Just as I am about to get some sleep, I hear horses.
As they get closer, I realize that I should be happy to see them. I haven't seen another person for some time, and they probably have food for a young, albeit strange, maiden. However, I am still half-asleep, so I am not thinking quite clearly.
As the riders come up to my tree, I hear yells. As I stand up, I realize they are yelling at me. I think, from the gist of what they are saying, that they think I am some strange new animal. I try to run, but sleepiness and physical activity don't mix for me. Before I can even tell them that I am a girl, they have tied me up and are about to toss me on the back of a horse when I find my voice.
"STOP!" OK, not very intelligent. But you haven't woken up and suddenly been taken captive by some hunters. I continue. "I'm a person, not some animal! Please untie me!"
"The girl is right." A voice from the back mentions. Everyone turns to face him. Weird. I look at him as well, and receive a shock. I know where I am now.
The hunter who had spoken the truth is none other than King Jeremy. He rules a small country north of my father's. He came to the castle shortly after his father's death a few years ago and made a treaty. He was tall, with black curly hair and dark, dark eyes. I hadn't seen much of him, but he would surely recognize me if he saw me. It was now imperative that I keep the cloak on to avoid being shipped home to my deluded father. He continued,
"The girl is obviously out of luck. I'm sure there is some place she can work at my palace until something more suitable can be arranged. Can you clean, girl?" The last comment was directed at me.
"Yes, I can clean, cook, and sew. I could educate as well, as I had a fine education in my last place. But I am willing to be a cleaning maid if it will give me an occupation."
He replied, "You are obviously not from here. Your accent is different. But I will give you a job." He then motioned to one of the other knights to take me on his horse, and they returned back to the castle, with one extra person than what they had started out with.
A/N: YAY! My very first review! Thanks!