A Ranger From Adamnar

Rose held the door of the trainee barracks open for Grace, Alana and Laren. Alana let out a sigh of relief. “I’m glad Lord Retak and Lord Ejrin teleported us back here. I’m so tired. It will be nice to take a bath and sleep in a bed.”

Laren gave her a sideways look and said, “What, are you getting soft already?”

Alana rolled her eyes at Laren, “Ha ha, very funny.”

Rose let out a short laugh. “Soft is the last thing I’d call you. That was some pretty amazing fighting. How do you do that?”

“I…” Alana stopped speaking because she realized that the first phase trainees in the barracks were staring at their blood covered clothes with horrified expressions.

Laren noticed too. With a sort of half-smile she said casually, “Just Ranger trials. Nothing to worry about.”

Alana choked back a laugh. “That’s not very nice,” she murmured.

“I know,” Laren answer with a grin.

“Come on,” Grace said. “Lord Retak told us to bring our gear over to the Ranger’s quarters.”

Alana went over to her bunk and pulled her satchel from underneath it. She took her clothes from the trunk at the foot of her bed and put them in the satchel. Lastly, she took the blue vase off the stand next to the bunk and put it carefully on top of the clothes.

“You still have that stupid thing?” Laren asked from behind her. “Why do you keep it? You never put anything in it.”

Alana smiled wistfully. She turned to Laren and said, “This vase doesn’t need to have anything in it. It has a history all its own.”

“What do you mean?” Laren asked.

“I’ll tell you about it when we’re settled in,” Alana replied.

Rose came up to them and asked, “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” Alana replied as she hoisted her satchel onto her shoulder.

The younger trainees were still staring at the foursome as they headed out the barracks door. They met Orman, Nyle and Nolan on the way. “How’s Levon?” Alana asked.

“He’s all right,” Nyle replied. “He’s in the infirmary. Brother Bruny said he can leave in a few hours. I brought his gear with me.” After a pause he went on, “He said to thank you for saving his life.”

Alana blushed and said, “Uh…sure. I’m just glad I got to him in time.”

“Alana!”

Alana whirled around, startled to hear Ben call out to her across the compound. She saw that Ben was practically running towards her. She put down her satchel and said to her friends, “I’ll be right back.”

The three men looked at the three women and Orman said, “We’ll be going now,” and they continued on to the Ranger quarters.

When Alana got to Ben, he put his arms around her and held her close. “Thank Asaeria you’re all right,” he said.

Alana was too surprised to respond at first. She just enjoyed the feeling of Ben’s arms around her. Finally she asked, “How did you know? We just got back.”

Ben pulled back a little and replied, “Lord Retak went to Lord Chasimar and told her about it. He was so mad. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like that. I don’t understand how it could have happened. Lord Chasimar checked those routes herself—I was with her. There was nothing there. T’Rundi are usually very easy to find by the trail of destruction. There was no trace of this group. It was like they appeared out of nowhere.”

“So now what happens?” Alana asked, still taking pleasure in Ben’s embrace.

“Lord Chasimar, Lord Retak, and Lord Ejrin went back to the battle site to look for clues to where the T’Rundi might have come from,” Ben answered. He looked down at her dirt covered face, pushed back a stray lock of her hair and asked, “How are you doing?”

Alana was having a little trouble thinking coherently. All sorts of new and perplexing sensations were coursing through her body. “I’m all right,” she managed finally.

“Have you eaten yet?” he asked.

Alana shook her head. “No, we didn’t get a chance. Lord Retak told us to bring our gear to the Ranger’s quarters right away. I was going to go to the dining hall after I had a bath.”

“Why don’t you meet me there after you’re finished cleaning up,” he said with a smile. “We can have lunch together.”

“I’d like that,” she replied, returning his smile. She hesitantly put her hand on his chest and said softly, “And maybe we can go exploring after that.”

Ben’s eyebrows went up in surprise. “Are you sure?”

Alana nodded. “Yes,” she replied and then blushed and looked down.

He put his fingers under her chin and lifted her face to his. He gently kissed her lips and said, “Why don’t we go for a walk and we’ll see what happens.”

Alana’s heart was hammering in her chest. She nodded and said, “All right. I…I guess I’d better go put my gear away. I’ll see you in the dining hall.”

Ben kissed her again and replied, “I’ll see you there.”

As Grace watched Ben walk away, she murmured, “The rest of us are fine too.”

