Hamor whistled as he followed Jaalam through the woods. Try as he might Jallam could not convince his brother to keep quiet. Someone it went against Hamor's nature to be quiet, even when it was Jaalam's head on the line.

 All about them the woods seemed especially quiet, though they would to two that had grown up to the noise of waves crashing on the beach. Yet, the quietness also seemed secretive, and that set Jaalam on edge. What secrets could it be holding, who could it be hiding? Rebels waiting in the trees most likwly, waiting for the perfect moment to jump out and slay the brothers.

 Little did Jaalam know that Hamor had his eyes glued to the trees and his ears aleart. And so when the men, a group of about ten wild, unruly looking fellows, jumped out at the brothers, Hamor was ready.

 Leaping beside Jaalam he cried, "Tratiors to the crown! Taste my steal!"

 Jaalam had drawn his own sword though he could not help casting Hamor a side ways glance. Though he never doubted his brother would stand with him in any fight he was surprised at his swiftness, it was rare to see Hamor move that fast unless food was involved.

 "Tratiors!" One of the men snapped as he tossed his hood off his head, revealing his fetures. "We sir are no tratiors! We are loyal to King Jaalam and shall find great pleasure in cutting your throats if you don't drop your swords!"

 "Wait!" Though throat cutting was not as bad as beheading Jaalam felt no better about it then he had about beheading.

 The man scowled at Jaalam. "What?" He demanded. "Be swift about it! We have to hurry and kill you as we have other things to move on to!"

 "If you kill me then you kill the king!" Jaalam exclaimed hurriedly.

 "What are you saying?" The man demanded as he eyed Jaalam and Hamor.

 "I am King Jaalam," He said almost meekly. "And this is my brother Hamor."

 The man looked closely at the two brothers and then back at his men who stood, bows at the ready.

 "So, YOU are our new king?" The man finally asked as he stepped closer to Jaalam.

 Hamor waved his sword under the man's nose. "Keep back, or I shall delightfully but your throat!"

 "And that is your body guard?" The man smirked at Hamor. Then looking back at Jaalam asked, "How do we know you are the king? What token have you?"

 Jaalam rolled his eyes much like Hamor did and held his sword higher. "This," He said.

 The men all gasped as their eyes beheld the sword, for everyone knew it. It was Locklan's sword, which for the last hundred years had been kept safe. It was the very sword he had used to kill a pirate captain and save a ship. And all knew the sword was kept to be handed on to the first king of Hemlock. And so with one acord the men all bowed before Jaalam, even the leader did though Hamor  saw him throw Jaalam a hostile look, and he knew he would have to keep an eye on him.

 "We have come to seek you King Jaalam," The leader said as he rose to his feet. "We have come to seek and help you."

 "Glad I am of it too!" Jaalam said as he slethed his sword. "May I ask your name?"

 "'Tis Nignor," The leader said. And with that he led the way into the trees, leading the brothers to their army.

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 So this was how it was to start? just like that he was king and everyone had to do what he said, basicly. However, if that was true then why was he hiding? Why was he hiding in the bushes like he used to do when a boy playing with his friends? Did twenty five year old men hid in the bushes?

 Jaalam decided to debate that matter later, when he did not have men after him who would like nothing better then to remove his head from his shoulders. Sure, Jaalam had heard the term "light headedness," but he was not sure he wanted to actually FEEL it, he liked his head where it was.

 Jaalam's brother, Hamor, grinned at him and his eyes seemed to be saying, "This is great fun!"

 At least Hamor was having fun, then again, it was not HIS head on the line. Jaalam rolled his eyes at his younger brother and pressed himself flater to the ground as a troup of men ran passed their hiding place.

 How had he come to be here? A week ago he had been a peace loving ruler of the city by the coast. He had been happily planning to guide those under him, maybe someday marry one of the girls in the city, and raise a family. There had never been any hiding in his plans.

 And yet, when the men of many of the different cities all around the land of Hemlock had approached him about becoming there king...well how could he say no? Everyone knew how Hemlock needed and king, and though Jaalam never would have choicen himself Hamor had a way of prusading his brother. One moment Jaalam had been listening to the men debate, the next he had been made their king. And after that?

