Merry Christmas!

Title: (Untitled) | Camera: Kodak Z740 without image stabilization | Exposure: Auto | Shutter: 1/400 sec. | Aperture: f4.0 | ISO: 64 | Lens: built-in at 6mm (36mm equivalent) | Metering: Pattern

This is a Christmas photo that my mom took last year. The tree is a Blue Spruce in our backyard. The photo was edited considerably in Adobe Camera RAW (comes with Photoshop) through cropping, brightness, contrast, and color. None of the content was changed.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Black Pearls

Title: Black Pearls | Camera: Kodak P712 with image stabilization | Exposure: Manual | Shutter: 1/50 sec. | Aperture: f3.5 | ISO: 64 | Lens: built-in at 63mm (380mm equivalent) | Metering: Center-weighted Average

This photo of the Black Pearl plant was taken in the Cann Gardens of Ponca City, OK. I spent most of that cool September morning taking portraits of a friend for school and had been blessed with a pleasing fog that made the portraits come out well. The same fog that helped me with my portraits also allowed the dew to linger on the plant, which I photographed while my human subject disposed of breakfast remnants. Black Pearl plant has small, round, dark purple peppers and equally small purple flowers. The thick stem also shares the purple coloring as do the leaves, although I can see from my photo that some of the leaves are green.

This photo is for sale, just email me at wholesomeworks[at]cableone[dot]net if your interested.

At Home with the Government

The biggest reason I haven't posted much lately (and won't be posting much for a while) is college. Although all of my classes keep me from my blogs, it's my english composition class that wears out my typing fingers. So, I thought I would share with all of you an example of what has been keeping me away.

The essay below is about homeschooling and is my second college essay. Please bear in mind that I exceeded the limit of 500 words by nearly twice that much and therefore did not have the page space to say all that could be said.

English Composition 1 – Essay 2

8 October 2008

At Home with the Government

In Peter’s Quotations, Dr. Laurence Peter quotes Confucius as saying, “The strength of a nation is derived from the integrity of its homes,” if that is true, then several states are entertaining laws that bring the constitutional freedoms of U.S. citizens under attack (249). If passed, those laws give the local state governments the right to regulate what happens in the homes of its citizens. The government would no longer protect children from physical abuse only, but also from the perception of educational abuse. The proposed laws will mostly affect home-educated children and tell the parents of those children that they are not capable of choosing the best education for their child without the monitoring of a state sanctioned instructor. As a result, the laws discriminate against home education.

The current laws ignore the fact that home-educated children, without the aid of teachers with education degrees, regularly score fifteen to thirty percent higher on standardized tests than does their public schooled counterparts (Ray). Even Kentucky Circuit Court Judge Henry Meigs recognizes the evidence that the education of the teacher does not affect the learning of the student. Judge Meigs’ 1979 ruling in the Reverend C.C. Hinton, Jr. et al vs. Kentucky State Board of Education, et al case was, as stated, “Expert testimony in this case certainly established that there is not the slightest connection between teacher certification and enhanced educational quality in State schools” (Holt). According to Homeschool.com around three-quarters of the nation’s colleges, including elite universities such as Harvard and Purdue, now have special policies concerning the enrollment of home-educated students to encourage more students to attend ("College Admissions for Homeschoolers" par. 5). Kennesaw State University in Georgia aggressively recruits homeschoolers for the reason that home-educated young adults, when compared to public schooled students, academically apply themselves better (Cloud and Morse par. 21).

The proponents of the laws cite the social depravity of homeschoolers as a reason why passing the laws is so important. Are home-educators and their children actually socially deprived? Chris Lubienki, an instructor at Iowa State University, believes that home-education socially threatens public-education by taking the “parents who know how to get things done with [school] administrators” out of the school system (Cloud and Morse par. 7). If homeschooling is pulling the active parents out of the state school, these same parents should be able to teach their own children how to be socially and politically active too. Those parents could also organize groups of home-educators, bringing them together and teaching their children the same social skills. In the year 2001, JC Penny found out just how much sociopolitical capability home-educators have. Threatening to boycott JC Penny, a large number of homeschool families forced that company to pull an offensive t-shirt line off the shelves on August 8 of that year. Home-education does not have to deprive children of social interaction if just a little more effort is applied (Cloud and Morse par. 2).

In addition, the laws as written threaten the constitutional rights of home educators. The first amendment of the Constitution gives all U.S. citizens the right to practice whatever religion they would so choose. Most home educators’ religions are at odds with the public schools teaching the theory of evolution as an explanation of the beginning of the universe and chose homeschooling as an alternative. By making laws that force state licensed education onto home educators, the laws violate their first amendment rights to practice their religion as they choose. The ninth amendment declares that all of rights laid out by the Constitution be applied equally to all of the people of the United States. The proposed laws require a certain group of the population to either spend a part of their income for a state licensed educator or enroll their children into state schools, all the while leaving the remainder of the people unaffected. The fourteenth amendment of the U.S. Constitution says that the state may not make laws that encroach on the privileges of U.S. citizens. Homeschooling is a privilege in America and the laws inhibit that privilege if they pass.