Rose laughed and said, “I think that’s a record for the shortest time an experienced Ranger has gotten a new Ranger into his bed.” She looked at Laren and asked, “Has Alana ever…”

Both Laren and Grace answered in unison, “No.”

“Then,” Rose went on, “she doesn’t know about…”

“Don’t worry about it,” Laren interrupted. “I’ll take care of it.”

When Alana got back to the group, the three older women were grinning broadly. “What?” she asked.

“Nothing runt,” Laren answered. “Come on, let’s get our gear inside.”

The Ranger quarters was comprised of eight long, two story buildings. Each building could house up to one hundred Rangers, but they were rarely full. Not all Rangers lived in the small compound. Some had, because of their rank, their own separate quarters and others only came into the stronghold a few times a year.

A Ranger was waiting for them when they got to the first building. She led the foursome toward a building on the far side of the compound. When she opened the door she said, “There’s two to a room, so you can pick who you bunk with. Every room has its own bathing chamber and you can get hot water by putting the pitcher on the red circle on the shelf next to the tub.” She led the way up to the second floor. “The rooms are all pretty much the same. All the rooms with open doors are available, so take your pick. If you have any problems, my name is Zara. I live on the first floor in the room right by the door we came in.” Zara then turned and went back down the stairs.

The four new Rangers stared at each other for a moment, unsure of what to do next. Finally, Alana broke the silence. “I don’t know about you, but I want to take a bath.” She looked at Laren and said, “Do you want to pick our room or should I?”

Laren looked at Alana, a sort of half smile lifting the corner of her mouth. “You go ahead and pick. She said they were all the same.”

“All right,” Alana said. She scanned the hallway, saw an open door towards the middle, pointed to it and said, “That one looks good,” and started to walk towards it.

Rose chuckled and said, “Seems like she’s in a hurry.”

“You think?” Laren responded as she followed Alana.

The other two women laughed and then they too headed off into an open door.

A little more than half an hour later Alana was running a comb through her still-damp hair for the fifth time. “I wish I had a mirror,” she said. “You know,” she went on in frustration, “I’ve seen my reflection a total of four times in the last three years. I don’t even remember what I look like.”

Laren sat on her bed and watched. “You look fine,” she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “And stop combing your hair,” she said with a chuckle. “You’re going to pull it all out.”

“It’s not funny,” Alana retorted.

“Come on,” Laren responded. “He thinks you’re pretty when you’re covered in dirt and blood. I doubt a few hairs out of place is going to change his mind.”

Alana laughed and put the comb down. “I’m being silly, aren’t I?”

“Yes,” Laren replied. “Now get going before he starts without you.”

Alana frowned in confusion. “What?”

Laren shook her head and smiled. “Never mind.”

Alana adjusted her sword belt and picked up her backpack. “Well…I guess I’ll see you later…at the ceremony.”

“Wait,” Laren said. She reached into her backpack and pulled out a small glass vial. “Drink this before you go.”

“What? Why?” Alana asked in confusion.

“Because,” Laren explained, “you don’t want to get pregnant.”

Alana’s face went pale. “Blessed Asaeria. I never even thought of that.”

“I know,” Laren said as she handed Alana the vial. “Drink.”

Alana opened the vial and drank down the contents. The potion was clear and tasted like honey and something else she couldn’t quite place. “Thanks,” she said as she handed the vial back to Laren.

“Sure,” Laren responded. She turned away and put vial back in her backpack.

Alana gazed at her friend for a long moment. She thought she caught a glimpse of something—sadness or regret—in her eyes. “Are you all right?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Laren answered, although she was still turned away from Alana.

In a sudden flash of insight, Alana realized how different her first experience with sex would be from Laren’s. “Laren,” she said and went towards her friend.

“Go on, get going runt,” Laren said gruffly. “I’m fine.”

Alana hesitated, but she knew there was nothing she could do or say that would change what had happened to Laren in the past. With a small sigh she turned and opened the door to their room. To her surprise she found Derek standing just outside the door preparing to knock. She noticed he was wearing a clean white shirt and black breeches. “Derek?” Alana said, “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see if Laren was here,” he answered.

Alana smiled broadly and opened the door wide, giving Derek enough room to step inside. “She’s here.” She turned back to look at Laren, who was now staring at Derek in shock. “I’ll see you later, Laren.” Then she walked out, closing the door behind her.

