• Chapter One
    A Fateful Meeting

    A long time ago, in a land far away, a great war ensued. This battle took the lives of many valiant men and many were lost in during this time. Now, our story is about one of these lost souls. Our story is about Jason, a warrior from a distant country. Cold and hungry, without a coin to his name, and no place to call his own, Jason was sure an unfortunate person. But, as of the beliefs of that time, Fate has a a way of coming around.


    One day, while walking on a countryside trail, Jason befell a strange peddler, wearing a lopsided hat with goose feathers attached to the brim. "Hello." Jason said to the man. "I hope I'm not being bothersome by asking, but do you perhaps know where I can rest? I've traveled a long way and I'm rather hungry. If you could spare some change, I'd gladly do some favor for you." At this, the strange man smiled, and said, "I can give you food, shelter and, if you'd like, a job. I've been in need of a strong lad and I believe that you could be of some use." Jason replied, "That is very kind of you, sir. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Jason, and I come from far away. I got lost during the war and I'm trying to find my way home. What is your name, sir?" The man smiled, and said, "I am nobody. Just an old peddler. But I am very good at my trade. Work for me, and you will be able to save enough money to go home."

    Jason thought, and realized that this is his best bet at surviving. Jason's stomach growled. "You seem to be hungry. Follow me, I live close by here." With that, the man turned and started walking away. Jason followed at his side, and they talked. Minutes seemed like hours, Jason was so hungry, But soon a fork in the road. "Follow me now, and there is no turning back." The man said. "Jason wondered what he meant, but was determined to find his home, so he followed the man to the right, into a dark forest. Strange plants and unearthly sounds issued forth from the woods, but Jason, being a seasoned warrior, was not discouraged. "Smart to live in a place that no one would come. You must have a lot of business to want to protect your assets in this manner." To this the man replied, "You'd be surprised how many guests I attend to." Jason said, "You must be very popular with people, then. To have many guests." The man replied, "Oh no, I'm not popular. Usually people avoid me. Most times, I go out in disguise, or I get mobbed." Jason said, "How cruel of people to treat such a nice man in that manner. You saved me, and have my allegiance." The man then said, "I'll keep that in mind. But for now, you can drop your formalness around me. It really isn't necessary." Jason replied, "I was raised to be polite, so I cannot drop my formalness."

    Chapter Two
    Flintwood Castle

    After that they walked in silence, neither with anything to say. Jason thought he might have offended this person, but he soon forgot that as the peddlers home came into view. A large, beautiful castle with large towers on all four corners, and a large tower in the middle. In the front, statues depicting knights fighting all sorts of creatures and exotic flowers blooming everywhere in front of the entrance. "A castle?" Jason asked. "You live in a castle?" "Yes. Is that a problem?" The peddler asked. Jason replied, "No, of course not. It was just a shock. Who else lives here?" The man said, "My servants and I. But right now, that's not important. You must be exhausted, and starving. There is a feast waiting inside. Whenever I come back, my servants make me a feast. My youngest servant watches from the north tower for me and informs everyone of my arrival. I am welcomed back before I even get here." The peddler chuckled.



    They pass through the main gate and into the grand hall. Jason is bewildered. Never before has he seen such an amazing sight as this one. A velvet walk way, on polished marble, leading up to a door seemingly made of precious metals, with a cut in image of cherubs, and demons on either side. On either side of the room, giant suits of armer, with weapons no man could wield, stood saluted on either side, as if waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Behind that, Velvet of all colors draped down from the ceiling. The ceiling itself was very high. At least two hundred feet, Jason thought. With amazing diamond chandeliers, all glittering and sparkling as if happy to once again see their master. "You have such an extravagant home. I am honored to stay here." The man replied, "Come, come. My servants will attend to you. Please head through those doors," He points to a doorway to the right. "Will see you at dinner." Jason turns and looks. "But where do I go after those doors?" Jason turns back, and the man is gone. Odd, Jason thought, and went through the doors.

