A Ranger From Adamnar

Alana walked across the darkened stronghold towards her barracks. Two of the moons were up, but one was just a sliver and the other was waning at half. The torches threw long shadows across the path. As Alana passed by the stronghold tavern, she heard laughter drifting out from the open door. She briefly thought about going in, but decided she was too tired. She had only been there a few times. The first time was when Nata, Elsa, and Shiri had taken her there on her sixteenth birthday. She still recalled the headache she’d had all the next day.

Out of the corner of her eye she saw something move in the trees to her left. She turned and saw Cadius stumbling towards her. He had obviously already been to the tavern. “Cadius?” she called out. “Are you all right?” As soon as she asked it, she knew it was a dumb question. Of course he wasn’t all right, he could barely stand upright. She had heard what happened with Galen and wondered if that was the reason for Cadius’ current state.

Cadius stopped and leaned against a tree, trying to steady himself. She looked around to see if anyone else was about. She was certain she wasn’t strong enough to help Cadius walk back to his barracks. Cadius squinted at her and said, “’Lana, that you?”

Alana went to him and said, “Yes, it’s me. I’m going find someone to help you back to the barracks.”

Cadius grabbed her arm and said, “Don’ leave me, sweet Alana.”

Alana laughed and pushed him away. “Get off me you oaf. You’re drunk.”

Cadius however, was not to be dissuaded so easily. He grabbed both of her wrists and backed her up against the tree. “No. Stay, beautiful Alana.”

“Cadius, let go,” She said as she struggled to pull her wrists from his iron grip. “This isn’t funny anymore.”

He held her arms above her head and pressed himself against her while he pushed his knee in between her legs. “I just want a little kiss, pretty lady.”

Alana turned her head and wrinkled her nose. He smelled like stale ale. Her heart was beating wildly. She was completely pinned against the tree and his weight was holding her there. “Cadius, please don’t do this.”

“Jus’ one kiss. I promise.” Cadius murmured.

She tried and finally managed to get one arm free from his grip. She pushed against his chest. “Stop this now.” Cadius just chuckled and put his free arm around her waist, pulling her even closer. She could feel his body hardening against hers.

“Cadius, is there a problem?” Lord Herton seemed to appear from nowhere.

Cadius looked up at Lord Herton and slurred, “I was jus’ lookin’ for a little kiss.”

Lord Herton put his hand on Cadius’ shoulder and said firmly, “I don’t think Alana wants to be kissed right now.” He tightened his grip on Cadius shoulder and said, “Let her go.” When Cadius hesitated, Lord Herton increased the pressure on his shoulder. Cadius grunted in pain and released his hold on Alana. Lord Herton put his shoulder under Cadius’ arm before he could fall to the ground and said to Alana, “Help me get him back to his barracks.” Alana put her arm around Cadius’ waist and all three of them headed towards the men’s barracks. When they got to the door of the barracks Lord Herton said to Alana, “Wait here for me.” He then pulled Cadius’ full weight onto his shoulder and half walked, half carried him into the barracks.

Alana was still standing in the same spot when Lord Herton came out of the barracks. He looked at her standing there trying not to cry and asked her, “Are you all right?”

Alana bit her bottom lip and said, “I thought he was my friend.”

“Cadius is still your friend,” Lord Herton said.

“Then why would he do that?” she asked, unable now to hold back her tears.

Lord Herton put his arm around her shoulders and said, “Come walk with me a little and I’ll try to explain.” Lord Herton headed away from the barracks towards the riding arenas. He gave Alana a few minutes to compose herself and then he said, “Cadius is a good man in a very difficult situation. You have to understand, he’s much older than most of the other trainees. He spent fifteen years as a warrior and those were hard and wild years. He’s very much used to doing what he wants and getting what he wants. I’m sure he’s had his share of young women to keep him company during those years, but now that he’s here, everything is different. Rangers are not permitted to…socialize with trainees. It’s our way of making sure that no one takes advantage of a trainee’s inexperience. Unfortunately for Cadius, he is considerably older than most of his fellow trainees. Most young women are interested in young men closer to their own age. Also, Cadius has been spending most of his free time with you. There is nothing more attractive to a man than a beautiful woman who gives him her full attention. Alana frowned and looked over at Lord Herton in surprise. “I’m not saying that you have done anything wrong,” Lord Herton continued, noticing her look, “I know you’re trying to help him. He, however, is still a man and you, whether you realize it or not, are a beautiful young woman. He has done an admirable job of keeping his hands to himself. Tonight was just a mistake that I’m sure will not be repeated.”

