AN: Wow! This is a lot of updates. But being sick+no homework= updates! Sorry for those of you who read my other ones, i am n a roll with this one and i am kinda obsessed with it. I changed this story to a regular RA story because it seems like it will get more publicity.

I do not own Ranger's Apprentice.

"Andrew, i won't say it again. You are not old enough to go on a raid yet." Will sternly told his sorta-son. Andrew wanted to go on a raid to cripple the steward's trade this month, but Will wasn't letting him. He was only 9 anyways. Andrew had agreed that Will look after him and be his adopted son.

"But dad, I can fight just as well as Much!" Andrew objected.

"No." Will said and turned away. Andrew huffed and plopped down angrily. Alyss came over to him. She did't usually go on raids as well.

"Andrew, Will is only looking out for you. He doesn't want you getting hurt." Alyss said.

"But Alyss, I can take care of myself." Andrew said. Alyss just sighed. She knew the danger to Andrew. If the steward got news of Andrew being Will's apprentice/son, Andrew would be in danger.

Halt and the others hadn't arrived yet and it had been two weeks since they had sent the message. Alyss was expecting another few days or so. Andrew was excited to meet his new father's friends.

"Andrew, will you show me your fighting skills and maybe I can put in a good word to Will for you." Alyss suggested, taking pity on the boy. Andrew beamed and got up, got his sword and bow and headed out to the training post.

Alyss watched Andrew's skills and she was impressed. Andrew was very skilled at the bow and was competent with a sword. Maybe he could go on a small raid. Just nothing like today's raid. When Andrew had finished he looked at Alyss expectantly.

"You are very good Andrew. Maybe Will will let you go on a small raid in time." Alyss said after a minute of pondering. Andrew beamed and then turned towards the sound of hoof beats coming from the road. The gang didn't take horses today and not many people who traveled the road used battle horses.

Alyss pushed Andrew into the hideout and told him to be quiet while she left to go see who it was. Andrew saw the seriousness in her eyes and stayed put, not making a sound. He waited until he heard Alyss scream. He jumped out of his hiding spot and rushed to her aid brandishing his sword and bow.

Alyss was being held by two guards while another, larger guard, probably the captain, held her chin in his hand.

"This one will be a grand prize for the steward." The captain said and Alyss jerked her head free. Andrew charged forwards and swung his sword at the men holding Alyss.

"Andrew no!" Alyss shouted as he attacked. The guards almost laughed.

"Trying to save your mother kid?" the captain said smirking. Andrew had taken up position in front of Alyss, and scowled.

"Andrew, give me the sword." Alyss said and Andrew handed it to her and pulled out his bow. Alyss pushed Andrew behind her and pointed the sword at the guards. Then she smiled.

"What's so funny?" a guard asked. Alyss just smiled wider.

Andrew also wondered what was so funny but then felt a hand cover his mouth and he was pulled behind a tree. Alyss had been hiding him so the guards didn't notice his disappearance. Andrew looked up and saw Will holding him. Will signaled for his men to move in as he kept a firm hold on Andrew. And for good reason. Andrew struggled so he could help fight the bad guys, but Will held him and shushed him. When the guards were dispatched, Will let Andrew go but kept a hold of his shoulder.

"Are you alright?" Will asked both Andrew and Alyss. Both nodded and Will looked relieved, "What happened?"

Alyss explained while Andrew looked at his shoes. He knew he shouldn't have come out of his hiding spot. When Alyss had finished, Will knelt down in front of Andrew, and looked into his eyes.

"Andrew, I am not angry," Will started and relief flooded Andrew, "you should not have left your hiding spot, but I am glad you did." Andrew smiled slightly. Will smiled back, "just promise not to attack like that again. Run and get help instead." Andrew nodded.

Will ruffled his hair and stood up. He led them back to the hide out and, as it was getting dark, requested Much and Allan to make a fire. Roy and John set up the warning system. After the meal, Will sent Andrew to bed, much to the chagrin of the boy.

"No objections." Will said tiredly. Andrew pouted but crawled into his bed next to Will's. He was asleep in minutes. Will got up and went back to the fire thinking, 'I hope he doesn't get into too much trouble.' Little did he know just how much trouble a 9 year old m=can be, especially with an upcoming war.

AN: There it is. Sorry i said there was gunna be action, but i just felt like a connection chapter between Will and Andrew. There was some action tho. anyway, tell me what you think. :)