Maple Leaf (Maple's Story) - Chapter 2

"I wanted to learn something. My father was in trouble and the kingdom was in attack. I couldn't mope any longer....."



   Maple let out a large sigh as she opened the double doors and went into the castle hallways. Several guards were preparing their weapons to go find the sorceress who attacked. As the princess walked by, they bowed.
 "We'll find her soon, your Majesty."

Maple gave a nod. "Thank you, sirs." She walked ahead but her thoughts began to devour her brain. What if they don't find her in time? You're going to fail everyone again, Maple. Don't panic, Maple. You have to do something. Don't just stand there. 

The princess, so caught in her train of thought, snapped out of it when her face collided with a door. She rubbed her head where it was hit. Looking up, she noticed she was in the Knight's Area.  Maple stared at the doors. She didn't move. An idea was buzzing in her head, and she wanted to swat it away. Yet, the princess let it fly around and placed her hand upon the door handle. She pushed the doors open, and peeked in. 
   
   The room was a medium-sized room. One side was a sparring area and the other was close to a fireplace on the left wall. There was a table in front of the fireplace. On top of it was a bowl full of apples and a few helmets left by some guards. The other area was made more practice. There was another door that led to an outdoor area. On the walls were swords and shields of all sizes. Among the far right wall were the knight's individual personal swords. The room was fairly warm and all one could hear was the cackling of the fire in the fireplace. 

Maple locked her eyes on one of the helmets on the table. Her hand extended to grab it, yet she froze it in place. "Maple Leaf," she said to herself.  "You are a PRINCESS. Not a knight." She let out a large huff. "A very HORRIBLE princess at that." 

She stared at the helmet, hand still extended. She knew what she wanted to do. She wanted to help.
The silence in the room was broken by the creaking of the doors opening. Maple quickly hid herself under the table as she observed two feet walk towards the table. The sound of sword hitting the table was heard, and as they sat down, Maple held her breath.

With a loud munching on the apple, they began to talk.
"Gotta fuel up for this big rescue mission!" The voice was a low, hushed voice, with minor voice cracks and it possessed a slight English accent. Another munching noise was heard. "This'll be easy."

Maple was frozen under the table, trying to not reveal she was there. Her breathing began to get louder and suddenly snapped into heavy breathing.

"Huh? Who's there?" The feet were now back on the floor. "REVEAL YOURSELF."

Maple's body was curled into the fetal position, shaking violently as if she were stuck in a blizzard. Tiny cowardly whimpers came from her. I'm not here! Go away! Go away!
Suddenly, Maple felt more light shine upon her. She peeked one eye open and saw that the table was being moved. She stayed curled up. Please! Go away, ple-he-hease!

"Your Highness? Is that you?"

Maple didn't respond, but remained on the floor. One eye peeked up and saw the vision of a knight, helmet still on. He extended his hand at her.
She took it, and took to her feet.

"Hello, Princess Maple," the knight said. "Have no fear. I'm on my way to find that sorcerous."

Maple blinked and came to a realization. She needed help and the only way to do that was-
"TRAINING!" she blurted out. She then quickly hid her face.

The knight's eyes grew wide in it's helmet. "Training, your highness?"

"Yes. No! WE- Me- You need training. I- me- I need to train!"

Maple hid her face again.

"Train the Princess? As in battle?"

Maple took a deep breath. "Yes. I will not stand here and let my kingdom be ruined. I must be a better Princess. And I will join in to save my father and help defeat Joni." Maple then honed a grin that let her know she meant it.

The knight took off the helmet and Maple looked at who it was.

Long black wavy hair, with "stars" inside it.  She had dark sapphire eyes, with a tint of yellow.
"As you wish, your highness," she said. "I'll train you for the fight." She then began to bow.

Maple nodded, "Thank you, um..er..."

"Midnight." she said. "They call me Midnight." 

"Yes. Thank you, Lady Midnight."

Midnight looked at the helmet on the table. Maple looked at it as well and let out a gulp, "I..I was going to take one and- well.."
Midnight chuckled. "I can see. But yes, I will help you save the King."
With that, Maple's anxiety decided to leave for a few seconds for a Thank you hug.

Midnight let out a chuckle, and then handed Maple the helmet on the table. "Let's get to it, your highness."
Maple nodded, but then thought of something. She cleared her throat. "Lady Midnight. While we are training. Do not go easy on me because I am a princess. And refrain from calling me "Your highness." You are training me."
Midnight nodded. "Yes, your hi-  I mean, Maple."