The Ranger's Daughter

by Pixie Star Fire

Maria is the daughter of the most famed ranger, Halt. She would do anything to be a ranger. Running away, she seeks out a ranger to take her as an apprentice. But she gets more than she barganed for when she uncovers an attack lead by Morgaraths son. R&R

1. Chapter 1

Matthew, a first year Ranger's apprentice, trailed slowly behind his master on the way to Redmont castle. The legendary Will Treaty held his fiance, Alyss, in his arms. They spotted the looming castle Redmont in the distance, so the two Rangers both nudged their horses into a canter. Instead of riding strait to the castle, Will, Alyss, and Matthew pulled up to a small log cabin hidden in the woods.

Will quickly unstrapped and rubbed down Tug, eager to see his former master, Halt. Matthew took a bit more time rubbing his horse, Flame, down. He jogged to catch up with Will and Alyss, but something stopped him. He looked to his right, at the archers targets. A small, thin figure was shooting arrows, all of them hit dead center. This was a uncommon sight for Matthew, because the figure was surrounded by the Ranger's camouflage clock.

He ran ahead to Will and asked, "Will, does Halt have an apprentice?"

Will, of course, knew the unknown person well. "No, Matthew, he does not."

"But, Will, look!" cried Matthew. He pointed to the targets, only to find them deserted. "But... but..." he stammered.

Little to Matthew's knowing, the mysterious figure had slipped into the trees. It moved silently, a skill that all Ranger's must posses. A skill that takes years to learn and master. The figure walked slightly behind the group, in the forest. When the black haired Matthew stopped looking back at the glade and babbling, the figure slipped out of the woods to walk behind him. After several paces, the figure reached out a delicate hand and tapped Matthew on the back.

"AHHHHHHH!" screamed Matthew. He whirled around to face his attacker, only to find the small figure in the Ranger's cloak.

"And you call yourself a ranger's apprentice." said a critical, but yet very feminine voice criticized. The figure removed the cowl, revealing a cascade of long brown hair. The girls face was quite pretty, with sky blue eyes.

"Who...who are you?" stammered Matthew. He felt Will's presence behind him, and he heard his badly contained laughter.

"Matthew, meet Maria. Halt's daughter." said Will.