A Ranger From Adamnar

By the time the group got back to the stronghold, Alana felt so tired she could barely keep up. Lord Retak was waiting for them at the gate. The first thing Alana noticed when all the trainees had gathered around Lord Retak, was that all of them were the people she thought were Rangers. The one she hit in the head with the hilt of her dagger smiled at her and winked. Alana smiled back and blushed. Lord Retak cleared his throat to get their attention. “Take the rest of the day for yourselves. We’ll meet here tomorrow after the midday meal. We’ll be out for a month so be sure you’re well provisioned.”

As the rest of the group started to walk into the stronghold, Lord Retak said, “Alana, walk with me.”

“Yes, Lord Retak,” she replied.

Lord Retak saw how tired she looked. “This won’t take long,” he began. “Then I recommend a long hot bath and some sleep before dinner. I imagine your friends will want to celebrate with you later on.”

Alana smiled wearily. “A bath and sleep sound really good right about now.”

“I’m sure,” he replied. He started walking towards the trainee’s barracks. “I wanted to tell you a little bit about what to expect in fourth phase. I know you are under a lot of pressure right now. Everyone expects so much from you, I imagine it can be overwhelming.” Alana nodded in silent agreement. “Well, you should know,” he went on, “that no one—no matter how good they are or how quickly they tested out of their previous phases—tests out of fourth phase in less than ten months. There’s too much to learn and it just cannot be learned in five months. So our rule is all new fourth phase trainees will stay for at least ten months. I hope that takes some of the pressure off.”

Alana nodded and said, “Yes it does. I was wondering if everybody was going to expect me to test out of fourth in five months so I could beat Lord Berol’s record. I don’t really care about that, but everyone else seems to.”

“Well, you are somewhat of a phenomenon,” Lord Retak replied. “At your level of training you shouldn’t be able to do half the things you do. Take today for instance. Only a handful of Ranger Lords can reattach a limb but you did it and you’re still a trainee.”

“Lord Retak,” Alana said, “Do you think maybe I’m not supposed to be a Ranger?”

Lord Retak frowned and asked, “What makes you say that?”

“Well, I can do all these other things and then today Priest Bruny said I was meant to be a Warrior Priest.” She sighed. “But I don’t want to be a Priest. I want to be a Ranger and a Novadi warrior.”

Lord Retak thought for a moment and replied, “I think what Bruny meant was that some Rangers are healers and some use the magic of the forest. You are definitely on track to be a healing Ranger.” He paused and chuckled. “Especially since you already have the healing part down. Sometimes healing Rangers are called Warrior-Priests.”

“Oh,” she answered. “I guess that makes sense.” By then they reached the door to the women’s barracks. Alana said, “I think I’m going to follow your advice. Although,” she added thoughtfully as she opened the door, “I should probably write to Uncle Iliard first.”

“I wouldn’t worry about it too much,” Lord Retak replied. “Knowing Lord Berol, he’s already written Master Iliard and had someone teleport the letter to the Novadi Stronghold.”

“Oh,” Alana said, a bit surprised. “Then I guess I’ll write him later. Thank you for your help, Lord Retak.”

“You are most welcome, Alana,” he responded. “Any time you need help, you can come to me. Now, go get some rest.”

“Yes, Lord Retak,” she answered with a smile as she went inside.

As he walked away, Lord Retak shook his head. Alana was asking questions that were going to need to be answered—probably sooner than later. It grated on him to keep secrets from the girl. He wondered if he also should write a letter to Master Iliard.

“Alana, wake up.”

Nata’s voice filtered down into Alana’s unconscious mind. She slowly opened her eyes and tried to focus on her friend’s face. She blinked to clear her vision and then said, “Nata? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong, silly,” Nata’s replied with a laugh. “It’s almost dinner time and I didn’t want you to miss it.”

Alana rolled onto her side and groaned. Her whole body hurt. “I’m not hungry,” she said and tried to roll back onto her other side.

“Come on,” Nata persisted, grabbing Alana’s shoulder, “You can’t sleep through dinner. Besides, you have to see Falar and Cadius. They both made it to third.”

Alana’s eyes opened a little wider then. “Really? That’s great.” She slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position, her muscles protesting every move. “What about you?” she asked Nata as she swung her legs over the side of the bunk.

Nata smiled and answered, “Not yet. I’ve only been there five months. I’m not you.”

Alana was instantly contrite. “Nata, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by that.”

“I know,” Nata said. “Now come on and get dressed.”

“All right, all right,” Alana replied. She stood up and stretched to try to loosen her stiff muscles. She had hoped the bath would help more. She pulled on a clean pair of breeches and shirt, all under Nata’s watchful eye. As she was tying her boots, Alana saw Laren walk into the barracks. Their eyes met and locked. Laren stood there staring at her for a few moments and then turned away and went to lay down on her bunk.