Alana stopped by the fence of the riding arena and said, “I never thought of it like that. Poor Cadius. He must be so lonely.”

Lord Herton shook his head. “Don’t feel too sorry for him. For one thing, now that you won’t be spending so much time with him, he might find that some of the older trainees are a bit more interested in him.” He smiled crookedly. “And if that doesn’t work out, I happen to know a few of my female compatriots who are just waiting for him to become a Ranger.”

“But,” Alana asked with a slight frown, “What am I going to say to him the next time I see him?”

“I wouldn’t worry about it overmuch,” Lord Herton replied. “Most likely he won’t remember any of this in the morning, although he will have one hell of a headache.” He started to walk back towards the barracks. “If I were you, I wouldn’t mention it. Just act like nothing happened. In reality, nothing did happen and in his condition, nothing was going to happen either. There was definitely more will than ability with him tonight.” They walked in silence the rest of the way to the women’s barracks.

Alana smiled slightly as she reached for the door. She felt a lot better now. “Thank you, Lord Herton.”

“You’re welcome Alana. Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Lord Herton,” she replied as she opened the door and went inside.

Lord Herton stood outside the barracks for a few moments after Alana had gone inside. Finally he shook his head and started back towards the tavern. He murmured to himself, “Beauty and innocence. It’s a wonder half the men in the stronghold aren’t in love with her.”

Alana decided to get up for Neve’s morning run, even though she had the next few days off. She hadn’t been on a morning run since she started with Pellou and she realized she missed the easy camaraderie. While Alana got ready, Nata hurried over to her, her eyes glowing with excitement. “I made it,” she said. “I made it to second.”

Alana threw her arms around Nata and said, “That’s great Nata. Who’s your trainer?”

Nata shrugged, “Someone named Valeen. We’re meeting with her right after breakfast.”

“Lucky you,” Alana commented wryly as the group headed out the door, “Pellou didn’t allow us the luxury of breakfast.”

“I heard you made it to third,” Nata said.

Alana nodded. “Yes. Lord Retak gave us a few days off before we start our training.”

“Do you know who your trainer is?”

Alana shook her head, “No, Lord Retak didn’t tell us. He said we’d find out soon enough.”

“That doesn’t sound very promising,” Nata said.

“I know,” Alana answered. She caught sight of Benarion as he was making his way back into the stronghold. She waved at him as they passed each other going through the front gate.

He stopped and said, “Hey Alana, congratulations on making it to third. First to third in one year. That’s practically a record.”

“Thanks, Ben,” Alana said as she ran past him.

Nata stared at Ben wide-eyed. “He’s gorgeous. You know him?”

“Only a little bit,” Alana murmured vaguely as she continued to look back at Ben.

Nata elbowed her in the ribs and said, “Looks to me like you’d like to know him a bit more.”

Alana rubbed her side and asked, “What?”

Nata rolled her eyes and said, “Never mind. So who else made it to third?”

“Tulan and Shiri made it and so did Tanner and Stukenari.”

“Cadius didn’t make it?” Nata asked.

Alana shook her head, “No. He wasn’t even called.”

“Oh,” Nata replied. “Poor Cadius. I guess you won’t be spending so much time with him now.”

Alana shrugged. “Probably not. He’s with Pellou, so he won’t even be in the stronghold very much. For all I know, I might not see him for another five months.”

“Won’t you miss him?” Nata asked.

Alana threw a quick glance at Nata, remembering what Lord Herton had said the night before. She tried to frame her answer carefully. “I suppose I’ll miss him. He’s fun to be around and I like sparring with him. But I’ll probably be too busy to miss him much once I start third phase training.”

“Oh,” Nata answered.

A little while later Falar slowed down to match her pace with Alana’s. She was still in Pellou’s group, but it seemed that everyone had the day off. “Can I ask you something?” she said when she had Alana’s attention.

“Sure,” Alana answered.

She hesitated for a moment, then plunged ahead. “Are you and Cadius still…together?”

Alana wasn’t going to pretend she didn’t know what Falar was talking about. She shook her head and answered, “No. We never were.”

“But what about all that time you two spent together?”

Alana smiled a little. “We made a deal. He sparred with me and I helped him with all the Ranger lore he needed to know. I also taught him how to read and write.”

“Oh,” Falar said. “Then, you wouldn’t mind if I…?”

