Hidden Soldier

Prologue (Episode 1)

Rowan's father had been bedridden for weeks, suffering from a terrible illness that no local healer could cure. Desperate and determined, she had heard of a rare medicinal berry that grew only in the palace's guarded garden. With her engineering skills and sharp wits, Rowan decided to take matters into her own hands.

Under the cover of darkness, Rowan slipped into the palace grounds, her heart pounding. She wore dark clothes, a hood over her head, and a cloth covering her mouth and nose to avoid suspicion. Her green eyes, sharp and focused, were the only part of her face visible. She moved silently, navigating through the shadows until she reached the edge of the garden. The moonlight cast a silver glow over the lush greenery, and she could see the precious berries glistening in the distance.

Rowan carefully climbed over the garden wall, her movements precise and practiced. She scanned the area, making sure no guards were nearby. Just as she reached out to pick the berries, a voice broke the silence.

"You know, stealing from the royal garden is a serious offense," said a resonant voice.

Rowan froze, her heart racing. She looked around but couldn't see anyone. Then, from a tree nearby, a knight emerged, aiming an arrow at her. His eyes were keen and his stance confident. He looked slightly older than her, with a smirk that suggested he was enjoying this far too much.

"You've got guts, I'll give you that," he amused. "But you're not getting out of here with those berries."

Rowan's mind raced. She knew she had to act quickly. Just as the man released his arrow, she dived to the side, narrowly avoiding the projectile. Her reaction time was sharp, honed by years of practice and quick thinking.

"I'm not here to steal. I need these berries to save my father" she said.

The lean guard raised an eyebrow. "A noble cause, but I can't just let you waltz out of here, can I?"

He reached for another arrow, but Rowan was already in motion. She pulled out her slingshot, an engineering marvel she had designed herself, and loaded a small rock. With expert precision, she aimed and released.

The rock flew through the air and struck him directly in the eye. He yelped in pain, dropping his bow and clutching his face.

"Ah, you little...!" He winced while rubbing his eye, "A girl with that kind of aim... remarkable."

Rowan took the opportunity to grab a handful of berries, stuffing them into her pouch. She sprinted towards the garden wall, her heart pounding with adrenaline. The man, who was still reeling from the blow, tried to follow, but his vision was impaired.

The girl quickly scaled the wall and disappeared into the night, her prize secure. She ran through the woods, not stopping until she reached the safety of her home. Her father's life depended on those berries, and she had risked everything to get them.