ã€ŠMagic Within: A Thiefs Endã€‹


 "A Black Carriage."

    Chapter 1

    A Black Carriage

    The night was quiet. The remaining clouds from the day slowly rolled over the mountains, disappearing into the nights sky. One by one the sounds of night came to life. Crickets started to create harmonies together. A black sparrow flew to his perch, and called out into the night. His squak echoed throughout the forest, traveling towards a dark road. Slowly a low hum could be made out on the air. The sparrow tilted his head, trying to hear the noise better. He hopped across the limbs, and looked down onto the road below him. Horse hooves could now be made out. The rhythmic galloping faded in and out. Nearly invisible, a black carriage flew down the path. It was surprisingly quiet. Only the horses made any noise. It rushed passed the sparrow, and faded away into the night, headed towards the small village of Escamar, which could be seen far off into the distance. At this same moment, in the town of Escamar, two boys were trying their best to sneak into their friends house to wake him.

    ¡°Shu!¡± said Reed as he boosted Ryan to the window sill.

    ¡°Do you see anything Ryan?¡±

    Ryan rolled his eyes, ¡°Nope, his lights are off. Should we sneak around back?¡±

    ¡°Knaw his folks are asleep back there--they¡¯ll hear us for sure.¡±

    Reed shook his leg side to side. He slowly lowered Ryan down as he spoke.

    ¡°I told him to meet us at Crown¡¯s Inn eleven o¡¯clock sharp, and it is now a quarter past. Ryan, we are gonna have to bust in to wake him. Here, let me boost you again. Try and get your foot on the ledge.¡±

    As Ryan and Reed tried to climb up Stacker¡¯s house to break into his room and wake him, a pair of gleaming eyes watched them from behind. The eyes had a sparkle in them and a grin could be made out from the darkened face.

    ¡°Almost got it,¡± stammered Ryan as he heaved. Then all of a sudden, ¡°Whoosh!¡±

    Ryan¡¯s foot slipped and ¡°Bam!¡± He fell right on top of Reed in a crumpled mess.

    As the two started to try and figure out what had just happened they were startled to hear laughing from the shadows. They quickly looked behind them to see who it was. Right there, leaning on an old tool shed was the man himself, Stacker. He had dark orange hair, white pearly teeth, his eyes a bright emerald green, his skin dark and healthy. He had been watching his friends for some time as they tried to break into his house to wake him. He had tried to hold in his laughter, but as soon as Ryan had fallen on top of Reed he couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us you were right there!? ¡° Reed demanded as he stood up, brushing his shirt clean. ¡°We could have broken a bone trying to wake you up. Well, wake the you who seems to already be awake.¡±

    At this all three boys laughed. Stacker grinned ear to ear and took a bite of his apple he had in his hand. Ryan got to his feet slowly and brushed his hair out of his eyes. He yawned and murmured, ¡°Okay gents, now that we are all here let¡¯s get going. Don¡¯t want to go to bed too late.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we just discuss our plans right here?¡± asked Reed ¡°No one is around and it won¡¯t take long.¡±

    ¡°What!¡± said Ryan ¡°Not here, we need to go to the Inn and talk. Besides, they have comfy booths we can sit in¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± replied Reed as he leaned back on one leg.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll lead the charge¡± said Stacker. He climbed up the tool shed and put a hand out for Ryan and Reed to grab hold of. From there they crept along the balcony and climbed up onto a higher roof that was next door. You could see the entire town from up there. The church bell, Baker¡¯s street, even the top of Reeds house.

    ¡°Alrighty you first Stack¡± said Ryan as he patted Stacker¡¯s shoulder. Stacker looked down the long shingled roof and took a deep breath. He then narrowed his eyes and started to sprint at full speed down the roof. At the very end he jumped, flew through the air, and landed on another roof, skidding down the shingles. Reed followed, and Ryan brought up the rear. This process was followed several times, Stacker swinging and jumping rooftop to rooftop with Reed and Ryan not far behind.

    Out in the nearby forest at this very time, an owl glided to its perch. A harvest mouse scampered into his home in the rushes, ready to end the day with sleep. The owl spotted the mouse but stayed at bay. It looked out from the trees and into the distant fields. It stared at the silhouette of the village Escamar. The moon was full, gleaming brightly behind the town. The owl could make out three silhouettes running from rooftop to rooftop. They were skidding down roofs, jumping over alley ways, and daring innumerable other stunts. It was quite an interesting sight, even the owl was distracted momentarily from his nocturnal rounds.

    The three friends finally landed on the Inn¡¯s roof and stopped. As they started their descent they came to a sudden halt, for right below in a dark alley between Crowns Inn and the Beakers and Beatle shop was a black armored carriage. This carriage was not from Escamar; its black velvet doors gave that away. The wheels were not made from standard oak, but crafted from solid black iron. The horses pulling this mighty carriage were huge. Built like powerful beasts, they were still quite lean. Short black manes tossed, and each one of the four had armor that matched the carriage: great broad chest plates, horse helmets, and even leg plating.

    ¡°Wow,¡± exclaimed Reed, ¡°Those are Northern stallions, bred for speed and endurance. Mighty fine they are.¡±

    ¡°Who owns a carriage like that?¡± asked Stacker, his eyes full of amazement and wonder.

    ¡°No one from around here¡± replied Ryan. ¡°This must be some sort of messaging carriage from the Capital.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡± replied Reed. ¡°Well, whatever is in it, or who¡¯s it is I¡¯m going to find out,¡± and with that Reed slowly started to let one leg down over the building¡¯s edge. Stacker¡¯s hand quickly grabbed Reeds leg and held it.

    ¡°Oh no you are not,¡± he said with a grin on his face. ¡°Because we all three will find out together at the same time.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s get going shall we?¡± Reed replied in an impatient voice. The three boys leaned over the shingles and stared down at the dark passage below. Just as they thought the coast was clear a hooded figure stepped out of the carriage, holding a long package. It came out so fast it caught the boys by surprise, Ryan tried to duck down fast but instead slid down the slick shingles until only his chest and arms were holding on. His legs had swung out and dangled in the air. Stacker grabbed hold of Ryan¡¯s shirt collar and held him in place, while Reed quickly leaned over and grabbed Ryans leg and pulled it up.

    ¡°Ah jeeze, thanks fellers. Thought I was a goner there,¡± Ryan stammered. His cheeks blushed with embarrassment. Reed and Stacker took no notice and acted like nothing had happened, their eyes still focused on the darkness below. The dark figure had taken no notice of the boys¡¯ small rescue and had walked briskly into a nearby door that led into the Inn. For a split moment light pierced the gloom. The sound of a piano and laughing could be heard. As quick as the sound came, it went. The door shut.

    After almost giving themselves away, Ryan thought it best to redeem himself and be the first to go down. His heart was pounding.

    ¡°Let¡¯s follow em!¡± he exclaimed with fake courage. Beads of sweat were evident on his forehead.

    ¡°Be quiet gosh darn it,¡± whispered Reed with a hiss. ¡°Now we don¡¯t know who or what that was. Could be a royal spy.¡± Reed¡¯s eyes narrowed. His jaw was working. ¡°Or an assassin.¡±

    Stacker slowly turned his head towards Reed. A smirk on his face.

    ¡°What?¡± Reed asked. Stacker grinned.

    ¡°An assassin? Or a spy?¡± Stacker said with a sarcastic tone.

    ¡°Well it could be!¡± Reed said with an unsure voice. Stacker chuckled to himself and quickly stood up. He stretched his arms and suddenly jumped down onto the carriage. Without hesitation, Ryan and Reed followed. They crept along the narrow lane and hid behind some old barrels. Peeking around the crates, they stared at the horses. The stallion¡¯s nostrils opened and closed, with steam shooting out. It appeared that they had just arrived and were still catching their breath. Stacker slowly walked up to them but paused suddenly. All went quiet. They were suddenly alarmed to hear voices break out from the building next to the Inn. Ryan and Reed quickly hid among the barrels, but Stacker stood motionless for a second. Then he stepped abruptly to the building and placed his head near an open window.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you Smith, this is it, this is what we¡¯ve been waiting for.¡±

    ¡°I know that!¡± replied a sharp voice. ¡°I don¡¯t give a hoot or a holler about the Cardinal. It¡¯s the king who will decide.¡±

    ¡°Shu!¡± Don¡¯t say their names for bloody sake.¡± Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡°Ah no one can hear us, anyways this is all about to be over. Dan..err, I mean that fellow who is waiting for us has our money. Let¡¯s get this over with, tell the King, and leave this town tonight!

    ¡°Don¡¯t say any names you buffoon.¡±

    The talking stopped. Everything went quiet. Stacker drew even closer to the window in an attempt to hear better but to no avail.

    ¡°Stack!¡± whispered Reed. ¡°What did you. . ¡° Before Reed could finish, he was quickly cut off by the sound of a door being unlocked. Stacker quickly dove into nearby debris just in the nick of time. Two hooded figures with black cloaks walked rapidly out of a side door across the alleyway and into the tavern. Once again light flooded from within, but there was no sound of laughing or piano playing this time.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m highly intrigued,¡± Stacker said as yawned.

