Leaps of Faith in the Leaping Forest
There is a country, not small but very large. A sea surrounds it, like a round
island. Unlike the way our country is shaped.
In the center there are small mountains, and surrounding these high hills is a forest, a very thick forest. From a bird's eye view, you can't even see anything in all the shrubbery. Even when you are on the beach coastline, and look into these forests from a distance. You would see shadows and a little darkness in the thick woods. You'll shudder at the thought of them being haunted, and what would live there.
When the first settlers from the wreck of the Yellow Dragon, the same thoughts had entered their minds. But 20 years later, the settlers had grown and colonized most of the forests, beaches, and hills in the middle lands.
Those who had wanted to leave, had searched all over the country's coasts, and had built harbors and small settlements.
Those who wanted to stay believed that this was the Promised Land God had chosen for them, and had brought them all safely. Along with their stock, and animals.
There was a search around the coasts and land to find other human life, only to find none.
When the first settlers climbed a high hill that divided two water falls into two small rivers, that also gave a spectacular view of the 'Central Valley' in the center of the land.
They at once wanted to build a colony, to form a government, a country for God's glory and a homeland. This Hill was named "Mount Goodwill", and in time a small town was built around it named 'The Land of Good'. Most of the immigrants and families came to live here, and help build homes, a church, the meetinghouse, and a large wooden and stone building, like a small cathedral on top of Mount Goodwill. This castle was for their leaders to meet and to use their old homely traditions and to elect their own country monarchs. To write their laws, and create new holidays, and to call this new land, home. To share with their neighbors and families. And give thanks to God for each day of opportunity.
I would like to recount how these achievements were made, but our story takes place 20 years later, after all this happened.
It's kind of long, so lets skip that part okay?
Too much to tell, you know?
Like discovery, war, starvation, holy battles, too many details.
Central Valley was not just a town/small city with little homes and farms around it, The Good Land was a capital, and the Leaping Forest that surrounded it was still fifteen miles thick. And the only way out of Middle Valley, as anyone knew of, was Hope road. A fifteen-mile long road to Hope Harbor on the coast for the island's Trade System.
The rest of the island besides its capital was formed of small towns and communities. Abigail and George Spring's children grew, and only two out of five became teachers like their parents. But with only five teachers in the lands, the government did pray that generations to come and if the Angel ever returned from any civilized world there would be better chances of education standards, and a better Trade route.
What is the Angel you ask? I'll explain.
A year ago; some men worked on building a ship to take them to Europe, or America if possible.
The ship was christened, that's right, the Angel.
Abigail was reading to her class when her husband George, burst through the door.
With a big grin on his face, he announced to everyone that the Angel had been launched.
Her journey to find another country had began.
That was the last they had ever saw The Angel for a year.
She was all but forgotten as everyone went on with their busy lives.
Much of the cultures of settlers were growing, and many jobs and businesses have grown to help the economy of everyone's lives and the Trade Business between one another. Everyone had a creative style and skill about his or herself.
A Trade system and market was formed near the capital on Fridays through Saturdays. Among most of the market place and shops at the Good Land Capital were the best places to go to if you need anything, or something was from another country by a harbor on the coast. Although there haven't been any big boats with enough sail strength to face the vast ocean. Craftsmen and farmers worked to make substitutes and create products to sell.
These men and women worked hard and had to travel long distance to reach the main market at the capital's town. No one dared to cut across the Leaping Forest, some were afraid of the haunting stories, and the dark shadows it possessed. Their only way into the Central Valley was to travel along side the coast and to Hope Road, the only safe long ride in and out of the Valley.
How is it safe, you ask?
Simple, The King had a guard post made to protect the road.
King? Troops?
It gets better every minute, huh?
The monarch leading family, the King and Queen of the Middle Valley, and directors of the Senate Council, the Hosts of holidays, Generals of the Common Defense and Loyal Knights, Servants of God, And Leaders of the New Found Country, New Foundland. (They did not ask for these titles when elected mind you.) With their presence over the land with wisdom and to help the all the good people of the country, not just the important lords and knights.
