"So , if you ask me Fetch, you should forget about joining up with Hero's tribesman. The life of an adventurer is the way to go.", proclaimed Lord as he examined Fetch's "plunder".
Lord was stocky even for a dwarf, he had several scars over his massive arms and bald head, and looked more like a short flesh golem then a dwarf. Despite this, he had an extremely well groomed beard, which was braided into 2 grand forks, decorated with gold and silver rings. Everyone knew Lord was foul tempered and a braggart, but for some reason Fetch took a liking to him. Even though he knew Lord told some tall tales, there was generally enough truth in them to make him an interesting fellow.
"I'll give you 200 gold for the lot of them...and don't try to negotiate, that's the friend and family rate...", said Lord shrewdly .
Fetch sighed, he didn't like haggling with lord but he needed the money after all...
After the failed abduction of Eagle. Fetch was the toast of the small community on the plateau. After the caravan left, with the mysterious non descript grey cloaked guard. Fetch admitted to everyone that he didn't kill them, but the mysterious stranger did and he told him to take the credit. Hunter said he scouted the area for additional tracks , in case a bandit or 2 left, but there was no sign of a mysterious stranger . Lord and King, also proclaimed that the guard in question was playing cards with them, and if he did indeed kill 6 armed men there would be at least blood on him, and they didn't see any. Everyone attributed this mysterious stranger to the fact, that innkeeper said that Fetch be sent away because he was too dangerous to have around. A berserker was dangerous as it is, one that is around old women and children is asking for trouble. Fetch protested, but a big part of him knew that this was his way out off the plateau. Innkeeper said as soon as his wife returned he would go with her , to be a soldier or something. So now Fetch found himself selling his "loot" from the slain bandits.
"But, Cook said the breast plate and sword were probably worth that much...", complained Fetch. He knew this game, and was sure he can beat Lord at it.
"What does an elfy know about weapons and armor, that a dwarf doesn't!", scowled Lord,"I'm like the best blacksmith around for a 1000 miles! She dun know a stick from a sword.. careful if you do get a stick , don't plant it in the ground.,..She might prance or something around it."...he chuckled to himself, proud of his joke. No one else in the room laughed, but that was fine. Lord knew it was too high brow for these twits.
King was tired of the haggling and decided to settle this, "OK look, we will give you 125 for the bandit's armor and swords. You keep the breast plate and the fancy blade. If you decide to change your mind , we can negotiate for those later."
Lord grumbled, but knew not to overrule King in matters of business.
Fetch thought it over." 120 , and you adjust that breast plate to fit me."
"Done !", said Lord. as he retrieved the breast plate and looked it over. "Seriously , you should hook up with one of those wandering adventure bands or even a traveling caravan as a guard. Trust me I've done some soldiering and adventuring in my day. And adventuring is the fast lane to success. Soldiers do stupid stuff like march, and stay on guard, and dig ditches. Maybe...just maybe they see like 10 minutes of acton in a month of boredom. Adventurers fight monsters, avoid traps, see new sights...oh and the women! The women literally throw themselves at you! Even in dungeons, there's a lot of maidens and princesses that need to be rescuing ! and they are very generous with their rewards "he said with an exaggerated wink" Adventurers get sex more then any other profession, except for maybe pimp or harem tester. Oh even the bad guy girls throw themselves at you. I'm talking about dryads, nixies, nymphs, succubus, vampiresses, xills, blue sladd...err never mind about the last bit"
"Yeah look at you now...", said Fetch with rolled eyes," this run down smithy in the middle of nowhere sure is a testament of your success."
Fetch expected Lord to throw one of his famous rants and tantrums at that taunt, but he laughed," Hey don't blame me ... Blame King there...", he chose to live here, and as his sworn body guard I abide. We could be in the richest dwarven court, drinking the finest mead, with beautiful dwarven lasses . "
Bard nodded his head in agreement. He was sort of the village idiot, but it was rare for him to form an opinion on anything.
Fetch noticed King was getting uncomfortable at Lord's boasting, and gave a cough to try to interrupt Lord.
"Listen Fetch, Despite my humble appearance, and simple abode, I'm like the greatest dwarven adventurer in 3 crystal spheres. I've slain dragons, ninjas, giants, gods, giant gods, giant dragons, giant dragon gods...giant ninja dragon gods...you name it I've killed it. I've sacked enough wealth and plunder to be a king. I have more magic items and artifacts then most magic stores! And I'm like some sort of super savant at all things dwarf, mining, smithing, carving..you named it , I'm the master! ", Lord continued with his boasting till Fetch interrupted.
