Ranger 50

Chapter I

I sit on top of Chestnut as I ride east. It has been a two day journey so far and I know I'm nearing the end of it - Seacliff fief, a small island off the east coast of Araluan. Will told me that it is shaped like a leaf and is about twelve kilometres long and eight wide. He also said that he wouldn't give me any other description of the small island, telling me I would have to find out myself. "It's part of the job." He told me. "You have to get to know your surroundings on your own observations, not others." I scowl as I recall the conversation and think about how pig-headed he behaved.

I was still scowling when I approached the ferry to take me across the narrow stretch of water that separates the mainland from Seacliff. Luckily though, I had my cowl pulled up so the ferryman didn't notice my scowl. He didn't even realise I was a girl!
"No charge for you, Ranger." The ferryman said, his voice wary. I shook my head. Never owe anyone a debt Will had told me.
"One person and two horses." I say, indicating to Chestnut and the pack horse. "One royal close enough?" I pulled a gold royal out of my purse and handed it too him.
"Umm...of course Sir. Of course. That is plenty." The ferryman stammered.
I flicked back the cowl of my cloak, revealing my long blonde hair and stark-blue eyes. "I think you meant Miss." I say, my face and my tone completely void of any humour.
"My apologies Ranger. I...I...didn't realise you were a woman underneath that cloak of yours. V...very g...g...good disguise you have there" he stammered, quivering in fear. He almost tripped over his own feet going to untie the ferry.
"It's hilarious when they find out I'm a girl and are tripping over themselves to apologise isn't it?" I asked Chestnut.
Makes me laugh every time he replied.
I reached forward and stroked his light brown hair. I saw the ferryman duck out of sight to go steer the ferry to the other side, after I just caught him staring at me. He must have heard me speaking to Chestnut. And, as a commoner who would have very little dealings with Rangers, he probably though that is was part of the black magic I possessed. The same magic that he thinks allows me to disappear into thin air
"Whoopsie. I think he has dirtied himself." I said to Chestnut, bending over his neck to whisper in his ear. He shook his head and neighed. A sign I have learnt to be equal to a laugh.

I flicked the cowl back over my face and waited patiently to reach the other side. Once we got there I raised my hand in thanks to the ferryman and rode off onto Seacliff Island. As I rode I was constantly scanning the area. My eyes flicked from left to the front. From the front to the right and back to the centre again, all the while my head remaining still. I rode through the village passing all the buildings you would expect to see. Blacksmith, cobbler, baker, carpenter, houses, the inn. All of these buildings save the inn were single story works. I observed the people on the street going about their business who stop and stare as I ride past. None of them making eye contact.
I rode to the edge of the main road and stopped, trying to remember the instructions Clarke, the previous Ranger here, gave me to get to the cabin. Once you reach the end of the village, travel some three hundred metres on the road to the castle. In a grove of trees, the cabin should lay. I urged Chestnut forward, tugging the lead rein for the pack pony to follow. Of course, being a pack pony, it took a while to get it walking at a decent pace but it was eventually up to speed as we rode towards the castle.
After going through a layer of trees I rode into the clearing in which stood a small log cabin, with a lean-to on one side.
"Well, this is our new home." I said to chestnut.
It looks awfully ordinary. He replied
"It's the same type of house you've been looking at for the last five years. You will be fine." I tell him.
It still looks ordinary.
I sigh inwardly, wondering if I will ever have the last word with my horse.
No, probably not.
"I didn't say anything!" I exclaim.
You don't need to. If it's in your head, I know it. I shake my head and dismount leading the horses to the lean to. I take my small bundle of belongings from the pack horse's back and carry it inside.
When I walk inside something feels wrong immediately. I look around and notice that there is a small fire burning in the fireplace, the windows above the sink are open and there is a vase of fresh wildflowers on the sill. There is an envelope on the table sealed with an oak leaf imprint. I close the door, the door swinging silently on well oiled hinges and walk over to the table, making a mental not to remove the oil and allow a layer of rust to build on the hinges. I place the bundle on the table next to the envelope and read the front of the envelope. To the new Ranger at Seacliff Fief it read. I'll read it after I unpack, I decide.
I put down the envelope and open the bundle. I place my few books on the shelves behind the door, my remaining foodstuffs in the pantry and spare clothes in the largest of the two bedrooms. On inspection I decide that this cabin is almost identical to the one I spent the last five years in. The main room is a combined kitchen, dining and living area. There are two bedrooms, each with a bed, a set of draws, a curtained off section for changing and a bathroom, that has the bath and the toilet. I hang my cloak, bow and quiver on the pegs by the door and pick up the letter to read it. As soon as I touch the letter, I hear a warning call from Chestnut, informing me that someone, neither hostile or ally at the moment, is approaching the house. I put down the letter and slide my Saxe knife out of it's sheath. I hold it by my left side as I hear footsteps on the front porch.