Chapter Seven
I wasn’t really sure where to find Acer, the Canadian and self proclaimed Royal Mounty that could be found riding over the hills of Sunday on his very high horse ‘Sir Noble’. I hoped that if I stuck to the path making my way towards the Monday Mountains that we would cross paths since that is how I came to meet him last time.
As it turned out, I didn’t have to worry about it for long as just as I was reaching the top of the very first hill, breathing in the warm, flower scented breeze, I spotted the leafy haired man in his red and black uniform, sitting on the grass with his horse grazing by his side.
“Acer!” I called out giving a friendly wave.
He looked up startled, but seemed to recognize me at once and sprang up, hat in hand and jogged over to greet me.
“Well, Miss Smidge is it? Hello! Oh, dear, are you needing a rush trip through Sunday again?” Acer asked, still grinning.
“Hello Acer! No, not this time. Today I’ve come to visit everyone I met through here last year. I was hoping I would find you! Are you busy?” I asked.
“Busy? Oh, no. Not busy. Seems no one needs a Mounty these days. Unless you do. Can I offer you a ride somewhere or help you find something? How about rescuing from something? I used to train for that type of thing although it’s been awhile. I’m sure rescuing is just like riding a bike though. You never forget how to rescue someone.” He rambled rather self consciously, kicking at the grass under his feet.
“Well, not today, I’m in no need of rescue today but if I were, you’d be the first I’d call.” I gave him a smile. “Oh! I’ve brought you a gift, for giving me a ride through Sunday last year and for all of your help.” I held out the item I’d just had made by Tinny Tim.
“A gift for me?” He said, surprise written all over his face “Oh, wow! It’s , it’s, umm, it’s great!” He was turning it all around, not sure what to do with it.
“Oh, here,” I reached up and took it and put it his arm through it and slid it up over his shoulder. Placing it so it covered his shoulder and part of his chest, I held out the strap and explained “It’s a shoulder guard. I had Tinny Tim over is Saturday make it for you to wear whenever Karo challenges you to a joust. This way, when his lance hits you in the shoulder, it will block it like armor.” I showed him how to secure the strap under his arm.
“Ahhhh! It’s so shiny. What an idea! My own armor! I wonder what Karo will think of this!” He said talking faster the more excited he got by the idea.
“Oh wait!” I exclaimed reaching into my bag “ I almost forgot, I brought this for you too.” I held out the small pointed object the size of a screw driver. Then I pulled on the end and it telescoped out into a long, red jousting lance. I twisted the handle and it locked into place.
“ I thought red would go well with your uniform.” I explained.
He took hold of it and waved it slowly through the air then turned the handle back and closed it back up until it was again the size of a screw driver and fit it into his belt.
“This is genius!” He cried “I can hardly wait to challenge Karo to another joust! We could - we could... yes! We could go find him right now and I’ll keep this a surprise. He’ll have no idea! Finally I might have a chance at winning!”
Acer was dancing around at this point and again waving the lance in the air, mock fighting.
“I’m so glad you like it.” I couldn’t help grinning widely “I would love to go along if that’s alright. Now that I know you’ll have a fair shot at the joust, it will be more enjoyable to watch and I’ve brought along an actual picnic lunch this time, you know, for Karo, whether he wins or loses, he did get me all the way to the Monday Mountains last time, even if he is rather demanding and egotistical.” I said, remembering how Karo, with his gleaming white, golden hair and perfectly shined armor had ordered Acer to joust in order to cross the creek and continue on to the Monday Mountains.
“This day is looking better already!” Exclaimed Acer, putting his Royal Mounty hat on his head. Taking hold of my bag he jogged back over to Sir Noble, who had ignored our presence this whole time and continued munching on wild flowers and grass.
I followed and was soon climbing the rope ladder that Acer rolled down from the high horse’s saddle. This was the only way to climb up onto the horse since he was so tall, there was no other way to get your foot into the stirrups.
With his new shoulder guard on, new lance tucked into his belt and me holding on behind him, Acer got Sir Noble into a fast gallop and we were off riding over the peaceful hills, warm breeze blowing Acer’s red leafy hair and the smell of maple syrup into my face.
We rode on for awhile and came to the creek where Karo had challenged Acer the last time, but with no Karo in sight, we crossed the creek without incident. Acer turned his head this way and that checking the landscape for any sight of the other man atop his white horse but there was no one in to see for miles.