"Ok , ok...mighty Lord, secret master of the universe. Even if I believed you, which I don't , are you telling me that this life you lead, here on the plateau, sharpening weapons for travelers is the pinnacle of the adventuring life. and its better, then being a soldier marching into battle, fighting and dieing with your comrades?"
Lord chuckled , he acted like a man that knew something that you didn't, " its a matter of perspective my boy. To you , we are just 3 dwarves in a shack in the middle of nowhere. What if I told you , I was hired at a dimensional trading Nexus, by the most powerful dwarven priest king in the land, to keep him safe as he sought wisdom from none other then the king's god himself. Which of course required a dangerous journey through magical mysts and ascending a region that was raised from the tundra itself by the gods force of will where the very essence of magic is nullified. Doesn't that sound more grand ? I'm like living the dream life of every adventurer! "
"Why look at the time,",King interrupted," stores close, sorry fetch...out...git..git ...out...now!", as he pushed Fetch out of the shop. "your money and your armor should be ready tomorrow" he quickly said as he slammed the door.
Fetch liked King. He didn't interact much with him, as much as the other dwarven smiths, but he helped King with his brewery business. He never referred to it as a business though. He treated it more like a sacred duty or something. Whatever thought Fetch as long as he pays. Once a month or so, depending on the delivery of bottles and kegs, Fetch and King would find Drunk. They would then whisper the type of alcohol they wanted fill the bottle or keg with water, and let Drunk touch it. It changed into whatever brew was desired. Apparently this was magic of the highest order, and the only magic that worked on the plateau, but Fetch wasn't impressed.
"Crazy dwarves ", said Fetch...as he walked back to the inn, he considered some of Lord's words. Not the crazy drunk dwarf bits...hmm adventurer or soldier. Cook admitted being a soldier before, Fetch didn't relish serving under another Cook. Who ever heard of a soldier getting rich, but you heard tales of adventurers striking it rich all the time. Innkeeper was probably an adventurer, and look at him now. Big Inn, pretty wife, the respect of the community. Nara was an adventurer as well, if I was an adventurer maybe we can meet up , group together.
Hey, how hard could it be? thought Fetch naively.
A caravan finally arrived , that was headed to Mammoth Castle. Supposedly one of the few gathering areas, for civilized folk remaining in the north. The lady of the castle was said to be a patron to adventurers , and that sounded a good as place as any to start.
Most of the small community gathered for Fetchs departure.
Cook was disappointed with Fetch's decision. She gave him a prayer book and an amulet to ward evil and keep him safe. She saluted him, and at that point Fetch realized he was truly going to miss her. "Don't forget your prayers... and keep practicing your swordsmanship she said solemnly."
Maid was in tears. She gave him a pair of traveling boots she had made. " be good, and stay alive. "she whispered to him.
Hunter and Fetch didn't talk much, even though they sometimes trained and practiced together. He didn't say anything , he just gave a simple nod as acknowledgement.
Shopkeeper, Wife and gardener. Gave him a backpack full of provisions. They too were in tears.
King , Lord and Bard. Presented Fetch with a fine war axe. Fetch never seen it before at the shop. It looked very ornate and expensive. They also gave him a simple wooden shield. "Traditionally berzerkers bite on a shield to help them get their crazy on.", said Lord with a smile."Now git out in and show the world some true adventuring!"
Innkeeper told Fetch, "I'm sorry to have to send you away and you seem to be taking it well, better then I thought. But you understand, berzerkers are too dangerous to have around children and the elderly. Truth be told , I always considered you just a servant, but you saved my boy and I owe you. " He touched his finger to Fetch's forehead. this wont hurt now but will probably hurt later, but it will serve you well ." ,he said cryptically.
Even young Eagle came up to Fetch and hugged his leg wordlessly. Till his father tapped his shoulder and he let go.
"Farewell my friends !, I'm going to miss you all !",Fetch climbed onto the last wagon of the caravan and watched his friends grow smaller in the distance. Fetch though, what I have gotten myself into.
Master Logan was a shrewd businessman. He believe in maximizing his profits and minimizing his expenses. His caravan's goal was mammoth castle, but his route meandered through the small outposts and communities of the area. Also , anyone who wishes to travel with his caravan either paid for a berth on his wagons, or signed up as a guard. The quality of his guards were suspect but at least they lacked in quality they made up in quantity.
At the Spire of the Narwhal , Logan recruited a man named Big Jim. He wasn't sure if he was any good or not, but he knew he talked a good game. A simple 2 silver a day plus food, was enough to keep Jim focused on his task. Jim kept the caravans safe and assigned guards and watches. He was loud and impressive enough that he kept the other merchants feeling somewhat safe.