To help, many of the important leaders of the small towns and communities became Dukes and Duchesses, and Lords and Ladies to help moral and spirit of the people, and keep justice, and God's laws. And be hosts to the Royal Family when on inspection in the towns, or holiday visits.
No one would have expected to have a Traitor among themselves once again, and to have their first national crisis after only 20 years of peace.
This is how it all started.
It was a Holiday at Mount Goodwill; the families inside were celebrating for the birth of an offspring for the future generation of Royalty. Messengers ran from the castles' courtyard to spread the news. Riders rode on Horses, mules, and donkeys to the towns far and wide to spread the news of the newborn.
The close family members of Queen Jenny and King Edward were there the night before with the loyal Knights of the council that lived at Mount Goodwill.
Rosa was a girl of 12 years, and her Aunt was the Queen. She peeked into the room that forbade men and anyone else. She was curious, was it a boy, or a girl? She couldn't tell, the babe didn't even have any hair!
Rosa walked away from doorway before anyone saw her; she walked to a window that viewed the White Pine Mountains. That was where she would stay half of the end of the year, around the spring and summer.
She loved the small snowing mountains where she was born, at the small estate home of her parents the Duke and Duchess of Pineville. She missed her friends Sally and Frank, and her dapple-gray horse Snowflake.
She was glad her handmaiden Letty was around to keep her company through her school studies and duties she had at the capital.
Even at 12 years old, she had many responsibilities. But Rosa wasn't like the spoiled bratty self-centered princess like in reality; she was allowed to even walk around the capital at her own free will, as long as an armed escort that was around to protect her at all times.
Yet, she knew how to protect herself, her father was a soldier before he died in combat and he taught many of the knights for the King himself when the island became a colony. So Rosa knew how to fight and defend herself and was quick with a pistol shot and sword. Like a skilled gymnast, she practiced four days a week with her handmaiden to stay skillful. As graceful as a Russian ballet dancer, she could run, jump, and somersault fast as some of the knights at Mount Goodwill. Many peoples believed it was, improper, for a lady to know such skills of a man. This never troubled Rosa, she always helped with hard labor at Pineville, that is; when she wasn't learning to embroider and study her books.
She watched the riders zoom by with the wonderful news, but how did they know it was a boy or girl. No one has told her anything!
Even from the high window Rosa was, the People of the Capital were rushing around all sides with the new gossip. Mr. Brown, the Leather Craft man smiled and went back to his workbench for the belt he was mending. It was nice to have an heir to the high family. Amazing, their colony was only 20 years old and growing all the time. His brow furrowed in thought; Mr. J. Brown worried for his youthful brother who was at sea. Daniel was brave, smart, and full of whit as he could remember. Yet, could his brother, with Captain Stroussberg, and the first mate Mr. Arrow live thorough the rough seas to reach any country at all?
Mr. Brown shook his head, God, please help them thorough, and return to us here, and thank you for the new life you gave us.
...
Willie Min heard a horse approach when he was getting his master's brandy. It was a knight, Willie squinted to see the shine of the morning sun's gleam from his shiny chain mail suit under his tunic.
The knight had exciseing news, he was looking very happy. Would the master like to know about the kingdom news?
Willie ran up to his master's chamber at the inn.
When he thumped the door with his big hand, a cold voice inside demanded to know who he was.
"Master, it is Willie, with your brandy and news!"
...
4 years later...
...
Timothy groaned when they loaded the baskets into the cart.
"its not fair that you all get to go to the capital, I always get left behind!"
His older brother Juan smiled at his brother when he hitched one of their milk goats to the cart.
"Tim, who would be here if someone tries to steal our goats, burn the house and shed, and call the neighbors for help?"
"I still think it would be safer if I went with you and Mama"
Juan ruffled his shorter brother's dark hair, "if your good, I'll trade one of Mama's baskets for something"
"what will you get?"
Juan smiled and scratched the goats ear, "I'll see when I get there"
Their Mama was pulling on a shawl when she walked over to them.
Timothy wanted another chance,
"Mama, when will I be old enough to go with you?"
Mrs. Diego stared at her youngest child, who had pleaded with her that whole morning.
He always cooled down when Juan talked to him.
"In the next two weeks, I'll need more help with Lady Miller's order"
Juan sneaked a wink to his brother before their Mama said her goodbyes and where to find Papa in the village.
Juan waved to his brother, till he was out of sight.
He walked silently next to his mother riding in the goat cart beside him.
She cleared her throat before she spoke, "Juan, my son. It is time you searched-"
Juan gently interrupted, he had heard this speech before, "I know Mama, I have to look for a wife some day."
"not some day, Soon! Your 17 years already! I was married to Papa when I was 15!"
"how old was Papa?"
She clucked her tough to the milk goat she was driving, "don't drive away the question! You know it is getting late in life."
Juan stared at his soft loving Mama, she would harden by these conversations.
"Mama, you and Papa loved one another when you married?"
"of course, but-"
"Mama, if I was to find someone I could even court. I would like to find someone to love, someone who fears God, someone kind, someone who would love me for who I am than what I am."
Senora Diego sighed, her own son could be wise even when she wasn't.
She smiled at him, "than be careful son, there are many young girls. Many beautiful, but you must look for beauty inside as well as out."
"I will Mama"
"don't forget to tell me who she is!"
...
"Rosa, your running out of paper again"
Letty glanced at her mistress and friend who sat reading, while she sat at the desk sharpening the quill pens.
"Don't I have assembly tomorrow?"
"yes, your speech about Sunday school classes around the churches inspection"
"right, what else is tomorrow?"
Letty shrugged her slender shoulders, "Market day?"
"Correct Letty, only we won't take the litters. This trip we will walk!"
Her handmaiden raised an eyebrow, something in Rosa's voice meant she was planning something.
"what are you doing Rosa?"
"reading"
"you are thinking of wearing peasant clothes to see more of the market, again"
"we weren't caught last time"
Letty shook her head, "Sir Tomas can't stay silent of long, Rosa, if we do it again. He'll tell your Mother"
Rosa put a ribbon in the book to mark the page she was reading,
"Mother may have her shopping delivered, but I need more than one set of writing paper.
"decides I make reports concerning the people, I have to know what they need.
"how can I do that when I'm sitting here all day?"
Letty nodded, "you have a good point"
...
Juan set the tents and unhitched the goat to be milked, tomorrow would be market day.
It would be the same routine every two weeks, Mama would come to trade and sell her baskets. He would look for supplies, listen for news from old dealer friends, and find something for Timothy and Papa.
Nothing really happened, the only dangers he had to avoid were pick pockets, and Shelly Summers. His Mama had met the girl at another booth across the road, Shelly's mother was a nice woman that sold eggs and knitted scarves.
Shelly was the problem for coming to the capital, he always prayed that someone else would become attractive to her.
Ever since the day she met him, Shelly wouldn't leave him alone for hours. She would gossip, neglect her duties at her mother's tent. Tease him with her blond curls and bat her lashes.
She only sickened him, her and her airs and brags about her looks.
He had to escape, it was getting worst every year!
Juan was glad Shelly and her Mother only arrived on Market day, instead of the day before as Mama prefred.
It would be cruel if his Mama had put ideas into Shelly's head about looking for a wife.
He could wait a few years, and none of the girls he saw really appealed to him really.
Shelly was pretty, but a thorn in his side and annoyance to his ears.
...
"Rosa, where's the green shawl?"
Rosa popped her head up from the dressing curtain, "hiding behind the winter frock."
"You sure this is a good idea?"
"Relax Letty, we'll wear our hoods today again. No one will recognize us, and Sir Peter is our escort today. He can keep a secret better than Sir Tomas anyway"
"what would Master John and Pastor Dan say about our dresses?"
Rosa shrugged and donned her cape, "the trunk from our last trip is still under the shed steps at the church, there should be a change of dresses in there for us."
Letty nodded, starting to understand, "and when we leave, we will change into our other garb?"
"Letty, you did it again!" Rosa sighed sarcastically.
...
Juan left his Mama to her stand quickly before Shelly found him. He had packed a lunch and a book to read while he waited for the day to end, so Shelly wouldn't find him.
He had seen the waterfalls near Mount Goodwill, and there was a garden for the public to take walks. Queen Jenny called it a, park. A place to relax and admire flowers and sit under the shade of trees, best of all it was far from the market place.
Yet, he would have to run the errands for Mama first before doing anything for his free time. As long as there was a promise for peace and quiet in the future it was fine with him!
...
Rosa silently watched as the tents and tables started to pull together to make rows of colors around the road near the church. The Senate wanted to meet at the church building that week, so it was a perfect opportunity to see the Market at the same the girls walked on, with a knight silently fallowing from a distance.
There was already a hussle and bussle around the road, passing around the crowds was difficult.
It was easier to pass outside the road next to the stands than in the middle of the road.
Rosa clutched Letty's hand so they wouldn't be separated.
They were close to the church building when they ran into a tall blond girl, who attempted to run across the crowded road.
She glared at them as if it was their fault.
The taller girl shook her finger at them as if they were little children, then with a toss of her head that made her blond curls bounce she walked away.
Letty looked at Rosa, "manners lessons in schools?"
Rosa nodded, "please help me write that report in a few weeks?"
"certainly, with pleasure!"
...
Juan had just finished talking with his old friend Kyle at a fruit stand, then walked over to James Homers' bookshop.
His helpers John and Mark always copied a few small size booklets, and scented paper from herbs, tree pulp and flowers. Today he wanted to look at their picture books.
Mark was a good artist, so his Bible stories book would be perfect.
"Juan! Our old friend!"
James Homers was always kind and polite, Juan smiled when he shook his hand.
"Hola, James"
James looked at him up and down smiling,
"you've grown up Juan! What can I do for an old friend and brother in Christ!"
"I have come to trade, I don't have much money today."
James nodded, "I understand, Let me see what you got."
Juan slipped three small red reed and pine braided baskets from his satchel on the counter for James.
James' mustache lifted and twitched while he looked at each basket carefully,
"Your Mother is an artist, she even chooses the right smells to weave. What a work of art!"
Juan smiled, Mama always outdid herself.
"Are you sure you want to give these to me, my friend?"
Juan liked James' honesty,
"I'd like to trade these in for one of Mark's bible story books, trading Art for Art"
James grinned and disappeared into the backroom.
Juan browsed through the shelves at the different volumes, many of the books were made at the capital.
John had told him, he made the books from cloth, paper, string and ribbon, wood and glue. They looked like real ones from the Yellow Dragon.
They were still making a printing press and wooden letters for better reading, in the meantime all was handwritten.
Juan heard the shop door open; thinking it was Shelly, he jumped behind the counter.
...
Rosa was glad the speech was over, it was hard work encouraging the ideas to the Senate group. Only two men weren't Christians at the gathering. She was glad Pastor Dan was there to back her up.
Now the two girls were back in their peasant garb and walking down the road with their hoods on.
Letty giggled beside her as she squeezed her hand,
"I thought Mrs. Miller will catch us in the back room, if Pastor Dan hadn't been guarding the hallway!"
They walked up the bookshop steps, Rosa sighed,
"I'm glad they approved, and that the dresses are safely hidden, but we must get paper"
They walked into the familiar shop that was filled with shelves of literature, soft chairs, and a basket by the counter filled with Mrs. Miller's sweet rolls.
While Letty looked around the shelves, Rosa walked up to the counter,
"James, are you here?"
James was a dear friend and brother in Christ, so he had to be here on Market day to hold the shop.
