A Ranger Story

Mulberry End

As the sun set Mulberry End came into view. As night came he started down the roadway of the town. He rounded a corner and a girl bumped into him. Her dark blond hair all frizzed up from the day. Her hazel eyes met his brown eyes. Her smile lit up the night. Jack had never felt this way before. He couldn’t help but smile at her.

“Hello,” She said quietly. “I am sorry for running into you, my mind was just wandering.” She gave a small laugh and fixed her emerald green cloak that dragged on the ground behind her. “I'm Felicity,” She smiled.

“Nice to meet you,” Jack said. “Oh! They call me Jack,” he said with a bow.

“Pleased to meet you, Jack,” She said and gave a curtsy. “What are you doing out so late?”

“I am looking for a job, but I have no place to stay,” He said with a smile, his hood still hiding his hair and half his face.

“Perhaps you could stay with my father and me tonight? We're going to have supper soon,” she smiled. “His work went a bit later than expected.”

“That would be nice, m’lady,” He smiled, “Oh, excuse me.” He took off his hood, revealing his head.

“It's really quite fine,” She said, getting lost in his eyes. “This way, please.”

He followed her down the river rock road. He couldn’t help but eye her. She was unique, and has a loving heart. ‘Is she taken? Could someone like me be with someone like her?’ He thought to himself. She opened the door to the warm house, smelling the aroma of supper as she eyed Jack. 'He really is quite handsome. Is he seeing anyone?' she thought to herself and took off her cloak; hanging it on the peg on the wall. “I can’t thank you enough for letting me stay,” He said and grabbed a few silver coins, “Here, it’s the least I can do.”

“No, no. keep it!” She said and gave him back his money. “No need to pay me. Hospitality is the right thing to do to a lonely traveler,” she smiled. He then hung his cloak up. His brown fine leather vest now shown.

“Thank you m’lady,” he smiled.

“Tell me, where are you from?” She asked, leading him to the dining room, where her father was sitting at the head of a redwood table; reading the newspaper.

“I am a ranger, no home,” he said, “I might settle here though.” He noticed her face beam when he said that. He merely smiled at her.

“Father, this is Jack. He needed a place to stay,” She said and Jack bowed to him politely.

“Nice to meet you, lad. Take a seat,” He offered.

“Thank you, sir,” Jack said and sat down in one of the fir wood chairs, hoping Felicity would sit by him. She did, after all, sit next to him and mostly played with her food as Jack and her father talked.

“Where is the blacksmith’s place at?” Jack asked, “I don’t believe I got your name too.”

“Edward,” he smiled. “And actually, I am the blacksmith. I be looking for an apprentice.”

“That is why I have come here,” Jack smiled, “I do great work.” He pulled out his sword and set it on the table. The black blade reflected the light slightly and the gold guard was polished nicely. The grip had the best black leather there is. “I made this,” Jack said confidently.

“That is lovely, lad. I certainly could use ye as my apprentice,” He smiled and Felicity began to blush darkly.

“You okay Felicity?” Jack asked her.

“Fine,” She said. “Excuse me,” She said quietly; leaving the men by themselves.

“Is she okay?” Jack asked Edward.