Rangers Apprentice: The Silver Rose

◇°◇°Chapter 20°◇°◇

I woke with a growling stomach.

Not a moment later, Keith came knocking again.

"Uhg".

'Click'....

"Did he just unlock the door?!?" I almost said aloud.

I was answered by the sound of my door opening and someone entering.

I didn't make a sound.

"Eat this then come out".

It was Keith.

I didn't uncover myself until I heard him leave.

It only took two seconds for me to get out of bed and begin eating.

Toast in mouth, I began running my brush through my hair. Making sure to avoid getting crumbs everywhere.

Once I finished braiding my hair, I focused on eating my eggs.

After breakfast...

Reluctant to do so, I opened my door and made my way to the kitchen.

I found Keith sitting at the table, coffee in hand.

I stood and watched him, not wanting to sit by him very much.

His eyes drifted over to me.

"The broom is by the door, go sweep off the porch" he demanded.

I stood there for a moment.

But I moved when he glared at me.

I found the broom and quickly left the cabin.

Stepping onto the porch, I knocked over a pail of water.

"Oh come on!" I hissed. Curse my clumsy self.

I picked up the bucket and set it aside. Now I'd have to go to the well too.

Holding the broom in front of me, I began the steady motion of sweeping.

The porch was strewn with leaves and dirt. I scowled. I should be visiting Easton, the Knight said he was sick.

But I didn't wish to provoke Keith anymore then I had already.

I finished up and dusted off the broom and put it back inside.

I came back and grabbed the bucket. "I'm going to the well!" I yelled to Keith.

I didn't want him to think I was sneaking off.

Before he could respond, I lept off the porch and began running down the small path through the trees.

The path soon broke off, leading me on a small trail.

I breathed in a breath of fresh air. It was truly delightful to live in the forest. So much privacy, no young girls sneaking up on you and asking random questions....no people in general.

I loved everything about it.

Except for that insufferable Keith and his unfair punishments.

I thought we had become a bit more acquainted over the trip. I thought thats what near death experiences did to people.

But all my thoughts were thrown out the window.

I came up to the well.

A boy was bent over, scooping water into his hands.

"Why would anyone be around here? I wondered.

I gripped my bucket handle in case I needed to defend myself.