Ka-Zar #1 "The Plunder Secret"

The Plunder Secret

The Plunder estate stood proudly amid the rolling hills of England, a grand testament to the family's long lineage and Lord Robert Plunder's relentless pursuit of adventure. A sprawling manor, its weathered stone walls whispered tales of exploration, while the surrounding gardens thrived under the care of devoted hands. Yet, beneath the stately surface, a current of tension pulsed, stemming from secrets Robert kept hidden even from those he loved most.

In the dim light of his study, Robert hunched over a weathered, ancient map that lay sprawled across his oak desk. Its edges were frayed, and the ink, though faded, still hinted at wonders long forgotten. The map depicted a mysterious expanse labeled "Savage Land," a place that promised untold discoveries and the thrill of the unknown. It was a world that seemed to breathe, untouched by the passage of time-a tantalizing paradise of prehistoric creatures and lush, unspoiled landscapes.

As a renowned explorer, Robert had spent decades chasing after the extraordinary. Yet the prospect of this hidden realm filled him with a sense of foreboding. He had seen the darker side of exploration; he had witnessed the greed and folly that often accompanied the quest for glory. The dangers that lurked within the Savage Land were not lost on him, and the thought of his young sons, Kevin and Parnival, grappling with the consequences of his choices weighed heavily on his heart.

"Why do I keep this from them?" Robert pondered, a frown creasing his brow. The boys, with their youthful curiosity and boundless imaginations, deserved to share in the wonders of the world. Yet the more he considered, the clearer it became: he could not burden them with the knowledge of such peril. The allure of the unknown called to him, but his responsibility as a father held him back, like an anchor tethering him to the safety of home.

As dusk settled outside, casting long shadows across the room, Robert made his decision. He would venture to the Savage Land alone. Just one expedition-he would uncover its secrets, ensure its safety, and return with stories that would ignite his sons' imaginations. With a heavy heart, he packed supplies, his resolve hardening with each item he placed in his satchel.

The finality of his choice pressed down on him as he stepped into the cool evening air. The manor loomed behind him, a silent witness to his departure. He cast one last glance back at the flickering lights of home, a pang of regret stirring within. What would Kevin and Parnival think if they knew? What would they feel in his absence?

As he rode into the gathering night, Robert felt a mix of exhilaration and dread. The wind whipped at his face, carrying with it the promise of adventure, but also the weight of the unknown. Would he find glory, or would the Savage Land claim him as its own?

Days turned into weeks, and the manor stood silent, echoing with the laughter of the two young boys who remained blissfully unaware of their father's fateful decision. Kevin, the elder, often took charge, his strong-willed nature tempered by a gentle spirit. Parnival, bright-eyed and inquisitive, followed his brother with an insatiable curiosity. They filled their days with games and stories, but the absence of their father cast a shadow over their childhood-a shadow that deepened with each passing season.

Their mother, once a vibrant presence, became more withdrawn, her eyes reflecting a sadness that seemed to echo the growing distance between the boys and the man they had once admired. The stories of their father's adventures faded into memory, replaced by an unsettling void.

As the years rolled on, unanswered questions haunted Kevin and Parnival. They sought to understand their father's sudden departure, but the manor held its secrets close, much like Robert himself.

-------------------------------------------------------------
This story and characters are from Marvel Comics. All rights goes to them. This is my own take on them and I am just trying to have fun writing.