Fanfiction or Original Story: Original Story

Fandom or Genre: Fantasy

Any ships: Maybe...

Book rating: YA or PG-13

Synopsis: Lilith Stoneglory is just like every other maiden in her riverside village of Cairbrook; witty, headstrong, and fed up with no one giving her the time of day. But unlike her peers, she's not afraid to follow her dreams. And after training for two years under the kingdom of Boulderheight's most acclaimed knight-who happens to be a woman-she's getting tired of waiting to be "ready for the challenge." Lilith knows she's more than ready now. So, she runs away, taking up the king's quest to save his son from a dragon in exchange for her knighthood. This takes her all over Luhstorm, and she meets new faces along the way. Lilith may have trouble juggling saving the day and concealing her womanly identity. But, regardless, she is going to make people give her the time of day. Better yet, the time of knight.

Snippet:

There is nothing better than the sweet smell of victory in the morning.

Well, that, and the look on these punks' faces when I kick them all the way back home.

After I get out of the middle of them, of course, it would be pretty impractical and downright imbecilic to attempt to make mincemeat of two armed men while still between them.

They would likely put a dagger to my throat in an instant. And then I'd either be sold into a whorehouse or left for dead on this old dirt road.

Anyway, you're probably wondering why I'm in a pissed-thief sandwich right now.

My name is Lilith Stoneglory, and I'm training to be a warrior.

Most people in epic adventure stories never wanted to save the day. They just got roped into the quest by some stranger who says they're destined to save the world.

I may have never been destined to save the world, but I chose that path. I've wanted to be a hero since before I could dress myself.

And when my father told me stories, I always wanted to be the knight. But he told me I couldn't. He said that I should be the pretty princess instead.

But I didn't want to do that. So, I argued with him until he told me to be a "good girl" and stay silent.

So, I pretended to follow his wishes. But I kept my dream. And my mother gave me the strength to never forget it. Along with a knight helmet I begged so much for when I was six years old.

Oh, if only she were still alive. Then maybe I could stay at home more often instead of bunking with my mentor, Madame Cobbleblade for days on end.

Father and Katherine, my stepmother, hardly care about much other than being rich and having a good reputation.

And to be honest, I doubt they'd care if these thieves got me.

I'm hardly the perfect seventeen-year-old maiden.

A prime example is what I'm about to do to these hooligans.

I grip their collars and spring onto their belts without a second thought before flipping back onto my feet, in front of the two.

They're wide-eyed, and drop their loot bags before they can make a peep.

Shink. I unsheath my sword and grin beneath my black clothing, which disguised my appearance.

Time for these sour little boys to get a taste of their own medicine.

I raise my blade.

"Who are you?" one of them asks.

"A knight," I growl in my fake man voice, stepping closer. Or at least I will be one soon.

The other turns to aim a knife at my head: "You sure don't look like one. Did the king send you?"

I stomp on his foot. Pure rage fuels me.

These men have had all the chances in the world, but choose to steal. Such fools.

I twirl with the combined grace of a maiden and a warrior, dodging his knife and hitting him in the back of the head with the butt of my sword.

He is out cold.

Just one more.

"Tell me who you are, and I shall run! Promise!" he shouts fearfully, bags of gold in clutch.

My Ibristidian lilt edges my tongue: "I am a warrior." The accent that comes from a nation which in your world you call Spain.

"Get away from me!"

I raise my trusty sword, Phoenix, once more: "Taste my blade!"

No stealing on my watch. I'm aiming to be the greatest knight they've ever known.

***How was that? This is my fantasy story concept. And it's definitely happening, so I've already made a cover. I'll put it after this note. I'm planning to start on this story after I finish all three drafts of the first book in the Data Beta trilogy, but possibly sooner if you like it enough. Have a great whenever, and I'll hopefully see you here next time I have a story idea!***