Ranger's Apprentice 1 & 2 Bindup Read Online Free Page A

slightly as he moved closer to Horace. He eyed the boy up and down, then moved behind him. Horace’s head started to turn with him.
    â€˜Still,’ Sir Rodney said, and the boy ceased his movement, staring straight ahead.
    â€˜Looks strong enough, my lord, and I can always use new trainees.’ He rubbed one hand over his chin. ‘You ride, Horace Altman?’
    A look of uncertainty crossed Horace’s face as he realised this might be a hurdle to his selection. ‘No, sir. I …’
    He was about to add that castle wards had little chance to learn to ride but Sir Rodney interrupted him.
    â€˜No matter. That can be taught.’ The big knight looked at the Baron and nodded. ‘Very well, my lord. I’ll take him for Battleschool, subject to the usual three-month probationary period.’
    The Baron made a note on a sheet of paper before him and smiled briefly at the delighted, and very relieved, youth before him.
    â€˜Congratulations, Horace. Report to Battleschool tomorrow morning. Eight o’clock sharp.’
    â€˜Yes, sir!’ Horace replied, grinning widely. He turned to Sir Rodney and bowed slightly. ‘Thank you, sir!’
    â€˜Don’t thank me yet,’ the knight replied cryptically. ‘You don’t know what you’re in for.’

‘Who’s next then?’ Martin was calling as Horace, grinning broadly, stepped back into the line. Alyss stepped forward gracefully, annoying Martin, who had wanted to nominate her as the next candidate.
    â€˜Alyss Mainwaring, my lord,’ she said in her quiet, level voice. Then, before she could be asked, she continued, ‘I request an appointment to the Diplomatic Service please, my lord.’
    Arald smiled at the solemn-looking girl. She had an air of self-confidence and poise about her that would suit her well in the Service. He glanced at Lady Pauline.
    â€˜My lady?’ he said.
    She nodded her head several times. ‘I’ve already spoken to Alyss, my lord. I believe she will be an excellent candidate. Approved and accepted.’
    Alyss made a small bow of her head in the direction of the woman who would be her mentor. Will thought how alike they were – both tall and elegant in theirmovements, both grave in manner. He felt a small surge of pleasure for his oldest companion, knowing how much she had wanted this selection. Alyss stepped back in line and Martin, not to be forestalled this time, was already pointing to George.
    â€˜Right! You’re next! You’re next! Address the Baron.’
    George stepped forward. His mouth opened and closed several times but nothing came out. The other wards watched in surprise. George, long regarded by them all as the official advocate for just about everything, was overcome with stage fright. He finally managed to say something in a low voice that nobody in the room could hear. Baron Arald leaned forward, one hand cupped behind his ear.
    â€˜I’m sorry, I didn’t quite get that?’ he said. George looked up at the Baron and, with an enormous effort, spoke in a just-audible voice.
    â€˜G-George Carter, sir. Scribeschool, sir.’
    Martin, ever a stickler for the proprieties, drew breath to berate him for the truncated nature of his address. Before he could do so, and to everyone’s evident relief, Baron Arald stepped in.
    â€˜Very well, Martin. Let it go.’ Martin looked a little aggrieved but subsided. The Baron glanced at Nigel, his chief scribe and legal officer, with one eyebrow raised in question.
    â€˜Acceptable, my lord,’ Nigel said, adding, ‘I’ve seen some of George’s work and he really does have a gift for calligraphy.’
    The Baron looked doubtful. ‘He’s not the most forceful of speakers, though, is he, Scribemaster? That could be a problem if he has to offer legal counsel at any time in the future.’
    Nigel shrugged the objection aside. ‘I promise you, my lord, with