A Journey To Rampart
by Cindy Gifford
The klaxon sounded at station 51 causing the firefighters to jump into action. In no time, they were off to the response they had been called to answer. The rescue vehicles pulled up to a freight yard that contained several railroad cars fully involved in flames. The men of 51 flew to the hoses and at their commanders orders, began aiming their water onto the flaming mass of twisted metal.
An explosion was heard, then another, blowing doors off the trains and sending debris showering down on the men of station 51. The men dropped their hoses and ran, trying to avoid the falling metal.
"Roy!" John Gage cried out as he watched a large section of metal door fall on top of his running partner. Roy's body disappeared under the large piece of debris as it crashed to the ground.
The remaining crew of station 51 ran to aid their fallen partner. Each of the five men grabbed hold of the door and on the count of three they hefted the metal off their friend.
Roy laid perfectly still, face down on the pavement as John quickly began to assess his condition.
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"Little John!" Roybin Hood bellowed, as he entered their hideout in Rampart Forrest. "Where art thou?"
"Over here, Roybin." Little John called from the fireplace, where he stood stirring a pot that dangled from a hook on the hearth. "I'm just helping with dinner."
"I thought it was Marco the Manly's turn to cook?" Roybin asked as disappointment furrowed his brow. Little John was his number one man but his cooking talents left a lot to be desired.
"It is. I am just stirring the pot whilst he went out to the garden. He needed more tomatoes for the venison chili."
"Aye, that's a relief, " Roybin muttered as he sat down at the table.
"What was that, Roybin?" Little John asked his leader.
"I said, I need to rest my feet. I've been searching the Forest all day looking for any men that may have been sent by the Sheriff of Bricingham."
"Didst thou have any luck?"
"Nay, not a man was to be found. We have hidden ourselves well."
"Thanks to thee, Roybin. You lead us well."
The door flew open as Marco the Manly entered, his arms loaded down with tomatoes and chili peppers. He released his load onto the table in front of Roybin.
"Hola, Roybin."
"Marco, my good man. Thy chili smells wonderful."
"Gracias, it will be ready shortly."
"Very well. I believe I will check on the rest of the merry men. Call when it is ready." Roybin stood and headed out the door.
Their camp in Rampart Forest was a safe haven, far away from the hands of the evil Sheriff of Bricingham. He lived to make Roybin's life miserable, not to mention the people of Rampart. They lived in fear of the Sheriff as he kept a watchful eye out for any poaching done on the land said to be that of Prince Kel's. The peasants were taxed heavily and were unable to afford food. This made it necessary for them to poach just to stay alive.
Roybin Hood saw the injustice in this and put it upon himself to aid the good folk of Rampart. He robbed from the rich and powerful and gave the spoils to the poor and needy. When wealthy victims were scarce, Roybin supplied the peasants with food, so they could survive.
He walked around their camp and found Michael the Mild busy polishing the arrows. He was a strong, quiet man who's dedication to Roybin went far beyond any words. He would follow Roybin and his cause to the end of the earth.
"My liege," Michael the Mild exclaimed as Roybin approached.
"Michael, thou hast polished yon arrows till they gleam."
"Aye, the better for them to find their marks."
"Tis true. The sheriff's men will be able to see themselves as their point's impale their flesh." Roybin patted Michael on the back as he admired his work. A hearty laugh was heard in the distance, drawing their attention behind them. The tall lanky form of Hank Scarlet was spied coming out of the forest, the carcass of a deer thrown over his back.
"Yonder comes Hank Scarlet!" Michael the Mild said as he pointed his arrow in the direction of their comrade.
"Hank, Thou hast had a successful hunt."
"Aye, tis true, Roybin. Tonight we shall feast!"
"Tis true Hank, tonight we shall feast but Marco the Manly already has dinner begun."
"Even better!" Hank exclaimed. "I shall deliver this to some of the needy of Rampart so they too can feast."
The sound of a bell was heard in the distance as the men spoke.
"Hark! I hear the dinner bell. Come first and sup. We shall then deliver this fine beast to the people of Rampart." The men followed their leader to the main camp and joined the others in the band of merry men around the table.
"Friar Chet," Roybin remarked. "Wilst thou give the blessing?"
Friar Chet stood at the table folding his hands. He was a rotund little man with remnants of curly brown hair surrounding a bald head. His mustache twitched as he began to speak.
"Lord, bless this food and these men. Who, with your help, will lead the people of Rampart out from under the oppression of Prince Kel and the Sheriff of Bricingham. Amen."
"Amen." The merry men echoed then dug into the hearty helpings of venison chili that sat before them.
"Roybin," Little John began. "Whilst traveling through Rampart Forest today, I saw a carriage carry Maid Mixie back to the castle of Prince Kel. Doth thou still pine for the maiden?"
