THE ELEMENTIELS

Ch. 2: THE BEGINNING OF THE END

We now move forward in time to the legendary Kingdom of Camelot, a realm steeped in tradition, honor, and mystery. Camelot's towering medieval buildings rose like sentinels from the land, their stone facades etched with the stories of generations. At its heart, the majestic castle stood, its spires piercing the sky, a symbol of strength and unity. Tall walls, built from weathered stone, embraced the kingdom, both a barrier to its enemies and a reminder of its indomitable spirit.

Inside the walls, life thrived. Cobblestone streets bustled with the chatter of merchants and townsfolk. Vibrant markets filled the air with the scent of freshly baked bread and exotic spices, while blacksmiths hammered steel, their rhythmic clanging resonating through the alleys. Children's laughter echoed in the open courtyards, and above it all, the kingdom's banners fluttered proudly in the breeze.

Amidst this lively scene, a young man, no older than seventeen, rode through the streets in a simple cart pulled by a black and white horse. His name was Jason Marquoid. With his bright red hair and confident smile, he was a familiar sight to many. Clad in a dark green shirt and a light vest, he waved to the townspeople who called out to him, their voices warm with familiarity.

"Thanks for the bread!" a woman shouted from her window, waving enthusiastically.

Jason smiled and called back, "Anytime! Enjoy your day!"

As he continued his rounds, Jason spoke to himself, narrating his thoughts as though sharing a secret with the world.

"My name is Jason Marquoid. I'm seventeen, and I live in Camelot. You're probably wondering what I'm up to. Well, I'm delivering bread and cakes all over the kingdom."

He glanced down at the packages neatly arranged in the back of his cart. Each one held the fruits of his family's labor-the sweet pastries and warm loaves that filled the bellies of Camelot's people.

"I work at a bakery, a little ways from here. My goal is to become as skilled as my grandfather-no, better than him. Seeing people enjoy our cakes... well, there's nothing quite like it. It makes everything worth it."

The streets of Camelot stretched out before him, a maze of cobblestones and wooden houses. Jason's heart swelled with pride as he rode past the familiar faces, each greeting him with a smile or a wave. It wasn't the grandest life, but it was his, and he cherished it.

At one stop, he knocked on the door of a small cottage, where an elderly woman opened the door with a warm smile.

"Bless you, young man," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Jason handed her the package with a respectful nod. "No problem, ma'am. Have a wonderful day."

He continues to narrate to himself "At our bustling bakery in Camelot, people come from all corners of the kingdom to place their orders, each craving something uniquely crafted by our skilled hands. Once we've finished baking their chosen treats, I personally deliver the orders to those unable to return and collect them."

"Camelot is a busy realm, and many of our patrons can scarcely find the time to revisit the bakery amidst their daily affairs. So, I take it upon myself to travel across the kingdom, ensuring each package reaches its rightful owner."

"Some customers settle their payment at the time of ordering, while others prefer to pay upon delivery. Either way, my mission remains the same-to bring a slice of warmth and sweetness to every doorstep in Camelot."

Jason's cart clattered along the cobblestone streets as he approached one of his favorite stops-the knights' training grounds. Tall, sturdy tents dotted the landscape, their colors muted against the midday sun, but the sounds of clashing swords and barked commands filled the air with life. Here, warriors were molded, tested, and pushed to their limits, preparing for the day they might be called upon to defend the kingdom.