    Ryan and Reed both jumped up and ran over to Stacker. Reed looked into an Inn window and looked back to Stacker.

    ¡°What did you hear Stack??¡±

    ¡°Something about the Cardinal and the King, and getting paid and leaving town tonight. There were more words but that is pretty much it.¡±

    Ryan stood still. He looked to Reed who was back to the window looking in.

    ¡°Well,¡± Ryan said. ¡°This is better than I thought. We can¡¯t just stay out here, shall we go in?¡±

    Stacker slowly looked over to Ryan. He then stared at the ground and slowly said ¡°Let us wait a moment. Just in case.¡±

    Stacker then walked up to the carriage and put his hand out to feel it. Ryan also walked up and looked closely at a golden viper that was nailed onto the front of the carriage. It was solid gold, with diamond eyes. The snake itself was coiled around a mighty sword with its tongue out, making it look like it was hissing.

    Reed walked away from the window to join the other two at the carriage.

    ¡°Wow, that is a beautiful sight.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± replied Ryan. ¡°The viper?¡±

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m talking about the horses.¡± Reed replied as he stroked one of the horse¡¯s mane.

    ¡°Alright I think we are in the clear to go in,¡± Stacker said abruptly.

    The three walked over to the Inn¡¯s main entrance to not draw attention to themselves. The smell of dank whisky was the first thing they noticed as they walked in. Its pungent smell perfumed the air in a vaguely unpleasant manner. Tables were pushed aside to the walls carelessly, with chairs spewed about the room. Men of midlife lay about in an undignified way, but this place help no expectations for dignity or grace. The bartender had wispy gray hair, yellow eyes, and an unkempt mustache. His eyes defined desperation, and his body language did not help the counter argument to this opinion. In the center of the room on the floor lay an older man, fast asleep. In one hand he held a bottle, the other a fork. He looked like a dead man, but his rising and falling chest said otherwise. Stacker gazed around the room. After realizing there was no immediate danger, he pointed out a staircase to Reed and Ryan. They quickly made their way across the room and ran up the stairs.

    The hallway was dark. The only light was shining from underneath the doors, making the floor seem to glow. A window at the end of the hall showed rain was beginning to fall, the wind tossing and turning the trees. Water dripped from the high ceiling down on the three, from holes long ignored.

    ¡°What a lovely place,¡± remarked Reed with a sneer.

    Ryan half smiled and looked about his surroundings. He looked to Reed, then to Stacker.

    ¡°What exactly are we doing here?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Stacker replied, ¡°searching¡±

    ¡°Searching for what exactly?¡±

    ¡°Those hooded figures you dweeb,¡± Reed replied before Stacker could answer Ryan¡¯s question.

    ¡°But what are we going to do? Like, just eavesdrop on them?¡±

    ¡°Something like that¡± replied Stacker quietly as he pressed his head against the first door.

    ¡°Reed you go down the hall around the left side of the corridor and Ryan, you take the right side. Come get me if you find anything interesting.¡±

    Reed and Ryan both crept silently down the hall, holding their breath. Reed disappeared around the corner while Ryan went ahead and started listening next to the doors at the end of the hall.

    Stacker cupped his hands together. He pressed them against the door and held his ear to it.

    ¡°All you do is buy things for yourself, Rob!¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah!?¡± replied a high pitched voice. ¡°What about that necklace, that blue diamond one?¡±

    ¡°That was four years ago! Four! And the blacksmith told me those were fake diamonds!¡±

    ¡°Fake! Well, you deserve fake diamonds you witch!¡±

    Stacker quickly took his head away from the door and walked quietly away to the next. His face was a slight grin as he thought to himself how funny the man sounded with the high pitched voice. He then cupped his ears again and listened in to the next room. There was no sound. He waited a minute or so and then moved to the next.

    ¡°That money belongs to me, and me alone.¡±

    ¡°You alone? You filthy slug!¡± The responding voice was raspy and evil sounding. It dropped to a hissing whisper. ¡°We went into this thing fifty-fifty, and need I remind you what happens if one of us breaks the deal?¡±

    ¡°The deal was we both go in, we both rob, we both kill, we both get money. You just sat out there keeping watch while I did all the work. ¡°

    There was some commotion in the room. A quick thumping sound was heard, and something hit the ground hard, and with that Stacker quickly moved on to the next door. He looked down the hall to check if the others were on there way back. ¡°Even if we do not find them, I will still have some interesting things to tell,¡± he thought to himself. Stacker was beginning to wonder if the hooded figures were even there when he heard a sharp noise come from behind one of the doors. It sounded like metal on metal scraping. He quickly made his way across the hall. This door was different. It had a keyhole slot that one could look through. Stacker bent down quietly and looked through.

    ¡°She¡¯s a beauty is she not?¡± said a deep voice. The sound of the metal scraping that Stacker had heard was a sword being drawn from its metal scabbard. Stacker tried to look in better but the keyhole was so small it made it nearly impossible. He shuffled around a bit to get in a better position when all of a sudden the door swung open. A hand shot out and grabbed Stacker by the arm and yanked him inside. Stacker¡¯s heart was pounding.

    ¡°Ok kid, what did you hear? You¡¯ve got no business eavesdropping.¡±

    ¡°Nothing!¡± replied Stacker quickly. He looked to the man who had addressed him. He was very tall, with dark eyes, his hair short and blonde. Stacker looked around the room to see several men, all armed with daggers in their belts, two of them even had crossbows with arrows at the ready. One man behind the bed in the room was quickly sheathing the sword that Stacker had caught a glimpse of.

    ¡°What¡¯s your name, kid?¡± the tall man asked.

    Stacker stared for a second and responded, ¡°Stacker, Stacker Dukov¡±

    ¡°And what are you doing here Stacker?¡±

    ¡°I, I work here. I was just polishing the doorknobs.¡± Stacker realized no one would buy this story. He gulped but kept eye contact with the tall man.

    ¡°You¡¯re polishing the doorknobs at midnight? Where is your polish and cloth?¡±

    ¡°Well we are running low on budgets, and they said to use my shirt and spit.¡± Even Stacker could not help but smile a bit at this ridiculous response. He grinned and picked up the edge of his shirt to reenact the motion of polishing. The tall man walked over and squatted down next to Stacker, staring him in the eye.

    ¡°Look Stacker, I¡¯ll be honest with you if you¡¯re honest with us. I will go first. We are in charge of a secret. A secret only known to a very select few. And if this secret gets out it would be terrible. The last thing we want is a kid telling everyone about what he saw.¡±

    ¡°Borne!¡± exclaimed one of the men. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    Borne did not acknowledge the man. He still stared into Stackers eyes, and Stacker stared back with a grin. Right at that moment the door swung in and Ryan and Reed burst in, metal candle sticks in hand. Reed¡¯s still had a flame, and Ryan also carried some weird looking gadget.

    ¡°Let him go!¡± Reed shouted. ¡°Or I¡¯ll. . .¡± Reed paused, he wasn¡¯t sure what he would do. ¡°I¡¯ll. . . I¡¯ll do something!¡± Ryan shook his head in embarrassment. Borne rose to his feet. He sighed and put a hand over his jaw.

    ¡°So there¡¯s more of you, is there?¡± Stacker also stood up and looked to Ryan and Reed.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine gents. They were just about to let me go.¡±

    ¡°Like hell!¡± shouted one of the men. ¡°Now we sure can¡¯t. They¡¯ve seen too much Borne!¡±

    Borne finally broke his gaze from Stacker and turned to his henchmen. He sighed and scratched his head.

    ¡°We will take them with us. Once the deed is done they can go.¡± As soon as he said this two of the men quick as lightning bolted at Ryan and Reed, seizing them. They quickly bound their hands. It looked so simple and easy, Ryan and Reed now looked like no threat at all. Clearly these men were trained.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry kids, we ain¡¯t bad guys. Just got to make sure you don¡¯t all go blabbing your mouths.¡± Stacker¡¯s hands were also bound, and he was grabbed by the shoulder to be led out of the room. As they led the three of them out, Stacker saw another glimpse of the sword. It was only the hilt but what a hilt is was! The actual hand piece looked to be from gold. The cross piece was made of four metal pieces each a different colour, with two swan heads facing each other at the top.

    ¡°Stack,¡± whispered Ryan. Stacker looked over to Ryan who was next to him.

    ¡°Can you grab the gadget from my hands?¡± Ryan¡¯s hands were bound behind him but the gadget was still firmly in his hand. Stacker¡¯s hands were bound in front and loosely bound. Stacker then recognized the gadget as one of Ryan¡¯s weird inventions. It was the one that made a loud screeching noise If you blew into it repeatedly.

    ¡°Yeah I can. Drop it.¡± replied Stacker in a whisper. As Ryan dropped the gadget, Stacker bolted forwards and grabbed it. All the men stood motionless, looking rather confused.