"Aye, Little John. If Maid Mixie has returned we must rescue her from the clutches of the evil Prince Kel. On the morrow we shall devise a plan for her rescue."
Roybin and his merry men enjoy the feast Marco the Manly prepared while in their heads their plans began to develop to free Maid Mixie.
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The ambulance screeched to a halt at the entrance of Rampart Emergency. The doors flew open as the attendants and John Gage pulled the gurney from the back. The automatic doors to the ER swished open as they pushed the still form of Roy DeSoto into the hallway.
"Treatment room two," Dixie McCall cried out to them as she hustled down the hall. The group navigated the stretcher into the treatment room and skillfully transferred the patient onto the exam table. Just as the door swished shut from the departure of the ambulance attendants, it burst open again allowing Kel Brackett entrance.
"What do we have, John?" The good doctor asked the paramedic.
"There was an explosion at a rail yard," John Gage told the doctor as he began to examine Roy. "A large piece of a train car's door landed on him. His vitals have been stable but he hasn't regained consciousness."
"Dix, I want a full skull series, STAT." Brackett ordered. Dixie hurried over to the phone to call radiology.
"Is he going to be OK, Doc?" Johnny asked, deep concern showing on his face.
"It's hard to tell at this point. The fact that he hasn't regained consciousness worries me. The x-rays will rule out or confirm a skull fracture." The doors flew open yet again as the radiology technician came in with a portable x-ray unit. Brackett took John by the arm and escorted him into the hall.
"Why don't you go to the lounge, John. We'll let you know what's going on as soon as we know anything." John looked Brackett in the eye's, trying to read something more about his friends condition. Seeing nothing, he conceded with a shake of his head.
"OK, Doc. I'll be waiting."
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Roybin and his men stood hidden in the bushes in front of the castle of Prince Kel. They watched patiently for signs that Maid Mixie was in the castle. Finally, they spied the fair maiden in the window of the tallest tower.
"Yonder, Roybin!" Little John exclaimed at the sight of the beautiful maiden.
"Aye, Little John. I see her. Now on with our plan."
The band of men quickly covered their hunter green tunics with ragged robes in bold, festive colors. They picked up assorted instruments and gathered around a small cart. The word's "The Minstrels of Rampart" was painted across the side in ornamental lettering. They opened a small door in the cart and Roybin began to climb in but he paused as he saw Michael the Manly sulking to the side.
"Michael, doth thou have a problem?" Roybin asked the downtrodden man.
"Aye. Why is it in all our schemes must I always be the woman? Why can't someone else don the wig?"
"Michael, tis true, you are always selected to be the female but we have no choice. You are truly the daintiest of our band. Could you see Friar Chet trying to pass as a fair maiden? We would be discovered immediately. Now, please. Let us get on with our plan."
"Aye Roybin, pass the wig." Michael said with a dejected expression as he placed a long blonde wig on his head. He topped this off with a tall pointed hat with streamers of pink chiffon cascading down from it's peak.
"Now, ist thou ready, Michael the Fair?" Friar Chet teased as he pinched Michael's cheek.
"Aye," Michael said glaring at the rotund little man as he slapped his hand away.
"Come. Let us proceed with our plans." Roybin declared as he climbed into the cart and was sealed in by Little John.
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John stood pacing in the lounge at Rampart. He chewed on his thumb nervously as he waited for news about his partner. Joanne sat attempting to do cross stitch as she waited for news of her husbands condition. John had called her as soon as he went into the lounge and she had wasted no time in rushing down to wait with him. Suddenly the door opened revealing the form of Kel Brackett.
"So? Is he going to be all right?" John asked anxiously.
"All his tests have come back negative. He does have a concussion, but there was no sign of a fracture. He has just been taken up to a room. You can see him now."
"But Doctor," Joanne began. "Has he regained consciousness yet?"
The corner of Brackett's mouth twitched as he answered the pair.
"Not yet. That does concern me, but we're keeping a close eye on him and so far everything looks normal. Hopefully, he will be coming out of it soon."
"And if he doesn't?" Joanne wondered as tears filled her eyes.
"Let's not think about that right now. All the vitals indicate that he will be coming around soon. We just have to think positively." Brackett placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder as he spoke. "Now, why don't you go see your husband. He's in room 224."
"Thanks Doc." Joanne and John chorused as they left on there way to see Roy.
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The drawbridge of the castle opened allowing the merry band of minstrels entrance. They danced about, playing and singing, as Hank Scarlet followed pushing the cart containing their leader. The sound of the lute and hand drum echoed throughout the castle walls announcing their arrival.
"Who goes there?" The head of the King's guard asked as he held up his hand blocking the minstrels passage.
"We are the Minstrels of Rampart." Hank Scarlet proclaimed in a booming voice. "We have come to entertain our good Prince Kel." The captain of the guard walked around the group questioningly. He stopped in front of the chiffon clad form of Michael the Mild.
