Ranger's Apprentice: Book Two, Chapter Six

    Rodney grinned as the girl in front of him pointed out important land marks on the way to the little clearing. She seemed comfortable around menfolk, like Pauline, he'd noticed, but he never pointed it out. Emily was nothing like her master, Halt, Rodney also noticed. She always had a smile ready for you, and she always knew how to make you laugh. He looked at his gloved hands. They where starting to warm up a bit, and he realized that Emily had been right. He shook his head and continued to listen to the girl. She was digressing, but she had been here longer then Rodney, so he let her show him around.

    "Over there," Emily said, pointing to their right, "That tree is hollow. I hide in it from Trobar, when we play." She turned to face him.  "Yes, I play." She said. "I play tag, and hide and seek with the other kids. Halt makes sure I do, sometimes."

    Rodney just nodded hurriedly, and she smiled. "Sorry," She said. "Didn't mean to get angry like that."

    Rodney smiled again. She wasn't like most people, who got angry and didn't say sorry. When she got angry, she said sorry. "No need." Rodney said. He saw her face flush with pleasure. "I know you didn't mean to get angry."

    She pointed a head. "Healer's Clearing should be there soon." She said, turning back around on her saddle. "But be prepared. There are some weird people here."

    She was right. A few minutes later, they where in Healer's Clearing. The Skandians waved hello to the Ranger, and she smiled and waved back. Gundar, she realized a few seconds later, was walking toward her, and she dismounted and went to greet him.

    "Well, Ranger!" Gundar said, throwing an arm around Emily. "Looks like you found us some company!" He looked at Rodney, and she nodded.

    "Yes." She answered, choosing her answer carefully. "This is Sir Rodney. Sir Rodney, Gundar."

    The men stepped forward and looked at each other. They both liked what they saw.

    "These are your men, Rodney." Emily said, gesturing to the Skandians.

    "Well, in a circle. Let me see what I've got!" Rodney said. The Skandians went into a half circle in front of him. "Let Emily in, too." He added. "She may be a girl, but she gets angry if she's left out." There were some sniggers as Emily stepped in the circle. After a second of looking, Rodney turned to Emily, and smiled. "They're beautiful!"