    ¡°Okay look here!¡± Stacker commanded. ¡°If I blow into this thing it will make the loudest noise you have ever heard, and you can bet people will be running up to see where the noise came from, and we will tell them you are kidnapping us and you all will be locked up. Or let us go now and we will not tell a soul about what we have seen.¡±

    Borne leaned back on one leg and smiled. ¡°Now there is a thinking young lad. I like you kid, and for that you three can go.¡± Reed looked over to the tall man who had spoken. He knew something was up.

    ¡°Then unbound us one at a time¡± He said as he put his hands out. Borne signaled two of the men to go and unbound Ryan and Reed.

    ¡°Alright there, you are free to go. Now keep your side of the bargain and do not tell anyone about us.¡± Stacker grinned and gave a nod. Quickly the boys raced through the hall and down the stairs.

    ¡°Borne why did you let them go? That gadget wouldn¡¯t have done jack for them. Everyone in this building is undercover for us.¡±

    ¡°I know¡± replied Born. ¡°They are just kids though. Besides, before they can tell anyone, our mission will be complete. Let¡¯s get going gentlemen.¡±

    The three boys raced outside. Their adrenaline was racing like never before.

    ¡°Well let¡¯s get back to our beds before they changed their minds!¡± exclaimed Reed.

    ¡°Stack you go back to your house the rooftop way. Ryan and I will go opposite directions. That way they can¡¯t catch all three of us if they follow.¡± With that all three boys split and ran home as fast as they could.

    That night as the boys dreamed of far off places and adventure an owl swooped back to its perch. It looked down at the road and stared at a horrific scene. A black armored carriage was flipped over. Four dead horses lay in the mud, soaked by their own blood. Surrounding the carriage were dead bodies, swords still clasped in hand. One of the bodies still moved. It was a tall man, with dark eyes, and short blonde hair. He crawled forward and went limp. His hand was out, pointing west.

 The Tournament

    <h1>Chapter 2</h1>

    <h1>The Tournament</h1>

    That next morning all of Escamar was bustling with excitement. News had reached the small town that a jousting tournament was going to be held there, and the cardinal himself would attend.  The weather was perfect, big white clouds flooded the ocean sky. The flowers were finally in bloom and the greenness of nature had awakened.

    Stacker opened his eyes. He stared at his ceiling and listened. The sound of rhythmic hammering could be heard from the street below. He slowly rose out of bed and yawned. He shivered a bit, for he had left his window open from when he had arrived back in his room earlier that morning. He slowly walked down the stairs to the smell of fried potatoes, fresh picked turnips, plump tomatoes and homemade glen. Glen was one of the Dukovs favorites. It was hot spiced milk, with fresh cold berries floating about in it.

    ¡°Good morning son!¡± said his father Dane. ¡°Sleep well?¡±

    ¡°Yes sir!¡± replied Stacker. ¡°Sure does all smell nice Momma!¡± he said as he lifted the lid to the glen.

    ¡°Now leave that lid on lest the glen go cold.¡± said his mother Hunter as she walked in from outside. ¡°There is nothing worse than cold glen. Did you sleep well last night babe? Or should I say this morning?¡± she said with a sweet sarcastic smile. Stacker smiled and blushed.

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±

    Dane rose to his feet and stretched. He looked down at his feather pen and rolled it in his fingers. After some time he jerked a little as if coming back from his dreams and old memories. He looked down at Stacker and smiled.

    ¡°Back when I was your age I also would sneak out too. I would go out with my friends and cause pranks on the town¡¯s constable. Mr. Brown was his name. He was old but still quick. Some of us learned that the hard way.¡±

    Hunter placed down the plates and sighed, ¡°That poor man. Trying to do his job and you hooligans always trying to give him a heart attack.¡±

    Dane smirked and gave a wink to Stacker. He leaned over and whispered to Stacker

    ¡°Your mother does not know this, but Mr. Brown had a  heart attack. It was once when we really upset him. And the next day he passed away. It was shocking to us.¡±

    Dane then smirked again and walked off towards his study. Stackers face was white and fear stricken. Little did he know Dane was merely trying to say bad things usually come from going out at night and used a white lie to get his point across. Dane walked back out holding a flyer in his hands.

    ¡°Did you ever get caught Dad?¡± asked Stacker with a light voice.

    ¡°Almost, but never caught.¡± Dane replied in an nonchalan voice.  ¡°Well we better get a move on Stacker, that is if we want to beat the crowd to the Jousting Tournament.¡±

    ¡°TOURNAMENT !?¡± shouted Stacker as he jumped up from his chair. ¡°Here? In Escamar?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and even the Cardinal himself will be attending.¡± said Hunter as she smiled over at Dane. Stacker wasted no time. He ran out of the kitchen and into the mud room. He quickly put his coat on and tied his shoes, then ran his hands through his hair, making it if anything even more messy. He then ran upstairs, grabbed his lucky hat and bolted down and out the door, forgetting his father and his breakfast.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget your breakfast Stacker!¡± yelled out Hunter as she placed a napkin inside a brown bag of hot steaming food.

    ¡°Hey don¡¯t forget your old man either!¡± Dane said as he gave Hunter a hug.

    ¡°Ah who needs you?¡± she said with a sarcastic laugh. She kissed him on the cheek, and then Stacker. ¡°Have fun you two!¡±

    Stacker ran out the door and nearly slammed into Reed.

    ¡°There you are.¡± said Reed. ¡°What took so long?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? I just found out about the tournament.¡± replied Stacker

    ¡°Well come on, wouldn¡¯t want to be late. Ryans saving us a spot.¡±

    As they walked along they saw all sorts of new and extraordinary sights.  Men were hanging up colorful banners that shown great paintings of knights on horses with wavy flags flying about in the wind. Barrels of Escamar¡¯s finest ale went rolling across the street, with small children trying to balance on them. One small little girl was having a rough time of it. She couldn¡¯t get on top of the barrel without it rolling out from underneath her. Reed walked other and smiled. He stuck his hand out and said

    ¡°Here you go little miss lady!¡±

    ¡°Thank you!¡± She replied with a toothless smile. She grabbed hold of his arm to steady herself and jumped up onto the barrel, and away she went. Stacker and Reed continued walking for some time, admiring the hustle and bustle of the streets, when they heard a familiar voice behind them. They looked around to see Stackers dad Dane talking with Ryan. Stacker looked to Reed with a grin.

    ¡°Of all the nerve. He¡¯s suppose to be saving us seats! Ryan! What are you doing here?¡±  shouted Reed as he strode toward his poor prey.

    ¡°Reed?¡± Answered Ryan with a confused voice. ¡°I thought you were saving us seats?¡±

    ¡°Me!? We said you would!¡±

    ¡°No we didn¡¯t. You said you would this morning.¡±

    ¡°No I . . .¡±  Reed paused. He stared up into the sun as his face turned a shade of red.

    ¡°Oh yeah. . . ¡° He said sheeplishy. Reed quickly walked on and tried to change topics with Stacker. Ryan thought of continuing this battle since he was on the winning side, but his personality was inferior to the idea. He sighed and rolled his eyes.

    ¡°Anyway, where were we Mr. Dane? Ah yes, I remember, so what would I use to make an object float on water, but not add weight to it? And it should be able to dry easy as well.¡±

    You see, Dane was a very smart man who built just about anything for anyone. He looked at his feet as he walked, and then started mumbling to himself. After a quick pause he looked up, ¡°Wax¡±  he said with a triumphant tone.

    ¡°Just take any material that floats and coat it in wax. Should work fine.¡±

    Ryan pushed his glasses up, and rested his chin on his right hand, that was resting on his left arm. He walked this way most often, making him look quite deep in thought. Once his eyes opened a little, as if coming to a conclusion, he then quickly took out a small blue notebook and scribbled away. Ryan kept all of his ideas and thoughts on paper. He loved to create and build things. One might call him the ¡°Brains¡± of the three. Making Reed the muscle and Stacker the Leader. Each one fit their role very well.

    As they all arrived at the stadium, Dane bought popcorn and Ale for all the boys. He said it would put hair on their chest.  Dane walked between the crowded lines and found his way to a small tent. The front was cut out and a table stood in its place. Behind the table stood a jolly round man. His cheeks were red, his nose was shining, and he wore the most ridiculous lime green hat. Or at least Dane thought so. Dane quickly realised his mistake tried to turn around, but it was too late.

    ¡°Oi, you over there! Would ya like so¡¯m fresh beer? Popit corn as well we sell.¡± Dane sighed out. His eyes shut. His back was to the man. He knew if the man saw him buy those things at another tent he would get a glare. He opened his eyes and smiled. He turned around and walked up.

    ¡°Well perfect!¡± Dane put his hands on the counter and looked at the menu above.

    ¡°Alrighty then. I¡¯ll take three of your stout beers, with two large popcorn.¡±

    ¡°Good choice, good choice.¡± Replied the jolly man. He turned around and pulled up his pants as he shouted through the tent. ¡°Three Stouts and two Large pops!¡±

    Dane noticed no one else was in line at this tent, but all the other tents had many people waiting. He looked around and realized people were staring. He did a quick cough and took a sidestep away from the counter.