“We still don’t understand how this could have happened, Master Iliard,” Lord Berol said. “Lord Chasimar swept the area herself the day before the trials began. It doesn’t seem possible that the T’Rundi could have gotten there in such a short time without leaving a trace.”

Iliard nodded. “And she went back after the attack?”

“Yes,” Lord Berol answered. “Lord Retak and Lord Ejrin went with her. None of them could find a trace of the T’Rundi outside of the immediate area.”

Iliard steepled his fingers together and closed his eyes. After a few moments of silence he asked, “They must have been teleported in. This attack was directed by someone powerful. Have you considered bringing in a Mendari?”

Lord Berol nodded. “To search for the imprint? Yes. After the ceremony, Lord Chasimar is going to go to Erordinville to speak to a Mendari she knows.”

Iliard smiled. “Ah yes. If I recall, that would be Master Tricus Arden. I didn’t know she was still seeing him.”

“Old habits die hard,” Lord Berol replied with a shrug.

“What does Greg think about it?” Iliard asked.

“He accepts it,” Lord Berol replied. “What choice does he have?”

“Only that and one other,” Iliard answered.

A light knock sounded on the door. “Come,” Lord Berol called out. Lord Cartyet opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind him. “Lord Berol, everything is ready for the ceremony. Most of the new Rangers are here already.”

“Who’s missing?” Lord Berol asked.

“Laren and,” Lord Cartyet glanced over at Iliard, “Alana.”

Lord Berol’s eyebrows shot up. He looked quickly over at Iliard, who was now leaning forward in his chair staring intently at Lord Cartyet, then he asked, “Does anyone know where they are?” he asked.

Lord Cartyet cleared his throat. “Rose and Grace think they might know. Should I send the two of them out?”

Lord Berol thought for a moment and then said, “No. Send Greg out. He can track them more quickly if they’ve left the stronghold.

Lord Cartyet shifted uncomfortably. “Are you sure…? Another knock sounded on the door. Lord Cartyet opened it and spoke quietly to Ranger just outside. He breathed a quiet sigh of relief, turned back in and said, “They’re here.”

Lord Berol stood up and said, “Good. Then we can get started.” He turned to Iliard and asked, “Master Iliard, would you like to preside over the ceremony?”

Iliard’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. He stood up and replied, “I am honored by your invitation, Van. But this is your stronghold and these were your trainees. I am content to be a spectator.”

Lord Berol bowed his head in acknowledgement. “Thank you, Master Iliard.”

Lord Cartyet opened the door took a step back and said in surprise, “Master Kate?”

“Hello Aidan.” She nodded to Lord Berol and said, “Hello, Van. It’s good to see you again.”

“I am honored that you are joining us, Master Kate,” Lord Berol responded. “If you would please come with us to the reception hall, I think our new Rangers are probably getting restless.”

Iliard smiled. “Mother, I’m glad you could make it.” He picked up a satchel and they followed Lord Berol down the long hallway.

“As am I,” Kate answered. “I had to make sure my apprentice stayed out of trouble while I was away. I brought her to the Novadi Stronghold and left her in Leandra’s capable hands. Leandra will teach her about the finer points of healing.”

“She will at that,” Iliard commented.

A male and female Ranger, dressed in dark green tunics over crisp white shirts and black breeches, opened the doors to the reception hall for Lord Berol and his guests. Lord Berol noticed that there were far more people than usual attending this Ranger induction ceremony. The eight new Rangers were standing in a straight line in front of a long, ornately carved mahogany table on which lay eight sheathed daggers. The spectators were seated in rows of chairs behind the new Rangers.

Lord Berol made his way around to stand behind the table. He was joined by Lord Cartyet, Lord Retak and Lord Chasimar. Lord Berol raised his hands for silence. Once the murmuring of the crowd died down, he began. “Welcome and thank you for attending our induction ceremony. Today we are honored to have two Novadi masters joining us.” He indicated the place at the side of the hall where Iliard and Kate were standing. “Master Iliard Candril, Wielder of the Jade Dragon and Master Kate Candril, former Wielder of the Jade Dragon.”

Everyone in the room turned to looked at the two Novadi and rose to their feet. Kate leaned over to Iliard and whispered, “So much for being unobtrusive.”

“Indeed,” Iliard answered.

