Braver than Knights

Chapter One: Pauper Wanted

I wake up to the familiar surroundings of my home. Yes, I live in a tree. I mean, you can't blame me. I've done pretty well since my parents took off without me and left me in the forest to fend for myself when I was five. I got really lucky, though. My "dad" forgot to take his bow and arrows with him. I taught myself how to use it, weave my own blankets out of leaves, make my own knife, and just all around survive. I've lived the best life I can since that day ten years ago. Life is hard, tough, and ruthless. However, it comes with many rewards.

I get myself up and stretch. I jump down to the ground ten feet down. No one's around, so who cares if I jump from a tree in my dress? I walk over to the opening in the huge oak tree and grab my bow and arrows. I put my sash over and across my shoulder and slip my arrows in. I start my trek to hunt. My diet consists of whatever game is available, berries, and water. Game usually consists of deer, squirrel, bird, or bear, if I can kill it. I use the skins for blankets and pillows.

The leaves ruffle in front of me. I put an arrow on my bow and pull back. I point it at the bushes in front of me. Three men wearing red emerge. I point my arrow at the one in the middle. "Osh aye! What do we have here?" He says. "Aye, we've caught ourselves a pretty one, boys." The one on the left said. "What do you want?" I ask coldly. "Osh aye, relax! We was just passing by. In fact, why are you here?" The one on the right said. I pull my arrow back as a threat. "Aye, you're a feisty one. That hair of yours sure is pretty." The one in the middle said. He was right. My light brown hair braided on my shoulder did always seem quite nice to me. "Aye, indeed. And those crystal blue eyes. Oh my! How breathtaking!" The one on the right said. "What game are you playing?" I ask coldly. "Whoa whoa whoa. Wait a minute. Take a look at that bow, boys. Take a close look." The one in the middle said. They walked toward me. I pull back. "Stay away! I'm warning you!" I say. "Aye, Josh. You'd have a good eye." The one on the left said. "Aye, Steve. He does." The one on the right said. "When did you doubt me?" The one in the middle said. "What?" I ask coldly. "You're have to come with us." The one called Josh said. "No. I won't." I said. "You must. By order of the king." The one called Steve said. Then I realize who they are. "Just because you are knights, it doesn't mean you can pull the 'by order of the king' business whenever you want something." I say. "No, he did. I know that bow anywhere. Your dad, Stark Skylark was the king's Personal Bow and Arrow Carver. It's a thing. Anyway, when he and his family left to get away from the Ancient War, he left a note saying that he wants the king to take his daughter as the king's ward. Therefore, Miss Madeline Skylark, you MUST come with us."