    ¡°Alright dat¡¯s gonna be 2 silver. Or one one gold if you want to leave tip as well.¡± Laughed the jolly man as he turned back around, facing no one.

    ¡°Oi, where you go?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just here, thank you.¡± replied Dane as he put an arm out, getting the man¡¯s attention.

    Dane quickly handed the man a gold piece, grabbed the tray of goods and walked briskly towards the boys.

    ¡°Oi! Thanks for the tip!¡±  Dane kept walking, mumbling under his breath.

    ¡°And that¡¯s not even the worse part of it!¡± Said Reed as spat on the ground. Stacker stared at Ryan, who had a dumb expression on his face.

    ¡°Yeah that really stinks man.¡± replied Stacker with no emotion in his voice. He scanned the crowd and yawned. His head was spinning a little from lack of sleep. The edge of his vision was blurry. He opened his eyes wide as if trying to stretch them. When his eyes came back in focus he realized his father was standing in front of him.

    ¡°Boys.¡±

    Dane held out the tray as Ryan and Reed grabbed their drinks.

    ¡°Thank you Mr. Dukov.¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you sir.¡±

    ¡°Stacker?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah, thanks dad.¡± Stacker sat up and took his drink. He took a sip, his eyes opened. His mouth quivered. He gulped, and quickly ate some popcorn, trying to rid the taste of the ale from his mouth. He looked over to Ryan who seemed to have the same expression and grinned. As for Reed, he gulped half of his down. Grinned ear to ear with an ale mustache across his lip.

    Dane started walking toward the entrance of the stadium with the tray of popcorn.

    ¡°Come on lads.¡±

    Ryan¡¯s face was now going yellow. He stared at his ale as if he had just realized it was poison. He groaned and rubbed his stomach. Reed laughed and took Ryans mug without any resistance.

    ¡°Come on.¡± laughed out Reed as he gestured toward the entrance. Stacker walked with Ryan, one arm under his. He tried to make it look like he was helping him walk, when Stacker really needed Ryan for balance as well. As the group made their way through the entrance the noise grew.

    ¡°Ah, look at this joker.¡± said Reed as he pointed across the field towards the opposite entrance. A massive crowed had gathered, which was made up of mainly young ladies, who were throwing roses at a knight who slowly rode out. People scrambled over one another just to touch the knight.

    ¡°What¡¯s so special about him? Honestly?¡± retorted Ryan. ¡°He probably smells like, sour milk or old eggs under that armor. And after being battered so many times I bet his brains are fried.¡±  Ryan kicked a patch of mud into the air. It went farther than he anticipated. He realized this when a woman shrieked. A lady in a white lace dress, with fresh curled hair was covered with hot sticky mud. Stacker and Reed looked up trying to see what the matter was.

    ¡° That is a bummer.¡± said Reed with a slight grin.  Stacker stared for a bit. He looked at the lady, who was red with anger now, and yelling at her stout husband to find the brute who caused this. He then noticed Ryan was dodging people and quickly making his way toward the seats, away from the scene. Stacker smirked. He, Reed and Dane followed Ryan  up into the stadiums, forcing their way through the packed crowd. Reed leaned over to Stacker and whispered

    ¡°You still thinking about last night?

    Stacker nodded his head slowly. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Well, I went to the library this morning.¡± Reeds face focused.

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°And I found that golden viper symbol. You know, the one of the carriage. Anyways, It is the symbol for the King¡¯s royal messenger.¡±

    Stacker¡¯s mouth opened a little. A small audible ghast came out. He stared at Reed for several seconds,  his mouth slowly widened into a grin.

    ¡°So what those guys behind the tavern said was true.¡± said Reed. ¡°About the KIng and Cardinal that is.¡±

    Stacker twiddled his thumbs. He looked around the stands of people as if looking to make sure no one was eavesdropping. He noticed that his neck was burning and placed his hand on it. It felt cool, and the sun was behind a few dark clouds coming in from the east. Yet his neck felt like it was burning. Stacker ignored it and looked back to Reed.

    ¡°What do you think those men were doing here? They said something about a deed that needed to be done, and that it was a secret, of sorts.¡±

    ¡°You fellers want some taffy?¡±  Ryan broke in suddenly.

    ¡°No thanks¡± replied Stacker. His face grimaced as he placed his hand over his stomach, still feeling the effect of the ale. Ryan gave a nod and started down the wooden bleachers. As he hopped over the railing onto the walkway, Reed shouted The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Get me some strawberry taffy!¡± Ryan gave a jerk of the head to show he had heard Reed, and then disappeared into the crowd.

    As Dane sat there, waiting for the jousting to begin, he realized he had forgotten his sitting pillow. You see, without it his back went into a terrible state, and he just had to have it. He stood up and turned side to side, keeping his feet planted. His back cracked as he did this.

    ¡°It would seem,¡± Dane yawned, ¡°That I have forgotten my pillow. I will be back shortly boys.¡±

    ¡°But you will miss the first joust of the tournament!¡± exclaimed Stacker.

    ¡°Ah that is fine. There will be many, and besides, the first few fights are the novices. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± Dane slowly made his way towards the exit and then disappeared just as Ryan had.

    The crowd finally quieted. The tournament workers moved off the field, and the royals walked through the Main gate. The crowd did not cheer for them. Why? Well, no one exactly is a fan of a rude prince, and a sharp eyed penny pincher, also known as the Cardinal.

    ¡°Jeeze. Seems like a funeral.¡± remarked Stacker as he took everything in.

    ¡°Not quite. A funeral is a little bit more lively than this.¡± laughed out Reed. Stacker turned to Reed, and they both joined in laughter together.

    As the royals took their seats the crowd came out of their hushed whispers. The prince stuck out his nose high into the air, as if trying to show everyone his hairy nostrils.

    ¡°Mmm what a ladies man.¡± Reed said in the most sarcastic tone one can imagine.

    Stacker looked towards the entrances and back to Reed. ¡°Looks like it is just us for the first joust.¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡± replied Reed. He stretched his arms and yawned.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen!¡± cried out the speaker. ¡°Boys and girls!¡± then the speaker waved his arms out towards the people of the stadium as he walked in a circle. ¡°The well respected!¡± at this the crowd cheered. Then the speaker pointed to the criminals in the wooden stocks. ¡°And the not so well respected¡± The criminals then cheered. ¡°Let the Tournament begin!¡± A flood of sound erupted from the stadium.

    ¡°I give you, Lord Jockavich!¡± Anyone who thought the cheering couldn¡¯t get and louder were very much wrong. The crowd boomed with shouts and cheers. Young ladies and a few quirky men threw flowers onto the young knight, who entered the arena on his fine steed. The speaker was still announcing the young knights heritage. If you could hear the names of his father, and grandfathers you would certainly laugh, for they were outrageous names. But alas, the crowds noise drowned out any and all words of the speaker.

    ¡°I¡¯ll bet that he¡¯ll be the first to go.¡± Reed said with a pointing finger. Stacker followed its direction which pointed at the young knight. ¡°He just seems too overconfident.¡±

    Stacker shaked his head up and down slowly, with his arms crossed. He then cocked his head to the side and replied.

    ¡°Well, the ladies sure do like him, so he has got at least that going for him.¡±  Reed then stood up, and stared. His his eyes widened.

    Stacker look up at him and asked ¡°Are you alright man?¡±  Reed just stared. He muttered a few things then said quietly ¡°It¡¯s, it¡¯s Ryan.¡± Stacker looked out towards the arena, and started laughing. For right at this moment Ryan appeared, but not with taffy nor by the other two. He was across the field holding the young knight¡¯s lance! Reed looked in disbelief and Stacker was still chuckling.

    ¡°How does he do it?¡± said Stacker with a grin. Ryan smiled to the crowd and followed the young knight about. The knight halted at his end of the arena and took his lance from Ryan. The young knight looked down at Ryan and gave him a nod, then looked at the top of his lance. They both exchanged a few words that no one else could hear. Only the movement of their mouths could be seen.  Ryan then gave a nod back and ran to his squire post.

    The small announcer strode out towards the center on the arena. Everything was still, and only the sound of the small mans feet shuffling against the ground could be heard. He straightened his arched back, breathed in deeply and opened his mouth to start the match. But as his first word came out his voice cracked, and a high squeak came out as he said ¡°Knights!¡± then he quickly stopped himself, swallowed, and started again. But this time his voice was so subdued and apathetic that he added no excitement to the arena. His stale voice milked the air with boredom. ¡°Knights, ready your lances.¡±

    He then arched his back again, and lamely stared at the ground, his face expressionless.

    ¡°Ah man I forgot to wear black.¡± Reed whispered to Stacker with a smirky sarcastic tone.

    ¡°What?¡± replied Stacker.