“No,” Alana answered before Falar could finish. “And I’ll bet he won’t mind either.”

Falar grinned. “I’m hoping not.”

She started to speed up, but Alana called her back. “Falar, try to keep him from beating on Galen. Pellou will never let him out if doesn’t.”

Falar laughed. “That’s a tough one, but I’ll try. Thanks, Alana.” She then picked up her pace and headed back to the front of the group. Alana smiled to herself. Maybe Cadius wouldn’t be so lonely now.

Alana went back to the barracks after her run to get some clothes so she could bathe before breakfast. When she opened the barracks door, she heard someone crying. She looked towards the sound and saw a group of trainees gathered around Ciaran’s bunk. Ciaran was putting her belongings in her backpack and a larger satchel. Alana spotted a fourth phase trainee named Selene sitting on her bunk watching the scene. She went over to her and asked, “What’s going on?”

Selene said, “Ciaran didn’t make her trials. She’s been here six years now, so they asked her to leave.

“No!” Alana exclaimed in dismay. “But she’s so good at so many things.”

Selene shrugged and said, “She just didn’t care enough to take it all the way through.” She got up and started rolling up her bed clothes. “I, on the other hand, did care. I’m moving out of here into Ranger’s quarters.”

“Congratulations, Ranger Selene,” Alana said absently as she shook the young woman’s hand. She wandered over to her own bunk and sat down, watching Ciaran’s group of friends commiserate with her and each other. It was Ciaran’s friend, Eva, who was crying. Ciaran still maintained her attitude of unconcern even as she packed up the last of her things. She hugged each of her friends in turn and declined their offers to accompany her to the guest’s quarters. When Ciaran had finished packing, she turned and looked at Alana. When their eyes met, Ciaran smiled vaguely and nodded her head. Then she turned and walked down the aisle towards the door.

Alana saw the smile, but saw something else in Ciaran’s eyes. She waited until Ciaran had closed the barracks door behind her, then got up and followed her outside. She had to run to catch up to Ciaran because she was walking so fast. She called out, “Ciaran. Wait.”

Ciaran stopped but didn’t turn to face Alana. Instead she said curtly, “What do you want Alana?”

“I just want to talk for a minute,” Alana said.

“Look,” Ciaran began heatedly as she turned to face Alana, “If you’re going to say ’I told you so, don’t bother. I’ve heard it enough times from Lord Retak.”

“No, that’s not it,” Alana replied. “I just want to know why. You’re so good. I don’t understand why you didn’t finish.”

“Because I didn’t want to finish,” Ciaran snapped.

“Then why go through it at all?” Alana asked.

Ciaran’s eyes flashed angrily, “Do you know what my last name is?”

Alana was taken aback by the seemingly unrelated question. “No,” she answered.

“It’s Lof Vonas,” she said fiercely.

Alana’s eyes widened in surprise. “As in Lord Lof Vonas, the Ruby Ranger?”

“Yes,” she replied bitterly. “Toran Lof Vonas is my great-great-great-great-grandfather. The greatest Ruby Ranger in the history of Rangers—if you ask my parents. Our family has a history of ten generations of Rangers. All of my brothers and sisters are Rangers. All of my cousins are Rangers. All of my aunts and uncles are Rangers—except one. My Aunt Edana, decided that she wanted to be a Wizard. She was ostracized from the family. My father hasn’t spoken to her in forty years, even though grandfather Toran tried to intervene.”

Alana had a sudden flash of insight, “And that’s what you want to do, isn’t it? You want to be a Wizard.”

To Alana’s surprise, Ciaran’s dark eyes filled with tears. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to be. I can’t even say why—it just is. I hated the very thought of becoming a Ranger, but I couldn’t say anything. How could I? My family would have thrown me out just like they did Aunt Edana.” She shook her head and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. “They’re going to throw me out anyway when they find out I didn’t finish. I’m a disgrace to the great name of Lof Vonas. I’ll be an outcast.”

“Ciaran,” Alana said softly, “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know. Is there anything I can do to help?”

Again Ciaran shook her head, “Not unless you can change the way my entire family thinks. You know,” she went on giving Alana a hard look, “It got worse when you showed up.”

“What?” Alana said, “Why?”

“Your name,” Ciaran answered. “Nadran. The same last name as the previous White Mage, Sara Nadran. One of the greatest Wizards in the history of Ranwar. Consort to the Mithril Dragon, Settiorine Venoblias. Do you know what kind of human being you have to be for a demigod dragon to want to be your consort?”

