And so the days went, learning different crafts, teaching Clarence to read and write, and doing odd jobs around the kingdom. Sissy was happy, but she wanted to do more. She wanted to adventure. To see places outside of Camelot.
Her wish came in the form of a maiden called Alisande. Alisande claimed that a multitude of virgins had been kidnapped by three ogres and were being kept in their castle. Here was an adventure if there ever was one. Knowing Sissy's longing to go on an adventure, he chose her to accompany Alisande and rescue the women.
Knowing what was coming, Sissy prepared by enlisting the aid of several young men from the village who raised pigs, but she asked that they refer to themselves as servants for Alisande's sake. Sissy also hired a carriage and some servants. Lastly, she asked Merlin for an enchanted map so that they could find their way back easily.
In the morning they set out, Sissy, all clad in leather, and Alisande on the horse, with the carriage following behind. They traveled for several days, stopping to eat and rest. After a time, they came upon the castle of Morgan le Fey. They spoke with the warders, and Sissy and Alisande were admitted. The queen invited them into the throne room.
As the queen spoke, Sissy watched out for the young page. Presently he came along and bowed before the queen. He lost his balance and fell lightly against her leg. Morgan made to stab him, but Sissy grabbed her by the wrist. The queen looked into Sissy's green eyes, and Sissy stared back.
She released Morgan's arm and backed away, dragging the page. "Who do you think you are?" the queen cried.
"I am Ranger Sissy! As you no longer have a use for this page, I will take him as my own!"
Morgan seemed to pale for a moment. She slipped off one of her rings and began playing with it as she stood up. "I understand, Ranger Sissy. You can have him," she said, replacing her ring and taking Sissy by the shoulders. Sissy tried to push her away. Morgan stabbed her with the ring.
"For a price!"
Sissy began to mutter under her breath, trying a spell Merlin had taught her. As Morgan realized something wasn't right, Sissy spoke a little louder. "Stop that!" the queen commanded. Sissy came to the last word.
"Open…"
Everything that could open, opened. Windows, doors, shackles, everything. Sissy grabbed the boy and Alisande and ran outside. As carriage and horses raced from the castle, Sissy felt her arm where she had been stung. She pulled out a tiny pin. Poison? So there was a chance she might never get home. There had always been that chance, but now it was close enough to hurt.
Sissy lifted her head to look about at Alisande and the carriage as they ran along. She was determined to brave the terrors that be to rescue the princess pigs.