Logan knew a deal when he saw it, but wasn't about to put his life in the hands of Big Jim. He hired his own bodyguard. A small dwarf woman, a mere slip of a girl, that carried a big axe. She looked out of the place in the rag tag caravan, but he witnessed her slay a centaur in the dueling pits.
Currently Big Jim had 9 other "guards" under his command. They recently picked up a tall youth from the plateau. He was leery at accepting him, but he brought his own weapons and armor. So he at least looked the part. The "guards" he had picked up were quite a diverse group, so he didn't look at all out of the place.
The ones that stood out were Otis, an man of average height but almost as broad as he was tall, the twins Frank and Hank, Some snotty artificer named Clovis and a red headed shield maiden named Brandy.
Logan's caravan despite its run down appearance, ran like clock work. He liked to keep things running smooth. He had enough worries on his mind, he didn't need need human error to compound them. In the morning they had breakfast, then depending on the route , they travel 3-4 hours break for a small meal then continue on for another 3-4 hours till night falls. Then they make camp. Some of the guards would do some light sparring , and the merchants would watch for entertainment. Some watches would be posted. Then hopefully an uneventful night will lead to the same routine the next day. Of course , due to the random shifting of the mists, getting lost or delayed is always a problem. Also the threat of monsters was always a problem. However, the local vigilante group, the knights of winter, had done a good job of driving the larger bands of beasts away. Still, smaller bands and more cunning monsters were still a threat.
As Logan prepared to rest he noticed most of the camp was gathered to watch the sparring. Most of the time, the sparring was rather lame. As a connoisseur of dueling pits and fighting arenas, Logan has watched the best of the best . From bear pits in Ostland, to the back alleys of Grom City, to the mighty Coliseum of Lueders. He signaled for his bodyguard to clear the crowd a bit , so he could watch the action. The small dwarf, despite her petite and harmless appearance, elbowed and shoved the merchants to the side so Logan can watch.
Fetch , side stepped the big mans club swing with ease. Despite being freakishly strong, Otis was slow, he was using a sluggish weapon, and he was telegraphing his blows. Countless hours of training from his mentors at the plateau made this an easy fight for Fetch. Despite his advantage, he didn't want to embarrass the big man. He seemed a nice enough fellow, they were only fighting because Fetch embarrassed Big Jim, when he sparred with the new recruit to see how "tough " he was. After 2 more guards, Big Jim sent Otis to humble him, but it wasn't turning out the way he wanted. Fetch pivoted once more to avoid the club swing then gently tapped the big mans back with his sword.
Otis stared blankly for a second, then smiled " tall man fast, Otis lose ."
The gathering of merchants cheered.
Big Jim was losing his composure at this point. If this new recruit , wasn't shown his place, he might lose his respect, and his sweet job. It was easier telling people to guard and be on watch then actually doing it yourself. "Ok, ok, nice one Fetcher. Round one is over...take a 2 min break.. Clovis come here."
A man wearing a very patched up and worn vest and merchant robe came to Jim. Jim whispered to him, and they both turned their back to Fetch...plotting apparently.
Fetch wasn't tired or winded. His high altitude training and naturally high constitution made it pretty hard for him to tire, while doing simple sparring. He felt a tug on his jerkin, he looked back and didn't see anyone. Then he felt the tug again, and looked down and there was a small girl wearing what looked like a white/blue dress with curly light brown hair.
"Can I see that axe? ", she said with a high voice.
Fetch was wielding the sword he recovered from the bandit leader and the simple wooden shield given to him by the dwarves of the plateau. It took him a second to realize she meant the axe strapped to his back. Part of his training from Cook involved marching while carrying heavy packs . He didn't even realize he was still carrying his pack and extra weapons on his back. He unstrapped the axe, and passed it to the girl.
"Take a look, but don't hurt yourself ok. Weapons are dangerous", he said while patting her hair.
The girl looked annoyed and shocked when he patted her hair, and quickly slapped and brushed away his hand. "Don't treat me like a kid! I'll have you...".. she was interrupted by Big Jim
"OK ROUND 2!"
Otis advanced , he warily swung his club , and was pleasantly surprised at its unnaturally swift movements.
Fetch, stared for a second, also shocked. "how?..", the club connected with his shield. A slight blue aura enveloped the tip of the club as it impacted. He brought it up just in time. Otis was strong, very strong, despite his blow being blocked it shook Fetch to his spine, and staggered him back . He fell to one knee for a second. Otis could have finished him right there, but thankfully the big man treated this a friendly sparring match, and did not have Big Jim's malicious intent.
"Otis strong..,,,,book man made club stronger and Otis faster...", said the big man ..now moving unnaturally fast.