Alana, who was standing on the end of row nearest them, looked their way and smiled broadly. Kate let out a soft gasp. At the same time Iliard said, “Do you see what I see?” Both of them stared at Laren, who stared back at them with a very startled look on her face. Alana looked over at Laren, put her hand on her arm and said something quietly to her friend. Laren nodded and seemed to relax a little, but still glanced once more over at Kate and Iliard. Kate and Iliard bowed and the assembled Rangers took their seats again.

“‘And she will draw the chosen to her’,” Kate murmured.

Iliard looked at his mother in surprise. “How do you know that?”

“I carried that scroll with me for fifty years so your father wouldn’t destroy it,” she answered softly. “I gave it to Bert when he became baron.”

“You never told me,” Iliard said quietly. He looked over at Lord Berol and saw that the ceremony was proceeding as such things normally did. He knew Van wouldn’t make the ceremony overly long, but there was very little he could do to make it more exciting.

“It was not my place to tell you,” Kate whispered. “That decision belonged to Bert.”

Iliard watched the ceremony in silence and listened to Lord Berol relate the proud history of Adamnar stronghold. After a few moments he turned to Kate and asked, “Do you think it’s time to tell Alana about the prophecy?”

Kate’s return gaze was incredulous. “You haven’t told her yet?” She glanced quickly at her granddaughter, who was listening intently to Lord Berol. “Of course you should tell her,” Kate insisted, “She needs to know what she’s facing. It is her right.”

Iliard was dismayed at his mother’s unspoken accusation. “But…”

His protest was interrupted by sharp elbow in the ribs. “Shh,” Kate said. “Van is calling them forward.”

One by one the new Rangers stepped forward and received a sheathed dagger from Lord Berol. When he announced, “Alana Nadran,” a cheer went up from a small group in the front part of the audience. When Lord Berol handed Alana her dagger, he leaned in and said something quietly to her. Alana gave him a startled glance, then blushed and smiled. Lord Berol put up his arms and said, “Welcome our newest brethren to Adamnar stronghold.”

Applause rang through the reception hall. Iliard stepped forward toward Alana, but Kate put her hand lightly on his arm and said, “Wait.”

As they watched, Alana turned first to Laren, who gave her an awkward hug. Then she turned to Ben, threw her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss, which he eagerly returned.

“What the hell…?” Iliard said indignantly.

Again he went to move toward Alana, and again Kate held him, this time more firmly. “Let her be for a moment, Iliard. She’s celebrating with her friends.”

“Friends?” Iliard spat out. “That was a hell of a lot more than a friendly kiss. I know him. He’s been a Ranger for at least five years. What the hell is he doing with a girl half his age?”

Kate chuckled. “I seriously doubt she’s half his age. He doesn’t look much more than twenty-five. And besides, what does it matter? She’s a grown woman. She’s free to make her own choices.”

“A grown woman?” Iliard said heatedly. “She’s only seventeen.”

“She’s seventeen and is trained to kill a man,” Kate retorted. “Why shouldn’t she bed one?”

Iliard’s jaw dropped open and he stared at his mother in stunned silence. Finally, he found his voice and said, “She could get pregnant.”

Kate looked over at Alana as she chattered gaily with her friends. Laren was standing right behind her watching silently. Kate indicated Laren and said, “I imagine that young woman has seen that Alana is well protected.”

“Mother, this is ridiculous,” Iliard sputtered. “He’s too old for her. She just became a Ranger today and he already has her in his bed.”

Kate took a step around so she was standing face to face with her son. “Iliard, would this be such a problem if she were a young man instead of a young woman?”

Once again, Iliard was silenced by his mother’s words. He searched vainly for an answer that might sound the least bit plausible, but could find none. Any reply he might have formulated was then driven out of his mind when Alana came over to them with Laren and Ben in tow. She threw her arms around Iliard’s neck and said, “Uncle Illy, I made it!”

Iliard couldn’t help but smile. “Congratulations small one,” he said and pulled her into a tight hug.

Alana stepped back after a moment and said, “You remember Ben, don’t you?”

Iliard frowned slightly and said, “Yes, I remember.”

Ben bowed his head and said a bit hesitantly, “Master Iliard, it’s good to see you again.” He then turned to Kate and said, “Master Kate, I am honored to meet you.”

Kate gave him a radiant smile, put out her hand and said, “I am very glad to meet you Ben.”

Alana turned to Laren, who had been standing a little way back from the group, and pulled her forward. “Grandma, do you remember Laren? You brought her here from Erordinville.”

