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!