"And who have we here?" The captain asked with a gleam in his eye. Michael batted his eyelashes as the captain and giggled in a high falsetto as he drew the chiffon streamers tighter around his face.
"Oh, a shy one?" The Captain laughed as he continued to examine the pack. "Well, you doth look harmless enough. I shall go to Prince Kel and ask if he would like to hear your songs. Wait here." The Captain and his guardsmen turned and left the room, leaving the band alone.
"Quick!" Little John exclaimed in a whispered voice. "Open the cart."
Hank Scarlet quickly opened the secret door to the cart allowing Roybin to pop out.
"Quickly, Roybin. The guard will be back at any moment."
"Aye, take charge, Little John." Roybin said with a flourish as he disappeared up the castle stairs.
Roybin climbed and climbed the castle tower. The stairs seemed endless as he rounded the tall structure. Finally, he came to the door at the top. Knocking softly, he waited for a response.
"Yes?" Came the light tones of the fair Maid Mixie as she opened the door of the tower room. "Roybin! What art thou doing here?"
"I have come to save you from the evil Prince Kel. Come with me, we shall run away to Rampart Forest."
"Maid Mixie?" A voice called from behind the bed curtain. "Art thou all right?"
A flash of panic crossed Roybin's face but Mixie just smiled. "Yes, Lady Joanna. Everything is fine. Come hither and meet our rescuer." The curtains surrounding the bed chamber parted as Lady Joanna entered the room. Roybin was struck breathless by the beauty of the new arrival. His mouth dropped open as he stared at her beauty. Maid Mixie smiled as she saw the chemistry happening between the pair.
"Roybin Hood, I would like you to meet Lady Joanna. Lady Joanna this is Roybin Hood, keeper of Rampart forest."
"Tis an honor you meet you, Master Roybin."
"The honor is mine, fair Lady." Roybin said as he took the maidens hand, lightly kissing her fingers.
"Roybin, we must speak. Much has changed since last we met." Mixie said as she ushered Roybin to a chair.
"There is no time for talk. We must flee."
"No Roybin. I cannot."
"Mixie! What art thou saying?"
"We have been apart for too long. I am afraid I love another."
Roybin's heart was crushed. How could his true love turn him away.
"But Mixie, we swore we'd be together. I risked my life to come to save you."
"But don't you see? I don't need to be rescued. The one I love is Prince Kel."
"Mixie! How can you love one so vile!"
"Roybin, he's really not that bad once you get to know him. Come, let us all go and see the good Prince Kel. He can explain everything." Mixie beckoned Roybin to follow her. Hesitantly, he rose from his seat and went with the maiden, Lady Joanna following close behind.
They descended the tower stairs and entered the main throne room. Prince Kel sat surrounded by his guards. In front of them stood the Merry Minstrels, who performed a jovial tune. The guards stiffened to attention as Maid Mixie entered with the outlaw Roybin Hood.
"Well, Well," Prince Kel began as he stood and approached the new arrivals. "Who have we here?"
"Your Majesty, Roybin does not yet know of the deceit in your ranks."
"I figured as much when I was presented with you band of 'minstrels' for my entertainment." Kel revealed to the room.
"Thou knew who we were the entire time?" Little John said in surprise.
"Aye," Prince Kel laughed. "Tis not hard to see. There are few maidens in Rampart as tall as Michael the Mild. Besides, musicians you are not."
"Prince Kel, of what deceit do you speak?" Roybin interjected, trying to get to the bottom of things.
"I received a message from King Early. Though he is busy fighting the crusades, he still has men keeping watch over his affairs in his kingdom of Rampart. It came to his attention that the laws of his land were not being followed properly.
"The Sheriff of Bricingham was following it to the letter and that was not the Kings intention. His law on poaching was not meant for the people of Rampart. How could a king forbid his people the food they need to survive? That law was meant for those outside our kingdom. He did not want outsiders coming into our land and taking game back to their homes."
"The Sheriff of Bricingham has been reprimanded and is aware his actions were wrong. In his book, poaching meant anyone but the King's men."
"Tis good news, Prince Kel. But what of the taxes?"
"I am afraid the taxes must stay. We are trying to start a new program that will aid the people of Rampart. They will have medical attention come to them when they are in need. I do have my doubts about the success of this program, but Maid Mixie has assured me it is worth trying. So I will allow it to proceed."
"I see," Roybin said looking downtrodden as Mixie took Prince Kel's hand. "Then what Maid Mixie tells me tis true. She has chosen you over me."
"Aye, Roybin. I love Maid Mixie very much and we are to be married. The good news is your men are free to go, if thou wilst agree not to continue robbing the wealthy residents of Rampart. I will try to assist the less fortunate as much as I am able and they are now permitted to hunt for the food that they need. King Early has assured them that there will be no penalty in the future and I will see that this law is carried out."
