Chapter three; The Hero's Journey, Opportunity.
Michael packed up his supplies in a backpack; food, clothes, and some survival tools. Michael had turned thirteen a few days ago, and today was the day that he would embark on his very first quest. Yesterday a farmer had come to the Guild requesting some help in order to get a super powered head start on his crops this season. It wasn't exactly what the Guild was meant for, but the farmer promised a decent pay day and that was enough to convince the Guildmaster that it was okay to make an exception just this once.
Michael took one last look around his room, just to make sure that he hadn't forgotten anything. His gaze came across the sword on his wall and he starred at it for some time. This sword, along with the blue blanket that he wore as a belt at all times, were the only things that he had when he was delivered to the Guild's doors, or so Guildmaster James told him. Michael knew this quest was merely an escort mission coupled with some farm work, but he would still feel better knowing that he had even a little part of his family protecting him on this quest. He took the long sword down from the wall and slung it over his shoulder. Feeling more powerful than ever before, Michael stepped out of his room and made his way to the front gates of the Guild where he would depart on his very first quest as a Hero.
"About time you showed up Bloody," said the always cynical Speer. "Bloody" was the less than endearing name that Michael's fellow Heroes in training have bestowed upon him, not for a blood thirsty nature of any sort, (that would be Speer's forte), but because when Michael used Will, he looked like he was washed in blood and not in water because of his red runes.
"Very funny Speer, I'm surprised you beat me here. I thought you would be off slaughtering a chicken or some other defenseless creature and lose track of time," Michael shot back at him.
"Why you dirty little freak," grumbled Speer, who advanced on Michael but was held back by the very large and always peaceful Shunt.
"Hold on there man, we can't kill each other before the quest even begins," Shunt scolded Speer, pushing him slowly away from Michael.
"Yeah? Well how about after? Can I dice him then?" Speer asked sarcastically, shrugging Shunt's arms off his shoulder aggressively. Speer shot Shunt a look as if to say, "don't forget your place," and of course, Shunt backed away as he always did.
"Both of you knock it off," Willow snapped. She walked up to the group with their client, a lanky old farmer whose age was written on his face. Willow had her hand on her hip, tapping her foot as she had swiftly lost her patience with Speer's and Michael's constant bickering. "Get your acts together, be professional for once in your lives." It didn't take long for both boys to shut their mouths after that. Willow seemed to have that sort of power over people.
"Thank you for helping me young Heroes, I can't tell you how grateful I am to have your assistance. You are going to make this season so much easier on this old man," said the shaky farmer.
"It's no problem at all sir, we're happy to help," Michael spoke up.
"Please, call me Albert young man," the farmer said kindly, "Now, we should head out. There is a long trip from here to my farm in Brightwood and we don't want any bandits catching us at nightfall."
"Yes sir, err, Albert," ambitious young Michael answered. Willow and Speer rolled their eyes and walked ahead, while Shunt walked closely behind Speer and Michael hung back to keep Albert company. The children's first quest had finally begun.
Many hours past as the Heroes ventured through Brightwood, this being the first time any one of them had ever been outside of the Guild since they were brought there, the children took their time to take in the beauty and variety of the outside world.
"So, why don't you tell me about yourselves Heroes? Do you shoot lightning and raise the dead like all the old stories?" Albert asked.
Speer and Willow just huffed at the farmer's ignorance, but Michael was more than happy to oblige Albert's curiosity.
"Actually, we haven't exactly gotten that strong yet. So far we only have acquired an affinity for one form of magic or another. Like me, I am pretty good at using fire, Shunt can Force Push just about anything out of his way, Speer is really good at summoning lightning, and Willow can blow hot air like no one else," which warranted a glare from Willow, "that is to say, she's really good at wind spells," Willow whipped her head back forward and flipped her long blonde hair out of her face. Michael could only look on and admire her as she walked. The farmer caught the twinkle in Michael's eye and snickered. Albert leaned down to Michael's ear and whispered to him.
"So you have a little crush on the girl I see," Albert said.
"Uh, yeah, I guess you could say that," Michael said as his face turned red, "I mean she may be rude and obnoxious at seemingly all hours of the day, but there's just something…something underneath that~Ow!" Michael stopped abruptly after stubbing his foot into something metal.
"What now Bloody?" Speer asked impatiently.
Michael picked up the object and examined it. It appeared to be a very tarnished and very dented piece of armor, possibly a shoulder piece.
"Put that trash down and let's get moving, I don't want to make a day long trip into a week long one," Willow the fearless leader commanded. Michael couldn't help but admire the trinket and secured it onto his shoulder, making it his own.
"It looks good on you boy," remarked Albert, "but you're right Willow, my farm is just over this ridge. Let's get moving shall we?" The group moved along and was able to successfully deliver the farmer to his destination. However, that was only one portion of their quest.
