The Taco Dilemma

Chapter Two:

It was a cold and dreadful night. Wisps of snow drifted across the cobble streets of Drylliad. The force of the raging wind shook the castle walls. Aside from the howling wind, Carthya was completely still. Everyone was at home, huddled around their fireplaces and waiting for the storm to pass.

Well, almost everyone.

Kevin Winston shivered and pulled his cloak tighter around him. He felt his temper rising as he approached the castle gates. With him were his companions Kiara, Jinx, and his brother Jimmy. They were prepared to defend Jaron's taco. They were ready for revolution.

"Stand aside," Kevin muttered to the guard at the gate, "We have orders from King Jaron."

The guard stiffened. "None shall pass."

Kiara whirled around to face Kevin, her eyes wide with worry. But Kevin knew what to do.

With one swift movement, he pulled a pair of sunglasses out of his pocket and stuck them on his face. Jimmy handed him a sword and Kevin held it high.

"I said stand aside!" Kevin growled. An enormous fart erupted from behind him, and the guard immediately backed away.

The four of them passed through, and headed up the castle steps. Jaron's taco would not be disgraced without a fight.

Kevin entered the palace with his head held high in a new, unshakable confidence he had never felt before. King Jaron Artolius Eckbert the 3rd had called on him, Kevin, to fight by his side in battle. It was a great honor, for Jaron was a great human and his tacos were even better. He would gladly sacrifice his life to honor the beautiful taco.

Kevin wandered aimlessly around, checking each corner and door for a sign of the throne room. He circled around the castle four or five times before finally finding the great archway to the king's throne room. Jaron sat on the shiny golden throne, sunglasses hiding his eyes and a juice box in his hand. He crossed his legs and took a noisy slurp out of his plastic straw before spotting the group of friends. He chucked the juice box across the room, sending the precious liquid spewing everywhere, including on the group. Jimmy giggled and tried to lick the juice off his shirt.

Jaron leapt off his throne and raced toward them. He grasped Kevin's arm desperately.

"Kevin! I need your help now more than ever!" Jaron said in a serious voice. "I've been here waiting anxiously for your arrival! The war could happen anytime now! My fellow Carthyans are fully prepared to ambush me and we need to get prepared to defend ourselves."

Mott came up beside Jaron. He looked the group over and stopped short when he saw Jimmy flat on his stomach licking the floor for the tiny drops of juice. He shook his head in disapproval and turned to Jaron. "May I show your friends the weapons?"

Jaron nodded and they set off to the weapon room together. Though it was not what Kevin would have expected. The hallway just outside the throne room was long and narrow and the group walked all the way down. Once they reached the end, Jaron pushed a small grey button on the ceiling and the ground beneath them opened. Jaron chuckled at Kevin's astonishment and both him and Mott walked confidently down the carpeted stairs, the group hesitantly followed behind.

"The last war against Avenia has left us with a shortage of weapons. Luckily, Mott has been collecting equipment and preparing for this battle." Jaron explained as they descended the endless staircase. Flaming torches lit the passage, and his voice echoed the further they went down.

"Oooo... fire!" Jimmy exclaimed as he stopped to stare at a torch. He tried to tug it off of the wall, but Kiara pulled him away, silently scolding him.