"So please your Majesty," Robin began with a bow. "We shall obey thy words for we are loyal to King Early. No longer are we a band of outlaws, perhaps we may even assist in your new endeavor to send medical aid to thy kingdom."
"Aye," Hank Scarlet spoke up. "In addition to medical care maybe we can assist when ones home catches fire. Our band is strong and would be able to help many folks in need."
"Tis something to think about, Hank Scarlet." Prince Kel agreed. "We shall discuss this possibility also. Now I must retire to my chambers. I have many decree's to complete." With a twirl of his robes, Prince Kel left the throne room. Maid Mixie went over to Roybin.
"I am sorry if I have hurt thee, Roybin."
"Tis true, my heart doth ache. But you must follow your heart. If Prince Kel is the one you truly love, than so be it."
"You will always have a place in my heart, Roybin. God's Speed" And with that, Mixie was gone. Roybin hung his head, his loss weighing heavy on his soul. Suddenly, the feeling of a hand on his shoulder made him turn. He found himself facing the beautiful Lady Joanna.
"Master, Thou art feeling low?"
"Aye, tis true. I should be happy for the kingdom of Rampart but I ache at the loss of my Mixie."
"Wouldst thou mind if I returned with thee to Rampart Forest? Maid Mixie has told me much of your merry band and I wouldst be honored to be part of it."
"Are thou speaking the truth?" Roybin asked. His mood brightening. "Thou wouldst like to go with me?"
"Aye, tis true. The forest life appeals to me."
"Then let us return to our camp!" Roybin exclaimed as he placed his arm around the lady fair. They followed one another joyfully as they exited the castle. Roybin looked deep into Lady Joanna's eyes as they followed the merry men but Michael the Mild's chiffon streamers caught on the latch on the castle door. Roybin did not see this and tripped over it, hitting his head on the door frame and knocking himself unconscious.
"Roybin!" Lady Joanna exclaimed as she went to his side. "Roybin! wake up, please. Roybin!"
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"Roy!" Joanne coaxed. "Roy, wake up, please. Roy!"
John Gage woke from dozing in a chair next to the hospital bed and joined Joanne.
"Is he coming too?" John asked his partners wife.
"He's trying to. He keeps mumbling and is getting restless. Roy, it's Joanne. Wake up, Roy." Slowly, Roy's eyes began to open. He smiled as he tried to focus on Joanne's face.
"Lady Joanna, wilst thou still be joining us in Rampart forest? Wouldn't that be wonderful, Little John?" Roy's groggy voice questioned.
"Lady Joanna?" Joanne mused, her eyebrows raised.
"Little John?" John wondered. "I think that door hit him harder than we thought!"
Roy smiled as he drifted off into a restful sleep.
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Roy's hospital room was filled with his station 51 comrades and the staff of Rampart hospital. Roy had just finished relating his dream to them as Dr. Brackett signed his discharge papers.
"Well, Roy." Brackett began. "I decree you well enough to go home. Do you think you can handle him, Lady Joanna."
"I think so. Come on, Roybin. Let's go home to Desoto Castle."
"Hey, Roy. Do you need the Merry Minstrels to come home and entertain you?" Chet asked with a wicked gleam in his eye.
"No thanks, Chet. I think I will pass."
"Not even if Maid Michael sings you a special song?" Marco teased.
"Especially, if Mike going to sing!" Roy added laughing. "You did make an 'interesting' looking maiden."
"I should hope so!" Mike exclaimed. "I would get worried if you said I looked good!"
"Maybe next shift I'll try making some venison chili." Marco remarked. "That sounds good."
"Sure Marco," Hank added. "I'll go right out in the wilds of LA and spear you a deer."
"OK, OK." Joe Early interrupted. "Let's let Roy get home. He needs his rest."
"The King has spoken!" Dixie proclaimed. "Now git!" She shoed everyone out with a smile. when they had left, Joanne leaned over and kissed Roy on the cheek.
"Are you ready to go home?" Joanne asked her husband.
"I sure am. You know what they say, a mans home is his castle."
"Oh, and speaking of that. Should this lady be worried that you are dreaming about another maiden?"
"Joanne! Of course not. Don't forget who Roybin ended up with in the end. It was Lady Joanna, not Maid Mixie."
"Well, OK. I guess your right. But if you ever dream anything like that again, I get top billing! Got it!"
"Got it." Roy reiterated. Then he climbed down off the bed and kissed Joanne on the cheek. "You are my one and only maiden, Lady Joanna." She smiled at her husband as he sat in the wheelchair and she pushed him out of the room on their trip home. She had a feeling that the kids were in for a new bedtime story tonight. 'Maybe I'll just listen in, too,' she thought. But she knew this story would always have a happy ending. After all, she ended up with her Roybin. And that is how it should be.
The End
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