Fetch's mind reeled...then he realized this must be magic. Since he came to the plateau, he was told that no magic worked there, except by the Drunk. He wasn't sure how prevalent magic was and what it can exactly do . He was about to find out.
Otis took another swing, Fetch blocked with his shield again. This time however he lashed out with his blade wildly in response. Fetch was staggered , and he could see a visible crack on his shield. The newly splintered wood glowed blue slightly for an instant. His counter blow struck Otis's side, but lacked the power to slow the big man.
Fetch felt his arm going numb, it was like the time the horse kicked him in the stable. Most likely he broke a bone.
Big Jim laughed" Round 2 goes to Otis...oh did the upstart hurt himself...we don't let slackers loaf around here you know. If you get beat up this badly in a simple sparring match, your gonna have to spend the rest of your trip with the fat merchants."
"Hey!" , said an annoyed fat merchant.
Fetch was getting mad now. This was personal now, he was gonna win this one arm or not. He instinctively uttered a prayer of battle. He felt the adrenaline rush into him. His arm felt better. He turned to the little girl," Sorry, I'm going to need that axe now."
The girl was mesmerized by the axe, she didn't even seem to notice the outcome of the precious fight. She snapped out of her trance, and handed the axe to Fetch. Fetch noticed she handled the axe easily , she also wore tons of make up. What type of trampy girl wears that amount of make up? he asked himself, as his mind began to wander.
"Oh, the upstart wants a third round. and using a wood cutters axe no less...hah...axe vs club...I get it", he said laughing.
Otis, smiled revealing his gap filled maw. He rushed forward with his unnatural speed towards his target.
Fetch hefted the axe. It was too heavy and unwieldy for him to wield one handed like Lord or King, but made a good two handed weapon. His mind focused on Otis, then his speed, then finally his club. At the last second he lashed out at the club with his axe. It was a well timed blow, and axe and club seemed to stand still , then the club shimmered blue , before fading as it shattered into splinters.
Fetch wasn't sure what happened but glad it worked. "Ok , I'm getting some rest, no more sparring unless its Big Jim,", he said defiantly
Otis stopped and looked." Tall man win...club gone." , He turned to the merchant Jim was talking to."bad magic man...bad!"
The next few days were rather uneventful for Fetch. He proved himself to the rest of the guard, and they gave him a new found respect. Jim let the whole affair drop. Fetch could have made his life miserable, but he didn't have the time to waste on him. A few more days then he would be at Mammoth Keep and would probably never see Jim again.
Otis ripped a two by 4 from one of the carts and was using it as his weapon. He seemed to hang around Fetch, his new best "buddy".
The robed merchant, was apparently a spell caster named Clovis. Fetch couldn't tell a sorcerer from an oracle, from a wizard, but apparently this fellow was an artificer. He specialized in enchanting people and items. A useful skill, Fetch thought.
The biggest shocker, was that the young girl, Ymir, he was talking to was apparently a dwarf! Fetch had never seen any dwarven women before. He always thought they would look like Lord ..but with boobs. But this one looked like a young girl , Her dress was a very ornate and decorated suit of chain and steel plates. She was apparently the carvan masters personal bodyguard and kept to herself, but she would come to Fetch to ask him about his axe and other gear. Fetch appreciated her curiosity, but felt she was an annoyance. He really wanted to get to know the shield maiden Brandy.
Brandy was a rare beauty for a shield maiden. Fetch had seen many warrior women before, but none ever struck him as beautiful. Most were built like men. Many also dressed and acted like men . Even Hero, could easily be confused with a man if it weren't for her long hair and large breasts. Brandy was different though, she had a definite feminine flair about her, she was like Maid except in armor.
Fetch didn't have a chance to talk to her , but gathered enough courage that day to speak to her.
Otis gave him a push ," Go, talk to pretty woman"
Fetch did a short jog to where Brandy was , at the front of the caravan.
Fetch cleared his voice..."Umm. hi Brandy?"
THUNK...THUNK...
She fell silently in surprise , as 2 short arrows embedded themselves in her throat and chest.
Behind him, he heard Frank yell," GOBLINS!"
Fetch quickly surveyed the situation. The wagons were stopped, and goblins seemed to swarm , everywhere. He noticed several guards already laid low. Off to the side several hundred feet away he noticed a large group of goblins and what appeared to be an Ogre charging towards the caravan.
"INCOMING!", Fetch yelled" Clear this trash now!"
As Fetch rushed back to the main group. He saw Otis bat a goblin with his new club. It crumpled , whimpering to the ground. As Otis was about to dispatch another , a goblin seemingly burst out of the ground and jabbed a long knife into Otis's back.