“I know,” Alana answered. “I learned about her in my lessons. She was my great-great….I don’t remember how many greats, grandmother. She had to be very special.”

“I wish that was my family history,” Ciaran said in despair. “Now I have nothing. I don’t have any money of my own. I can’t afford Mage school. I’m not a Ranger so I can’t stay here forever. Lord Retak said I could stay for a month, that’s all. After that, I’m on my own. All I can do is be a merc or ride guard on a caravan. I’ll never earn enough money to go to Mage school. So in the end, I’ll be nothing.”

Alana’s heart ached for Ciaran. “What about contacting your aunt? Don’t you think she would help?”

“I don’t even know where she is. I never met her. I don’t even know if she’s alive,” Ciaran answered.

“Do you think Lord Lof Vonas would know?” Alana asked.

“I don’t know,” Ciaran answered, tears starting in her eyes again. “How could I even talk to him? I’m a failure in his eyes.”

Alana was about to counter Ciaran’s statement. She thought Lord Lof Vonas would be more reasonable than that. But Alana saw the deep despair in Ciaran’s eyes and she knew that nothing she said would convince her. At that moment she got an idea, but only took Ciaran’s hands in hers and said, “I wish I had known. I wouldn’t have tried to push you so hard. I’m sorry.”

Ciaran looked at Alana in surprise and impulsively threw her arms around the smaller young woman. “Thank you,” she said tearfully. “You’re the first person I ever told this to. I wish I could have gotten to know you better. I think we could have been friends.”

Alana smiled. “We still can be, while you’re here. And who knows? Maybe even afterward too.”

Ciaran smiled, a genuine smile this time, and said, “I’d like that—if you can fit me in between your training.”

Alana laughed and replied, “I will for sure. I’ll be in the stronghold for most of my training this time around.”

“Well,” Ciaran said as she stepped away from Alana, “I should go. They’re waiting for me in the guest quarters.”

“All right,” Alana said. “I’ll probably see you at dinner.”

After Ciaran left, Alana ran back to the barracks, pulled out a sheet of parchment and a pen and started writing.

The sun was closing in on the midday point as Alana ran across the stronghold compound towards the dining hall. Writing the letter had taken longer than she had expected and now she was in danger of missing breakfast altogether—something she did not want to do. Without warning a man stepped in front of her. She did her best go around him, but she didn’t quite make it and ran into his arm. She stopped and turned to apologize and found herself face to face with the handsome, dark-haired patrol leader Benarion Hadrigan. “Oh, Ben,” she stammered. “I…I’m sorry.”

He took hold of her arm to steady her. “It’s all right,” he said with a chuckle. “I don’t bruise easily. Where are you going in such a hurry?”

“I don’t want to miss breakfast,” she answered breathlessly. “I was writing a letter and I lost track of time.”

“I wouldn’t worry,” he said. “There’s a group of visiting Ranger Lords in there right now and they’re not in any hurry to leave.”

“Oh,” Alana replied. “That would explain why Lord Berol wasn’t in his study.”

“Yep,” he answered. He looked at a point over her shoulder and said, “Hey, isn’t that your fighter friend?”

Alana turned around and saw Cadius and Falar, hand in hand, walking in the direction of the front gate. “Yes, that’s Cadius. And Falar.” Alana remembered her brief conversation with Falar and smiled to herself. “I guess they’re going for a walk.”

Ben laughed and said, “If I were to guess, I’d say they were going exploring.”

A slight frown creased Alana’s brow. The way Ben said it sounded strange. She turned back to him and said, “Exploring? What do you mean? We explore this forest all the time.”

Ben’s eyebrows went up in surprise. “I don’t mean they’re exploring the forest. I mean exploring.” He saw the confused look on her face and said, “You have no idea what I’m talking about, do you?”

Alana frowned, looked back at Cadius and Falar as they walked away and then back at Ben. Suddenly it clicked. Her face turned bright red and she murmured, “Oh. That kind of exploring.”

Ben smiled at her, trying to ease her embarrassment. “I’m guessing you haven’t gone exploring yet.”

“Um…no,” she answered with a quick shake of her head. “There’s no one…I mean, not yet anyway.”

“Not yet?” Ben repeated curiously.

“Well,” Alana replied, her blush deepening, “There is someone I’d like to…explore with. But I have to wait.”

