I had thought this story left at home in the desk at which it was written in my mother's basement. I'm not clear on when I wrote it precisely, only that it was the first time I had written for fun, that I had attempted to create any semblance of fiction or characters. I believe it to be from around 6th grade, so the age of 10 or 11. As far as it goes, I rather like the characters especially Drib. It has some of the abrupt and awkward phrasings that I suppose characterize young writing, but at the same time, these bring perhaps the most humor to the piece, at least for me. Anyway, without further ado, Drib and Yab.
THE STORY OF DRIB AND YAB
by David Aitchison ?(2000-2001)?
Drib plunked down in his seat. He was tired. Tired from too many days for too many years working in the farm fields.
"Blast the fields!" he said in disgust.
As he ate dinner he though back to the days long ago when he had aspired to be a knight. he had received his knighthood, but then came the cursed Crusades. He had objected to going, saying it was a waste of time; that they would never succeed. For this "blasphemous" belief he was labeled a heathen. He had plowed fields since then. He was now a peasant. The lord of the nearby castle, which had once been his, was now in charge of him, and took what he wanted.
Yes. it had been long since those times, but he still maintained a great bitterness towards those who had ruined his dreams of knighthood. To cheer himself, he decided to travel to the nearby town for the day.
He must look his best. As he looked at himself in his mirror, his last remaining treasure, besides his armor and sword, he again notice his immense size. His white bearded face with its bright blue eyes stared back at him. He was still amazingly fit for someone going on 50. In a few minutes he was out the door riding to town.
As he rode in through the soaring gateway, he marveled at what the combined might of men was capable of. The great citadel's mighty walls had withstood many a siege in their time. After stabling his horse , he wandered in the market. There he saw a strange dark colored young boy in chains. He was being held by several rough looking men. The men were treating him most brutally.
"Now, we can't have that" thought Drib. Out of pity decided then and there to buy the boy to save him from this evil treatment. The boy was well built for his age, which he estimated at 13 or 14. He had dark brown eyes, and black hair. He looked as if he had seen better times. He was like other prisoners from the crusades, yet different. Darker in skin tone, Drib decided. After walking away from the market with the boy, he found that he spoke English amazingly well. The boy told him that his name was Yab. When Drib asked him whey he seemed different from the other Yab said,
"I am indeed different from what you usually see here. This is because I am from a distant land, beyond the lands ravaged by war. I was sent as an observer by out glorious Sultan Shuja Amer Rahman. I was accidentally captured and mistaken for one of of the "heathens" as your people call them.
"Why did they send only a boy?" asked Drib.
"They thought I would be less noticeable, and, for a time, I was." was Yab's answer.
Drib decided it would be best to talk in a more private place. He returned to the stable and purchased some food for Yab at the Tavern. Yab ate his meal as they rode to Drib's house.
"So tell me about your homeland", said Drib.
"Oh, it is a vast land of forests and soaring mountains. It has seen better times though", said Yab.
"Why's that?' asked Drib.
"Well, in recent times, a great daemon has been attacking our famrs. many men have died trying to kill the beast. I believe you call them dragons here in these lands"
"How terrible!" exclaimed Drib. "And no one is able to kill it?"
"No! Absolutely no one! Our greatest warrior barely escaped with his life" said Yab.
"I too am a warrior!" exclaimed Drib. "I shall travel with you to this land."
"You would do that for one you barely know?!"
"My code of honor demands it" said Drib. "Do you know how to use a bow?"
Most certainely! All of his celestial highness's servants must!"
Drib gathered his weapons and armor with haste. They departed for town in half-an-hour. With them they carried food and water for several days. With his remaining money, Drib bought an enchanted bow which shot arrows that never missed. This he gave to Yab. They rode to the nearby port and boarded a ship.
After many month's travel they arrived in Yab's homeland, Machamya. Around them they saw many signs of the dragon's wrath. They came to the palace. Here they were greeted by royal servants. Drib gathered a party of the land's greatest warriors. They set off for the dragon's lair. After many days travel they arrived near the dragon's lair. A great growl issued from the cave. Drib's party fled in all directions.
"Who dares draw near the home of Kil'Jaedon Lord of Terror!?"
"I dare!" said Drib. "I am Drib Oneron, knight of England!"
And so they came together in Mortal Combat. Many say their struggle echoed throughout the land. Finally when they were at the peak of their struggle, Yab came and shot the beast. This gave Drib his opportunity. He struck the beast a mortal blow, and severed its vile head from its body.
Drib returned to the palace. The Sultan rewarded him richly. Yab decided to return with Drib to England. Drib was given his knighthood back after that. He lived in a great castle. Many say that he treated those people under his protection with great kindness. After some years, he married and lived happily for many years.
THE END
