When All Else Fails

Chapter 1 The One Who Wields Sword

Not long after the celebration of her twentieth summer did Emma wait to enlist in her parents royal guard. Though she imagined it to be a little more exciting. At first it was rigorous training which bothered Emma none. Countless times had she spared with her father, who never let up on her. Not out of harshness, but out of respect. When His daughter had approached him about learning to fight he could see the fierce determination that his wife possessed. He knew when he looked at her that this was what she wanted most, and wether she received instruction here or somewhere else, she would get what she wanted. So, rather than seeing his first, and only child learn from some stranger he took it upon himself to teach her everything he knew.
To no ones surprise there came a day where the King was at last bested by his student. Being knocked back onto your rump and continuously disarmed by a fourteen year old can get old after a while. So, he admitted defeat with a proud smile.

The training for the Guard was tough but worth the time. It shaped the Princess into a formidable warrior. One who soon moved her way up the ranks.

When Emma turned twenty five she was promoted by her Father, and King to Commander of the Royal Guard. Her Mother who was less thrilled by her dangerous position in rank, still regarded Emma with love.
Snow White was not always in the business of gowns, and lavish Balls, Royal decree. Snow had been only sixteen when a rival Kingdom forced itself through the walls of her Families. Snow's father, King Leopold sent Snow away with a trusted friend whom she only knew as Granny and her young grand daughter that she had played with often. Her name was Ruby.
The kingdom Snow White was born in was lost, and along with it her whole life. The Rival kingdom was lead by a ruthless Queen. She tore her way into the palace and made her new home there. At sixteen snow became a fugitive. Always being hunted, and having to hone her hunting and fighting skills quick. It became kill or be killed. Granny raised Snow the best she could, but it was Ruby who stayed a constant reminder of what she was fighting for.

Emma had heard stories about the battles her mother had fought, and won. She had also heard a lot about this Queen who tried so desperately to kill her mother. Cora had procured her throne through marriage, then a mysterious illness fell upon her husband, killing him.

When Snow met David Charming, a prince, and heir to his own throne, the battles against Cora continued for a bit, but abruptly stopped when they married. About a year later Emma was born. All had been quiet from the old kingdom since, and no one had dared to question it.

"Commander?" A tall man, embraced by the armor of the guard approached Emma, who studied maps. Nothing too particular just maps of the enchanted forest.
"Hm? What is it?" She replied half listening, and half trying to remember something about moss.
The man wore a blue sash over his steel armor. He was from the watch tower. "Ma'am there have been a few complaints from the people to the north about a large bear or maybe a mountain lion taking livestock."
The blonde nodded. Then turned her full attention to the soldier.
"How many complaints, and how many livestock?" She asked quill in hand. She needed to make note of this. This was the third time this year that the population of goats and ox had been threatened.

"About four different farms and twenty six members of livestock.. All goat this time Ma'am."

Emma jotted the info down, and sighed.
"Neal. Please go round up four groups of five men and send them to each of the farms. Take letters to authorize quartering. I am issuing orders to find and take care of the beast that is robbing these people of their livelihood.."

The guard who had been standing idly by saluted, and moved swiftly out of the chamber.
Emma turned back to the watchman that had brought the news.

"Well, you can either rejoin your post or go with them. It's up to you. Thank you for your hustle in getting me the news."
The soldier bowed graciously and left without another word.

"Emma!"
"Hello, Mom." The princess smiled at her mother, and hugged her warmly. Her father put his arm around her.
She had to admit it was nice to be with her parents. They had refused to let her come home ever with her full armor on and although she protested at first, Emma truly enjoyed wearing her soft fabrics for a night with her family with no royal or formal strings attached. They sat at the dining table making pleasant conversation.

" So Emma honey I've been thinking.. And hear me out on this.." Snow began.

The blonde sighed. "Oh Gods, Mom. No. Not this again..."

"...you know you are a princess, and your father, and I only have you. You are hopefully going to take the throne one day.. And we, well to be honest I, was hoping on a real wedding.. Soon... Eventually, maybe?"

It had been a topic of discussion at every dinner in the past year. She had been on Emma to find a suitor.

"Mother.. As much as I love you I cannot find my happy ending just because you want me too.. And besides what if I...."

But before Emma could finish she was interrupted.

"Please excuse us your highness, and your majesty. Commander you are needed immediately." A breathless guard said. "It's about the men we sent to catch the beast up north.."

David rose from his seat, as did Snow.
"The one from the north?" The King asked.
Emma nodded. The motioned for the guard to continue.

"Well we sent four groups off into the forest, and when the third group never sent out word of their settlement we went to investigate.."

"And..?" The blonde coaxed.

The taller guard sighed and moved in closer. " they had all been killed Ma'am. No survivors."

This struck the warrior princess. She hadn't expected to lose a whole group of men. Something would need to be done.

" mom, dad you'll have to excuse me. This is an urgent matter." Emma moved from her chair, and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek. Then hastily exited the dining room.

Emma assumed her commanding position.
" I need my horse prepped at sun rise. I need to do some investigating."