    ¡°I am now confident this is a funeral.¡± Reed gave a jest towards the arena with his head as he said this. Stacker looked out, he noticed the small announcer and his stale voice, he realised that the crowd was not making any noise, and the sun had gone behind the clouds that had just flooded in. It truly seemed that at any second pallbearers would be walking into the arena with a casket. Stacker took a palm full of popcorn, ate a piece, and looked at Reed with a smirk. ¡°Yeah I forgot to wear black too.¡±

    The young Knight dropped his helmet visor a little lower and steadied his lance. On the opposite end of the arena a rather beefy fellow sat on a small horse. His name was Liem. His armor was dented in several places including his helmont. See, even though he was a knight, this did not mean he was rich. Some knight¡¯s were even nearly as poor as the peasants. But where they lacked wealth, they made up in popularity. This fat, dented, small horse riding knight was known throughout the surrounding towns as Large Liem. The two Knights faced each other, lances at the ready. The arena was silent enough for a pin to be heard hitting the ground. Someone from the crowd shouted. ¡°Lets go Liem!¡±

    A blast of horns split the silence of the air. The knights spurred their horses, kicking the animals sides with a strong swift kick. The horses stood up on their hind legs neighing. Like lighting they thundered towards each other, without hesitation. The speed of each knight was unbelievable. Reed stood up from his seat and stared in amazement. The rest of the crowd followed, with many a person screaming from excitement and wonder. The horses kicked up dust leaving a trail of dirt flying through the air. Large Liem lowered his lance down, aiming for the head of his opponent. It was an amazing sight to behold. The distances between the knights dwindled as fast as a lit fuse. Within mere moments the knights met. Like a quick flash the younger knight slammed his lance down into the attacking position. As soon as he flung it down there was a cracking noise that sliced through the air. Bits of lance and armor scattered through the open air and rained down on the ground. Both knights rode at a trot for a few paces. They halted. Large liem leaned forwards on his horse, then fell to the ground in a heap. The crowd boomed with cheers. Flowers were thrown from all directions onto the young knight. He left his helmet on unlike other knights, who bathe in the glory and make sure all can see their face. He did a half wave towards the crowd and rode off into the stables. He won the match by knockout. As soon as Large Liem was dragged off the field and the announcer dismissed the royal family for the halftime show that was going to be held in the adjoining field, Stacker and Reed jumped over the stands railings and bolted towards Ryan.

    ¡° How did you do it old chap!?¡± said Stacker in wonder.

    ¡°Did you get to meet any of the royals?¡± cried Reed in awe.

    Ryan slouched his back and placed his hands in his pockets. He smiled towards the ground, then looked up at them. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then shut it.  He removed his glasses and blew on them. He then rubbed the spectacles with a handkerchief. Then put his glasses back on, pushed them in the correct position with one finger, which he often did when feeling smart. He turned his head towards them, eyes closed, smiled then opened them.

    ¡°Gentlemen, with a brain like mine one can achieve anything.¡±

    Reeds excited face faded away into a sneer. ¡°Yeah no one cares about your brain. Now tell us how you did it.¡±

    Stacker laughed softly and looked at Reed. Then to Ryan. ¡°Hey I think your brain is awesome.¡±

    ¡°Thank you Stacker.¡± Ryan said in a polite, dignified tone. You know with the amount of books I read and . .

    ¡°Don¡¯t stretch out the compliment, just take it as it was.¡± Broke in Stacker, as he raised his eyebrows, but still had a smile.

    ¡°Oh uh, sorry,¡± Ryan replied. He realized he was losing the attention of his small audience and quickly started telling them the story of how he became a knights page for a day.  ¡°Well, I ran pass his tents security easily enough, then dodged a few hooded figures and bumped right into him. He was the only one to spot me in the tent, which is strange since I am rather good at slipping by, and espiecally since the fact he was also wearing a helmet.¡±

    ¡°Just get to the point you Bazoink.¡± interrupted Reed as he crossed his arms and leaned back on one leg.

    ¡°I¡¯m getting to it.¡± replied Ryan in a humble tone.

    ¡°Well he asked me what I was doing there, and to how I even gotten in the VIP section of the tent. I told him that I was seeking a knight, to ask to be a page too. He said all knights already had their required amount of pages and no more were needed.¡±

    Then Ryan¡¯s face drew into a bashful smile and his face turned a little red as he spoke,

    ¡°And then I showed him this.¡± Ryan handed Stacker his small notebook. Reed leaned over Stackers shoulder and the both them read the notebooks contents.  As Stacker flipped through the notebook, Ryan pulled out some of his leftover strawberry taffy and began to chew on it. Reed looked up from the notebook and stared at Ryan with tasty eyes.

    Stacker finally stopped at one page and examined it closely. A grin crept over his face. He looked up at Ryan slowly, then said ¡°Why you little conniving cheat.¡±

    Reed looked from Ryan to Stacker, then back to Ryan. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°So that young Knight didn¡¯t need you for another page, he wanted you for this.¡± Stacker flipped the notebook around so Reed and Ryan could both see it. On the paper, pencil sketchings showed a lance, but the end of it was cut off. The center of the top and bottom had been drilled out leaving it hollow. Then a tight fitted pole was placed into the lance.  Attached to the un covered portion of the pole was the top half of the outside lance portion. So once slid in, it looked like an ordinary lance, but if slung down the end would extend, making the lance longer.

    ¡°So that is how he won, by your genius.¡± Stacker said. He was truly impressed. His wide eyes and opened mouth gave that away. Ryan¡¯s cheeks went red, and he bashfully blushed. He looked over to Reed to see if he had heard the compliment he had just received from Stacker. He and Reed always had some sort of competition going on, they both liked to stick it to the other when one of them either received praise, or if the other was wrong about anything. Reed didn¡¯t show anything close to being impressed. But inside he was amazed. Ryan wanted everyone to be happy in the midst of his triumph, so he handed the last piece of strawberry taffy to Reed, who took it with a happy smile and scarfed it down rather quickly. As he was swallowing his last bite, he spilled out a few words over the noise of chewing.

    ¡°I knew something was up.¡± Reed took a few more chews and spoke again, ¡°There is always something up with you. You¡¯re a pretty smart guy I guess.¡± He finally swallowed and stared at Ryan,  hoping he would be presented with another piece of taffy after his small bit of a compliment, if that is what you can even call it. Ryan stared back, and Stacker stared at the both of them. For several moments no words were said. Stacker looked back down at the notebook and studied it further. His head nodded a little, and his eyes brightened up like embers.

    ¡°So that is how he won, eh? I was wondering why the young knight waited till the last moment to swing his lance down. He waited so at the last moment it would extend, knock his opponent off his horse, and let the lance be destroyed into pieces. No one then would be able to see the lance size difference since he waited to extend it with the swing, and the evidence was shattered into a million pieces.¡±  Stacker finished sharing his thoughts, and looked up to Ryan for confirmation.

    ¡° Impressive Stack.¡± replied Ryan.

    Reed quickly blurted out ¡°Yeah, I knew that too. Just wanted Stack to have a moment to figure it out. Because like, the physics of. . .¡±

    ¡°Just stop.¡± interrupted Ryan. ¡°Don¡¯t embarrass yourself.¡±

    Reed knew he had no clue to how it worked, so he stopped trying to act like he did. Once again everyone went quiet. This time Reed broke the silence.

    ¡°Well I can still beat you any form of combat. ¡° He crossed his arms indignantly.

    ¡°So? Stacker can beat you in combat. We all have our strengths and weaknesses.¡± replied Ryan.

    After Stacker was done reading the notebook he looked to Ryan with a grin.

    ¡°You old boy, this will be quite a story to keep in your back pocket.¡±

    Before Ryan could answer, a flash of lighting lit up the ever so darkening sky. A roar of thunder followed and boomed, loud enough to hear from miles around. The three boys looked up into the sky. It was gray, without a trace of blue. Rain slowly started to fall half a mile out, slowly sweeping in like a wall. The first to run was Reed. He absolutely hated being wet. He bolted towards the arena entrance, hoping it would not already be packed.

    Stacker and Ryan stared on at the oncoming wall of rain.

    ¡°That is something else.¡± remarked Stacker. Ryan turned around, and started walking towards some shelter. ¡°Come on Stack.¡±

    The two walked side by side, hands in pockets as people ran by them. The rain slowly started to pelt down on them. Then as if a switch had been flipped, a downpour of rain fell from the skies. The field, and the stadium were now empty. Only Stacker and Ryan were still in it, both walking and enjoying the rain. All the shelters were bustling with people. The two boys decided to jump the stadium wall and climbed up onto the bleachers. They made their way to the royals section and sat down under the roofed section. Stacker sat where the cardinal was, and Ryan sat were the prince had been. Stacker¡¯s face lightened up. He looked over to Ryan and said,

    ¡°Look at you Ryan. You were a page to a knight, now you are a royal.¡±

    ¡°Well we both are.¡± Ryan replied.

    Stacker put his feet on the railing and leaned back in his chair, watching the rain as it slowly turned the field into a pond. It was so very peaceful. For a few minutes everything was quiet. Only the sound of rain could be heard.

    ¡°Stack. . .¡± whispered Ryan.

