Arboreal

I never wanted to have to pretend to be something I’m not. But, when my future was threatened by the village drunk and troublemaker, I had nowhere to go. So, I fled to the only place I knew I could be safe, even if I had to lie to Robin Hood’s camp in Sherwood Forest. I’m going to make my father’s legacy proud and secure my own freedom while I do it. Or, I’ll die trying.

***

“Freedom comes at a price, and I’m still trying to figure out what mine is…”

I never intended to seek refuge in Robin Hood’s camp, but my hands were tied the second I assaulted the village troublemaker. When he started demanding my hand in marriage as reparations for the blood he lost at my hands, I couldn’t stay.

I had no choice but to flee.

Now, I’m surrounded by hundreds of men, pretending to be one of them, and going by the name Henry McBride. They all think I’m my father’s son. What they don’t know is that I’m my father’s daughter – the daughter of a retired, lethal outlaw general who has killed more people than he’s taken breaths.

Turns out my new friends had secrets, too, and some of them were big enough to cripple the carefully fabricated lies I built around me.

But, I’ve got honor in my blood, and I’m not going to stop fighting until I get what I want – my freedom.

Here's to hoping I don't get caught.