 Well, after that, when it was annouced to all of Hemlock, that was when the trouble started. Seemed some of the other cities had wanted men of their own choosing for king and were not pleased that Jaalam had been crowned. So in one week Jaalam had gone from peaceful ruler to a king on the run.

 "They are gone," Hamor said as he slowly rose to his knees, a boyish grin still playing on his lips. At twenty three Hamor had yet to grow up. Not that Jaalam minded, he loved his brother's boyishness, for the most part.

 Jaalam followed Hamor out of the bushes and accpeted his brother's hand. As Hamor helped him up he grinned and said, "'Tis my great honor to help my king to his feet."

 Jaalam rolled his eyes. "You find this funny, don't you?"

 "Great fun my king," Hamor laughed gleefully.

 "Well I shall crown YOU then and you can be the one on the run with men after you wanting your head on a silver platter."

 Hamor rolled his eyes and grinned. "Such gloomy mood brother? You become king and loose your since of humor?"

 Jaalam opened his mouth to speak but quickly closed it. There was no point in trying to talk sence into his brother, he could not take a serious view on life, even when they had a bunch of rebels out to kill them.

 "Come on Hamor, we need to get going," Jaalam muttered.

 Hamor bowed low and followed Jaalam, grinning like a goon.

 Ever since Jaalam had been crowned he had found himself on his own. For the first three days he had remained in his and Hamor's home. Then the rebels attacked and he and his brother had had to flee. Since then they had been on the run, dodging rebels at every step, and looking for the men who had crowned Jaalam.

 Convenuntly enough they had all vanished, leaving not hide nor tail behind them. It seemed Jaalam and Hamor where on their own until farther notice. Jaalam could only hope the rest of his rule went smoother then the first week was going. And that he would be able to find someone to help him, someone other then his grinning brother.

 However, as they walked through the dence woods, having long left the beaches and coasts and entered the forests, Jaalam wondered if his rule would last more then a week. He would make Hemlocan history, the first king who was crowned, rebelled against, and beheaded all in the space of a week. Not something he was looking forward to.

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 Hemloca ran up onto the deck. She saw nothing as she ran, all she could think about was reaching Locklan before it was too late. She had to see him one more time, see his smile and the loving look in his eyes that he always had just for her.

 When the young maid at last reached Locklan and the captain Locklan's face was white and she feared she was too late. As she knelt beside the man she loved she feared he was already dead.

 However, Locklan had been waiting for her. When he heard the soft rustle of her tatered dress he opened his eyes, and smiled at her. She tried her best to smile back, but gave it up as hopeless. Instead she gabbed his hand and held it fast as she wept, "It is all in the King's plan, but oh how it hurts!"

 Locklan gribbed her hand tightly and whispered in a tight voice, "I was going to make a real home for you my dead Hemloca, I was going to make you happy. However, I see now I could not have done it, no one can ever give you the home you seek but the King. Any man's love is as nothing complared to His for you. And though I love you so much it hurts to part from you, His love makes mine look like nothing. I will not lie to you, your struggles shall be many, hwoever, let that not stop you. You have been given a task here, one you can use to serve the King well. And when you come Home I shall be waiting for you."

 Hemloca continued to weep, though she whispered, "The King sent you to me for a reason, He used you to show me ways to serve Him. I will continue in the work He has sent me to do."

 And, as the captain listened, his hard heart softened and he whispered, "I see now that the King is real, and I wish to serve Him."

 And so, as Locklan slipped away from this world into his Home, the King welcomed another son into His service. And though Hemloca wept she felt at peace, because she knew Who she was serving, and who had called her loved one Home.

 Not long after Locklan's body was put into the sea the ship landed on a wild land. It was here the passengers disembarked and set up their settlement. It was also here that Hemloca took into her care eleven orphan boys. She raised these boys as her own and they loved her as their mother.

 The captain became a preacher for the King and taught the people about Him. Hemloca died at the age of 80, and with great joy went to be Home with the King she loved. And though her life was one of sorrow she had also spread great joy to others.