Some home educators receive welfare from the government for homeschooling. In those cases, the state has the right to know how the families are using the funds through testing or some other form of monitoring. The state, however, does not have the right to force homeschoolers to use their method of education, especially when home-educated students maintain better academic scores than public education. These kinds of laws take away the freedoms of a small portion of the people and if Americans allow such laws to pass uninhibited, could bring about more laws that limit the freedoms of America. U.S. citizens need to stand against these laws, even if the laws do not affect them, for the cornerstone of America is choice and freethinking, not a unified education system.

Works Cited

Cloud, John, and Morse, Jodie. “Home Sweet School.” Time 27Aug 2001: 46-54. ABI/INFORM Global. Proquest. Northern Oklahoma College Library, Tonkawa, Oklahoma. 2 Oct 2008 [http://www.proquest.com]

"College Admissions for Homeschoolers." Homeschoolers Changing the World. May 2005. Homeschool.com. 2 Oct 2008 [http://www.homeschool.com/articles/college05 asp=""].

Holt, John C. "A Case Won." Growing Without Schooling. 26 Jan 1979. Home Education Magazine. 2 Oct 2008 [http://www.unschooling.com/gws/?p=181].

Peter, Dr. Laurence J. Peter's Quotations Ideas for our Time. Quill, 2003.

Ray, Brian D. "Research Facts on Homeschooling." National Home Education Research Institute. 2 July 2008. NHERI. 25 Sep 2008 [http://www.nheri.org/index2.php?option="com_content&task=view&id=199&pop=1&page=0&itemid=5"].

Happy Thanksgiving!

My chihuahua mix named Gracey, my family and I want to wish everyone a
Happy Thanksgiving!

The Results!

The official judge's decision was:

Image #3 from the last post.
Black Pearls - Winner of the Award of Merit.


Image #1 from the last post.
Wildberries - Honorable Mention


Image #2 from the last post.
Skyscape - The one that didn't make it to the show.


These photos are for sale if you would like to have one for your wall.
Just drop me an email at wholesomeworks[at]cableone[dot]net if your interested.

Photo Contest

I don't if anyone will read this post, but here goes nothing. I know many people who like to take photographs and I know of many bloggers who like picture-takin' too. Well I also enjoy photography and, with the prompting of a friend, entered a local photography contest. The above photos were supposed to be in the contest, but one of them didn't make it. The other two, however, fared well receiving an award of merit (the highest possible) and an honorable mention.

Now to my audience, which photo do you think should of earned the award of merit and honorable mention? Leave your comment here and in a week we will see how your opinions line up with the ones from the official judge.

By the way, these photos are for sale if you would like to have one for your wall. Just drop me an email at wholesomeworks[at]cableone[dot]net if your interested.

Edit: Thanks to all of the commenters, the comments have been great! After privately receiving a remark about how my photos would look better without the large copyright, I decided to shrink the copyright using a slightly more complex Photoshop trick. I switched out Black Pearls (pic #3) with the new copyright so let me know what you think.

It's over for now

I've talked to several people in the past month and they've told me that, with a little bit of tweaking, my story may be publishable; I was also informed that my intellectual property is put at risk by blogging it.

That means no more of the story will be posted here, and what is here is just a teaser of what may someday be an actual book.

And this blog will return to being a personal blog. I hope you (whoever you are) have enjoyed reading the story.

The Great Legend of Salem – Chapter 1 Act 5

Chapter 1
The Earth Cave


Act 5
Introduction of the Thieves

The Salem countryside was immensely beautiful and didn’t show any signs of war. The expansive fields were a lush green, broken up by patches of yellow, pink, and blue wildflowers. The trees were also in full bloom, as the flying insects merrily made their way from flower to flower.

Jargro and the children, however, weren’t able to enjoy the scenery as much as they would have liked. It had been four days since they had left Ray’s Ranch, but lately the group had the feeling that they were being followed.

“Are they still back there?” Asked Jargro. “They’re still there,” Answered Aaron, referring to the small group of men that were riding a few miles away, “but they didn’t stop this time.”

Jargro looked across the landscape, pointed at a well a short distance away, and said, “Go make camp over there. If these men have ill intentions, we’ll be ready.”

A short time later, after the children had started a fire and given water to their horses, Jargro noticed three men approaching on horseback, and recognized them to be from the group they had seen earlier. “Come, Aaron.” Commanded Jargro, “Get your sword, and we’ll go and meet these men. The rest of you stay here and be ready to protect the horses.”

Aaron and Jargro walked towards the men, on account that their horses were resting, and met the men a short distance away from the campsite. The man in the center spoke first, “Hello there, gentlemen, I have an offer that I doubt you could refuse.” “What kind of offer?” Questioned Jargro. “All of your goods and horses,” said the man quietly, as he leaned forward, “for your lives.” Aaron reached for his sword, but Jargro motioned for him to stop, “I think that we should be reasonable with these men.”

While Aaron and Jargro were talking, Sarah, Peter, and Mary were ambushed by three other thieves. Startled by the attack, the children looked over to Jargro, hoping to get some instruction. Jargro’s hand was up and turned to the side; Sarah and Peter watched it intently. Although Jargro’s right hand never moved, they noticed that his left was taking a reversed grip on his sword. Peter laid his hand onto the hilt of his sword and waited for Jargro to give a signal.