“Well, then, maybe I’ll get you all the way to Monday on my own this time Miss Smidge. Although, I was actually looking forward to confronting the ol’ fellow and getting to use these gifts you’ve given me!” Acer said over his shoulder.
I was about to reply but just then we crossed the top of the largest hill yet and looked far off to the right where the land leveled off. There he was. Karo. Riding on his white horse, wearing his gleaming golden armor with the corn kernel shapes melded into it. .
He spotted us at the same time that we spotted him and giving his horse a kick he charged toward us.
Acer brought Sir Noble to a stop and we waited mere seconds for Karo to close the gap and come to a stop directly in front of us.
“Acer!” Karo bellowed in his deep voice “And lady.” He squinted around Acer’s shoulder at me.
“Karo. You remember Miss Justa Smidge. You escorted her to the Monday Mountains awhile back?” Acer reminded him.
“Hmm, the one who travels without a crumb of food on a Sunday morning, expecting to be chauffeured around for free? Yes, the memory is coming back.” Karo said gruffly.
“Hello Karo, I did appreciate very much the help you provided in getting me to the Monday Mountains and I’ve brought along an actual picnic lunch this time to thank you.” I said as politely as I could.
“But first -” cut in Acer “I believe I owe you a joust for crossing through Sunday?”
“Well, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you two were trying to get on my good side for something.” A deep chuckle and a crinkle of Karo’s eyes told me he may not be as stern as I’d thought.
“Very well, yes. It is Sunday and in Sunday we joust!” Proclaimed Karo. “To our places and make it quick. I’m hungry!”
I climbed off of Sir Noble and sat down with my bag at the top of the hill. Acer turned Sir Noble around and took off in the opposite direction from Karo and Karo took off the other way until they were both a decent distance apart. Turning towards each other they paused for a moment, then Karo raised his jousting lance in the air and Acer, securing his new shoulder guard tightly across his chest, raised his arm and yelled “Charge!”
Both horses and riders took off at top speed toward each other. Within a few seconds they were upon each other, Karo’s lance aiming right for Acer’s torso and at the last second Acer pulled from his belt, the new telescoping lance, shook in downward to eject it to it’s full length and tucked the handle beneath his arm to hold it steady just in time to spear it right into Karo’s chest. The look on Karo’s face was complete confusion crossed with fury and then fear as he was shoved sideways, losing his balance and falling right off his majestic white horse and onto the ground.
Acer slowed Sir Noble and brought him around and I could see that Acer looked immensely proud of himself and was even laughing. That is until he caught sight of where Karo lay, still on the ground unmoving.
I stood up and craned my neck to see if he was alright. He was just laying there and Acer rushed Sir Noble over and jumped off his horse to check on the fallen man. He waved me over, so grabbing my bag, I ran down as quickly as I could. The ground was slightly rocky nearing the bottom of the hill and it looked like Karo’s head was laying on top of a rock.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sure enough, as I crouched down next to him I could see that he was unconscious but breathing and feeling the back of his head, I checked my hand to see a small amount of blood.
“What should we do?!” I asked Acer who was staring at my hand wide eyed, then back at Karo.
“Oh, no. This is my fault. I should have told him about my lance so he would have been ready!” Acer said, eyes darting around.
“We’ll think about all of that later.” I said putting a hand on his arm to calm him. “ We need to help Karo. Is there somewhere we could take him? Could we get him onto his horse?”
“Yes, we’re going to have to . Sit here, I’ll grab his horse then, help me lift him up. We’ll have to get him to Numerouno’s” Acer said, jumping up and walking quickly over to the large white horse, which was now walking cautiously back to his master’s side, eyeing us warily.
It only took a moment for Acer to calmly secure the horse and I went over to hold the reins while Acer lifted Karo and began to try to shift him onto his saddle.
“A... little.. help ... here.” Gasped Acer amidst grunts as his hands slipped off Karo’s armor.
I stepped over and grabbed Karo’s other arm and lifted and together we got Karo flopped over his saddle on his belly.
“That will have to do. We’ll go slowly. If you could Justa, carry Karo’s lance and we’ll both ride Sir Noble and I’ll keep hold of his horse’s reins.” Instructed Acer.
“Yes, of course.” I did as I was asked and was soon atop Sir Noble with my bag over my shoulder and the lance awkwardly tucked under my arm, trying not to hit Acer or his horse.
“Where did you say we’ll take him?” I asked.
“Numerounu’s. Karo’s boss. He owns the corn fields that Karo patrols. Well, he owns all of the fields. He’s not too far.”