    ¡°Yeah Ryan?¡±

    ¡°Someone is below us.¡± Ryan pointed with his eyes towards the floorboards. Stacker sat in his chair, trying hard to hear anything but the rain. He tuned out the sound of the water hitting the ground. He heard a ever so slight creak. It sounded as if someone was not exactly staying still, but was trying too.  Stacker peered between the floorboards, and then smiled to himself. It was Reed. Stacker winked at Reed, and Reed winked back. Stacker looked back up to Ryan and yawned as he stretched his arms.

    ¡°Ah it is nothing. Just the wind walking around down there.¡±

    Ryan stared for a moment, then decided the same for himself. He leaned back in the comfy chair and nestled into the pillows. As he shut his eyes, a small wooden rod came up through the floorboards. It made its way towards Ryan¡¯s foot, and quickly poked it from underneath. Ryan quickly sat up and lifted his foot up. He stared at it for a moment then placed it back down. He looked over to Stacker who was turned the over way, and appeared to be sleeping. Stacker actually had a grin on his face and was trying to hold back laughter. Ryan looked around, he checked his foot one more time and then laid back down. He shrugged his shoulders and shut his eyes again. The rod came back up. This time Stacker grabbed onto the end of it, and gave a wink to Reed. Stacker then picked up a wooden bucket that was next to his chair, turned it upside down and placed it over the rod. Reed then moved the rod forwards and backwards, making the bucket move across the floorboards. It started to make a scratching noise. Stacker quickly turned back around and pretended to sleep. The bucket kept moving about. Slowly, Ryan¡¯s enyes opened. His head dropped a little bit as he stared at the moving bucket. He slowly took his feet off the ground and placed them in the chair. He wrapped his arms around his knees and stared. The bucket had stopped moving.

    ¡°St . . .Sta . . . Stack . . .¡± Ryan mumbled.

    ¡°Mhm¡± Stacker replied, without moving.

    ¡°The bucket. . .¡± Ryan stammered.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± replied Stacker, trying his hardest not to laugh. His face had now turned red.

    Reed then moved the rod up, making the bucket rise off the floor, looking as if it was levitating.

    ¡°HOLY BUCKETS!¡± cried Ryan. He flew back into his chair, trying to get as far away as possible from the floating bucket. He slammed against the back of the chair making it fall over. Ryan scrambled about in pillows and blankets yelling in fear. As soon as this happened Stacker could not hold back any longer. Stacker fell out of his chair, laughing as he slapped the ground. Tears formed in his eyes as he tried to catch a breath. Reed opened the nearby trap door, and looked with a smirky smile at Ryan who was still in the pillows, trying to scramble away. He burst out laughing. Together he and Stacker laughed and pointed at Ryan, both trying to talk.

    ¡°Your fa¡± Stacker couldn¡¯t talk, his laughs kept breaking in. ¡°Your face¡± he cried out.

    ¡°Was so white.¡± he laughed out. He finally controlled himself and breathed in slowly, and back out. Ryan, who was still scared, and now confused quickly got the blankets off of himself and looked at the bucket. He cautiously rose to his feet and walked towards it. He stared at it, then kicked it over. He saw the rod now. He turned towards Stacker, than noticed Reed¡¯s head that was sticking above the floorboards from the trap door entrance. He quickly put two and two together and realised he had been fooled, and from non-other than Reed.

    ¡°You!¡± he said loudly. His face became stern. His nose wrinkled. He pushed his glasses up into their correct position. Reed kept laughing and shaked his head.

    ¡°I will avenge myself, if it is the last thing I do! You better watch out Wood!¡± Wood was Reeds last name, which Ryan often called him when upset.

    ¡°I don¡¯t care.¡± laughed out Reed. ¡°It was so worth it.¡± He climbed up the ladder and then helped Stacker to his feet, who had been on the floor the entire time, still trying to catch his breath.

    ¡°Alright alright.¡± Stacker said. He dusted his pants off with his hands and looked to Ryan with a grin. ¡°Holy buckets?¡± He then started laughing again. Ryan¡¯s face turned a little red but then he too started to laugh, making Reed join in too. The three boys cleaned up their mess, then walked shoulder to shoulder back into town, talking about the past days advents. Little did they know, it would be their last normal day, and things would never be the same again.

 The Last Normal Day

    Chapter 3

    "The Last Normal Day"

    The forest was dim with a thick fog blanketing the ground. Majestic sun rays pierced the tree canopy, sending down gleaming beams of light. It was all quiet. A small creek flowed down between the mighty oak trees, giving life to not only the plants, but to wildlife of all shapes and sizes. In a hole in the ground, a rabbit appeared. It made its way across a fallen log onto the opposite bank. It hopped along at a slow pace, pausing here and there. He made his way to the water¡¯s edge and rested on his front paws as he drank slowly. One ear slowly went up. He lifted his head as his second ear shot up. He sat up on his hind legs. His nose started twitching, causing his whiskers to tick back and forth. He cocked his head sideways, as if trying to get a better listen of what was approaching. Off in the distance the sound of a low galloping could be made out. It quickly began to become louder. With each second passing the sound loomed more heavily on the rabbit¡¯s ears. The small rabbit wasted no more time in foolish lingering. He bolted up the creek bed and across the fallen tree back into his home among a thistle patch, vanishing from sight.

    ¡°YA! YA!¡± A thunderous shout stormed through the air. The constant sound of hoofs thrashing the ground was now on the air. The rabbit hunkered down, keeping out of sight. Quick as lighting a rider in burlock green flew down the wooded hill. His cloak flew in the wind behind him, with a gleaming bow around his chest. The horse¡¯s nostrils heaved, with sweat raining down from its glistening coat.

    ¡°YA! YA!¡± The rider kicked the horse¡¯s sides, challenging it to go faster. As quick as they appeared, they disappeared. The rabbit slowly made his way out. All was quiet once again. He hopped down to the water¡¯s edge to finish his drink.

    A small man, in a nightgown ran through the great stone halls. He went through a small dark passageway, breathing heavily. He opened the door to a flood of warm light.

    ¡°My lord! My lord come quick!¡±

    An older man turned from his wall of books. He lowered his head down, so his eyes could look over his spectacles.

    ¡°What seems to be the matter my friend?¡±

    ¡°Sire! It is about the company!

    ¡°The company! What? Is it sent, is it safe? What happened?¡±

    ¡°I do not know Sire. A messenger from Lake Haven has just arrived with the news.¡±

    ¡°Take me to him.¡±

    The two figures ran out from the study, leaving the candles to melt slowly into puddles. They made their way across an indoor arched bridge that led into a courtyard. They ran down a stone staircase and onto a wooden platform. The Lord nodded to a guard who gave orders to open the gates. The mighty wooden doors swung inward, revealing another platform. Yet this one was above a deep chasm, that lead as far down as the eye could see. Connected to platform was a stone bridge, that lead out to a great forest. On the platform a rider in green stood. His arms were crossed, with one hand holding a parchment, and the other holding the reins to a great black horse. His face was hidden by a mask, and a thick hood drooped over his head and shoulders.

    ¡°Rider of Lake haven, servant of Lady Windhelm. What news have you brought me?¡± asked the Woodsmen leader as he quickly walked down the stone steps onto the platform.

    ¡°A message from our Lady to you my Lord. Two nights ago we found your company¡¯s carriage turned upside down in a ditch. All of your secret service were killed except one. The sword was nowhere to be found. It was stolen. ¡°

    At this the Woodsmen leader slowly lowered himself onto the stairs to sit. His eyes widened, then shut, then opened. He look up quickly and asked

    ¡°What of the survivor? What did he say?¡±

    ¡°When we found him he was hardly alive. I do not think it was an accident that they left a survivor. He could not talk for several hours. Late into the night he started to mumble, and yesterday morning he could speak faintly. He told us of his mission, and that his company was under your jurisdiction.¡±

    The woodsmen leader inhaled. He held his breath for a few seconds then slowly exhaled. He slowly stood up while he looked the rider in green in the eyes.

    ¡°I know your Lady will be displeased with me. I should have told her about the company setting out. Yet I knew sending a messenger to tell her was far too risky. And it would seem even planning it out under our own means was not secretive enough. So, this survivor, what of him? Did he say who or what attacked them?¡±

    ¡°His name is Born. He said they were traveling down the main road, when the horses came to a halt. He said it was like magic. The carriage slowly rose off from the ground, then was thrown against the rock hillside, killing all within. He said he could not raise his weapon, and slowly fell to the ground, wounded with stabs. He never saw the enemy, nor who even inflicted his wounds. More so my Lord, Born believes he knows how Genesis, or whoever it was learned of the company and its mission.¡± (note)

    ¡°How? Who? I want this traitor to have his due justice.¡± Replied the Woodsmen leader in an angered whisper. His fists were clenched. His teeth pressed hard against one another. His eyes narrowed.