Nata saw the silent exchange and whispered, “Everybody heard what happened. Laren was mad as a hornet when she got back here.”

Alana frowned and said quietly, “I’d rather not talk about it.”

Nata shrugged and answered, “Suit yourself.” She saw that Alana was about to braid her hair and said, “Don’t worry about that. You’re not training right now. Come on. Everybody’s waiting.”

Alana let out a sound of exasperation, “Why are they waiting for me? They all know how to get to the dining hall by themselves.”

Nata laughed, undeterred by Alana’s mood. “All right Trainee Grouchy, let’s go.” Alana picked up her sword belt and quickly checked her weapons before buckling them on. “Why do you bother with that?” Nata asked. “We’re in the stronghold.”

“We’re always supposed to be ready for combat,” Alana answered. “You never know when a battle is going to come to you.”

Nata shook her head slightly and said, “I suppose. Well, if you’re finally ready, let’s go.”

Nata led the way down the aisle of the barracks. Just before they got to the door Alana said, “Wait a minute.” She hurried back to Laren’s bunk, leaned down and said quietly, “Laren, come to dinner with us.”

Laren’s muffled voice came from under her blanket. “Leave me alone.”

Alana didn’t want to give up that easily. “Laren, you should eat something.”

Laren turned over and threw the blanket off her face. “I said, leave me alone,” she growled and then turned back over and covered her head once again.

Alana sighed softly and headed back for the door. Nata looked back at Laren’s bunk and said, “Honestly, I don’t know why you bother with her. She’s never going to change.”

Alana looked at Nata and replied, “You should know the answer to that already.”

Nata nodded and said, “I know, I know. Everyone’s worth it.” She shook her head and asked, “Did anyone ever tell you you’re strange?”

Alana chuckled and answered, “Pretty much everybody.”

When they got outside the barracks, Alana saw that all of her friends were there waiting for her. As soon as he saw Alana, Cadius went over to her and lifted her off the ground in a big bear hug. “Congratulations shorty,” he said.

Alana laughed and said, “Put me down, you oaf.” When Cadius had set her down, she asked, “What are you all doing here?”

Tulan looked at Nata and said, “You didn’t tell her?”

Alana looked at Nata, who was shaking her head and said, “Tell me what?”

Tulan smiled broadly and answered, “Well, you already know you tied Lord Berol’s record for testing to fourth.”

“Yes,” Alana said, somewhat wearily.

“But,” he went on, “I bet you didn’t know that you broke his record for how quickly you got through the test.”

“I did?” Alana asked.

“Yep,” Falar chimed in. “The whole stronghold is talking about it.”

“Oh,” Alana said with a quiet sigh.

“Come on Alana,” Grace said. “You should be proud. Sareth and I only just finished about an hour ago.”

Alana’s eyes brightened, “You and Sareth tested out?”

“Yes,” Grace answered with a smile.

“Congratulations,” Alana said enthusiastically. “Where’s Sareth now?”

Grace smiled ruefully. “He’s in the infirmary. He got wounded in his last fight and the Priests are making him stay there for another hour.”

“Hey,” Tulan said, “I heard you hit Lord Crenda square in the chest.”

“Who’s Lord Crenda?” Alana asked.

“He’s the one who was firing arrows at you,” Grace said.

“Oh,” Alana answered. “I didn’t know who he was. I thought he was a Ranger from this stronghold.”

“Nah,” said Tulan, “he’s from Keslu Stronghold and he’s the best bowman in the region.”

“Wow,” Alana replied. “I owe you a drink for all your lessons.”

“I’d say you owe me two or three,” Tulan retorted.

“I don’t know about the rest of you,” Cadius said loudly, “But I’m starving.”

“Yeah well,” Shiri said wryly, “That’s because you and Falar did some after-test exploring.”

“So? And what’s wrong with that?” Falar asked with a smug smile.

“I didn’t say there was anything wrong with it,” Shiri replied with a sideways look at Tulan.

“Come on, let’s go,” Alana said laughing.

As the group headed towards the dining hall, Alana saw Ben coming across the compound towards them. He smiled broadly and came over to her. “Congratulations Alana,” he said.

“Thank you,” Alana replied. She wanted very much to throw her arms around his neck, but she knew he would get into trouble if she did that, especially since Lord Cartyet was nearby talking to Lord Chasimar.

It almost seemed like Ben knew what she was thinking because he leaned in and whispered, “I like your hair like that.”

Alana smiled and blushed. “Thank you,” she whispered back.

“I’d better go,” he said aloud. “I have night patrol and I have to get ready.”

“Goodnight Ben,” Alana said.

He smiled at her. “Goodnight.”