After a short time, Jargro dropped his hand and drew his sword at the same time, and in that same instant Peter attacked the thief in front of him, tossing his scabbard across the campsite. Sarah and Mary also drew their swords and attacked the nearest thief. The three children held up a strong defense against the three thieves, but lacked the skills necessary for a strong attack.

When Jargro dropped his right hand, he drew his sword, upside-down, with his left; attacking the thief in the center, cutting off one of the thieves hands and scaring his horse. Jargro tossed his sword from his left hand to the other, letting it flip right side up on the way.

The thief on the left turned his horse around to attack; Jargro swiftly grabbed the reins near the bit, and frightened the horse, which lost its balance and fell onto the thief. Jargro was tossed over the horse, rolled onto one knee, and knelt as he drove his sword deep into the thief’s thin leather armor, killing the thief, who instantly turned into sand.

“Retreat!” Shouted the center thief from his horse, as Aaron deftly blocked a blow from the rightmost of the three mounted thieves, “Retreat, I said!”

The others, who were fighting Sarah, Peter, and Mary, quickly left their battle, ran to the bushes where they had hidden their horses, and rode off with the leader of the group. Jargro allowed the rider-less horse of the left thief to follow the rest as they rode away.

“You okay, Aaron?” Asked Jargro. “Yeah.” Answered Aaron with a huff of exhaustion. “Then let’s pack our things, if those men come back, we need to be gone.” The five of them rode to the northeast until darkness fell, making camp, but not starting a fire.

“What was your wife like, Jargro?” Asked Aaron later that evening. Immediately, Sarah exclaimed, “Oh, Jargro, I didn’t know that you had a wife!” “Yeah,” added Mary, “is she pretty?” “Ahh,” started Jargro, “she was quite beautiful, but God saw fit to take her home over a year ago.”

“She died!” Said Sarah, “I thought that couldn’t happen here.” “It doesn’t happen very often,” Jargro said, “but when God decides that your time on Salem is done, nothing is going to stop Him. I like to believe that he took her to end her suffering because of the illness, and if that is so, He answered my prayers.”

<+>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<+>

“Tihrn,” said one of the thieves who had attacked Jargro and Aaron, “we have returned.” The five surviving thieves of the raiding party stood motionless before the tent of their leader as the light of several campfires danced across its door. “Excellent, Be-alund!” Shouted Tihrn, smiling as he stepped out of his tent, “What is the worth of the goods that you brought to me today?”

“Priceless, sir.” Stated the Be-alund, the group’s boss. Tihrn’s smile plummeted to a scowl, “I hope that means you’re carrying a king’s worth of treasure.” “No, sir.” Said the boss weakly, “We have brought you the information that a small posse has been sent to reclaim the gold. It is led by the renown knight of Lagath – um who is called, Jargro.”

“This information is useless for our cause!” Scolded Tihrn, “If they’re after the treasure, they’ll go through Karinia. We’ll deal with them then.” Tihrn took Be-alund’s sword and pointed off into the darkness, “The edge of camp is that way, and you better start moving before I make you leave.”

The now former thief mounted his horse and left immediately. Tihrn faced those that were still there, “One of you saddle your horse and prepare to take the letter I will write to the master. The rest of you can go get some rest; a new boss will be assigned to you in the morning.”


Act 6 is coming sometime soon.

The Great Legend of Salem – Chapter 1 Act 4

Chapter 1
The Earth Cave


Act 4
Vomel's Tale

During the next three days, Ray and Jargro instructed the children in how to swordfight. It seemed to come surprisingly easy to them and they were soon defending blows from a lone knight effortlessly. “Come along,” said Jargro to the children, “as much as I hate to say it, we need to leave. All of you know how to defend yourselves now, and since it is going to take us five days or more to get to Karinia, I think it is time to depart.”

“Five days?” Said Ray, “I would be surprised if you made it there in seven, or even ten, especially without horses. Since the wars have started, Lagath–um and Karinia don’t have as much of a military presence in the plains. Law and order has fallen to thievery and ruckus. Y’all are going to get attacked; it’s going to slow you down.” “Alright,” Jargro responded, “what do you suggest we do?”

Ray smiled, “Stay one more night and I’ll have a new, all metal, cart for your mule and I’ll also give you some of my best horses in morning. How does that sound?” “You’re much too generous Ray,” said Jargro, extending his hand for a handshake, “we are forever in your debt. This will also give me a chance to speak to Vomel again; I think I may have offended him the other night.”

Jargro continued teaching sword techniques to the children until evening, and after putting them bed, he went to the guardhouse to talk to Vomel. “Hi Vomel,” Said Jargro as he walked into the old wooden guardhouse, “how are you tonight.” Vomel glanced at Jargro for a moment before returning to the task on his desk, “Hello Jargro.” Jargro grabbed a chair and, sitting down beside Vomel, looked over the papers that were lying on the desk next to him.

“We need to talk.” Jargro said while placing the papers back onto the desk, stacking them neatly as he did, “I didn’t mean to offend you the other night.” “The offense was mine.” Said Vomel, “I was drunk that night. I am a failure, and I have been a failure since that battle.” Jargro shifted in his seat so that he could more easily see Vomel’s face, “You’re not a failure, Vomel. You are a great and powerful Sapphire Knight, just a little lower than the royalty of Lagath–um. You are one of the best friends I have ever had. Now what’s wrong? What battle are you referring to?” Vomel looked into Jargro’s eyes and, seeing that he was sincere in trying to help, said, “Come here, Jargro. I must show you something.”