Fetch crashed into the backstabber with his shield , sending him flying to the ground. A quick thrust with his sword dispatched the cowardly foe.
Otis seemed unaware of his wound.. he just turned his head and smiled his gapped tooth smile at Fetch.
Fetch though, these goblins are clever and brave. Despite the carnage they were causing , they were being quickly dispatched. They were sacrificed as a pinning force , to prevent the caravan from taking a defensive formation. By the time the ambushers were slain, the main force would be upon them.
Fetch slashed another goblin, as a crude arrow, thudded beside him. Otis on the other hand, fared more poorly. An arrow impacted into his chest. Otis yanked the arrow out, causing as much damage as it did going in. He paused for awhile then said." Ouch...",as he dropped his club and fell.
Fetch slashed the face of the goblin he was engaged with and as it fell back and clutched its face he ran to his companions side. The wound looked bad. Fetch hadn't been on many battlefields, but hes seen death before, and Otis was dying.
"Hang in there big guy.", and he whispered a quick prayer that Cook had taught him.
Otis then opened his eyes. "Healer man." , he said with a gap toothed smile. He got up and retrieved his club.
The goblins at the caravan were dispatched, Fetched quickly counted Brandy , Big Jim, 2 of the merchants, and Frank amongst their fallen. Clovis was on top of a wagon sniping with a crossbow. Ymir, was standing knee deep in goblin gore, wielding an axe bigger then his own. Franks brother Hank, was quickly rummaging through his brothers gear. Running towards them was a vicious looking ogre with the head of a wolf. Or maybe was wearing a helmet shaped like a wolfs? Followed by 20-30 goblins.
"Gather", cried Clovis. Instinctively the remaining guards surrounded Clovis's wagon. Fetch could not see the tactical application of this maneuver, but did not want to be left alone to face the onrushing horde. After some of them gathered , Clovis shouted strange arcane phrases, and the remaining guards began moving rapidly, like Otis did the other day.
Unfamiliar with his new alacrity, Fetch thought they might stand a chance. He uttered a prayer of battle, and noticed a grey protective shimmer covered his group. Was that magic he thought? Did I just do magic?
Before he could answer himself. Otis hastily rushed toward the onrushing horde. This won't go well, thought Fetch disparagingly. Otis quickly slammed his club into the lead goblin. the force of his blow carried through to the goblin behind him, and the goblin beside him. All 3 crumpled lifelessly to the ground. He took an overhead swing into the goblin ahead of him, the force of the blow shattered his club but also splattered the goblin turning him into a geyser of blood, bone and eyeballs. He turned to the ogre and prepared to swing his now shortened club again . Unfortunately for Otis, he was surrounded by goblins at this point. Crude blades and spears, viciously jabbed and carved at his legs and back. Otis roared, and smashed another goblin, he then wavered, and fell...to the evil chortling cheer of the small horde.
Their cheer was interrupted as a crossbow bolt impaled a goblin, and they once again surged towards the caravan. Some of the merchants were either inside, underneath or ontop of the cart firing xbows, or bows at the goblins but most were hidden, praying to whatever god they worship.
Fetch noticed some of the other guards had fled, hoping the goblins would take their time killing and looting before worrying about them.
At the base of Clovis's cart , all that remained were Ymir, Hank , and himself.
I die with no regrets thought Fetch grimly. Ok maybe one regret...Nara.
The first wave of goblins charged them with spear and knife. Fetch readied his shield and stood near Hank. If they were goning to have any chance of victory it would be to out last them. Break their spirit. Maybe we could escape on a cart or something.
Ymir, lept straight at the goblin skirmishers with unnatural speed . Her axe arced over head, landing with a squishy thud into the lead goblin. She quickly recovered and swung her goblin wrecking axe in a wide arc, felling another goblin and clipping another. The goblins surged in as she recovered from her blow. One slashed her side, but unlike Otis's charge, Hank and Fetch stepped in and guarded her flank before she could be overwhelmed. Fetch slew another goblin with an efficient slice. Hank parried the one in front of him, buying Ymir enough time to smash it with her an axe.
The goblins paused their assault. The ogre roared and stalked forward. Clovis hit it in the shoulder with a crossbow bolt, but it glanced harmlessly off its armor. The remaining goblins warily followed their leader into battle, throwing spears and firing arrows seemingly random at the caravan.
Ymir shouted, a high pitch girlish war cry, and once again lept at her foe. The ogre swatted at her with its cruel looking blade. She gave a muffled cry , at its impact, but managed to score a deep wound to the ogres leg.
Ymir clutched at her side unable to stop the bleeding, her teeth clenched . