A fourteen year old young woman was sitting on a log in a big forest. It was a beautiful day, but she just sat there, trying to hide. Three people cloaked in green were setting up camp a little ways away and if she moved, they would spot her for sure. She hadn't meant to listen in on their conversation, it was an accident.

When they weren't looking, she dropped to the ground to conceal herself better. She knew she had to find her home soon and without those men finding her first. Dusk was falling fast and it looked like those guys wouldn't move, so the young woman took matters into her own hands.

A herd of deer were standing near the camp grazing and ignoring the intruders. Suddenly, a rock flew out of nowhere and struck one of them on the back. Its head jerked up and, calling to the others, it took off creating a loud ruckus. While the stranger's heads were turned, she leaped up and ran as fast as she could. The wind whipped through her brown hair as she ran and her green eyes stung.

At first she thought the strangers weren't pursuing her, but hooves pounding the ground behind her dashed her hopes. All three of the strangers were on horseback, so there was no way she could outrun them. One of the strangers drew up even with her and tried to grab her arm, but missed as she slowed down for a second. Arms still pumping, she dodged a tree and dove into some thick bushes she knew the horses couldn't penetrate. There was some talking outside the bushes, and then came the sounds of men shoving through the thick undergrowth. Quickly, the fugitive pressed herself into a cavity between a tree and a dirt bank. As the sounds of approaching men got closer, her grip tightened on a knife she had in her belt.

It was strange, one moment she was at home, another moment and she was lying in the cool shade of a strange forest. Now, some strangers were chasing her.

The sounds went by her hiding place and the young woman breathed a small sigh of relief. Sliding out from behind the tree, she turned to go the opposite direction but almost bumped into one of the very men she was trying to avoid! Up close, he wouldn't have looked intimidating, if he didn't hold a powerful longbow and if he didn't have any knives within reach on his belt. He was only a little taller than herself, but dark eyes studied her from under the deep cowl of the green, grey mottled cloak. A shrill whistle pierced the air and she darted around the stranger only to be jerked back as he caught her arm. Using a move she had learned from her brother, the young woman twisted away while digging an elbow into the man's ribs.

But by then, the other two strangers were now surrounding her. In a flash, the knife was in her hand and held at the ready. "Calm down." One of the newcomers said. "We just want to know why you were spying on us." "I wasn't spying." She blurted out. "When you started setting up camp, I couldn't go anywhere without you seeing me." The stranger looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Where do you live?"

"I don't know where my house is from here. I guess that makes me lost." She was uncomfortable about sharing personal information with these strangers. But if it could get her back home, she was willing to give it. If there was anything left.

"What fief do you live in?" The first stranger asked. "Fief?" Confusion reigned on her face. "I don't live in a fief." "What country are you from and who sent you to spy on us?" "Halt." One of the newcomers said in a reproachful way. "Just trying to find answers Crowley." "Nobody sent me. I'm from America." Now it was their turn to be confused. "America?" "If you don't mind, could you please tell me where I am?" The young woman was getting exasperated. "You are in Araluen. Do you really not know where you are?" She shook her head at Halt's question.

Crowley could see she was majorly confused and Halt noticed that her grip on the knife had loosened slightly. They both were drawn to her arms which were very red. "Please wait right here for a moment." Crowley and Halt moved several paces away to talk.
"I think she hit her head. She doesn't even know where she is." "You may be right." Crowley agreed to Halt's conclusion. "But she might not be. She could be telling the truth." "Right," Halt snorted. "America? Have you ever heard of such a place?" "No. But it doesn't seem like she hit her head either." They glanced back at the young woman who stood uncertainly where they had left her. Will was a few paces away quietly observing her. "Maybe so, but it still is a little suspicious."

Returning to the young woman, Crowley asked another question, actually two. "What's your name?"

"Tebrana."

"Do you know where your parents are, Tebrana?" My parents…" She stared at something in the distance as her mind brought forth a horrible image. "Are dead." Tebrana finished quietly.

