The Ruins of Gorlan (Book One of The Rangers Apprentice Series)

Choosing Day

Sierra woke up early, as she always did. She felt nervous for some reason. Then she remembered what day it was. It was the Choosing Day. She wasn't sure what job she wanted to have. She wasn't going to be admitted into the Battleschool, that was for boys. Diplomatic Service seemed too strict and boring. Scribeschool would leave her hands tired and cramped. And the others she didn't fancy trying. The only one she was interested in was the Ranger occupation. But she had no clue if the local Ranger, Gilan, would be taking an apprentice. Then she told herself that the Rangers only accepted males.

    "I am not going to get into an apprenticeship, am I?" Sierra asked her reflection.

    Her reflection didn't reply, as she expected. What she didn't notice, as she turned away, her reflection winked at her retreating back. She got ready for the day and ate silently, while her wardmates were chattering excitedly.

    "Sier, where are you hoping to go?" Amy asked.

    "I don't know," Sierra replied quietly.

    She withdrew even more into her chair and hid her face behind her hair. The others left her alone, making sure that they didn't look at her. Later that day, the assistant of Baron Matthew, Celia, came to collect the five friends.

    "This way, please," she said.

    They all lined up and followed her into the Baron's study. When they were gathered in the study, they were rearranged according to height. This meant that Sierra was last in line, being an inch shorter than Amy. And then came the Craftmasters. Sierra watched them file in and stand side by side.

    Then she saw Gilan, the Ranger. He stood behind the chair of the Baron as he watched her closely. She didn't really pay attention to what her wardmates said, not completely wanting or caring to know. Finally, it was her turn.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

    She stepped forward and took a deep breath.

    "My name is Sierra O'Carrick, my lord. As to where I wish to go, I must confess I have no idea," she said.

    She didn't meet anyone's eye, just remained staring at the floor. Gilan watched her carefully, now fully sure of her future. She shared the same last name as his former master, Halt O'Carrick. He stepped forward, eyes trained on the girl in front of him.

    "I'll take her," Gilan said.

    All eyes turned to him in surprise. There had never been a female Ranger before. Everyone turned to look at Sierra, who's eyes were wide in shock and hope. Gilan smiled softly at her. Sierra felt a smile creep up her lips, knowing that she'd get a chance to do the thing she always wanted to do.

    "Thank you, Ranger Gilan! I won't let you or the Ranger Corps down!" Sierra promised.

    Gilan nodded his approval. He handed her a piece of paper with directions to his cottage and what time to be there. Sierra took it with a large smile on her face. She skipped to her room later and packed everything she would need. She threw in five changes of clothes, a few books to read, a journal and quill, a pot of ink tightly screwed, and the necklace that had been left with her. It was a bronze oak leaf on a silver chain. The symbol of the Rangers. She never wore it because she wasn't a Ranger. But it seemed that she would be one soon.