The Ruins of Gorlan

Some things didn’t need dwelling on

Nothing’s ever as bad as it sounds

Strange, he thought, how seldom people tend to look up.

I think my father would be glad I chose the way I did,” he said, slipping the bronze oak leaf on its chain over his head.

So you took me as your apprentice because of my father?” said Will. But this time Halt shook his head.

“No. I made sure you were looked after because of your father. I chose you because you showed you had the abilities and the skills that were needed. And you also seem to have inherited some of your father’s courage

They weren’t friends,” said Halt.“Up until that moment, he had never laid eyes on the other man.” He paused, then added, “Nor I on him.”

The significance of those last four words sank deep into Will’s consciousness.

“You?” he whispered.“You were the man he saved?”

Halt nodded.“As I said, I only knew him for a few minutes. But he did more for me than any other man, before or since.

Almost always. This was one of the few times I saw Wargals afraid. As your father struck out to either side, still standing over his wounded comrade, they began to back away. Slowly at first. Then they ran. They simply turned and ran.

“I have never seen any other man, no knight, no mighty warrior, who could send Wargals running in fear. Your father did. He may have been a sergeant, Will, but he was the mightiest warrior I ever had the privilege to watch. Then, as the Wargals retreated, he sank down on one knee beside the man he’d been protecting, still trying to shield him, even though he knew he was dying himself.

Don’t judge a man’s quality by his position in life, Will

He was a man any son would be proud of,” he said finally, and Halt nodded.

“That’s certainly true

As far as I’m concerned, yes. I chose you as an apprentice and I can see all the potential you have in that role. I’ve even come to almost enjoy having you around and getting under my feet,” he added, with the barest hint of a smile.“But my feelings, my wishes, aren’t important in this. The right decision for you is the one you want most.”