Two Kingdoms

Chapter 9

The Cursed Forest

"So this is our village. It's not the hugest, but it's wonderful for us." Jayden said, spreading his arms open.

"Ha. This is....enormous for us." Lana stared at the houses that lined the paved roads.

"Let's stop at the royal blacksmiths. Your weapons are there." Jayden instructed them, turning to the right. He stopped in front of an open viewed blacksmiths. Inside was a young boy, sharpening an axe. He turned and saw, waving the axe in hello. He set it down, brushed off his hands, and came over.

"Hello, your Majesty. What can I do for you today?" The boy asked, bowing slightly.

"Hello, Jacob. We just came here to pick of the princesses' weapons. Are they done being sharpened and polished?" Jayden smiled in reply.

"Of course. My father finished them this mornin'. I'll go get them now." The boy, Jacob, turned around and walked straight ahead and into what seemed like a storage room. He came back out carrying the girls' weapons. He handed them over. Shaylana reached her quiver that was full of fresh arrows, bow, and her small sword. She put the sword around her waist and the bows and arrows on her shoulders.

Melissa retrieved her two rings. Large moonstones glittering on them. Pressing the moonstones, two scimitars emerged. "This is brilliant, Jacob. Thank you so much for fixing them."

"No problem, Princess." He replied.

"Do you need some help carrying your bow and arrows, Lana? It's alot on your shoulders." Jayden asked, reaching out a hand.

"No, I'm fine Jayden. Thank you." She said quickly.

Jayden shrugged. "So where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere. I am fine," replied Melissa, heading out of the noisy blacksmith shop. She slipped her moonstone rings onto her fingers and tossed her wavy brown hair out of her eyes as she stepped out.

"Have anything interesting here?" Lana asked, her eyes now sparkling with mischief.

"Like, what kind of interesting?" asked Jayden.

"Like, interesting as in, nobody likes to go there. Ya know..." Lana tried to explain.

"Oh," replied Jayden, tilting his head. "There IS a forest which is 'cursed'. Anyone who goes in never, ever comes out. Except Malcolm but he when he came out he was insane."

"Let's go!" Lana exclaimed, and smile on her face.

"Wait, who is, Malcolm?" asked Melissa, wanting to know more...as usual.

"He is this dude, a guard. A great guy until he went in there...." explained Tristan.

"Well, then we'll go and not get cursed or killed. Easy." Lana said blantly.

"Wait, what? You want to go into that forest? Sorry, no can do. It is too dangerous," stated Jayden firmly.

"Or are you just too scared to go in?" Lana taunted.

"Oh who says? I am just....worried. Does not mean I am scared, mind. Just my parents have advised me many times not to go in there. I am just following the counsel of my father and mother," replied Jayden, his eyes blazing at the taunt.

"Sure....Then I'll find it on my own." Lana smiled knowingly.

"Lana, listen to Jayden. It sounds like good advise." Melissa hissed into Shaylana's ear.

"No.." Shaylana hissed back.

"Hold on, guys. I need to have a chat with my sister." After saying so, Melissa dragged Shaylana out of earshot from Tristan and Jayden. "What is wrong with you? You might get killed or go crazy in there," cried Melissa, trying to not scream or yell.