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!