Rolf's Journey to the Distant Meadows
Chapter 1: Rolf's Duty
Rolf stood outside his suburban house in the quiet cul-de-sac in the town of Peach Creek. The words he had just heard from his Nana haunted him and echoed throughout his soul. Rolf has successfully upheld his traditions from the old culture of his homeland, and now he knew he must complete the duty his Nana had just placed on him.
Rolf stared into the sky. It was brightly lit from the blazing summer sun. The clouds dispersed from their sun-covering positions, exposing the surface of the earth to the looming ball of fire that distributed light and heat. Rolf noticed that the clouds that were moving away from the sun resembled a herd of sheep evacuating the area after the sound of a howling wolf echoed around.
Rolf strolled through his side yard and stopped at the sidewalk, which ran parallel to the asphalt and formed the beloved cul-de-sac. He gazed at the round creation of road, recalling all the memories he had made in this land.
It had been a land new to him at first, but it had since grown on him. He expressed love for both his homeland and this new suburban land that housed all his new friends. He had felt like a loner to the place when he first arrived, but later had adapted and been accepted to it.
Rolf caught sight of the neighborhood kids, who were enjoying various summer activities in the lane. He walked over to them with a sullen face, down after hearing his new duty that he must follow through with. The kids noticed Rolf and kindly asked him if he wanted to join in the summer merriment.
"Rolf will pass, kids of the cul-de-sac." He said, and the kids began to notice his depression.
"What's wrong, Rolfy?" Kevin asked.
"Rolf has been entrusted with a duty that he must complete. It is a hardship that must be faced in his tradition."
By now, all of the kids had their attention focused on Rolf.
"Rolf will tell you what he must do. I must now journey out of the humble cul-de-sac to the Distant Meadows."
"The Distant Meadows?" The kids said in unison.
"Where's that?!" Sarah shrieked.
"Settle your voice, she who speaks in harsh vocal tones." Rolf responded. "The Distant Meadows were the first place Rolf's family passed through upon our journey to this land. We lost something there. Something of great value to Rolf's family."
"What did you lose?" Kevin asked.
"Rolf's family lost the family Bible that contained documents of many a word of inspiration and hope written by Rolf's forefathers. It was a treasured collection of papers, one that we didn't know we had lost until we arrived at our current location. Nana has been troubled about the losing of that Bible since our arrival, and she has now summoned Rolf to return to this far away land and find that book. If it is still there."
Nazz gave her input. "Can't you go by plane or car, Rolf?"
"Such a thing would be against Rolf's tradition and punishable with the dreaded cupboard. Rolf's forefathers had no intention of using modern transportation. Rolf must do it just like his tradition allows."
The kids stood still and fell silent for the next few seconds.
Rolf continued. "Rolf will be taking two of his animals with him for companionship and assistance. He will ride on top of Victor and carry his supplies and edible material on Wilfred. Rolf's Nana will remain at Rolf's home to take care of the rest of his animals."
The kids were shocked that Rolf would be leaving the cul-de-sac. "But, will you come back?" Jonny asked.
"If Rolf survives the journey, then yes, Jonny the Wood Boy. It will take many moons for Rolf to get to the Distant Meadows and to return to the cul-de-sac."
"When are you going?" Kevin asked.
"Rolf is going to prepare his supplies today and tomorrow and leave in two days."
"We'll miss you Rolf." Nazz spoke sorrowfully.
"Rolf will miss his friends and this modern life here in this well developed land. Rolf must break the news to the Ed Boys too."
"They're probably setting up a stupid scam, Rolf." Kevin suggested.
"Rolf may just give the Ed boys some of his money, as he no longer needs his coins of commercial enterprise." Rolf lowered his head and paced off.
The kids did not return to their activities after this. They just lingered around in shock, knowing that their fellow friend Rolf was about to leave the cul-de-sac for a long time. They expressed their words and opinions about Rolf for a while and discussed what they thought of Rolf's journey.
The following day, Rolf had gathered much of the supplies that he would be taking along with him. He packed many non-perishable food items so he would not go hungry on his journey. Another necessity that he packed was a large crate of water, which was the most essential item he would be taking with him. Fortunately, since he had the help of his animals, Rolf was able to pack large quantities of these items. He also assembled a small wagon that Wilfred would tow, which had the potential to hold many more items.
That night would be his final night in the cul-de-sac. Rolf entered his home and recapped on the days when he lived and worked here. Night had soon befallen the quiet cul-de-sac, and Rolf dozed off into a deep sleep.