After Ben had gone on his way, her friends swarmed around her. “Speaking of exploring,” Falar said meaningfully, looking at Alana’s flushed face, “Aren’t trainees off-limits to Rangers?”

“Yes they are,” Cadius said with a frown. “He should be reported.”

“Hey!” Alana protested, “Nothing’s going on.”

“And besides,” Nata chimed in, giving Cadius an incredulous look, “Alana’s a big girl. She can take care of herself.”

“He’s no kid, Cadius grumbled. “He should know better.”

“I told you,” Alana said angrily, rounding on Cadius, “Nothing is going on.”

Cadius opened his mouth to respond, but Shiri stepped in, “All right Cadius,” she said, “Knock it off. Stop being so protective. They both know the rules. He’s a patrol leader. He’s not going to do anything to get himself thrown out of the stronghold.”

“I don’t know,” Tulan said skeptically, “He sure looked like he wanted to get himself thrown out of the stronghold.”

Alana put her hands on her hips and said, “Now don’t you start.”

“Hey, we’re just looking out for you,” Tulan replied.

“Yeah,” Cadius agreed. “The guy’s got to be at least ten years older than you.”

Alana threw Cadius a withering looked and asked, “And how much older are you than Falar?”

Cadius threw a baffled look at Falar and answered, “Uh, I don’t know.”

Alana turned to Falar and asked, “Falar, how old are you?”

“Twenty-two,” she answered with a grin.

Turning back to Cadius, Alana asked, “How old are you?”

Cadius’ face reddened and he mumbled something under his breath.

Alana leaned in and said, “What was that? I didn’t hear you.”

“I said, I’m thirty-six,” he answered reluctantly.

“I see,” Alana said.

“All right, all right,” Cadius said, as he put his hands up in surrender. “I yield. Ye gods I don’t know which is worse—your sword or your tongue.”

“It depends on whether you’re my enemy or my friend,” Alana replied with a laugh.

“All right then,” Falar said, putting her arm through Cadius’ “Let’s all be friends and get some dinner. I’m starving.”

“Sounds good to me,” Alana said.

When Alana stepped into the dining hall, the entire room erupted into applause. Alana’s face turned bright red and she took a step back, as if to leave. Tulan grabbed her arm and said, “Come on Alana, don’t hide from it. The sooner you let them do it, the sooner they’ll get it out of their system and go on with life.”

Shiri came to her other side and said quietly, “It’s all right. Don’t let it bother you. Let’s just have some dinner.”

Alana nodded and walked with her friends in to the large room. As they passed through the tables, Rangers and other trainees called out to her. She was glad when they finally got to an empty table.

During dinner they were joined by Elsa and a fully healed Sareth, who spent ten minutes telling Alana how glad he was that he had trained with her in third phase. After dinner, the merry group headed over to the tavern to, as Cadius put it, “celebrate properly.” As they were walking across the compound, Grace fell in step with Alana. “Can I ask you something?” she said quietly to Alana.

“Sure,” Alana answered.

Grace hesitated a moment and pursed her lips before going on. “I was wondering about that Ranger friend of yours.”

“You mean Ben?” Alana asked, now wary.

“Yes,” Grace answered.

“I said before nothing is going on,” Alana said defensively.

“I know,” Grace replied. “I believe you. That wasn’t what I was going to ask you about.”

Now Alana’s curiosity was piqued. “Then what?” she asked.

Grace let out a short breath and frowned slightly. “I know a little bit about men,” she began. “And I was wondering if you were expecting him to wait for you to become a Ranger.”

“He has to,” Alana answered, a bit puzzled. “I’m a trainee.”

“I know that part,” Grace said. “I didn’t mean…” she stopped to find the right words and then said, “What I mean is, are you expecting him to not…go exploring with other women while he’s waiting for you to become a Ranger? Even if you get through fourth phase in ten months, that’s still a long time for a man to not…explore.”

Alana stared at the ground in silence as they continued toward the tavern, her brows knit together in a frown. “I never thought about it.” Alana answered, looking back a Grace. “I guess,” she began slowly as she pieced her thoughts together, “It wouldn’t be fair to expect him to do that. I mean, we’re not betrothed. And besides, we’re adventurers. Or at least he is, and I will be soon. Adventurers do things differently.”

Grace chuckled and shook her head. “That’s not the way most girls your age would answer.”

“Well, I’m not like most girls my age,” Alana answered with a slight frown.

“That you’re not,” Grace agreed.

They had gotten to the door of the tavern and Cadius said, “Are you two coming or what?” Then he went inside mumbling something about “girl talk.”

“Yes, yes, we’re coming,” Grace answered with laughter in her voice. Turning back to Alana she said more seriously, “I hope you don’t mind me asking about Ben. It’s just…well you’re still so young and you don’t really seem to have anyone to look out for you. You’re always looking out for other people. I thought it would be nice if someone looked out for you for once.”