Kate smiled and put her hand on Laren’s shoulder. “I remember you very well, Laren. Thank you for watching over my granddaughter.”

Laren stared at Kate in confusion and said, “Uh, thanks, Master Kate.” After a brief pause she added, “And thanks for bringing me here. I can’t ever pay you back for it.”

“You are most welcome, Laren,” Kate replied. “You have repaid me in full already by doing well for yourself. That is all I could ask for.”

Laren’s face reddened and she murmured, “Sure.”

“Alana!” Tulan shouted from across the room, “Are you coming?”

“I’ll be right there,” she shouted back. She turned back to Iliard and Kate said, “We’re going to the dining hall and then to the tavern. Do you want to come?”

Kate smiled and shook her head. “Thank you dear, that’s very kind of you, but I think I’d better be getting back to my apprentice.” She hugged Alana, kissed her on the cheek and said, “I am very proud of you.” Then she whispered, “You made a very good choice. He’s a fine young man.”

Alana hugged Kate tightly and said, “I love you, Grandma. Thank you for everything.”

Kate turned and kissed Iliard on the cheek and said, “Goodbye, Iliard. Remember what we talked about.”

“Yes, mother,” Iliard answered. After Kate walked away, Iliard said, “Alana, if I could see you for a moment alone.”

“Sure,” Alana replied. She turned to Ben and Laren and said, “I’ll be there in a little while.”

Laren nodded and Ben said, “I’ll wait for you outside.”

After the pair had gone, Iliard said, “I have something for you.” He reached inside the satchel he had carried into the reception hall and pulled out a sheathed long sword. “This was this first sword I won in a battle. I wanted you to have it.”

Alana took the sword and unsheathed it. Her eyes lit up with excitement when she saw the runes etched in the blade. “It’s magical,” she breathed. She carefully sheathed it and put it down but before she could say anything else, Iliard put up his hand said, “Wait, there’s one more thing. He went into the satchel again and this pulled out a long, leather coat.

Alana’s eyes went wide. “My long coat!” she exclaimed and flung her arms around his neck causing him to drop the coat. “Thank you, Uncle Illy.” Without warning, tears came to her eyes and she tightened her arms around him.

Iliard felt the dampness against his cheek and he said softly, “What’s wrong, small one?”

She shook her head. “I don’t know,” she said, her response muffled by his shirt.

He gently pulled her arms from around his neck and took a step back from her. He pulled a handkerchief from his tunic and wiped her eyes. “Lord Berol told me about the attack on your group. He said you saved a man’s life.”

Alana nodded and said, “But I was so scared I wasn’t going to get to him on time, that I wasn’t going to be able to save him, or anybody.”

Iliard nodded. “I understand. It’s hard to feel responsible for everyone in your party. That’s why you work together, so one person isn’t the only one responsible.”

“I know,” Alana began, “But…” then she stopped. She knew this was going to lead into an old argument that she just didn’t have the heart for right now.

“But what?” Iliard asked.

“Nothing,” Alana answered with a shake of her head. “You’re right. I’ll try to remember that.”

Iliard eyed her skeptically. It wasn’t like her to acquiesce so quickly. He knew there was something she wasn’t telling him. He remembered his mother urging him to tell Alana about the prophecy, but she seemed so unnerved at the moment, it just didn’t seem like the right time. “Are you sure there’s nothing else you want to tell me?” he asked.

Alana shook her head. “No, there’s nothing. I’ll be all right.”

“Are you sure?” he asked again.

“Yes,” she answered with a nod. She picked up the sheathed long sword, unbuckled her sword belt, took off the old sword and slid on the new one. Then she picked up the long coat and put it on.

“Alana,” Iliard said as he watched her. “About Ben…” Alana frowned and Iliard could tell she was preparing for a fight. He realized at that moment that he didn’t want to fight with her. In his heart he knew his mother was right—Alana had the right to make her own choices. He smiled and went on, “He’s a good man.”

Alana’s face brightened and she said, “I hoped you’d like him.”

“So tell me,” he said as he picked up the satchel put his arm around her shoulders and steered her towards the door of the reception hall, “What did Lord Berol say to you up there?”

Alana looked puzzled for a moment and then she said, “Oh, you mean when he gave me my dagger. He said that I beat his record by one day.”

“Did he, now?” Iliard threw his head back and laughed. “He always a was a humble man. I think I did well bringing you to this stronghold.”

“I think so too,” Alana replied.