    ¡°They were not betrayed my Lord. Born talked of three boys. Three boys they encountered whilst staying at Crown¡¯s Inn in the town of Escamar. It was their last night to stay within a town. Born said one of the boys they found at the door, listening in to the company¡¯s conversation. The other two boys ran into the room to save their friend. They seemed to have just been trouble makers, Born said. He also said under certain circumstances he had to tell them that he and his men were on a mission. That is all he told them. Why? I do not know.¡±

    ¡°So these, boys, must have been . . . spies? And led their brutes, our enemy, to the company!¡±

    ¡°That is the best theory we have so far sir, but not certain.¡±

    ¡°Not certain? Not certain! I am quite sure it is certain. No other explanation. Did Born tell you what they looked like?¡±

    ¡°In full detail sir. One was tall, long hair, and broad. Another was skinny, had unkempt black hair, and wore glasses. The last one had Orange curly hair, and was said to grin a lot.¡±

    ¡°Find them rider. I will send my personal Rangers with you. When you have found these boys, bring them in for questioning. These are fragel times. We must know about our enemy, and what they plan to do next. If was Genesis who took the sword, we are at a great disadvantage.¡±

    ¡°It shall be done my Lord.¡± The rider mounted his horse. He looked down at the Leader.  ¡°And here is a message from our Lady.¡± He handed the parchment down to the Woodmen Leader. The gates then opened. It would seem almost as if the Woodsmen were waiting for this messenger, for rangers in grey and brown rode out from the castle gate, awaiting orders within seconds of being mentioned. The Rider then took his reigns.

    ¡°We ride North!¡± The Woodsmen leader read the parchment, as his riders thundered pass him, disappearing into the forest, following the Rider in burlock green.

    ¡°Stacker?. . .Stacker? Where is that boy?¡± said Hunter with her hand on her hips. Under one arm she had a fresh basket of towels that she had just washed, and was about to ask Stacker to hang them up.

    ¡°Dane? Sweet heart? Have you seen Stacker?¡±

    Dane lowered his paper down and took his pipe out of a box. His face was light, and his eyes soft. He smiled faintly at Hunter as he said

    ¡°He must be at the Woods house. They usually find their way there. Has he not been home since this morning before the tournament?¡±

    ¡°No he has not. It is unlike him not tell us his plans for the day.¡±

    ¡°Well, he must be up to something exciting with his friends.¡± Hunter then realised that her dry towels that were hanging outside were being soaked by the rain. She quickly plopped down the wet ones in her hands down onto the floor and rushed out the sidedoor.

    Just as Dane raised his newspaper back up, the frontdoor opened, and voices were heard.

    ¡°Well so much for that.¡± said Reed. ¡°Our one chance at all being knight pages for a day, gone.¡±

    ¡°Mmm, maybe not. I am sure the tournament will be postponed. And now at least we can have our meeting, which we didn¡¯t have last night due to. . ¡° Stackers voice trailed off. Ryan finished the sentence for him.

    ¡°Last night¡¯s interesting events?¡±

    Stacker looked up and smiled.

    ¡°Ah yes. I couldn¡¯t think of the right words.¡±

    Stacker actually never knew what not to say. He was wonderful at talking. He did not finish his words due to the fact that his parents were in the house and that they may overhear him. As the boys went and dried off by the fire, Stacker¡¯s mother walked in, carrying more wet towels.

    ¡°Well I guess a second wash never hurt.¡± She said in a tired, but optimistic voice. She then realized that the three boys were in the living room and she perked up.

    ¡°Well if it is not my three favorite young prince¡¯s of Escamar.¡± She placed the laundry aside and went and gave each one a kiss on the forehead. ¡°But this one is my favorite.¡± She said as she kissed Stacker¡¯s cheek. Stacker blushed and gave his mother a hug.

    ¡°Well what are you boys up to? I¡¯m guessing it doesn¡¯t have anything to do with the outdoors.¡± She leaned towards one of the windows and peered up into the dark sky.

    ¡°We are having a secret meeting I believe.¡± replied Ryan.

    ¡°He means we are just gonna talk and hangout, and share a few secrets haha.¡± Reed quickly added. He hated it when he was compared to a child or was treated like one. Therefore, he disproved of what Ryan had said, making it sound like they had a little boy¡¯s club, and had secret meetings, which they did. Ryan and Reed both liked Hunter, and viewed her as their second mother. She made them cookies, lemonade, and even uniforms for their club. She truly loved them nearly as much as she loved Stacker.

    ¡°Well I hope your meeting goes well. ¡° She then picked her laundry back up and walked into the kitchen. As she placed it near the fire hearth she said loudly,

    ¡°Would you boys care for some cookies?¡±

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am!¡± All three replied at the same time. Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Reed then stretched his arms and yawned. He placed his long limbs on his hips. He looked at Ryan, who was slowly drifting off to sleep next to the fire.

    ¡°Wake up old boy.¡± said Reed as he shook Ryans shoulder.

    ¡°I¡¯m up, I¡¯m up.¡± yawned Ryan.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take this upstairs, I think the fire is putting Ryan to sleep.¡± Reed said to Stacker.

    As Stacker, Ryan and Reed walked up the stairs, they started talking about last night¡¯s events. Reed thought it was all baloney, and Ryan said it wasn¡¯t. As for Stacker, he could only think of the beautiful sword he had seen a glimpse off, right before he was taken prisoner. It had four hilt pieces. Each hilt was a different color. The blade was a silver white. Stacker had never seen such an amazing looking sword.

    ¡°What¡¯s eating at you?¡± asked Ryan.

    Stacker realised he had been staring at his room¡¯s wall for quite some time.

    ¡°I was thinking of a sword that one of those men carried last night. I have never seen anything like it.¡±

    Reed perked up and looked very interested. His mother was a blacksmith, and he helped her with the orders. He loved everything to do with weapons, tools, or any metal devices really.

    ¡°A sword?¡± He asked as he straightened his back up.

    ¡°Mhm.¡± replied Stacker. ¡°It was was a four piece hilted sword, with a silver blade. Each piece was a different color, and two swan heads met in the middle.¡±

    ¡°Can you draw it from memory?¡± asked Ryan. He too was now curious.

    ¡°I think so.¡± Stacker stood up and walked quickly to his closet. He opened the door, objects of all shapes and sizes fell out around him. He searched for a few moments and turned around, holding his coloring quills.

    ¡°Why do you need your coloring set?¡± Reed asked.

    ¡°Like I said, the hilt was multiply colors. Pay attention.¡± Stacker replied.

    Stacker set the quills on his bed. He examined each shade of each color of ink. He picked several until he was satisfied. Reed and Ryan both stared, each looking curious and a little confused. They expected dark, metal colors. Instead Stacker had selected blue, green, red and yellow. And a few more darker colors. They both sat down on either side of Stacker and watched as he sketched away. They all kept quiet. As Stacker started to color it in, Reed exclaimed,

    ¡°What on earth?

    Stacker kept coloring away.

    ¡°I have never seen anything like that.¡± Ryan said in a mumble.

    Once Stacker was done, he raised his drawing up. The three boys stared in awe.

    ¡°Those hilts won¡¯t protect your fingers very well.¡± pointed out Reed. ¡°They seem to be vertical. They are suppose to be . . .err¡± Reed had forgotten the word. He tried to hide it.

    ¡°You know, they should be flat."

    Ryan raised an eyebrow and said slowly, ¡°I believe the word you are looking for is horizontal?¡±

    Reed chuckled a little and confessed he had forgotten the word.

    ¡°Well anyways I¡¯ve never seen a hilt like that. I¡¯ll ask mum about it.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯ll go to the library tomorrow and see if i can find anything on it.¡± Little did Ryan know there would be no tomorrow for them.

    As the boys sat there, staring at the drawing, Ryan perked up. A sly smile crept upon his face.

    ¡°Oh fellers, I nearly forgot to tell you about my encounter.¡±

    Stacker and Reed looked over to Ryan and both at the time replied, ¡°What encounter?¡±

    Ryan leaned back and yawned. It was obviously a fake yawn, but Stacker and Reed said nothing. Ryan stretched his arms and then folded them across his chest.

    ¡°Well¡± he paused, then continued. ¡°Long story short, when I went to get taffy, at the tournament that is, I saw the most beautiful being, I have ever seen.¡±

    Reeds cheeks went red. Stacker smirked. ¡°Continue¡± replied Stacker.

    ¡°Well, while I was waiting in line for the taffy, I noticed this girl in the front of the line. Her hair was amazing. As I was staring, and wondering how she made it seem so shiny, she turned around and stared right at me! I nearly jumped a foot. I wasn¡¯t prepared.¡±

    ¡°What did you do old mate!?¡± Reed asked. His cheeks were still red.

    ¡°Stared right back. That¡¯s all I could do.¡± Stacker started laughing softly and grinned.

    ¡°Ryan you must be the luckiest guy in the world. First, you were a knight¡¯s page for a day, and now this?¡±

    Ryan gave a toothy smile and replied ¡°Yes I am.¡±

    Reed rolled his eyes. ¡°Whatever. I don¡¯t believe it. Anyways, I need to be heading back off home to help Mum with sharpening. Today is our deadline for a few orders.¡±

    ¡°Take care man.¡± replied Stacker.

    ¡°See ya¡± replied Ryan.