    This hallway was just as amazing as the first, with paintings that must have been worth a kings ransom in gold. In this hallway there were many doors. "Which one do I go into?" Jason said aloud. "Why not pick the o your left? It seems nice." Jason said "Yes, but they all seem n..." Jason turns to find a young girl, barely fifteen, standing there. She looked like a princess. Long, flowing, auburn hair, an expensive looking pink dress, and silvery red eyes. "Who are you, little lady?" Jason asked. "Are you the daughter of the man that brought me here?" "Oh no, I am the masters servant." "You seem too well dressed to be a servant." Jason replied. The young girl smiled. "All of the masters servants are well dressed. The master takes care of us, and treats us kindly. That is why we all love the master. If you please, allow me to show you to your room." With that, she took is hand and gently pulled him into the room to the left. Inside, there was a giant bed, with the softest looking pillows you would ever see, and a vanity mirror, on the wall, which you could show, easily, twelve mens' reflections at once. A large desk with an ink well and quill, and parchment, also. "Your master is very kind to allow me to stay here." The girl shook her head in agreement, and said, "Master is very kind. Please, but your things down and rest. Others will come and take care of you. I must go now, and see master. Goodbye, sir." With that, she left. Jason put his sword and sheild down by the bedside, climbed in and fell asleep immediately.



    Chapter Three
    The Feast

    Later, he awoke to a knock at the door. "Come in." Jason said, sitting up from is nap. An older man walked in, wearing a very nice outfit. "Hello, sir. I am Samson. I will be attending to you. Please, follow me." Jason gets up, and walks towards him. "This way, sir." Samson says, and heads out. "I am Jason, Samson. Nice to meet you." Jason says as the walk down the hall. "Yes, sir, very nice." Jason asks, "Have you been of service here long?" "Oh, yes, I've been with master very many years. He's been sort of a father to me. I care for him in return." Jason wonders, then asks, "How old is he?" "I do not know, sir. It seems he hasn't aged a day since I first met him. I was a child when I met him. Ah, here we are. Through here, please." Samson walks through a door. Jason follows, and, yet again, is amazed. "This is the most luxurious bath I have ever laid eyes on. It's like a giant marble pond!" Samson gave a small smile, "That it is, sir. Over there are the soaps and oils, in the corner is the chute you will put your clothes in. That box there has an outfit in it that you will wear to the feast." Samson walks toward the bath, and questions with the master. He will explain all. I must go now. Good bye, Jason." Samson bows a small bow, and leaves the room.



    Magic, Jason thought, and takes his clothes off, puts them in the chute, has the greatest bath he ever had, and realizes, he doesn't have a towel. He spots a cupboard and, sure enough, inside are towels. He grabs one and is, yet again, amazed. "This is the softest material I've ever touched!" Jason explains. When he is dry, he puts the towel down the chute, goes to the box and pulls out a very expensive garment, made of silk and cotton. "This is a very comfortable outfit." Jason says aloud, and is very happy at his change of fortune. Stepping into the hall, he bumps into a woman, carrying a small tray. They land in a heap. "I'm very sorry, miss." Jason says getting up. He extends his hand to the woman, her face concealed behind her golden hair. She had the same dress that the young one had, he noticed. She excepts it. "I'm sorry, sir." She stutters. "Please don't be angry." Jason chuckles. "Why would I be mad? You did nothing wrong." She bows her head and says, "I dropped your tea. I am sorry." Jason bends down and puts back everything on the tray. "Not at all, lady. Don't worry. Like my father said, no use crying over spilt milk." Then Jason started to laugh, and the girl also. "There, that's better. Always good to laugh when your down." Jason stands up and hands the tray to the girl. "Don't worry about the tea. Is your master ready to receive me?" The girl smiles, and says, "Yes, allow me to lead you to the dining hall. This way, Jason." "How do you know my name." Jason asked. "Oh, Samson told everyone. It's kind of how things are done here. Saying the guests name, I mean. Don't you think 'sir' gets tiring?" Jason chuckled, "Of course. What is your name, miss?" She blushed, and said, "None of the other guests ever asked me for my name. I'm Saria. Pleased to meet you." "The same here, Saria." They walked a ways, talking about whatever came to mind. This is such a nice place, Jason thought. I'll be sad to leave...

    TO BE CONTINUED>>>