“Wait?” Ben asked. “You mean wait for him to notice you?”

“No,” Alana said as she looked up into his dark brown eyes. “Wait until I’m a Ranger.”

Ben felt his heart beat a little faster. Without thinking he brushed his fingers along the side of her face. He was on dangerous ground and he knew it, but the look in her eyes was enough to turn any man’s legs to water. He put his fingers under her chin, bent his head close to hers and said softly, “I hope the wait isn’t too long.”

Alana smiled shyly and said, “Me too.”

Breakfast in the Main hall two days later was better than it had been in months. Falar and Cadius were in Pellou’s group so they had been gone since the day before. The rest of her friends were still there and they were all in high spirits.

“Good job, Alana,” Lord Chasimar told her as she passed by on her way to the head table. Several other Rangers congratulated her during the meal.

“What’s all the congratulations for?” Nata asked.

“I tied Lord Berol’s record,” Alana said as she tore through a large helping of very hot stripped ham.

“What?” Tulan asked.

Alana swallowed hard and drank a very large gulp of water, “I tied Lord Berol’s record for length of time to third.”

“So the rat can talk to trees,” Laren said from the next table. No one laughed. A few other trainees looked nervously back and forth between the two.

“So tell me,” Nata said loudly to Alana, “Why does it take some people so long to become a Ranger?” Then seeing Laren start to grow angry, Nata said to her, “How long have you been at fourth, Laren? A year? Two?”

Laren replied, “It’s too bad I won’t get a chance to spar you.”

“Any time you want to dance, you let me know,” Nata said in return, setting down her fork and scooting her chair out a little.

“Let’s go rat lover,” Laren said. She stood up into Lord Cartyet’s hand on her shoulder.

“Going somewhere, trainee?” Lord Cartyet asked calmly.

Laren could not turn to face him with his hand firmly holding her in place.

“Lord Cartyet, trainee Nata and I are going to spar,” Laren said.

“No you’re not,” Lord Cartyet said curtly. “Sit down and finish your breakfast. When you are finished come and see me.” He walked out of the hall.

“Yes, Lord Cartyet,” Laren said as she sat back down. For the remainder of breakfast she stared at Nata and at the back of Alana’s head. She finished, got up quickly and stormed out. She gave Alana one last glare as she left.

Tulan said, “How she is still here I do not know.”

Shiri added, “She’s only got a year left and then she’s out. She’s been at fourth phase for three years already.” Shiri had already finished eating and was leaning on Tulan.

Nata said, “I don’t think she’s going to make it.”

Tulan asked, “How is she ever going to help people if she’s so angry all the time?”

“Alana, you’re awfully quiet,” Nata said as she reached for more eggs.

“You guys pretty much have Laren all sewn up without my help. Let’s kick her out now,” Alana said. She got up from the table, leaving her food half finished, looked at Tulan and added, “I’ll see you there”

Alana didn’t have much time before her first lesson, and it wouldn’t do to be late. She was again placed with the top rank trainees and she was worried. She wasn’t that good at heavy weapons combat even with all of Cadius’ extra help. Now she would be going against trainees that would be gunning for her. She expected to get pummeled.

She ran to catch up with Laren and did so just before Laren was about to enter the main building.

“Laren, wait,” Alana called to her.

Laren turned quickly on her heel, ready for a fight, but upon seeing Alana stopped and got a strange look on her face. “What do you want rat?”

Alana took a deep breath, “I’m sorry for my friends. They are very rude and insensitive.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t need your sympathy and I don’t need any protection from your little gang of rats,” Laren said. She was looking less angry, though. Alana thought she started to look frightened.

“I can guess what’s eating you,” Alana started.

Laren cut her off. “I don’t need your help. You don’t know anything about me. Stay away from me. If you get close I’ll take you out. Do you understand me?” Laren took small steps backwards towards the steps that lead into the main entrance. She tripped on them, stumbled backwards and sat down hard.

Alana stepped forward and held out her had. “Let me help you,” she said.

Laren scrabbled backward on the stairs like a crab, turned over, stood up and ran into the building, saying, “Stay away from me.”

Alana stood there and stared after her. She couldn’t understand Laren’s sudden shift from contempt to fear. She didn’t know what was wrong now and she didn’t know when she would see Laren again. Laren, in fourth phase, spent almost all her time on patrols, whereas Alana would now be spending most of the next five months in the stronghold. She turned and sprinted for the barracks.