I felt like I had monkeys dancing in my spleen.

Yes, that's just a saying. I don't have any monkeys dancing in my spleen. My friend Gary does though. They dance on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays nightly.

Well, if you ask why I'm so nervous, it's because today is Choosing Day. Kind of panicking, if you're wanting a craft probably near impossible to get.

You'll figure out names and that stuff later. Right now I'm trying to tell you my story of pain, sorrow, and, at times, glee and mirth. Just kidding. But these traits are included!

Well, anyway, I'm walking silently up the staircase to Baron Arald's chamber. I'm between Gary, my weirdo of a friend, and Keith, who every girl swoons over but me. When he's looking at me, that is. In front of Gary are Annabelle and Annie, the snobby sisters who think they'll manage to catch Keith's eyes and get him. I wouldn't be surprised, what with there gleaming white teeth and silvery-blonde hair. In front of that is my brother, Harry. He's a medium height kid, same age as everyone. His unusually long hair is falling down to his shoulders, and his hazel eyes are set ahead. He's dreading today more than me.

In front of that is Horace, the Battlemaster of Redmont Castle. He's leading us up the staircase. I'm getting dizzy by now, and I feel like we've climbed up a thousand and one stairs. I look out the next window, and pull my head back really fast. The drop was way farther than I'd thought. I'm staying inside all the time now.

Keith is looking around. He wants to be a Battlehorse caretaker, and he's got the skills for it. His horse he rode in on today was a skittish mare, but it was a very calm horse when he was with it.

And there's the door. I'm panicked; what'll I say when it's my turn? No one's ever asked to be one of them before…

Then, I'm standing in front of the baron and all the Craft masters. I look into a shadowy corner and see a near-invisible figure. Nice try, Will.

I keep my excitement inside. I stand still, trying to look nonchalant. Not working well.

"You there! First in line! Name. please," The baron says, a little louder than expected.

Harry looks up. He says as loudly as possible, "Harry Kinart, sir." Baron Arald nods. "I'd like to be a scribe, sir."

I'm silent. I'd expected that. I see him pull a sheet of parchment from the pocket of his tunic. He hands it to the scribe master, George. He looks, and then nods. Harry beams. My brother stands there, calmer than ever before now. Next up, Annabelle. Or, as I call her, Snob 1.

The Baron looks at her soft blue eyes "And you are?"

"Annabelle Pailot, Baron. I'd like to be a horse caretaker."

The Battlehorse master laughs aloud. "No way, chickadee! You'd be trampled in a second. No can do."

Annabelle scowls, then regains composure. "Then how about courier?"

Lady Alyss nods gently. She's the Head of Diplomatic services; Lady Pauline retired about 6 months ago. Most of the Craft masters did; Rodney retired after the last battle. Strangely enough, that was six months ago.

Annie's turn, and she looks ready. "Annie Pailot, Battlehorse caretaker." No can do. Courier? Yes. Easily for her. Her glossy black hair is like a wave down her back, and her brown eyes are endearing. The sisters wear similar green gowns, making them look like couriers in improper attire.

Gary now. He asks for a job of cook to Master Chubb. He's the only Craft master left, now. He accepts happily; Many people know of Gary's talent, but none more than Chubb.

Oh crap. My turn. Help me please…

"Holly Kinart, Baron."

He looks up expectantly. I take a deep breath, trying to settle down.

"I'd like to be a-"

"I'll do it!" Alyss is beaming. "I'll gladly train you in the way of a Courier."

I look down at my shoes; they're boots my dad made from a red deer hide. I love them dearly.

"I'm sorry, Lady Alyss. I'd rather be a Ranger apprentice."

A collective gasp; Annabelle looks like I'm a freak. She screams, then bolts behind Horace. "You freak of nature!" She screams. Annie follows her but doesn't make a sound.

Then a shape steps out of the shadows of a corner. I'm the only one not shocked; even Keith is surprised by Will's appearance. His eyes look me up and down. He looks undecided; Obviously something is delaying his decision.

"Ok. I'll take her for now. I'll ask Crowley later if I can keep her. She'll be fine until then."

I'm shocked. "Thank you so much," I stutter. I'm amazed I was accepted. But there was a catch.

I'll ask Crowley later if I can keep her.

I'm not permanent. It's depressing, but I push it to the back of my mind. I'll celebrate while I can.

Keith gets his choice of Battlehorse caretaker. I smile at him, and he smiles back. His teeth are off-white; his hazel eyes look gleeful. My green eyes probably look similar.

We're walking downstairs. We're heading to the orphanage one last time to gather belongings. I go along to get my valuables. Only Will comes with us; The sisters complain, but he just says, "Well, too bad. I'm coming whether you like it or not." The twins are silent.

Up in my bed, I grab my few personal possessions: A cloak from Harry, a necklace from my mom, and a family portrait. Our parents were killed in a fire when we were, maybe, three. We hardly knew them.

I get up. I walk over by Will and lean against the wall, ready to go. I put the cloak on. After a few minutes, Keith and Harry are ready. Harry whispers, "Did you get the stick?"

I gasp. I dash back and feel under my pillow; my parents had trusted each of us with a small staff. Mine was a short ash branch; Harry's was a sturdy oak.

It's gone.

I find one of our caretakers. "Where's the stick that was under my pillow?"

"Outside. Why?"

I dash outside. I see the smooth gray stick instantly; I snatch it up, feeling happier. The rest of the group walks out. I join the front of the group. Harry smiles a mysterious smile; I raise my eyebrows.

"Try one eyebrow, not both, Better effect," Will's voice comes from ahead. I change it; One eyebrow flies upward. He nods.

Keith catches up; Harry hangs back. He says he's happy to be in his craft, and then shocks me. "You know, I'm going to ask to be a Ranger horse caretaker. I'd rather do that than Battlehorses."

I beam inside. "Nice," I say. I beam at him in the process. Annie is in my ear suddenly.

"Keith is ours," her voice hisses at me. "You stay off him if you know what's good for you."

I snort. She scowls at me, then engages Annabelle in a whispered conversation. They throw nasty glances my way often.

Then we're back at Redmont Castle's front gate. Keith is in conversation with his new master; Then he walks over to me. As soon as he' out of earshot, he silently yells with joy.

"Are you doing Ranger horse breeding?"

He nods. "He said I wouldn't be better at anything. I can travel with you to Old Bob's, then I'm staying there."

I smile wider than I ever have.

Thisisgoingtobeanamazingyear,Holly,is my only thought. I'm happier than I've ever been; What could go wrong?

"What could possibly go wrong in this?" I say quietly. Will looks at me.

"More than you think," Then jerks his head for Keith and me to follow.

Man, Will was right when he said that sentence A heck of a lot went wrong; this is my story of Ranger training.