Chapter Zero - [NOTHING]
"An evil force resurrected out of the darkness has taken over the land known as the Dark Realm. It is believed to be human. Some say it is a demon. Many of the frightened are not sure what it is. Everyone is certain though, this purely evil presence can be felt across the lands. The evil feeling can be felt as far away as villages over the mountains, deep into the forests, and along the ocean coastline. Wherever a village is located, the evil force can be felt. Everyday it is growing, and everyday is a little bit closer to the annihilation of our world. It must be stopped before it destroys our existence."
"That's an interesting story." JoshButro said as the depth of what was happening set in.
"It's not just a story. It is our future. It is what will happen if nothing is done to defeat the evil." The tavern bartender replied. "This is what our world is facing and no one has been brave enough to defeat, well..." The bartender's face turned solemn. "No one who has left to fight it has returned. Many men who were great swordsman and great archers have gone toward the Dark Realm only to be killed along the way."
"I've heard the stories many times in this tavern of different townsfolk packing their gear, grabbing their weapons, and mounting their horses to go defeat the evil force." JoshButro remembered countless tales shared over a pint.
The bartender leaned in closer and whispered as he polished a beer glass. "Rumor has it that you are the descendant of a power family of mages that survived the wars that last ravaged the land." He stood back up and thought for a second. "I think if anyone can defeat the evil force, it is you."
"Me? Why me? You tell a story of such an evil force and many great swordsmen and archers not returning, and you think me alone can walk across this land and defeat it." JoshButro stood up from the bar stool and grabbed his beer glass. "Do you plan to send me toward the Dark Realm, armed with only this beer glass?" He slammed the glass back down on the bar. "Fill it up while I think about this. If I'm going to march to my death, I might as well enjoy it first."
"You are the one to defeat the evil force across the land. You won't have to go alone. Others will join in your journey, but you are the one who will lead them. You have the strength of magic inside you, it just needs to be awoken. You are the next in line of the Great Mages. Your father and your father's father..." The bartender reassured.
"I know, I know. Great Mages and I am the next one descended from them. It still seems like a grand ordeal to defeat this evil." JoshButro thought deep about this struggle and if nothing was done about it, could mean the end of all things. "You said others would join me."
"Yes. Oh yes. Others will join you in this quest." The bartender encouraged. "Unless you want to go alone."
JoshButro turned around and announced to the tavern. "People of this great tavern. You have all heard the stories about the evil force that resides in the Dark Realm. You have all heard the stories about the great swordsmen and archers that have tried to defeat the evil force, but none returned. Something must be done in order to save our world. That something is me. I, JoshButro, am going to travel across the lands and recruit people willing to join me as I plan on defeating the evil force." The speech ended triumphantly, but the answer was not. "Will no one from this tavern join me?"
None of the other tavern patrons made a sound and a few even looked around as not to make eye contact.
"It appears everyone has heard the stories one too many times to be willing to risk their life." The bartender was trying to comfort as he thought of a better answer. "You may need to start your journey and meet people from other villages that are braver and willing to set out with you on this adventure."
"You are right. There has to be others along the way that will lend their swords and their bows toward the overall goal." JoshButro finished the beer in his glass. "Others will be ready to fight for the good of the land." He said as he looked again at the patrons who heard his speech, but were not willing to act upon it. "I shall set out in the morning and see where the adventure goes."
"Remember, you are the Great Mage, and others will follow you and help you." The bartender encouraged. "Seek out those in villages across the land and maybe other places yet to be discovered. Be aware of your surroundings, and be careful."
"I can do that." JoshButro said with confidence. "But first, do you have any suggestions where I should start?"
"The Dark Realm lays north and east of here. It's best not to go toward there yet. I would go west of here toward the first village located past the Empty Plains and through the Deep Forest. I forget the name though. I haven't been there in ages." The bartender took out a napkin and drew a very crude map. "If you get lost, here is a map."
"Thanks for the arrow pointing to the edge. Hope I don't drop this and lose which direction is west." JoshButro sarcastically answered. "Time to get some gear ready to head out on the adventure tomorrow morning." He walked towards the exit and turned one last time to face the tavern patrons. "Remember me, the Great Mage JoshButro, as I set out to defeat the evil force and one day I will return victorious."