 And so the land was named Hemlock after her, and her sons traveled far over the land with their families, so that in the first hundred years of the Hemlocans first landing the land was all settled, and a new trails was to be faced, crowning their first king.

 However that is another story in itself, and I will not start that now, because I have enough to do what with having ended this tale. Besides that Maddock has just entered and is asking for his cloak, as if I would know where he puts it, I am not his wife! Actually I hid it in the laundry, hehe, don't tell him.

 So, until next time I remain as always, Isliwen, croniclor for King Theobald.

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 Please read below.

 The author here. I am writing because I have a challenge for all you fanitisy writers. I am reading through Gensis in the Bible and the other day came upon a chapter with all their wierd names. I was going to skip over it like always when it hit me, i try adn say the wierd names of the character in these fanitsy books, so why not the Bible? So I read all their names and did my best to say them right.

 Have you noticed that no one cares how weird the names are in our stories, if we used names like Luke and Jenny no one would like the book as much? So why skip over the names in the Bible.

 As I was reading today I realized their names look like the names we make up. So I decided since I have trouble finding names for my characters anyways I am going to use the names from the Bible. So, I thought I would pass my idea along to all you other writers.

 Also I callenge you to read those books of the Bible that just list their names, and so and so begot so and so... and so forth. After all, if Tolkien had done that I am certain some of you would read it, so why not God's Book?

 That is all, I am signing out. Should have more of my story soon.

 Isilwen of Hemlock

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 Locklan stood as still and stright as a ram rod. His face was grim as he watched the pirate ship near. For some reason he suddenly felt very scared, and very peaceful all at once. He knew his life was in the King's hands.

 Looking out over the ocean he watched with unflenching eyes as the ship drew nearer. The pirates were moving with great swiftness and before long their ship was upon the sailors. Without a warning or even a word the pirate's rammed their ship into the other one.

 The captain had done his best to stear out of their path, but alas he knew it was hopeless, and was thankful he had such gallant men on his ship, they would do all they could to defened the women and children!

 As the captain watched the pirates board, drawing his sword as he watched, his eyes landed on Locklan, already fighting bravely, and he muttered to no one in piticular, "Keep him alive, if only for her sake." And with that he leaped down the stairs and into the battle.

 Locklan fought like ten men that day. He was at the front of the fight and right when the pirates boarded found himself up against ten of the vilest looking men he had ever laid eyes on.

 They imdeitly engaged him in a fight and Locklan found himself fighting for his life. A man of peace he did not approve of fighting, but when it was for the safety of woman and children Locklan would fight knowing it was his duty to protect them.

 Locklan slashed at one man's feet and with his back swing sliced at another man. With a quick twist of the blade he knocked the sword from another man's hand and then charged the fourth man. Before anyone really knew what had happen all ten men lay dead upon the deck and Locklan had run off to help one of the sailors who was badly out numbered.

 As Lockland ran he suddenly lost his balance when the ship tipped to starboard. Before he could catch himself he found himself flying forward, and saw his sword flying in another direction.

 Locklan landed at the feet of an over sized pirate who was none to happy to see the young man at his feet, until he saw he was weaponless. At that the big pirate grinned stupidly and raised his own sword, ready for the strike.

 Locklan looked up at the big man and without warning shoved himself into the man's left leg. Caught off guard the pirate chrashed to the deck and the next thing he knew Locklan was ontop of him holding his own sword at his throat.

 "You canna do that!" The big man wailed.

 "I just did," Locklan muttered threw gritted teeth.

 The big pirate glared at the young man, and the brought his huge fist up and sent it crashing into Locklan's stomach. Locklan felt a sharp, aggonizing pain rip through him and found himself staggering backwards, unable to stand.

 The pirate grabbed him before he fell and held him up like a rag doll. Locklan was gasping for breath as the pain over came him and he nearly blacked out. However, before he could, a new pain fully awoke him when the pirate grabbed his arm and broke it. Then he let Locklan fall to the deck.

 "No one crosses me!" The pirate rumbled, and Locklan believed him. He also knew if the pirate wasn't killed the sailors won't stand a chance. So it was to his great relief when he saw a sailor behind the pirate, sword at the ready to stike. And it was to his horror when he saw th epirate about turn.