"James?"
Maybe he was out.
Then a young man rose from behind the counter, his eyebrows lifted at her appearance.
Rosa smiled and removed her hood,
"Good afternoon"
He was taller than her and didn't say anything, maybe he didn't understand English.
"Como estas?" she tried Spanish her mother's language.
He looked more surprised, maybe his family was Spanish and James was kind enough to offer him work.
She asked him if he could talk. He licked his dry lips and nodded slowly.
When Rosa asked him his name, his reply was,
"I understand English and Spanish, thank you very much."
Rosa smiled, "I'm glad you can talk, what is your name?"
"Juan"
She held out a hand, "I'm Rosa, my friend near the front is Letty. Do you work here?"
Juan relaxed, she appeared to be one of James' regular customers and very nice too. Not to mention a nice face.
He gently took her hand and bowed, like his Mama had taught him.
"I don't work here, I'm waiting for James to get my order."
Rosa rested her hands on the counter, "Oh! may I ask what you ordered, incase it isn't something I want?"
Before Juan could answer, there was a low whistle from the front of the shop.
...
Rosa turned around sharply, what was Letty trying to warn her about? Then there was a crash from the front.
...
Juan hid under the counter again, only Shelly could make noises like that.
The noise brought James, Mark and John from the back room. They didn't look at Juan under the counter.
...
James saw Rosa, and quickly reached over the counter to pull her hood back over her head,
"Rosa, what would your mother say if you caught a cold?"
Rosa quickly turned to James and lowered her head, she knew he was trying to protect her. He was a good friend and was aware of her true identity since she was a regular at the shop.
"John, Mark, I'll handle the customer. Back to work please"
...
When the brothers left for the back room, a tall blond girl slowly walked up to the counter. Seeing that Rosa was using the counter first.
The girl walked up and shoved Rosa aside with her elbow,
"Bookkeeper I'm looking for Juan!"
James sighed, "I was helping this young lady first, wait your turn please"
The girl rolled her eyes back, "Look bookkeeper, I'm here now-"
He gently cut her off, "My name is James Homers, it is on the sign outside, and do you have any idea who you just-"
Rosa held up a hand from rubbing her arm, "I'm alright James, no harm done"
James didn't look satisfied, "I'd feel much better if you apologized to my customer"
"What for? She was in the way! Now where's Juan?"
James sighed, but chose not to lie, "do you see him here?"
The girl looked around the room, "No"
"do you think he is here?"
"His Mother said he would be!"
"He was here, to trade a deal"
"was?"
James took a breath, "yes, he was here"
"where'd he go?"
"How should I know? I don't pry into people's business (unlike some people)"
The girl glared at him, then at Rosa.
Without a word of thanks, she walked over to a short book basket and kicked its contents onto the floor in the same fashion as 5 year old child. Then stormed passed Letty to the door slamming it behind her, causing John and Mark to come rushing back again.
"All is calm now, boys."
James sighed in relief,
"you may come out now Juan"
...
Juan slipped out of his hiding place,
"James, I'm sorry she was here and bothered you because of me"
James waved him off, "its not your fault the girl is rude."
Letty came to the front, "Rosa, you could have tossed her-"
"I know Letty, but then I would be the bully"
She nodded to her mistress, "Yes, your right"
James handed Juan his book, "Here's your order Juan, is there anything more I can do?"
Juan glanced at the front, "can I go through the back way, please?"
"I insist!"
Juan shook James hand gratefully,
"Gracias, gracias!"
James smiled, then turned to Rosa, "Let me guess, my lad- I mean Rosa, you ran out of paper again?"
Rosa blushed, "Yes, pine, rose, and parchment"
"I'll get that right away!"
He disappeared into the back room, Letty walked back to a shelf of maps.
This left Juan alone with Rosa again.
She pointed at his book,
"Is that your order?"
He was grateful that Shelly was gone, he held out the book to her to look at.