Will was silent. He knew how she felt. "I think I know of a place that you can go." Crowley motioned at the blade she still held. "And you can put the knife away. We aren't going to hurt you." At the Commandant's reassuring voice, she sheathed the knife and let her guard down slightly. She let it down just enough so that she could trust him, but not far enough to be caught off guard.

The Rangers took her back to their camp and Will made a fire for coffee. He offered some to the young woman, but she refused kindly. Tebrana wasn't a big fan of coffee and the Rangers had already eaten so everyone lay down to rest.

Exhausted by the day's events, Tebrana fell asleep immediately, but the other didn't. Halt of course was still wary of this young stranger and he wanted to talk the matter over with Crowley before they slept. Will was just curious on where Tebrana was going. He liked how she wasn't afraid to fight even when she was outnumbered. "Were you thinking we could take her to Redmont?" "Yes. But you don't like that idea do you?" "Not really, we don't even know how old she is." "We'll have to ask tomorrow. If she can still get into the ward, I would like you to put her in. She needs help Halt, and she can get it in the ward. Maybe even learn a craft." "I would be able to keep an eye on her." The suspicious Ranger said thoughtfully. "You're even looking on the positive side. Good job." Halt scowled at Crowley's banter before rolling himself in his cloak.

Tebrana awoke before the others. She wasn't used to sleeping outside and her bones were screaming the message very plainly. Just as she sat up, the sun burst out from behind a hill and bathed the whole world with its golden rays. A soft sigh escaped her lips, here she was alive and her parents weren't. It wasn't fair. Getting up quietly so as not to disturb the Rangers, Tebrana stole softly to the creek and sat there, her arms wrapped around her knees. There was a whisper of a noise and Will sat down next to her. "I know how you feel." "How could you possible know how I feel? You don't have an empty future ahead of you and a nightmarish past." "My parents died too. At least you spent time with your parents."

Tebrana instantly regretted her harsh words. "Sorry. I should be grateful. Who are you exactly?" "My name is Will and I'm training to be a Ranger. Halt is my craftmaster." "Which one of the others is Halt?" "The shorter one. Don't tell him I said that." A smile cracked her face, "Don't worry, I won't."

"Will," They both jumped when Halt called. "I got to go. Probably to make breakfast." The two young people stood up and made their way back to camp where the two senor Rangers were now awake. As Will made breakfast, Crowley took Tebrana aside. "I forgot to ask, how old are you?" "Fourteen sir." "Okay, we're going to take you to Castle Redmont where they have a ward. We will drop you off there if you have nowhere else to go." Tebrana nodded. "I don't know of any other places for me to go." "Then Redmont it is."

After breakfast, the Rangers packed their gear and saddled up. Will offered for Tebrana to ride behind him and she accepted. The ride was pleasantly quiet as the Rangers were silent and the young woman didn't ask questions.

They arrived at Redmont early in the afternoon. The impressive castle overlooked the land like a sentry guarding a tower. Crowley left before they even got to the castle, leaving Halt to talk to Baron Arald. Tebrana said goodbye to Will in the courtyard before following a matron to the dorm room.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she sighed. She already missed her parent's warm hugs and comforting arms. Glancing out the window, Tebrana spotted a large fig tree in the courtyard. It seemed familiar somehow. She needed a closer look.

Staring at the tree down in the courtyard, she laid a hand on its rough bark then shook her head. It was nothing. Tebrana seized one of the lower branches and swung up into the tree. At home she had loved to climb tree. Of course she fallen a few times, but she learned from her mistakes. When she had climbed as far as she dared, Tebrana noticed that she could now see where the Battleschool apprentices were training. Settling herself comfortably, she studied them as a knight called out moves. The apprentices were fighting padded posts and she could hear the dull thuds of the wooden training swords against this formidable foe.

