Halt could leave easily. He could escape without a second thought. But escape attempts were far from his mind. Halt had been put in a small room in the castle, that had only a chair, a window, and a door. Guards were posted outside the door out of protocol, but the window was still there. Duncan trusted Halt not to leave. With nothing else to do, Halt slumped down in the chair in the corner.

Death or banishment. Halt was hoping for the latter. He wouldn't be much use to Will dead. Duncan wouldn't kill him though, would he? Perhaps the fact that Halt was such a trusted advisor to him would make Halt's trespass more effrontery to the king instead of making him more lenient. It was a risk. He had to take it.

Halt reached up and felt the bruises on his face. Banishment would mean expulsion from the Ranger Corps, and this, more than anything, was what he regretted most. He had devoted his life to serving in the Corps. He had taken an oath to place his duty and his country before anything else. And now he was breaking that vow. He never imagined he'd do it, and was loath to do so now, but what other choice did he have? He wasn't going to give up on Will. He wouldn't just accept that he was gone. He couldn't. But banishment would complicate things.

When – he paused mentally, and a small sigh escaped from his lips – if he found Will, he didn't know what to do but take him safely home to Araluen, where Halt would have to leave him, and may never see his apprentice again. He had tried not to think that far. Will's life was in danger. He would save his apprentice no matter what the cost. Even if it meant no longer being a Ranger, leaving Araluen, and losing Will himself. Halt dragged in a shuddering breath, and fought fiercely against the stinging in the back of his eyes. He was angry at himself for showing such emotion. He had to smother the welling up inside of him, numb himself to any feeling, to the hurt and confused faces that he knew he would see on his companions. It wasn't just keeping a hard, impassive face per his reputation. Showing emotion would make it harder on his friends. On Duncan, on Crowley, and on Gilan. He squeezed his eyes shut with a pang of sadness, knowing what this would do to his former apprentice. He would be forlorn, and Halt knew he might not see his spirited young friend ever again. He may not even see his oldest friend again, Crowley.

This was all becoming too much for Halt. He rose and stood straight, mentally berating himself. All he was doing was making this more difficult. He blinked forcefully and focused his thoughts on Will, saw his radiant, young face. He would keep his vow. He would find Will. The ache in his heart subsided as he hardened it and made his resolve. He would save Will.

The door opened and Halt turned his head, thankful for the deep cowl hiding the vestiges of moisture on his cheeks.

"It's time, Ranger."

He took a final, deep breath, and steeled himself.