Vomel lead Jargro into a private room at the back of the guardhouse. The room was dimly lit by a lone lantern which hung in the corner. Vomel rifled through a drawer until he found what he was searching for, turned around, and held up a tattered piece of cloth. “This,” said Vomel, “is the last remaining reminder of that terrible night.

“I was on the far side of the outer township of Lagath–um, the part of town that lies beyond the siege wall. It was the night of the fierce storm that blew the old church down. We, the Sapphire army and I, had fought the Ruby Army all day long, and we fought hard that day. The battlefront moved closer and closer to Lagath–um; there was only one hill left before we would be fighting in the town itself.

“I had been field promoted that day, and was in command of a small platoon as darkness fell. It had been storming for the past few hours, and the ground had turned to mud. I charged the front on horseback, my men charging behind me. The clashing of metal against metal echoed through the countryside, mixed with the sound of sand, which was from the warriors who being slain around me, as it scattered in the wind and rain. We were so outnumbered that I immediately called for a retreat.

“About ten other knights and I rode for what seemed to me to be a half hour, and because of the confusion of battle, along with the distraction of the heavy rain, we must have gone eastward, instead of north like we had intended. A fire was burning a short distance away from where we were, so we decided to see if anyone was there who could help us.”

Vomel turned away, wiping his eyes, before continuing his story, “When we got closer, we saw six or seven Ruby Knights drinking while celebrating the capture of two Sapphire Knights, whom they had tied to a large fallen tree and were slowly burning to death. That wasn’t the worst part though. No, it was far worse than that.

“As we watched this wretched celebration, the largest of the Ruby Knights spotted us. We froze in terror since any one of those knights could have killed us all, but they didn’t, instead that big one turned and said something to the others. Two of the his friends drew their swords and smote their prisoners, killing one instantly, the bonds going limp as he returned to dust.

“The other Ruby Knights mounted their horses and rode away, while the big one lingered around. When his bottle of alcohol was finished, he threw it into the fire, and drew his sword. We readied ourselves for a fight, but that wasn’t what the knight had in mind. He stooped down beside a body that I hadn’t seen earlier. That terrible Ruby Knight lifted his sword and beheaded the body that lay there.

“It was the most gruesome act I have ever seen a person make. It was real death. He stood there in front of us, holding the head up for us to see, and when he was finished, he rode off into the darkness. We slowly made our way over to that tree and freed the Sapphire Knight that they had tried to burn. There were a dozen or so men scattered around that old fallen tree, cold and dead.”

Vomel grabbed a handkerchief and wiped the tears that were streaming down his face. “So,” said Jargro, “those were the corpses you mentioned the other night.” Vomel nodded. “Do you know what happened?” Asked Jargro.

“Yes.” Vomel replied, “We were told by the prisoner we had freed, that they were all together, trying to obey a retreat command before nightfall. They too had gone the wrong way and had decided to take shelter underneath the big tree that was there. Lightning struck the tree, which immediately fell onto the knights. All but two of them were pinned under the tree, and while several survived, those two weren’t strong enough to help them, and the others died from their injuries shortly thereafter.

“When the Ruby Knights found them they had a heyday. The evil warriors moved the tree with ease, and desecrated the bodies in many vile ways. One of those bodies was my son, and I knew the others. They were all too young to die, but they did. Why them?” Vomel couldn’t continue any longer and, overcome by the emotions inside of him, laid his head in his hands. “It’s going to be okay Vomel.” said Jargro, trying to comfort his friend, “Trust God, He will bring you peace.” “If God really cared about me, He wouldn’t have let this happen!” Vomel shouted.

Both of the men stood silent for a moment, mentally grasping at some sort of shrouded explanation that would bring them to ease. “Those knights...” began Jargro as he sat down on a stack of boxes, “they were the reason behind the procession that was held in town.” Vomel nodded. Silence again dominated, as unease shifted about the room.

Vomel cleared his throat, “How’s your wife Jargro?” Jargro was startled by the question and responded carefully, “My wife... ah.” Jargro struggled with what he was trying to say, “Litau, passed on a year and a half ago. From that sickness, remember?” Vomel looked down in embarrassment, “I’m sorry, Jargro. I have been selfish; I felt that I was the only one who had faced this horror. Now I remember. You have walked this same path and survived. I can too.”

“Come, Vomel. Let’s go tell Ray about all of this.” Said Jargro. Jargro and Vomel stood to leave when they heard a crash from the other room. They dashed out of the small guardhouse just in time to see the silhouette of Aaron running back to Ray’s house. “What do you think he heard?” Vomel asked as he watched Aaron disappear into the darkness. “I don’t know.” Answered Jargro, “I’ll talk to him later, we need to talk to Ray first.”

On the morning of the next day, Vomel and Ray said their goodbyes to Jargro and the children. “I thank God for you, Jargro.” Said Vomel as he and Jargro embraced, “I look forward to seeing you again.” “Me too, my friend.” Was Jargro’s reply. “You kids be careful now,” said Ray, “it’s a dangerous road ahead.” “We will, sir.” said Sarah, “And we appreciate your hospitality during our stay.” The other children also expressed their appreciation for Ray and his family.