Tebrana had always been interested in sword fighting. But considering where she was, she guessed that girls weren't allowed in Battleschool. The other kids were streaming towards the Ward and she climbed down to join them. An older matron directed her to grab some food and sit at one of the tables. Following the instructions, Tebrana sat on a bench next to a girl about her age. The girl introduced herself as Cyelena. She had flaming red hair and brown eyes. Cyelena liked to talk a lot. In a few short minutes, Tebrana had been told who Cylenea's parents were, how she came to the Ward, how old she was, and so many other things.

After supper, the wards were sent to bed. Tebrana didn't go right to sleep like the night before though. There was just too much to think about. When she finally did get to sleep, it was light sleep that made her toss and turn.

People were calling her name, but the flames surrounded her. The smoke stung her eyes. Where were her parents? "Tebrana!" The call came again, but she couldn't pinpoint its location. Someone was shaking her.

Groaning, Tebrana rolled over to see Cyelena shaking her awake. "Come on sleepyhead. I've got new clothes for you and it's time to get up." "Oh, okay." Tebrana rolled out of bed and onto her feet. Cyelena thrust some clothes into her arms. "You have to hurry. We don't want to be late for breakfast." The rest of the dorm room was empty so when Cyelena left the room, she quickly dressed and joined her new friend for breakfast.

As the days went by, Tebrana grew used to the routine, food, and chores. Some of her favorite places to be in her spare time were the fig tree and the forest outside of the castle. From the fig tree each afternoon, she would watch the Battleschool apprentices practice on their posts. Then, she herself would run into the forest to her own little clearing and practice the moves they had learned that day with a wooden sword she had built. Tebrana had a knack for remembering almost anything that she saw and it was useful. When she wasn't practicing her swordsmanship, she was running an obstacle course she had created. It involved running a narrow uphill path, swinging on several different ropes above a ravine, hopping on rocks across a river, another short run, and finally climbing a rope to a tree branch. It was exhausting, but Tebrana loved it.

There was one thing that Tebrana definitely did not like about the Ward. It was Brax and Kailor. They were two boys, same age as her, who loved to push her around. Sometimes when meals were finished, they would tip her chair or trip her. Cyelena advised her to ignore them. But as she kept on ignoring them, the boys got angrier and angrier.

One day, Tebrana was about to start her obstacle course when the bullies came down the path behind her. "Oh look Kailor. It's the little twerp from the Ward." They grinned maliciously as they moved closer. "What do you want?" She was getting uneasy at them being so close. "We just want to talk with you." Kailor moved to one side to try and distract her attention. "Well, I'm kinda busy right now; maybe you could come back in a few months?" "We can settle this right now." Brax's smiling face turned into a scowl. "I thought you said we would talk, because if not, then I have to go." "You can spare a minute." Kailor's voice came from behind her. "Maybe. But on second thought, maybe not." And with that, Tebrana sped right past Kailor and down the trail. "Why didn't you grab her?" Brax yelled at his friend as they raced after her. "I don't know."

Tebrana could hear the boys puffing for air as she neared the top of the hill. They were faster then she had previously thought, but she still had the upper hand. The ravine came into view and she sped towards it with Brax hot on her trail. His eyes widened as she neared the ravine edge and didn't slow down. With a running jump, Tebrana leaped off the edge and grabbed a rope. Swinging from rope to rope, she ended on the other side of the ravine. Glancing back she saw that Kailor had spotted a fallen tree farther down that spanned the gorge. Sliding down a steep embankment, she landed on next to the small river that was channeled through the gorge. The rocks were slippery with spray and if Tebrana wasn't careful, her feet might get wet. The bullies were sliding down the hill now, but Brax fell and crashed into Kailor sending them both tumbling the rest of the way down. After untangling themselves from a heap of arms and legs, the boys could only catch a glimpse of their victim disappearing in the trees on the other river bank.

After crossing the river, Tebrana scampered up the last rope into a tall oak tree and pulled the rope up behind her. Concealed in the thick leaves of the tree, she watched with satisfaction as the bullies came into view. They were soaking wet with dirt streaked faces and several bruises each. Maybe that's why she had heard some yells and splashes coming from the river. They must have stopped to take a bath. Barely able to stand, the boys looked around and one of them cursed. "Forget it. She's probably long gone." 'Strange how people seldom look up.' Tebrana thought with a smile. She would wait for a little bit before she heads back to the Ward.