 Knowing full well what if would cost, Locklan called out weakly, "Coward!" And that was his death stroke.

 The pirate looked down at the young man with contempt, marched up to him, and kicked him as hard as he could. The sailor ran forward to save Locklan, but he was too late. He drove his sword into the pirate, but as the pirate fell dead at his feet he saw a look of death on Locklan's face and knew that he would not make it.

  The fight did not last much longer after that. Once the pirates saw their chapion dead and the courage of the sailors they fled. It was then that the captain was led to Locklan who was still clinging to life.

 Tears filled the captain's eyes and he dropped to his knees beside the young man saying, "Bring the girl, he wishes to see her one last time!"

 As a man went off to find Hemloca the captain whispered, "Why did He allow this to happen?"

 Locklan laid his hand on the captain's arm and whispered feblely, "it is all in His hands, the King knows what He is doing."

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 Time passed quickly and happily on board the little ship. Locklan and Hemloca planned their wedding and everyone rejoiced. Even the captain, hard hearted as he was, seemed happy, and would smile at Hemloca as she glidded about the deck.

 The wedding was set for two weeks from the day the storm hit. Locklan could not wait long to take his fair maid as his bride, as he put it. Often he was seen walking about the deck, talking to Hemloca, telling her of his plans.

 "The moment we land I am going to build you a house, the best in the land. I am going to make it two stories tall, for all our children. I am going to make a large meeting room where we can hold teachings. There will be lots of windows so the  sun can come in and broghten it all up. And I will plant you a flower garden under the windows, so you can always be reminded of the King. And never again shall you have need to sorrow, I will show you great joy!"

 Hemloca smiled up at him and her smile shone with a joy that had never been seen before. "You already have my dear Locklan."

 Locklan smiled down at her and whispered, "I would make you smile all the time if I could. I will never do anything to hurt you, you have had sorrow enough. As it says in the King's Book, 'Though weeping endure for the night, joy cometh in the morning.' Hemloca, my dearest Hemloca, it is morning for you."

 All that day Hemloca could be seen, glidding about the deck, singing. Joy had entered her heart and was over flowing. The captain caught her hand as she flitted passed him.

 Hemloca stopped and looked deep into the captain's eyes as he pressed her hand close. "You have joy that comes not only from a human love. Your joy comes from somewhere else, I want it. Please, show me how to get it!"

 Hemloca's smile grew bigger, her eyes shone like stars, brillant. Her face lit up, and for a moment she was breath takingly beautiful. However, before she had a chance to speek the lookout yelled, "Pirates! Pirates on starboard side!"

 Hemloca turned and caught a glimse of a large ship sainling toward them before Locklan came running up. He gently grabbed her arm with his left hand, a sword being in this right.

 "Go below my love, take the women and children, keep them safe!" Locklan ordered tenderly, "Pray for us."

 Hemloca froze, her gaze locked on Locklan's. Leave him? Could she, how could she just leave him, leave him to face pirates alone? How could see risk loosing him?

 "Don't ask me to part from you!" She begged, her eyes pleading, She was trembling slightly.

 "My life is in the King's hands beloved, He shall protect me," Locklan grabbed her hand and held it fast.

 "I know that my Locklan, but He also has the power to take it, what if He should so choose to do it? How can I go on without you?"

 "With the King's help," Locklan whispered, "I love you my darling as I have loved no one else, but I love the King more. I place you now in His loving care."

 Hemloca smiled and brushed away her tears. "And I go into His loving arms. I shall pray for you, and for the men."

 Locklan smiled down at Hemloca, he slowly lowered his sword, dropped it, and grabbed her other hand. Something filled him with dread, that he would never see her again. Without warning he pulled her into a tight embrase, and for a long while the two clung to each other.

 When they finally parted the enemy was very near. With great sorrow, and feeling as though their hearts where ripped in two, they parted. Locklan picked up his sword, Hemloca led the women and children to the cabins, and both prayed fervently for the other.

 (Sorry this is such a short chapter, but I have to leave you with a cliff hanger, so don't fall of the cliff until next time. Isilwen, recorder of Hemlock.)

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