When they were all finished, Jargro and the children mounted the horses provided for them and, along with their mule and its cart, rode briskly down the path that leads to Karinia.


Sorry for the extra long delay, I will try to get next act out quicker.

The Great Legend of Salem – Chapter 1 Act 3

Chapter 1
The Earth Cave


Act 3
On the Trail to Karinia

King Raiken and Jargro called the kids into the castle. “It is time for you to start your little adventure.” Said king Raiken, “This is Jargro, he will guide you to Karinia. There are some clothes for the trip in your room. You need go and put them on now. We’ll be waiting outside.

The clothes chosen for the children were clothes fit for royalty, not a several day trek across a country. “You all look great!” Boomed king Raiken with hearty laugh, “Here, you will need these for your trip.” King Raiken handed each of the children an old war-torn sword with matching faded and dusty scabbard.

“No,” Aaron said reproachfully, “These clothes are much too delicate for the size of journey you said it would be, and besides, if you really expect us to use these swords, these clothes will rip apart at the seams during the first few seconds of combat.” “But,” said king Raiken, “you must look like nobles to have respect in this world. You have to wear these clothes or else the king of Karinia won’t take you seriously.”

“Sir,” Jargro said, “We could give them a pair of the leather buffer guards that are worn under all of the knight’s armor. They have the royal emblem on the front, and are acceptable in most courts as the clothes of nobility. They are also very battle worthy garments.” “Okay,” responded king Raiken slowly, “get them into those clothes immediately. I want to see how they look, and if the clothes really would be acceptable”

The children changed into the new clothes while Jargro and king Raiken argued over whether the decision was a good one or not. When the children returned in their new clothes, king Raiken was impressed. “Ha, ha,” said king Raiken, “you certainly do look like nobles, and Jargro, where did you get those skirts for the girls; they match the other clothes perfectly.”

“Well, I knew that, for the girls, pants would be unacceptable in royal courts all over this land.” Said Jargro, “So, I borrowed the old dress-like leg guards from the statues in the hall.” King Raiken’s smile disappeared. “You touched th- but tho- ARRGH!” Shouted king Raiken as he clenched his fists, trying to remain calm while his face turned beet red, “Just get going. Please, just leave. Go.”

<+>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<+>

Jargro and the children, along with a mule that towed a cart for the treasure, left Lagath–um on foot. They travelled over low hills and pastureland toward the south-southeast until sunset, entertaining themselves with little more than uneasy small talk.

The adventurers paused on a hilltop that overlooked a large farm and ranch. “There it is, kids.” Said Jargro. “There’s what.” Peter said. “Down there,” continued Jargro without hesitation, “is Ray’s Ranch. Ray is a good man, he’s the reason our army was able to hold off the ruby troops for as long as we did. We’ll stock up on all we need there.”

The countryside was barely visible as they neared the ranch. Ray’s ranch was huge in size, bigger in acreage than the city of Lagath–um; over 5,000 people were living and working on the grounds of the ranch.

“I, Jargro, a Sapphire knight of the king of Lagath–um, along with four children and mule,” Shouted Jargro into the darkness, standing a stone’s throw away from the main gateway into the ranch, “request entrance onto the farmland of Ray and counsel with same man.” “Come on, Jargro,” Came the unenthusiastic reply, “I’ll tell Ray that you’re here.”

Jargro led the children into the guardhouse that was a short distance past the low gate, and they didn’t see anyone until they were inside. “Hi, Vomel.” Said Jargro, speaking to the Sapphire knight that was writing at a desk inside of the guardhouse. The knight turned around to look at who addressed him.

Upon seeing Jargro the grizzly-bearded Vomel dropped his quill into the ink bottle, hopped to his feet, and, with a hearty laugh, threw his arms around Jargro. “Jargro! It is good to see you again, my friend. It is good to see you.” Exclaimed Vomel with a heavy accent, while he took a step back to look Jargro over, “I am happy that you are doing so well, what brings you here?”

“These children.” Answered Jargro, motioning his hand towards them “I’ll tell you all about that later, but first, where are all of the guards? It’s like there’s no one here.” “There isn’t.” said Vomel “At least, not anyone I would trust my life to. All of the honorable knights are either dead, or soon to be, as close they’re sent to the frontlines. This war is a lost cause. The entire Ruby Army is as strong and skilled as our best, most experienced veterans.”

“No, Vomel,” said Jargro, “we mustn’t talk like that, we will succeed. We cannot fail.” “Ah, good old Jargro,” said Vomel, “always such a motivator, always inspiring good people to do great things.” Vomel slammed his fist onto the table, “Well maybe your talk would be different if you would have actually been in the battles, instead of ‘guarding’ the king. We worship this ‘God’, but where was He when our men were dying, when the enemy was dancing over the corpses of OUR sons and brothers.”

“God spared us when Ruby Army suddenly backed off in the last battle; it has been peaceful ever since.” Replied Jargro calmly, quieting Vomel’s rage, “It is still unknown why they retreated, for if they hadn’t, we would be under the con-” “Jargro!” Yelled a knight as he walked into the room, “Ray will see you and the children now. Follow me.”

Jargro and the children told Vomel goodbye and followed the other knight to a large house near the crop fields. They went inside, taking a seat in the parlor when asked. The house was elegant in a different way than a palace. It was cozy and inviting, with a fire going in the fireplace and the smell of a fresh homemade meal wafting in the nighttime breeze that occasionally blew through the open window.

Ray entered shortly. Standing tall, Ray’s slim, muscular build, dark tan, and short graying beard gave him the appearance of a servant, not the owner. “I’m Ray.” he said with a warm smile, “Jargro, I know who you are, but who are these lovely young ladies and handsome young gentlemen.” Sarah and Mary were flattered to be called “lovely”. The children stood and bowed as they introduced themselves, “I’m Aaron.” “I’m Peter.” “I’m Sarah.” “And I’m Mary.”

“Pleased to meet you, all of you.” Said Ray as he and they sat down, “Would any of you like some water, tea, or perhaps some of our ‘world-famous’ milk?” “I’ll try some of the milk.” Said Sarah. “Me too.” Added Mary. “I want milk also, sir.” Peter said. “Tea for me.” Answered Aaron. “Jargro,” Ray said with a slight lilt in his voice, “this offer is extended to you too.” “Tea.” Said Jargro, “As usual.” Ray nodded to a servant who stood by the door; the servant quickly left to do as he had been told.

“That’s quite a mule and cart you got out there, Jargro.” Began Ray, “Are you planning on haulin’ something big?” “That’s what we’re here to talk to you about.” Said Jargro, “We need supplies for our trip to Karinia. I figured seven days worth ought to do it.” Ray thought a moment before he spoke, “I’ll give you ten days worth, and that way you’ll have some excess in case you run into trouble.” Jargro thanked Ray for his generosity as the beverages were being served.

“So,” Ray said after having a sip of his water, “you too were chosen to attempt this crazy treasure huntin’ adventure, huh Jargro, and Raiken gave you these kids to help?” Ray let out chuckle, “Good luck doing what so many others couldn’t.” “Actually,” said Jargro, “These children are the ones who were sent by king Raiken to reclaim the treasure. I’m just here to escort them.”

Ray sat his drink on the table next to him. Somewhat stunned by what Jargro just said, he slowly leaned back into his chair and pondered what he had just been told. Leaning forward, he asked, “Are you children from the world above? Did you all come down here at the same time?” “Yes to both.” Said Jargro before any of the children could answer. Ray looked over at Jargro and smiled, “You’re the four children of prophecy then, huh. You just might be able to return Raiken’s treasure.”

“No, sir.” Said Sarah loudly, getting the attention of everyone in the room, “We aren’t the children of any prophecy, we’re only trying to get home.” “Yes.” Agreed Mary in her small, timid voice, “We want to go home.” Ray shook his head, “It seems too coincidental, but regardless, you’ll need some sword training.” Ray stood and walked over to the doorway, “My servants will get you a room. You better rest up, for tomorrow we will learn the basics of swordplay.”


Act 4 coming soon!

The Great Legend of Salem – Chapter 1 Act 2

Chapter 1
The Earth Cave


Act 2
Raiken’s Request

King Raiken continued the conversation at the dinner feast while dessert was being served. “I have lost some very important property of mine.” Said king Raiken as he tossed a jelly topped piece of honey cake into his mouth, chewing thoroughly before resuming.

“You see, this world has been under assault by an evil man named Coarex, who isn’t much older than yourselves. This vile man was once one of my servants, a faithful servant I might add too. He then met a girl whose name is Jezla. She put into his head that he could be a ruler without rising through the proper ranks. So, Coarex and Jezla, along with their friends, Fehlair and Nohanne, raised an army.

“I forgot to mention earlier that all nations in this part of Salem name their armies after precious stones or metals, and wear those colors to differentiate each country. Our nation’s stone is the sapphire, hence the blue tinted armor our soldiers wear.

“Coarex chose to make his stone the ruby, a stone that was the symbol of an equally wretched king from many centuries ago. His army, though small, is made up of almost supernaturally strong men. He is taking this world over bit by bit, one unrelenting attack after another, with thieves and mercenaries as allies. The world is beginning to tremble in fear of his footsteps.

“A few weeks ago, he came up to my gates and forcefully demanded my gold and jewels. I fought him with my armies, but to be sure he wouldn’t lay a hand on my treasures, I sent them to the neighboring country of Karinia. Now the king of Karinia, who claims to be my friend, will not return my requests for my gold. I do not know whether he has been overrun, has betrayed me, or just lost it somehow and is afraid to tell me.

“I’ve now rambled on long enough, I am asking you to go to Karinia and bring word of its fate back to me. All of you will be outfitted with the best clothes and weapons our army can muster. I thank you all for doing this.”

“We haven’t agreed to this yet, sir.” Responded Aaron. “I know, but I’ve made up my mind and since dessert is over, so is the discussion.” King Raiken said as he rose from his chair and left before any of the children could voice their opinions. Soon after, the children were escorted back to their room by the guards.

“Do you really think we can do this Aaron?” Asked Peter. “Sure. I mean, why not?” Said Aaron as he sat down on an immaculately kept bed in a corner of the room, “It could be our only chance.”

“All we have to do,” Sarah added, “is go to this Karinia, ask about king Raiken’s gold, and come back here and tell the king what happened to it. It couldn’t be easier.” “And after that,” said Mary excitedly, “we get to go home!”

“He said we might get to go home,” Peter shot back, “or, we could do this task and get left out in the cold when it’s over.” Aaron stood and walked over to the others. “That’s enough talking about that,” he said, “I don’t think it is our choice as to whether we are going or not.” He paused while he looked at each of the others, “We’re going.”

<+>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<+>

Aaron and Peter rose early the following morning, like they usually did. Peter went to use the “odorless indoor outhouse” that was just off to the right of the main room, marveling as he made his way over to it.

Aaron dressed in the opulent walk-in closet, and then stepped out into their personal courtyard, soaking up the warm glow of the morning sun while deep in thought. Peter joined him a few minutes later.

“What are thinking about Aaron?” Peter asked. “Oh...” Aaron said with some hesitation, “I was thinking about all we have been through, and where we might be going.” Peter nodded, and they both stood there on the steps leading into the courtyard, pondering the subject for a short while.

“Where are the girls?” Asked Aaron, breaking the silence, “Are they still in bed?” “I don’t know.” Answered Peter. In same moment that Peter finished his sentence, Sarah burst out from behind a bush, ran over to Aaron, who was nearer to her, and pushed him down. “Tag. You’re it!” She shouted as she ran away with Mary, yelling and laughing.

Aaron sat there on the ground stunned and surprised. He quickly regained his wits, smiled, and started running after Peter to tag him as “it”. Aaron ran behind Peter, chasing Peter with all of the agility he could muster, to the left, to the right, Peter eluded him expertly.

Aaron changed targets, chasing now Sarah instead of Peter, mostly because she had stumbled into one of the many hedges in the courtyard while trying to avoid becoming “it” herself.

Aaron dashed behind a hedgerow before Sarah knew where he had gone. Sarah was unsure of where to run, so she ran towards the most open part of the courtyard, the middle, hoping to see Aaron coming before he caught her.

On her way to the center, Aaron jumped out from behind the corner in front of her, reaching out to tag her. Sarah squealed in excitement as she dug her heels into the grass of the courtyard and ran the other way, barely out of Aaron’s reach.

Aaron pursued Sarah around the courtyard until he saw Mary duck behind one of low hedges. Aaron broke pursuit, dropped to his hands and knees, and crawled as quickly as he could over to the hedge that Mary was hiding behind.

“Run Mary!” Shouted Peter, who was watching it all from the center of the courtyard. Mary bolted out of her hiding place and right into the arms of Aaron. Upon grabbing Aaron picked her up and twirled her around saying, “And now you’re it.”

The children continued playing their game of tag not knowing that they were being watched from inside the castle through a window. “Look at them Jargro,” said king Raiken to the knight that stood beside him, “they’re having so much fun.” “That is what children do.” replied Jargro, “They play and have fun.”

“I didn’t.” King Raiken said, “When I first arrived here, I was terrified. I didn’t have my parents here, or any of the friends that I knew. In fact, there was hardly anyone in the area; the land seemed devoid of human beings.

“My salvation was Maktone. He treated me like a son, I still consider him to be my step father.” King Raiken paused as he thought about the man who was so close to his heart. “Where is Maktone?” Asked king Raiken. “He went to Karinia.” Jargro answered, “He is trying to complete the job that you are sending the children on.”

“No.” King Raiken said in a reprimanding tone, “That man is in his nineties, he has no business traveling such distances while trying to do a job that knights less than half of his age couldn’t do.” “And you’re going to send four children to do the same job?” Said Jargro.

“Yes, but you’ll be there to protect them.” Said king Raiken; with Jargro staring at him in surprise, “ha–ha. That look on face is worth it. Now let’s go gather your helpers and send you all on your way.”


Act 3 is in the works.

Location: Lagath – um Castle

Lagath – um castle sits just north of the center of the town of Lagath – um, and has been standing in the same spot for more than a millennium. The interior and exterior have been redone many times as the reign of each king came and went.

If you search thoroughly around the castle, especially in the several basement levels, you will be able to find cracked and chipped walls that show the layer over layer construction used by the former kings of Lagath – um to fortify and redecorate the castle.

The castle itself is large enough that an unescorted guest might become lost in its numerous corridors. One part of the castle in particular, the basement, hasn’t been explored much, and therefore, very little is known about it. What is known, however, is that the castle seems to extend as deep into the earth as it is tall, some five stories into the ground.

The castle of Lagath – um is the pride of the town which bears its name. It has stood for over a thousand years, and will most likely continue to stand for another thousand against any natural forces.

The Great Legend of Salem – Chapter 1 Act 1

Chapter 1
The Earth Cave


Act 1
Lagath – um

Aaron lay where he was for a moment after he came to. He was surprised to even be alive, let alone lying in a mound of straw. He looked around at his friends, who, though not yet stirring, were obviously alright.

Looking at the large stone walls, Aaron notices that there isn’t a hole in a ceiling as he had expected. In fact, there is no obvious way he or his friends ended up in this room, other than the open doorway with the large wooden door.