Rosa smiled when she admired Mark's artistic views for Moses, Jacob turned Israel, and Jesus' on the Mount of Olives.
Juan spoke, "I got it for my brother"
Rosa handed it back, "he'll love it, and does he read?"
"He goes to the Village school. We live on the coast"
"Which coast?"
Rosa didn't want to become too friendly with this man, but for some strange reason she found him interesting to talk to.
He gently smiled and told her he lived only a few miles from Hope Harbor.
They talked about books till James came back.
"Sorry to take so long, my lady. I thought we were short on rose petals."
He wrapped the rolls of paper in a leather pouch,
"anything else I can do for either of you?"
He asked them when Rosa paid him.
Letty was standing near the door now, she nodded to Rosa.
That meant Sir Peter was ready and waiting.
Rosa smiled at Juan, "I enjoyed our conversation very much, but I have to go."
Juan felt disappointed, before he could stop himself her ask, "When will I see you again? Just to talk."
Rosa licked her lips in thought, "I, don't-"
Juan held out a hand, "What about the garden park? Near Mount Goodwill?"
Rosa glanced nervously at Letty, who shrugged her shoulders but also raised an eyebrow.
...
Juan asked her to meet him there in an hour.
What could Rosa say? She liked talking to him, and he must have thought she was a common poor girl. He didn't recognize her rank, and talked to her as an equal.
It felt fun and refreshing to speak someone who shared her interests.
So she said she would meet him; just to talk.
He gave her a dazzling smile with his thanks, and then made his getaway out the back door.
"Rosa, you'll be in trouble if your Mama saw you talking to him!"
Rosa sighed as she walked to the next fruit stand, she forgot about her Mama, the Duchess.
"You met Juan, Letty. He is nice and gentle-"
"Also a good looking young man, that girl that was after him. She could have been his betrothed!"
Rosa bought them a small basket of ripe red strawberries,
"I noticed more of his inner than outer qualities, Letty. Try a berry."
Letty tasted a juicy strawberry,
"mmm, good."
"Do you think he likes me, Letty?"
"You said, you just wanted to talk, Rosa! But you can't afford to get romantically involved with him!"
Her mistress glared at her, "Letty, I just want to be friends with him, not kiss and marry!"
"Keep your voice down! Sir Peter has the best ears!" Letty warned her as they continued to walk on to Mount Goodwill.
...
Juan began to think if his Mama had be plotting to get him a wife, by choosing Shelly Summers. In that case, he was glad he didn't tell her that he was heading for the park by the waterfalls. He had to dodge and hide in alleys between houses and stands, to escape Shelly's tailing. He also climbed a tree once he got to the park, incase she fallowed him there. Juan couldn't wait to see the girl, Rosa, again. She expressed her joy for reading, and he could share his own opinions. He could never find anyone who shared his love for literature growing up to discuss his opinions. The girl Rosa seemed to have more than just a curiousity for literature, she was wise for her years, and he noticed her eyes lighten up when she looked over the bible story. Even though the land was established on Christian principles, much of the new generations didn't seem to share the same passion that yearned for God in their lives.
Juan stroked his shaven chin in thought, he was one of the few who strived to serve the Lord, respected his elders, and looked for God in everything he did. But what if Rosa wasn't truly a believer, maybe she was just a curious young lady who only fell asleep on Sundays in the pews? He could just picture the lovely dark eyes of the young lady, sparkling as she read from her bible. Unlike other young women he had met growing up she seemed to spark his interest more than anyone. What would Mama say if her introduced them, would she see the bright mind that the girl expressed, or just judge her by her attractive features? She was a lovely young lady with dark hair that curled on her forehead, rosy cheeks when she blushed, dark eyes that held speakles of gold, a sweet yet mellow voice that was gentle and pleasing to the ears...
He shook his head, what was the matter with him? He had made a new friend, nothing more. That is what he will tell Mama if she asked.
Juan sat back in his tree to eat lunch and watch other people pass by under him.
…