said, "when I first saw you all in the courtyard and I barged in here looking for you, I was passed by a horse carrying a dead body on it. The body was wrapped up, but I could see the hand, it was wearing the same kind of gloves you have. I was so afraid for a moment that it was you. But I know it wasn't."

Will cracked a small smile. "Alyss, we all wear the same gloves. They're Ranger issue. Mine are only a little different because I had the tips of the fingers mine reinforced for shooting. Just because he was wearing those gloves doesn't mean it was me. Here, feel my gloves." She ran her hands along the tips of his gloved fingers and felt the thick, tough pads sewn into the leather of the first three fingers on each hand. "Now you can tell if it's me or not. You know, just in case you ever have to tell a Ranger apart from another by their gloves."

She smiled at him. "I'll never forget it." She fell silent again, thinking hard. "How did they know where to attack you? Isn't the Gathering location a heavily guarded secret?"

Will nodded solemnly. "It's never been written down, and only a handful of people outside of the Corps know where it's held. Not even the King knows," he said, nodding over his shoulder. He leaned in close. "I've been thinking about it, and the only solution I could think of was that someone who knew must have betrayed us and given the location to the Temujai."

Alyss's eyes widened again. "Someone betrayed you? But wouldn't that have to be someone at a very high rank?"

Will nodded. "Yes, or at least someone close by."

Alyss looked into his eyes. "Well... I'm glad you're safe."

Will grinned. "Me, too."

They were quiet again, drinking in each other's presences.

Will spoke first. He sounded hesitant. "I know this seems trivial at the moment, considering everything that's happened, but... How are you doing? Are you well?"

Alyss raised an eyebrow at him. "Of course, I'm fine. What do you mean?"

Will reached out his hand. "I'm glad you're okay, but what I meant was..." His hand gently rested on her stomach. "Are you... Well?"

Oh. He's asking me if... If I'm... "Will, I'm sorry, but... I went to the doctor, every week, like you said. I had him do a full check every time, and he even said that after three weeks he should be able to tell for certain. He said... No."

Will's face fell. "Oh, okay. That's... That's alright."

Alyss took his hand. "Don't give up hope, Will. Remember, the doctor checked us both out, and we're fine. The only reason why it hasn't happened yet is because it's just not meant to be, not yet."

Will smiled, his eyes crinkling and his dimples showing. His eyes glimmered with his usual liveliness. Ah, there's the Will I recognize. Not this sad, exhausted, hollow shell of what he used to be.

"I'm not giving up hope. I'm just impatient."

Alyss smiled back. "And I love you for that."

And suddenly he was kissing her, and everything was right with the world.

After they broke apart, it took Alyss a long time to speak again. "I met another Ranger outside, who seemed to know me. He recognized me, but then he fainted. His arm was bleeding. Who was he?"

"His arm? Oh, that's Harrison. I didn't know his group had arrived. Trevor was his apprentice. You said he fainted?"

"Yes." Poor Harrison. I should have helped him.

Will glanced around worriedly, his brow all scrunched up. "I hope one of the soldiers helped him. He needs to be cared for, his wound is deep." He peered over her shoulder, and called out softly, "Soldier!"

One of the Royal Guards standing a few meters away turned around and jogged over. "Ranger Will, sir, at your service." He snapped a smart salute.

Will nodded. "Would you happen to know the status of Ranger Harrison? I understand his group arrived a few minutes ago. He had a deeply wounded shoulder."

The soldier nodded. "Of course, sir. Ranger Harrison fainted from blood loss and was taken into the Great Hall to be cared for. The physician said he should be fine after resting for a while. I believe he's even woken up."

Will's shoulders visibly relaxed. "Good, thank you very much."

As he said this, another soldier came running over and whispered something briefly in his ear. The guard nodded and said to Will, "Sir, our commander has just arrived. He asks that when it is convenient, could he speak with you briefly?"

Will's brows furrowed, his mouth crooked in puzzlement. He glanced at Alyss, and she nodded. "I suppose, yes. Tell him to come right away." The two guards hurried off into the crowd.

Will had barely even had time to turn back to Alyss when a familiar voice from behind him said, "Well, you look like you've been through hell and back."

Will turned around, knowing who it was even before he saw his face. "Horace?"

His old friend stepped over in long strides with his long legs and wrapped his arms around Will. "I've missed you on the battlefield more than once since the last time I've seen you. What happened to you and the rest of the green bunch?"

Will smiled, but then became serious. "I should have known this was your battalion. I'd tell you everything right now, but I'm about to go debrief everyone and I'm going to have to talk a lot. You can hear it all then. And it's good to see you, I've missed you as well."

Horace grinned widely and slapped Will on the back. He then pulled Alyss into a tight hug. "Hello, Alyss, looking beautiful as ever."

Alyss smiled into the tough leather of Horace's armor. "Hello, Horace, you old charmer. It's wonderful to see you."

Horace stepped back and gestured to the Great Hall. "Well, it looks like the debrief is about to start. I was just in there and the King seemed impatient. Sorry to interrupt you two, but it's best not to irritate the King. I've learned that the hard way."

Will chuckled. "Of course." He took Alyss's hand in his and they followed Horace into the Great Hall.

***************

Hello everyone.

It's been a while, hasn't it? Right off the bat, thanks so much for your patience and your encouragement as I struggle through the last few weeks of school. Thanks so much for staying with me and reading my stuff! What did you think of this chapter? Please vote if you liked it and let me know what you thought in the comments. Also, if you discovered any typos along the way, please leave me a comment so I can go back and fix them. The next section is already partially written and should go up pretty soon.

Love you all. ;)