He continues looking at the stone walls forming the roughly circular shape of the room, and notices that there are chains lying in the floor. Not sure what those are there for, he starts to see the large latch on the outside of that door, the massive iron bars covering the tiny window that let in the light he was seeing by, and the shackles hanging on the wall. Just then it dawns on him that he, and his friends, are sitting in a dungeon.

“Where are we, Aaron?” Asked Sarah, interrupting his thoughts. “A dungeon, I think.” Answered Aaron. “A dungeon!” Shouted Peter, awaking from his sleep, “Let’s get out of here.”

Aaron woke Mary and led his friends out through the door he saw earlier. They walked down a winding staircase and into a grand hallway, their footsteps echoing as they went. They awed at the tapestries hanging on the walls around them, and the giant windows between, lighting the whole hall in blinding sunlight, as they stepped cautiously through the castle that was around them.

On the floor was a brilliant red velvet rug that extended through the hallway for farther than any of them could guess. The ceiling arched over them, looming well out of reach, and causing all of them to feel very small, in addition to the confusion they already had. They stopped walking and took it all in. The walls, the great windows, the tapestries, the rug, where were they?

The children heard the sound footsteps coming towards them from somewhere down the hallway. They froze, unsure whether they should see if the owners of the footfalls would help them, or run and hide, and if so, hide where?

While still trying to decide, three men turned the corner at the end of the hallway. One was dressed like a king, the other two, like dignitaries of some kind. Aaron twitched, preparing to either defend himself and his friends, or run.

The three men continued to walk and talk, not even noticing Aaron and his friends until they were just a few feet away. “What have we here, king Raiken?” Asked one of the dignitaries. “I don’t know.” Boomed the king in response, “How did you children get in here?” “We don’t know sir,” Said Aaron timidly, “but we came to this room from the dungeon that is up the stairwell over there.”

The dignitaries looked at each other for a moment, and then one of them spoke angrily to the king. “Your highness,” he began, “are you trying to hide something from us? Are you such a man to imprison children?” ”No!” Shouted the king, “There is some mistake. Guard! Come here this instant.”

A guard came running from deeper in the hallway. Standing at attention in his bluish colored, steel armor, which was polished to a brilliant sheen, the guard announced his allegiance, “O’ king Raiken, king of Lagath-um, live forever for I am here to do as you command.” “Enough!” Responded the king, “I must know who imprisoned these children in the upper dungeon without my authority. Tell me now.”

“I do not know, your highness,” said the guard, “I know every prisoner who is taken into your upper dungeons, but I have never seen these children in your courts before.” The king looked down at the floor, deep in thought. “Well,” Questioned the other dignitary, “what say you king Raiken? You have thoughts on this matter, do you not?”

“I do.” The king said with a short pause, “How did you children escape from my dungeon?” “We walked out, sir.” Responded Aaron. “The door wasn’t locked,” Sarah added quickly, “it was wide open.”

The king stood silent for a moment. “You children are from the world above, am I right?” Asked the king. Aaron nodded. “Guard!” Yelled the king, startling everyone, “Take these children to my entertaining quarters, get them some descent clothes, and make them ready as royal guests. For tonight I am having a feast and will answer their questions then.”

<+>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<+>

Aaron and his friends walked behind the guards, which were in escort ahead of them, to the dinner feast. The dining room was very large, like most of the rooms in the castle, and decorated with brilliant chandeliers, stained glass windows, and most prominently, a huge painting depicting the king himself sitting on his throne and arrayed in the riches that belonged to him.

“I am king Raiken and that is what I want you to call me,” declared king Raiken as they began their dinner, “So, what is it that you want to ask me first?” “I want to know where we are.” Said Peter. King Raiken leaned back in his seat, and cleared his throat.

“The story is much longer than this, but you are in the world formed by the Creator, that is called Salem. This world is very different from the world you knew. Here, there isn’t any death from famine or war, only scars and sufferings. You will eventually die from old age, but until then you will only suffer.

“More specifically, you are in the countryside of Lagath-um, in the capital city which bears the same name. We are an average sized country of around 1 million, with an army of 350 thousand men.

“This is my short and much abbreviated version of where all of you have ended up, and I hope that it was a satisfactory answer. Now then, ask your next question.”

“You said that we can’t die from war or famine.” Aaron said, “Does that mean there isn’t any war here in this world?”

“No,” responded king Raiken, “unfortunately it seems to augment war, making it easier for countries to fight. When one ‘dies’ from war, they instantly become sand. Sometime later they appear in one of 70 ‘Villages of Refuge’, usually the one nearest where they died. Once there, they may or may not be in a coma, and must still recover from their wounds.

“I know how hard all of this is for you children to understand. I was once in your position too. Most elders here stumbled upon this world as you four did. The population here was pretty sparse until perhaps, 40 years ago. Now, most of those you will meet were born here.”

“Is there a way to leave this place?” Mary asked. King Raiken lowered his head, thinking deeply about his reply. “Most would say there is not any way to leave, but I know man who would tell you otherwise. A man who claims that, with help, he could send everyone to the other world. Are you all interested?”

“Yes!” Came the emphatic answers. “Good,” said king Raiken, “He isn’t here, but if you will do a small favor for me, I will tell you where he is, and make sure you children get to him.”




Act 2 coming after the break!