At that, Acer nudged Sir Noble with his heels and we started off, towards the quickly flattening landscape, very, very slowly.
As it turned out, I didn’t have to worry about it for long as just as I was reaching the top of the very first hill, breathing in the warm, flower scented breeze, I spotted the leafy haired man in his red and black uniform, sitting on the grass with his horse grazing by his side.
“Acer!” I called out giving a friendly wave.
He looked up startled, but seemed to recognize me at once and sprang up, hat in hand and jogged over to greet me.
“Well, Miss Smidge is it? Hello! Oh, dear, are you needing a rush trip through Sunday again?” Acer asked, still grinning.
“Hello Acer! No, not this time. Today I’ve come to visit everyone I met through here last year. I was hoping I would find you! Are you busy?” I asked.
“Busy? Oh, no. Not busy. Seems no one needs a Mounty these days. Unless you do. Can I offer you a ride somewhere or help you find something? How about rescuing from something? I used to train for that type of thing although it’s been awhile. I’m sure rescuing is just like riding a bike though. You never forget how to rescue someone.” He rambled rather self consciously, kicking at the grass under his feet.
“Well, not today, I’m in no need of rescue today but if I were, you’d be the first I’d call.” I gave him a smile. “Oh! I’ve brought you a gift, for giving me a ride through Sunday last year and for all of your help.” I held out the item I’d just had made by Tinny Tim.
“A gift for me?” He said, surprise written all over his face “Oh, wow! It’s , it’s, umm, it’s great!” He was turning it all around, not sure what to do with it.
“Oh, here,” I reached up and took it and put it his arm through it and slid it up over his shoulder. Placing it so it covered his shoulder and part of his chest, I held out the strap and explained “It’s a shoulder guard. I had Tinny Tim over is Saturday make it for you to wear whenever Karo challenges you to a joust. This way, when his lance hits you in the shoulder, it will block it like armor.” I showed him how to secure the strap under his arm.
“Ahhhh! It’s so shiny. What an idea! My own armor! I wonder what Karo will think of this!” He said talking faster the more excited he got by the idea.
“Oh wait!” I exclaimed reaching into my bag “ I almost forgot, I brought this for you too.” I held out the small pointed object the size of a screw driver. Then I pulled on the end and it telescoped out into a long, red jousting lance. I twisted the handle and it locked into place.
“ I thought red would go well with your uniform.” I explained.
He took hold of it and waved it slowly through the air then turned the handle back and closed it back up until it was again the size of a screw driver and fit it into his belt.
“This is genius!” He cried “I can hardly wait to challenge Karo to another joust! We could - we could... yes! We could go find him right now and I’ll keep this a surprise. He’ll have no idea! Finally I might have a chance at winning!”
Acer was dancing around at this point and again waving the lance in the air, mock fighting.
“I’m so glad you like it.” I couldn’t help grinning widely “I would love to go along if that’s alright. Now that I know you’ll have a fair shot at the joust, it will be more enjoyable to watch and I’ve brought along an actual picnic lunch this time, you know, for Karo, whether he wins or loses, he did get me all the way to the Monday Mountains last time, even if he is rather demanding and egotistical.” I said, remembering how Karo, with his gleaming white, golden hair and perfectly shined armor had ordered Acer to joust in order to cross the creek and continue on to the Monday Mountains.
“This day is looking better already!” Exclaimed Acer, putting his Royal Mounty hat on his head. Taking hold of my bag he jogged back over to Sir Noble, who had ignored our presence this whole time and continued munching on wild flowers and grass.
I followed and was soon climbing the rope ladder that Acer rolled down from the high horse’s saddle. This was the only way to climb up onto the horse since he was so tall, there was no other way to get your foot into the stirrups.
With his new shoulder guard on, new lance tucked into his belt and me holding on behind him, Acer got Sir Noble into a fast gallop and we were off riding over the peaceful hills, warm breeze blowing Acer’s red leafy hair and the smell of maple syrup into my face.
We rode on for awhile and came to the creek where Karo had challenged Acer the last time, but with no Karo in sight, we crossed the creek without incident. Acer turned his head this way and that checking the landscape for any sight of the other man atop his white horse but there was no one in to see for miles.
“Well, then, maybe I’ll get you all the way to Monday on my own this time Miss Smidge. Although, I was actually looking forward to confronting the ol’ fellow and getting to use these gifts you’ve given me!” Acer said over his shoulder.