Alana smiled, touched by Grace’s genuine concern. “Thank you,” she said. “I really appreciate it.”

“I am curious,” Grace added. “I get the idea that you haven’t…well…been with anyone yet and I was wondering, why Ben? I mean, he is much older than you and he’s a Ranger. Why not another trainee?”

Alana thought for a moment before she answered. “I guess there’s really two reasons.” She smiled as she spoke, “The first time I saw Ben, I thought he was so handsome and he had such a nice smile. He was actually the one who got Lord Cartyet to let me test for my candidacy when I was fifteen.”

“What?” Grace asked in confusion.

“It’s a long story,” Alana answered. “I’ll tell you another time. If we take much longer, Cadius will come out and drag us in.”

Grace laughed, “True.”

“Anyway,” Alana went on, “When I started thinking about…exploring, I thought of Ben.” She stopped for a moment, and then continued. “The other reason is, I don’t want to mess up my training with something that could get complicated. I want to focus on being the best trainee I can be. After I make my trials, then I can think about other things. My grandmother told me that I should be the one to decide who and when. So that’s pretty much the who and when for me.”

Grace’s eyes widened a bit. “Your grandmother told you that? She must be an interesting person.”

Alana let out a short laugh. “You could say that. She’s a Novadi warrior.”

Grace’s mouth dropped open a bit. “Oh, I didn’t know that.”

Alana shrugged, “Not many people do. I don’t going around talking about it. It sounds too much like bragging and my uncle wouldn’t like that.”

Grace’s gaze traveled to a spot just over Alana’s shoulder. “Is your uncle tall, incredibly good looking and—judging by the two long swords—a Novadi warrior?”

Alana gave Grace a puzzled look. “I…yes…but how did you…?”

Grace pointed past Alana’s shoulder and said, “I think he and Lord Berol are headed this way.”

Alana turned around and saw her Uncle Iliard walking toward her. She turned back to Grace and said, “Don’t go away. I want you to meet him.” Then she ran up to Iliard and threw her arms around his neck.

Iliard laughed as he returned her hug. “Well that much hasn’t changed. But I think you’ve gotten taller.”

“I should hope so,” Alana retorted, “I’m almost seventeen.”

“You have another seven months until you’re seventeen,” he replied with mock severity. “Don’t rush it.”

“Yes, Uncle Gloomy,” Alana said.

Lord Berol threw back his head and laughed. “There’s a way to remember who you are.”

Alana blushed and turned to greet Lord Berol. “Hello Lord Berol.”

Lord Berol smiled and answered, “Hello Alana. I wanted to congratulate on your test to fourth phase. You did exceptionally well. We are all very proud of you.”

“Thank you, Lord Berol,” Alana said.

“I see your friends are waiting to celebrate with you,” Lord Berol said, indicating the tavern.

Alana looked over and saw that Cadius and Tulan were now standing outside next Grace. Alana grabbed Iliard’s hand and started to pull him towards the tavern. “I want you to meet some of my friends.” When they reached the small group Alana said, “Uncle Iliard, this is Grace, Cadius and Tulan. Everybody, this is my Uncle Iliard.”

Grace stared at Iliard for a moment, blushed and then said hastily, “Good evening Master Iliard.”

Tulan bowed his head slightly and said, “Master Iliard.”

Cadius nodded and said, “My Lord.”

“That’s Master Iliard, Cadius,” Lord Berol admonished.

“Sorry,” Cadius said. “Master Iliard.”

“It’s good to meet all of you,” Iliard replied with a smile.

“So are you coming in?” Cadius asked Alana.

Alana glanced quickly at Iliard and said, “In a little while. I want to talk to my uncle.”

“Knowing Cadius, we’ll be in there for at least a while,” said Tulan with a laugh.

“We should go in before Falar and Shiri think something happened to us,” Grace said. To Alana she said, “We’ll see you soon.” She took one last look at Iliard and then hurried inside.

“I’ll be there,” Alana said.

“I think I’ll take my leave as well,” Lord Berol said. “Master Iliard, if you would please stop by my office before you leave, I’d appreciate it.”

“I will,” Iliard answered.

“Good night, Alana,” Lord Berol said as he turned towards the main building.

“Good night Lord Berol,” Alana responded.

After her friends and Lord Berol had gone, Alana turned to Iliard and said, “You got here sooner than I thought you would.”

“Well,” Iliard replied, “According to Lord Berol, if I didn’t come see you today, I would have had to wait at least another month until you came back from patrols.”

“Oh,” Alana said. “I forgot about that.”

A loud shout of laughter came from the tavern. Iliard smiled and said, “Let’s go somewhere a little quieter.”