    Reed stood up and walked down the stairs. He made his way to the front door and headed towards his home. When he arrived at his house, he noticed two horses out front. He ducked under the tool shed, taking shelter from the rain. He ran his hands through his long hair and washed his face. He walked up the front door, grabbed the handle, waited a moment, then entered in.

    ¡°There he is! Right on time.¡±

    ¡°Hey Mom!¡± He gave her a hug and then sat down on a chair to untie his shoes. Then he quickly sat back up, realising there were two guest in the room. One was a man, about mid forties. He had gray long hair, and a thin white beard.

    ¡°Reed, this Calvin.¡± His mother said as she introduced them. Reed walked up and smiled. He stuck out his hand.

    ¡°How do you do sir?¡±

    ¡°Very well thank you. Allow me to introduce my daughter, Quinn.¡± He turned to his daughter. Reed smiled and looked over at her. As soon as Reed saw her, he went stiff. She had black wavy hair, smooth tan skin, and big brown eyes. She was absolutely beautiful. She smiled at Reed.

    ¡°Nice to meet you.¡± She said. Reed smiled and tried to talk. He was lost for words, and nothing came out. This had completely caught him off guard. He looked to his mother, hoping she might say something. She didn¡¯t. He tried to speak again, but nothing came out. He turned back to his mother and said in a rushed light voice.

    ¡°Oh I left my watch at Stacker¡¯s house.  I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    ¡°Well, ok dear. Just come right back once you have it.¡± replied his mother, whose name is Grace.

    ¡°Oh boys, always forgetting things.¡± She said as she shut the door behind Reed.

    Reed ran at full sprint, dodging town¡¯s people, and taking every short cut he knew. He had the biggest smile on his face.

    Stacker and Ryan were just walking out of the front door, since the rain had slowed down. Reed¡¯s head was down and he nearly ran into them.

    ¡°What are you doing back here?¡± asked Ryan.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be helping your mom?¡± Stacker also said.

    Reed gulped, and through breaths managed to speak a bit.

    ¡°Girl¡± He swallowed another breath. ¡°Pretty.¡± He was so winded he had to stop talking.

    Ryan turned to Stacker, and raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Yes Reed, girls are usually pretty.¡± replied Stacker, looking a little confused. Reed waved his hand randomly around. The other on his knee, as he was bent over.

    ¡°No, no. . .no¡± he said through breaths. ¡°I mean, pretty girl.¡± He pointed a finger back in the direction of his house. ¡°Pretty girl, at my house.¡±

    Stacker leaned back against a fence post, crossed his arms and smirked.

    ¡°So both of you have seen a beautiful young lady today? Well hopefully this is contagious and I¡¯ll see one too.¡± he said with a grin.

    ¡°What did she look like?¡± asked Ryan.

    ¡°Black hair, fiery brown eyes, absolutely gorgeous.¡± Reed replied.

    Ryan¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°That is the same girl I saw! It must be!¡±

    ¡°Well shoot.¡± exclaimed Stacker. ¡°I want to see her now.¡±

    ¡°She is still at my house.¡± Reed said, as he finally caught his breath. ¡°We should go, since you¡¯ll never see a better looking gal.¡±

    Stacker grinned at the two. ¡°Well what are we waiting for?¡±

    Ryan and Stacker took off in a sprint. Reed sighed. ¡°Can¡¯t we wait a bit?¡± He yelled out after them.

    ¡°Nope!¡± Ryan replied, without turning around. ¡°But I just caught my breath.¡± Reed said in hurt voice. He slowly trotted after the other two.

    They ran up main street, then cut across old man Mcglugin¡¯s small meadow. Once they arrived at Reed¡¯s house, Ryan slammed into Stacker who had came to a halt rather quickly, making Stacker stumble and slam into Reed. All three were on the ground. They quickly tried to collect themselves. Stacker brushed off the dust from himself, as Reed coughed up dust. Ryan was holding his nose. It was bleeding.

    ¡°Good going Ryan.¡± Reed said as he coughed.

    ¡°Well at least you¡¯re not bleeding.¡± squeaked out Ryan.

    Reed smoothed out his hair, and tried to see his reflection in a puddle. Stacker leaned over the muddy puddle, and then looked up to Reed.

    ¡°Looking good mate!¡±

    ¡°Well thank you kind sir.¡± replied Reed in a mocking tone, due to the fact that the puddle was far too muddy to see a reflection, making Reed¡¯s look like a blob of color.

    Ryan stretched his arms, and hitched up his pants, since they were usually to big on him. He was about to say something when the front door to Reed¡¯s house opened.

    ¡°Thank you for the shelter Grace.¡± said a gentlemen like voice. Then an older man walked out of the house and looked around at each boy. It was quite a sight.

    ¡°Boys!¡± said Grace as she walked out. ¡°What of earth happened?¡± Ryan looked to Reed, and Reed looked to Stacker.

    ¡°Ah we were just running up main street, and you know how dusty it can be with all the wagons.¡±

    ¡°Well as long as no one got hurt then I won¡¯t ask any further. Oh boys, this is Calvin.¡± She stepped to the side, and smiled to the man. She gestured her hand out towards the boys.

    ¡°This one is mine.¡± She looked to Reed, who smiled at Calvin.

    ¡°That one is Ryan. He¡¯s a smarty.¡± she winked at Ryan who smiled awkwardly. Before Grace could introduce Stacker, he stepped forward and put his hand out.

    ¡°How do you do sir?¡±

    ¡°Very well thank you. You must be Stacker, from the description Grace gave us.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir.¡± Replied Stacker. Just then another person came out. It was the young lady Reed and Ryan had seen. She walked with a strong dignity about her, but in a beautiful way. She was just as well spoken as Stacker, stronger then Reed, and smarter than Ryan. But the boys did not know all of these things. And she did not give these things away. She was also quite humble. She walked out of the house and smiled to Grace.

    ¡°Thank you for your lovely hospitality miss. Your kindness has been so very refreshing.¡±

    Grace took her hand and gave her a kiss on the cheek. ¡°You all are always welcomed under my roof.¡± Grace then turned to the boys.

    ¡°Quinn, this is Stacker, Ryan, and this one is my son, Reed.¡± Stacker smiled and put his hand out. She stepped forward instantly and shook it. Stacker stared at her for a moment, then gave her a wink. Quinn¡¯s face turned the slightest shade of red, she was blushing. Before anything else could happen further Calvin broke in.

    ¡°Well we must be going Quinn.¡± She looked towards her further and her eyes blinked a few times, as if coming back to reality.

    ¡°Yes sir. It was nice to meet you all.¡± she replied. Calvin nodded to the boys as he passed through them.

    ¡°Nice to have met you Stacker.¡±

    ¡°The pleasure was mine sir!¡± Stacker replied. Calvin then walked passed Ryan and Reed.

    ¡°Gentlemen.¡± he said as he gave a nod.

    ¡°Nice meeting you sir.¡± they replied. Reed gave a half bow, but then realised it looked stupid. He tried to cover it up by pretending he meant to tie his shoe. He bowed down, paused, then went all the way down and started tying his shoe. Calvin and Quinn looked at each other, both a little confused, then kept walking on. Ryan smirked. As soon as the guest had gotten out of earshot, Ryan and Stacker broke into laughter. They each put a hand on each other to steady themselves as they laughed.

    ¡®You just, kinda bowed there.¡± laughed out Ryan. ¡°And you, you looked so stupid.¡± Stacker¡¯s eyes started to form tears as Ryan kept making fun of Reed. Grace had a small smile and tried to not laugh. She could not hold it back, and had to turn around pretending to inspect the framework of her front door.

    Reed stood motionless. His face had a slight smirk on it. It turned into a grin.

    ¡°Oh shut up.¡± He then grabbed Ryan in a headlock and wrestled around with him.

    ¡°Oh you boys. Come inside and clean yourself up.¡± said Grace. The three of them, still all laughing a little walked side by side, arm in arm as they walked into the house. It had been a wonderful day.

    Just then the Gattleburgs had finished tea. Mr. Gattleburg was walking out the door to feed his chickens when he noticed a strange looking carriage in the road. It was in front of the Dukov¡¯s house. He had never seen anything like it. He took off his hat, and wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.

    ¡°Susan?¡± he called back into the house. An older woman walked out into the door frame, as she scrubbed a plate clean with a cloth.

    ¡°Yes dear?¡±

    ¡°Do you know anyone from town with a carriage like that?¡± He pointed across the street. Ms. Gattleburg stared for a moment, then slowly shook her head.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe so.¡± Just as she said this, a door to the carriage opened. Two young men stepped out. Each in chainmail, with green capes on. One carried a crossbow, and the other a sword on his back. They stepped out of the carriage and held the door open. Then an older lady in a deep velvet colored gown stepped out. She had an odd hat on, and carried a small wooden staff.

    Mr. Gattleberg quickly looked away and pretended that he had not seen them. ¡°How peculiar.¡± he said quietly. He picked up his chicken feed and walked towards the backyard, muttering how strange the times had become.