Unknown to her, a dark shadow of a person had watched the whole ordeal from his vantage point and was still watching her from under his dark hood.

Another bright day dawned, the sun was shining and the birds were singing sweetly in the trees. But for Brax and Kailor, the day was as dark as midnight. When they had gotten back to the Ward last night, they were accused of fighting each other and were severely scolded. Their bruises were taken care of, but they were still simmering with anger. "She'll pay for what she did." Kailor mumbled as he followed Brax to their dorm.

Tebrana on the other hand was quite happy. It was the only time so far that she had gotten the best of them in a physical challenge. But she knew that her happiness would only last for a short time as they were bound to try and hurt her again. But this time, she was prepared.

It was several days later that another confrontation was held. Tebrana was heading to the fig tree to watch the Battleschool apprentices when she was stopped behind the stables. "Hey twerp." The annoying voice of Kailor made her sigh and turn around. "What is it now?" "We're gonna make you pay for making a fool out of us." Brax snarled as he came from behind her. "Oh you are, are you." She shook her head in mock seriousness. "I'm sorry, but I don't have any money with me. So I guess that won't work out." "You know what we mean." Brax's face was red with rage.

"Try you worst." Tebrana readied her staff she had fashioned out of a stout branch. Brax snarled again as he dove for her, but she danced out of the way of his first rush. Tripping him neatly with the end of her staff, she prepared for Kailor's attack. Kailor, on the other hand, was a little less ambitious and came at a slower pace. Tebrana ducked his punch and drove her knee into his stomach. He fell back as his companion advanced again in rage. Brax had grabbed a stick from off the ground to try and even the odds. He was clumsy with it and overall, just didn't know how to use it. With a twist, Tebrana easily let the stick fly through the air and land a few meters away. A kick sent Brax sprawling, but her staff was jerked from her hand. With a snap, Kailor broke it over his knee and threw the two useless halves away. "That's much better." But, contrary to his previous thought, breaking the staff did nothing to help him. He seized her wrist and the young woman use the tight grip to kick her opponent in the chest with both feet.

The boys had looks of horror on their faces as they lay in the dirt. "Don't try to touch me again." Her words came out like a growl. They nodded quickly, still gaping at something behind Tebrana. Scrambling to their feet, the bullies fled. She slowly turned to face who she thought was a matron of the Ward, but was surprised to see the Ranger Halt. "Next time you put a knee in your target, try to place it a little farther left. It's more painful." His words surprised her. He didn't reprimand her or drag her off to the baron for a punishment. Tebrana nodded, wordless with surprise.

"What do you have to say for yourself?" Maybe she was wrong about not having a punishment. "I'll take any punishment you give me without complaint." Bowing her head, Tebrana prepared herself for the worst. "That sound like a good idea. But you were just defending yourself from those two ruffians." Her head snapped up. "How long…?" "How long have I been watching you? Since the fight began." The Ranger paused for a moment before continuing, "You might want to get back in time for supper. It's getting late." She gave a nod and hurried away.

It wasn't the first time the young woman had seen Halt since he had brought her here. He came to the castle at least twice every month, sometimes more. Will had come several times and Tebrana always liked spending time with the apprentice.

That night as she lay in bed, a thought suddenly struck her. Choosing Day was in a few days. All the other fifteen year olds had been talking about it for two weeks now. They all knew what school they would apply for, but she didn't. Well, she was pretty sure that she wouldn't be allowed into Battleschool. She would probably end up working on some farm near the village. Not her dream job, but it was better than living nowhere.

The next few days were strangely quiet. Brax and Kailor stayed as far away from Tebrana as possible. Then, the dreaded day came.

Sitting on a hard wooden bench outside Baron Arald's office, the nervousness started building in her stomach. The fifteen year olds consisted of Brax and Kailor, herself, Cyelena, and another boy and girl.

