Disclaimer: I do not own nor will ever own Ranger's Apprentice
Chapter 1
Alex sighed and stared out the window, deep in thought. The night sky was a dark navy blue and each star was like a speck of snow, but it hardly mattered to the girl. Choosing Day loomed over her head like clouds before a thunderstorm, and Alex hadn't the foggiest idea of what craft she wanted. She went over her options in her head, muttering under her breath, "Apprenticeships are open for the blacksmith, Battle School, Battle Horse School, a scribe, a courier, and the Ranger." Alex mentally crossed off crafts in her list. No hope for Battle School, or Battle Horse School. I'd be either beat to death or trampled, she thought. That leaves being a scribe, courier, or a Ranger. One of her wardmates, a willowy, graceful girl named Emma, had already been promised an apprenticeship to the courier Lady Bridgette, so that was out of the question. And while Alex was a smart girl, the idea of spending hours upon hours writing made her hand hurt at the mere thought. So, that leaves being a farmer or a Ranger. Alex sighed again. Being a farmer wasn't exactly appealing, and unlike most people, Alex didn't fear Rangers. She respected them, admired them, but wished to be one? She didn't really know. But I want to do something with my life, and I certainly don't want to become a farmer's wife, wear threadbare clothes, and have 8 kids! Another reason to become a Ranger nagged at the back of her mind. You can avenge your parents. Alex shook her head to clear it of negative thoughts. She flopped into her bed and quickly fell asleep.
As the first rays of dawn spread across the country of Araluen, Alex woke up. She'd always been an early riser, and today was no exception. A good night's sleep usually helped her make decisions, and Alex felt confident in her choice. She was going to be a Ranger.
Martin ushered the five children from the ward into Baron Arald's large office. "Line up tallest to shortest!" he barked. First in line was Riley, a tall-broad shouldered boy who, in Alex's opinion, was going to Battle School for sure. Next was Emma, who walked with amazing grace and was a natural beauty, with her long red hair and green eyes. Right after was Matt, who had an eye for detail and was a gifted sculptor. A definite choice to be a blacksmith, thought Alex. Next to last was John, who would probably become a scribe. He was smart and had an expansive memory, and was a good speaker. And last, of course, was Alex.
"Alright, first up! Full name and what craft?" Martin's booming voice made Alex flinch. Riley strode forward confidently. "Riley Cormack, and Battle School, my lord!" Already, Sir Dooley was nodding. "Yes, he'll do!" he bellowed.
The Choosing ceremony flew by, with Emma apprenticed to Lady Bridgette, Matt to the blacksmith whose name nobody knew, and John to Scribemaster George. Soon, it was Alex's turn, and she stepped forward, her legs shaking like jelly. Everyone's eyes turned onto her and seemed to be scrutinizing her, looking for flaws. Alex felt blood rush to her face. She absolutely hated being the center of attention. The Baron looked at her expectantly, tapping his fingers on his desk. Alex barely whispered, "Alexandra Wheatley, my lord."
"Could you please speak up?" asked Baron Arald. Alex thought she heard Riley stifle a snigger. Her voice rose up into a squeak as she tried again: "Alexandra Wheatley, my lord." Martin hissed into her ear, loud enough for her wardmates to hear, "What craft?" Alex steadied herself and answered loudly and clearly, "Ranger, my lord."
You could hear a pin drop in Skandia, it was so silent. Matt was the first to speak. "Girls can't be rangers," he scoffed. "Someone like her could never even lift a longbow, let alone use one." Alex blushed profusely. Did everyone else think the same of her? Maybe she was suited for life on a farm.
"Girls can be Rangers. Princess Madelyn is one herself." The voice came from the shadowy corner of Baron Arald's office. Out stepped Ranger Will Treaty, and whispers sprang up within Alex's wardmates, mostly about what dark magic the Ranger would use on Matt. The cloaked figure simply slipped a piece of paper onto the baron's desk and walked silently away.
"Ahem, well, uh, everyone, back to your dorm!" blustered Baron Arald. Most of the ward children chattered happily, but Alex walked to the shared room in a saddened silence, wondering of her fate.
Alex rolled over for the zillionth time. Whatever was on that piece of paper decided what would become of her life. She sighed, sat up, and slipped on her black cloak. Alex had to find what was on that paper.
The girl watched the shadows carefully for a few minutes then started off, following the patterns of the shadows. Will noted how silently she moved. She'll make a good ranger, he thought. His future apprentice approached the tower and began climbing. The higher she got, Will noticed, the more her hands would shake. Will slipped back into the shadows moments before Alex entered the seemingly empty room.
Alex breathed a silent sigh of relief as she made it to the top of the tower. Her eyes scanned the room for any sentries or the baron himself. She found none. Alex moved nearly silently across the floor to Baron Arald's desk. Her hand reached out for the mysterious paper when an iron grip enclosed around it.
Alex jumped backwards with a small eep as a flickering light filled the dark room.Ranger Will Treaty stood right next to her, an eyebrow raised. Baron Arald entered the room, a grim look on his face. Alex gulped and braced herself for a harsh scolding and perhaps being paddled.
"Congratulations, Alexandra, you passed the test!" The baron's face broke into a grin and he slapped her on the back. Alex stared at the two men in confusion. This was a test? The ranger gave her a small smile. "Since you're here now, why don't you read the paper?" He gave Alex the small piece of parchment. She read it aloud: " 'Alexandra is to become my apprentice and needs to report at my cabin during the 9th hour." She looked up to thank Ranger Treaty, but he was already gone.
AN: Thank you all for the nice reviews! I'm glad you liked the prologue, and I hope you like this chapter too. If you liked the story or think I could make some improvements, please review!