The King Of Adventure

Problem Arises 1

Derek's POV.

“And the end, that’s what the legend says, Derek.” My grandma will always conclude with a smile, I thought: missing the warmth of my family.

I sighed inwardly and squinted when I suddenly heard the crudely familiar sizzling sound of whips and the painful screams of its victims outside the academy gate. They are here; the dime collectors, the greatest terrorists of the inhabitants of Gardenia, it was so hard to believe grandma Pabby’s stories of how prosperous Gardenia was when all I've ever seen was how it was in chaos: we were all dying in poverty and those who had enough were only coveting it, sometimes I really wish it was true that there were other kingdoms outside Gardenia walls, but I know there’s nothing out there because if there were, we all wouldn't be helplessly trapped here.

It’s been three years since I left my home to work at master Fung’s antique shop, being the first son of a blacksmith and a dressmaker didn't exactly make life easier, so I decided to come to the kingdom center to find a greener pasture, and along the way, I was able to continue learning my sword skills from master Fung; although to the ordinary eye he might look like a fraudster due to his mysterious identity but… he's not.

I was still lost in deep thought that I didn't even notice Dickson; a fellow disciple calling my name,

“Hey! Brother the master wishes to speak with you.”

“Hurry." He said.

I ran quickly because master hates it when you are not punctual, even though he's close to being my father, he still won't spare me.

“Yes Master, your disciple Derek is here." I said and bowed my head a little,

“Rise, your father has sent a message, you are to go home immediately.” he said,

“Yes master, but is there a problem?” I asked as I threw him a questioning gaze,

“No it was not stated in the letter, you may leave now,” he said with a straight face. I raised my eyebrows at his remark as several thoughts kept racing through my mind as I went back, I could not stop the uneasy feeling bubbling in my chest, I had received my father’s letter yesterday, and he didn't mention anything wrong, I quickly brush off the thought as I walk to the training ground to say goodbye to my fellow brothers; shortly afterward, I prepared myself; taking a few of my clothes, and left for home.

I got home the next day just in time for the preparation for dinner, I sat by the window; drips of rain spilling on my tattered shoes as I let my thought wander, suddenly I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, I looked up at my grandmother’s face: the paleness clearly showing the evidence of her deteriorating health,

“What are you thinking about, boy?” she asked with a soft smile,

“Is everything going to be alright grandma?” I asked worriedly as I grab a hold of her hand,

“Of course, it is, as your grandfather would always say, nothing is permanent as long as there is kindness and love in your heart, no hope is lost,” she said, and a painful smile escaped the corner of my lips,

“Derek…” she called,

“Yes grandma,” I answered as I turn to face her,

“You know… your grandfather would have been proud to see how strong you've become.” She said. “And… I’m glad you are back boy.” we continued to gaze at the sky as we held each other for a while before I heard my mother call for me,

“Son get over here."

“Hurry boy, you don't want your mother to scold you.” Grandma Pabby said, I immediately stood up, placing a swift kiss on her forehead before heading in.

“I want you to deliver this dress to madam Old stone and be back before dinner." My mother said and handed me the dress, even though she always did a good job keeping a strong front, but I knew she was barely hanging on and the thought broke my heart.

Mrs old stone’s home was a little far from ours since we live in the outskirt of the kingdom,, so I had to walk. She was an old friend of my grandmother, although she acts strange, but she's nice; as I walked alone on the roadside my mind wandered back to my familyy, I didn't know what to do, I have always wanted to be part of something bigger, but I know as along as Gardenia was stuck in this situation, I had no choice.

A drop of cold water broke me out of my reverie, and I realized It was getting colder by the minute,

“Gosh! I forgot my coat.” I thought aloud, looking up I realized I was already at Mrs Old stone's place, on entering into the mansion, Mrs Old stone was sitting comfortably on her armchair knitting.

“Come, come, my boy how have you been? Look at you, it's been quite a long time." She said smiling at me,

“Good evening madam, my mother asked me to deliver your dress.” I said and handed her the dress,

“Yes!!”

“Ah! Kate, a very fine talented lady,” she said to herself,

“Oh dear! Look at me, so forgetful, I didn't even offer you a seat.” she said, chuckling softly as she pointed to a seat beside her,

“Gardenia is in bad times, but you've got to live, did you know an evil villain caused chaos in Gardenia once?" she asked as she focused her gaze on me,

“No madam.” I nodded my head,

“Well! Would you look at the time, go on, time is running out, tell your grandmother to tell you the story.” she said while leading me to the door,

“Hurry, you do not have all day, and tell your sister I sent my sympathies."

“Ok, madam.”

Goodbye, dear Sophie, kindly see the young boy off.”

On getting home, I discovered my father's workshop was still open, so I decided it was time I see my father,

“Fathe.,” I called,

“In here, son.” He answered, and as usual, he was working, my father, unlike my mom, is a gentle soul who loves us a lot, staring at him, I could feel the pain he was trying to hold in without speaking at all, he understands me and I understand him too.

My mother's call then broke the silence as it was time for dinner, the whole family all settled down on the dinner table in silence, although we could all feel the tension in the room, my brother was the first to finish his meal because of grandma Pabby night stories, after dinner every night, my grandmother always tell us a story; and even though Marie and I are older now, we still like to listen to her stories, although we don't just jump like Jake.

We usually allow Jake to pick the story, and he always picks the one with the villain of Gardenia, then grandma Pabby will tell us the legend all over again, I kind of know them by heart now, probably because I’ve been listening to it since I was young, the story was always about the king of adventure and so on.

After grandma Pabby was done narrating, we all decided to retire to our different rooms, although Jake was already asleep, my father took him to bed, but I could hear him asking his last question about the story,

“Father." He mumbled quietly,

“Yes, son."

“Is it true what grandma said that the king of adventure will come one day?”

“It's just a story Jake, your grandfather told it to me too when I was your age, and I also asked him the same question, but we never know, it could be you or me or even Derek.” He said and kissed his forehead, “Goodnight Jake.”

“Good night father.” nodding slightly toward me, my father left the room.