The Adventure

Chapter One - Happy Birthday!

Apollo woke up with a churning feeling in his stomach. Today was his tenth birthday. Normally, that would be a good thing. Waking up to cards, presents, maybe even having a party, but in Apollo's land things were different.

It is an age old tradition, that when a boy reaches the age of 10, he must leave his land and seek adventure elsewhere, not returning until he has found and can prove that he has experienced a worthy adventure.

At that moment Apollo was roused from his thoughts by a loud knocking at the window. He looked up quickly to see his best friends face looking in at him. He opened the window and was greeted with a grumbled "Happy Birthday."

"Come in Astra, we need to eat and get to the temple." The boys ate their breakfast quietly.

Astra was Apollo's best friend and his birthday was exactly a week after Apollo's. Because of this he too was being sent out to seek adventure.

"I'm glad we are going on this journey together" said Astra. "I am scared, and don't want to go, but if I have to do it, I'm glad it's with my best friend".

" I feel the same Astra" Said Apollo. "We must stay strong and not show our fear. Now let's go, we are going to be late".

Both boys grabbed their backpacks and headed towards the temple. "Halt!!" shouted a guard as they approached the temple gates. They immediately stopped, almost tripping over each other. Out of a side entrance an elder dressed in a white robe approached them.

"Good morning boys" he said in a gruff voice. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"I am well thank you" answered Apollo.

"I'm scared" squeaked Astra.

Apollo glared at his best friend "So much for not showing our fear he mumbled"

The elder knelt between the boys, putting a hand on each of their shoulders. "I know this is a big test for you both, but it has been done for centuries before and will be done for centuries to come. This will make you strong both physically and in character. I know you will both do well." He then motioned for the guard to bring him something. The guard obliged, bringing a sack that clanged as he ran. The elder opened it and pulled out an item covered in cloth. He handed one each to the boys. Inside was a short sword, dagger, medical supplies and a notepad.

"These items are given to you, to protect you and record your adventures" he said. "I understand you have never been further than the Proseko river and this is scary and dangerous for you both. Take care of each other and bring back the proof required to demonstrate you have adventured while you have been away. Record all you can in your notepads, and bring back proof of what is written there."Good luck boys" and with those final words, he turned and went back into the temple.

"Go on, get moving!" shouted the guard.

Apollo and Astra started down the hill strapping the sword to their waist and putting the other items in their backpacks. "Right" said Apollo, i know it's North to the smallest crossing point of the Proseko river, so let's head that way" He pointed towards North and Astra could see the river in the distance. As they walked, many villagers wished them well, patting them on the back and they even got some cheers, but the boys didn't feel very cheery. They were scared, and didn't know what adventure they were looking for, or would find.

End of Chapter One

This is the first chapter of my first ever story so I would really appreciate any comments you might have. What you liked, what you didn't. If you like and don't want to comment then a vote would be nice, just so i know :) Thanks.