I was about to reply but just then we crossed the top of the largest hill yet and looked far off to the right where the land leveled off. There he was. Karo. Riding on his white horse, wearing his gleaming golden armor with the corn kernel shapes melded into it. .
He spotted us at the same time that we spotted him and giving his horse a kick he charged toward us.
Acer brought Sir Noble to a stop and we waited mere seconds for Karo to close the gap and come to a stop directly in front of us.
“Acer!” Karo bellowed in his deep voice “And lady.” He squinted around Acer’s shoulder at me.
“Karo. You remember Miss Justa Smidge. You escorted her to the Monday Mountains awhile back?” Acer reminded him.
“Hmm, the one who travels without a crumb of food on a Sunday morning, expecting to be chauffeured around for free? Yes, the memory is coming back.” Karo said gruffly.
“Hello Karo, I did appreciate very much the help you provided in getting me to the Monday Mountains and I’ve brought along an actual picnic lunch this time to thank you.” I said as politely as I could.
“But first -” cut in Acer “I believe I owe you a joust for crossing through Sunday?”
“Well, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you two were trying to get on my good side for something.” A deep chuckle and a crinkle of Karo’s eyes told me he may not be as stern as I’d thought.
“Very well, yes. It is Sunday and in Sunday we joust!” Proclaimed Karo. “To our places and make it quick. I’m hungry!”
I climbed off of Sir Noble and sat down with my bag at the top of the hill. Acer turned Sir Noble around and took off in the opposite direction from Karo and Karo took off the other way until they were both a decent distance apart. Turning towards each other they paused for a moment, then Karo raised his jousting lance in the air and Acer, securing his new shoulder guard tightly across his chest, raised his arm and yelled “Charge!”
Both horses and riders took off at top speed toward each other. Within a few seconds they were upon each other, Karo’s lance aiming right for Acer’s torso and at the last second Acer pulled from his belt, the new telescoping lance, shook in downward to eject it to it’s full length and tucked the handle beneath his arm to hold it steady just in time to spear it right into Karo’s chest. The look on Karo’s face was complete confusion crossed with fury and then fear as he was shoved sideways, losing his balance and falling right off his majestic white horse and onto the ground.
Acer slowed Sir Noble and brought him around and I could see that Acer looked immensely proud of himself and was even laughing. That is until he caught sight of where Karo lay, still on the ground unmoving.
I stood up and craned my neck to see if he was alright. He was just laying there and Acer rushed Sir Noble over and jumped off his horse to check on the fallen man. He waved me over, so grabbing my bag, I ran down as quickly as I could. The ground was slightly rocky nearing the bottom of the hill and it looked like Karo’s head was laying on top of a rock.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Sure enough, as I crouched down next to him I could see that he was unconscious but breathing and feeling the back of his head, I checked my hand to see a small amount of blood.
“What should we do?!” I asked Acer who was staring at my hand wide eyed, then back at Karo.
“Oh, no. This is my fault. I should have told him about my lance so he would have been ready!” Acer said, eyes darting around.
“We’ll think about all of that later.” I said putting a hand on his arm to calm him. “ We need to help Karo. Is there somewhere we could take him? Could we get him onto his horse?”
“Yes, we’re going to have to . Sit here, I’ll grab his horse then, help me lift him up. We’ll have to get him to Numerouno’s” Acer said, jumping up and walking quickly over to the large white horse, which was now walking cautiously back to his master’s side, eyeing us warily.
It only took a moment for Acer to calmly secure the horse and I went over to hold the reins while Acer lifted Karo and began to try to shift him onto his saddle.
“A... little.. help ... here.” Gasped Acer amidst grunts as his hands slipped off Karo’s armor.
I stepped over and grabbed Karo’s other arm and lifted and together we got Karo flopped over his saddle on his belly.
“That will have to do. We’ll go slowly. If you could Justa, carry Karo’s lance and we’ll both ride Sir Noble and I’ll keep hold of his horse’s reins.” Instructed Acer.
“Yes, of course.” I did as I was asked and was soon atop Sir Noble with my bag over my shoulder and the lance awkwardly tucked under my arm, trying not to hit Acer or his horse.
“Where did you say we’ll take him?” I asked.
“Numerounu’s. Karo’s boss. He owns the corn fields that Karo patrols. Well, he owns all of the fields. He’s not too far.”
At that, Acer nudged Sir Noble with his heels and we started off, towards the quickly flattening landscape, very, very slowly.
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