Compass Portal

The gentlemen use a personal pocket compass. First, they flip the compass open, face it so it reads North.  Second, with eyes closed and deep thought they say, “CHURNBRIDGE,  CHURNBRIDGE, CHURNBRIDGE, I wish to be there now!” Then instantly they are awakened standing  inside the meadow just before the stone bridge in CHURNBRIDGE.

Mirror Portal

 The ladies use a compact personal mirror. First, they flip open the mirror and hold the mirror close to the chest. Second, with deep thought they say, “CHURNBRIDGE, CHURNBRIDGE, CHURNBRIDGE, I wish to be there now!” Then instantly they are awakened standing inside the meadow just before the stone bridge in CHURNBRIDGE.

09/26/25

Luke finely had gotten home from a typical day at school; class, recess, and soccer practice.  After taking off his cleats and socks, he laid back onto his bed.  He closed his eyes and thought, if I could just escape this world for a bit and relax.  It was then that he remembered the mysterious piece of paper that was given to him by his friend, Isaiah, along with a compass. He went over to his backpack and opened the front pocket and pulled out the closed pocket compass. Luke also found the folded piece of parchment paper. He opened it up and read it. "If you ever find yourself overwhelmed from this world, there is another magical and mystical world that you can visit. Be forewarned that there is real magic, danger and fun to be had in the realm of CHURNBRIDGE. To reach this world, all you must do is:  1) open the compass, turn your body to the North, 2) close your eyes, 3) say "Churnbridge, Churnbridge, Churnbridge, I wish to be there now!"  Be prepared for a few strobe lights in your eyes. When you open them, you will be standing on the outskirt of the village called Churnbridge.  You will cross over that bridge and enter the bustling village of Churnbridge.  Let the adventure begin." 
Now knowing what must be done, Luke took a few more deep sighs and  then did as the directions had indicated,

Luke felt the sensation of whirling, falling, some strobe lights, and then a sudden stop.  He opened his eyes and found himself standing on a gravel area. Just past the gravel was a large open meadow of tall grass and various flower blooms. He shuffled his feet to turn himself to the left and found that he was standing beside a rock bridge.  Under the bridge flowed beautiful blue and clear rushing water. The river seemed to go on forever. Looking past the bridge, he could see a village, a pretty large one. Just then he heard a splash. He looked back at the clear flowing river and only saw ripples in the water.  He assumed he had just missed witnessing a fish jump out of the water. He then took notice of the clothes he was wearing.

He no longer was in his white practice shorts and navy blue team "Badger" T-shirt. He was wearing khaki pants with pockets and a green tunic. He had across his chest a brown strap that lead to a satchel bag with a buckle and a few outside pockets. On his feet were brown moccasin like boots, but they did extend up to mid calf. He also noticed that he had a knife attached to his right side. It was nearly the same color as the satchel bag. Still in his right hand was the brass compass, still pointing North.  He put the compass into his right leg pocket.  Then he pulled out the knife, it was a shiny silver piece of craftsmanship; he could see that it had a very decorative middle section from the top of the knife to the hilt. The design was a bunch of squiggles in a single row. The hilt was thick and felt good in his hand. A closer look showed that the handle looked like two elm tree branches  extending past the blade and then slightly turning up. At the very end of the handle was a rounded piece. In the middle of that ornamental end was a well centered lizard looking creature.  After a few minutes of observing the knife, Luke returned it to its sheath. 

Luke suddenly heard the loud clang of a bell. It chimed ten times and then ceased. Looking toward the village, he could see a taller building that did look like it had a steeple at the top of the tower. The building was a tan color with a dark looking roof, that was the most he could make out from where he now stood. "Guess I better get moving and see exactly what this Churnbridge is all about."  He started to walk up over the slightly arched rock bridge. With every footstep he could hear the beige gravel crush and move under his step.  Luke moved across the bridge with ease, as could any young boy of 10. He reached the other side and stepped onto a gravel road that would lead him to the heart of the village.  

As Luke entered deeper into the village, he began to pass many buildings. They appeared to be made out of stucco and different types of tile roofs.  He passed many buildings that were large and had various sizes of wood signs supported by metal hangers.  After passing the first block of buildings, he started to pass many people who greeted him with some hellos and the word "Churn,"  which he assumed meant hello. Many of the men wore the same style of clothing as he had on, some had cloaks with hoods. The women mostly wore dresses. He did see some younger children in similar but smaller clothing.  He continued to observe his surroundings until he was faced with a statue in a courtyard in his view.

09/27/25

The statue had a good size churn and then behind it sat a regal man with what looked like aristocratic clothing. The statue depicted a man wearing a lavish cloak and a crown on his head. The sun glared off the silver of the statue.  He had now moved closer and stood in front of the pedestal with a placard on it. He read the sign: King Gerald Renevere. A good and noble King who cares deeply for his people of this industrious village and the greater Kingdom of Caledonia. "Isn't it a regal account of him? I have seen him only once," spoke a gentleman in a friendly voice. Luke gave no response, he just looked at the man and studied him.

The man wore a pair of tan trousers, and a blue tunic with intricate needlework in beige around the neckline. He wore a cloak of beautiful crisp blue with a beige lining. Around his neck was an elaborate medallion necklace. The center medallion was bigger than the others. On the center of the medallion was a wolf in a howling position. The gentleman wore a pair of  tan soft leather dress shoes. "Let me introduce myself,  I am Arvin,  the steward to Duke Leonardo of Lacidonia. He is requesting your presence at his humble estate this evening as a dinner guest. I can see you are a traveler and I am sure you are hungry? No?"  Luke continued to look at him, meeting his green eyes and clean shaven face.  "Alright then, I will meet with him,"  was Luke's reply.  Arvin extended his hand for a handshake, Luke obliged.  "Sorry, I didn't get your name," asked Arvin. "Oh yes, I am Luke," he replied.  "Where are you from, Luke?"  inquired Arvin.  Luke began to think quickly. Recalling when he found himself at the bridge, he noticed farther back there was a forest tree line.  "I am from a kingdom past the forest," Luke replied.  "Oh, from Caldaron," said Arvin. "Yes, Yes," answered Luke. Arvin just smiled, knowing that he was lying because the kingdom past the forest was actually Ferrandon.  Luke began to follow Arvin down the gravel road.