"Stand up." The loud command made the wards jump. Martian, the baron's secretary, was holding a great, iron bound door open. "Come on. Get in there." He was enjoying his authority, even if it only lasted for a few seconds. Seeing no one else wanting to take the lead, Tebrana stepped up and led the line of nervous teenagers through the door into the baron's office.

"Get in a line. Tallest goes over here. Hurry up." Martian's loud voice was making Tebrana's head hurt. They got in line. Kailor first, followed by Tebrana, the other girl, Brax, Cyelena, and the other boy.

"Thank you Martian. Would you please call the craftmasters in quietly?" Baron Arald laid an emphasis on the last word. "Yes sir." The secretary marched over and opened a door. "They're ready." His voice was much quieter this time. The craftmasters filed in and the door was shut. Among the craftmasters, there was the Battlemaster Sir Rodney, Lady Pauline the diplomat, Master Chubb of the kitchens, the Horsemaster Ulf, and the Scribemaster Nigel. There was the slightest flicker of movement and Tebrana caught sight of a cloaked figure standing behind the other Craftmasters. A Ranger.

"Step forward and state your name." Martian prodded Kailor forward. "Brax Haddick sir, baron, my lord." The bully fumbled a bit on what to call the baron. "And what school do you want to apply for, Brax?" Baron Arald asked kindly. "Battleschool sir." Arald glanced at Sir Rodney. "What do you say, Battlemaster?" The knight stepped forward, his eyes estimating the ward's chances. "I'd say he is alright my lord. I accept him." Brax stepped back into line with a grin of satisfaction on his face.

Tebrana moved forwards before Martian could say anything and said clearly, "Tebrana Rangcor, my lord." "What's your preference, Tebrana?" Taking a deep breath, Tebrana said uncertainly, "Battleschool my lord." A snort came from behind her as Kailor tried to hold in a laugh and failed miserably. "Battleschool?" Arald wondered if this was some type of joke, but one look at the serious young woman before him told him the truth. She could feel someone watching her and Tebrana's eyes met that of the Ranger. Rodney glanced at her and shook his head. "My lord." He addressed the baron who motioned him to speak. "I need boys that can at least hold a sword. Not girls who wouldn't even be able to lift one." Tebrana's hopes started fading. "Is there any other school you would apply for?" The baron asked. "No my lord." Arald had a sympathetic look on his face. "We will come back to you." Slowly she stepped back into line.

The next ward advanced forward, but Tebrana was too numb to care. Lady Pauline accepted the other girl, Brax was to report to Ulf the Horsemaster, Cyelena was going to the kitchens, and the other boy was going to Scribeschool.

Arald glanced back at Tebrana who was still waiting. Suddenly, the Ranger appeared at his side and handed him a small roll of paper. Reading the document, Arald looked at the figure. "Are you sure?" The Ranger gave the smallest nod and the baron rolled the parchment up again. Placing it on his desk, Arald said, "We will settle this tomorrow morning." Tebrana's gaze flickered from the baron sitting in his chair to the Ranger at his side.

Martian opened the door and motioned them all out. As the craftmasters and Arald went out, a gust of wind blew the parchment from the baron's desk and onto the floor next to Tebrana's feet. A sudden urge to pick it up came over her and she did. Staring at the parchment for a moment, she knew it would be wrong for her to look at it. With a sigh, Tebrana placed it back on the desk unopened. As she turned to leave; she caught sight of the Ranger standing slightly behind the baron's empty chair. His gaze was unsettling as it followed her out the door.

The other wards were excited at their new apprenticeships, but Tebrana was silent. As soon as she could, she snuck away to the forest. Too dejected to cry, she sat with her back to a tree and her head in her hands. Her one chance was gone. Well, not completely. That parchment that the Ranger had given the baron, what did it say? She assumed the Ranger was Halt, but, what would he want with her? Was it because of the fight a few days ago? Was she finally being punished? 'I need answers. But where can I find them?' Then she knew, the parchment.