The Return of the Temujai

Chapter 6

AN: Hello! So, school has reopened for me. And while for most authors this is bad news (like no time to update and stuff), other than exam season, for me this is pretty good news because my updates become more regular because I keep better track of time

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ranger's Apprentice.

At Araulen...

"King Duncan was a kind and just ruler and he will be missed, not just by a few but by an entire nation," finished Baron Arald.

Evanlyn held back a sob as Horace wrapped his arms around her shoulders. Will kept a straight face but the sadness was clear on his face. Maddie tried to keep a straight face but small tears streaked down her face. Soon the service was over and the people began to disperse.

Baron Arald made his way towards Evanlyn "Princess Cassandra, King Duncan has.., I beg your pardon, had asked me to have his will read quickly after his death, so we will be doing that at Redmont today,"

"We'll be there," answered Evanlyn, attempting a smile.

At the Temujai Camps...

"Alyss, wait!" Kaz'Tam called out breaking the silent atmosphere of the camp. Everyone shot him a glare and returned back to their work. Alyss turned, a strained smile on her face. The minute she stepped out of the small tent which she slept in, kept company by dozens of cauldrons, pots and pans Kaz'Tam would latch onto her, somewhat like a stray puppy and while he was one of the few (make that the only) member of the camp who was open and friendly, most of the time she found it uncomfortable.

"I don't think this is the best place to shout," she said lightly.

He chuckled (again, the only Temujai who did so) "I guess, so what are you doing?"

"I was just going to head back to my sleeping quarters, I'm feeling kind of tired," she explained.

"Oh, I'll walk you there," he said grabbing hold of her hand, a small blush lighting up his face

Alyss inwardly rolled her eyes, she knew even in her head it sounded presumptopus, but she would have to be an idiot not to know that Kaz'Tam had romantic feelings for her. While she certainly did not return said feelings, she didn't pull her hand away. In a way she felt indebted to him, he was the one who brought her to the camp, and while it wasn't exactly a meadow of sunshine and rainbows, it was better than being left in the ruins of a burnt down inn, her wounds untreated.

"I guess I'll see you later, I'm going to go gather some more information" Kaz'Tam said as they neared her tent, his hand lingering on hers as if reluctant to let go.

Alyss sighed as she entered the tent, Kaz'Tam's actions made her uncomfortable and she was determined to make her discomfor known but she didn't want to injure his feelings. Time to put her diplomacy skills to test.

At Redmont..

"...The money entrusted to Jim, the treasurer is only to be used in case of dire emergency. All my other property and my position as the head of Araulen go to my daughter, Cassandra," Baron Arald finished with a small smile

Will grinned at Cassandra "You're the queen!"

Surprise was written all over her face, "Well, I knew it would it would eventually happen but I didn't think it would happen so soon,"

Baron Arald turned towards her "When do you want your coronation to be held? It will have to be before this month ends,"

"Hmm..I don't want it to be too soon, what about.." Cassandra was cut off by the noise of a chair being pushed back, they turned to see one frowning Baron.

"You have got to be kidding me! She's going to lead us, the King wants this young brat to lead us- she'll only lead us to ruin," he shouted, his face red with anger. A murmur of agreement was heard from the other Barons.

Cassandra glared at the speaker, "That young brat is going to be your future queen."

Halt continued "She may be young but she is skilled, and certainly won't lead this nation to ruin, as you so eloquently put it,"

"I apologize," the Baron said, glaring at both of them, not a hint of remorse on his face.

"Well, that will be all for the evening, we'll be having dinner soon," Baron Arald said, a forced smile on his face.

In a corner of the room, seated in rather fine clothes Kaz'Tam smirked "Well, well , looks like there will some political unrest in Araulen." he saod to himself

AN: Next chapter on 24th or 25th. Please review!

IceCrystal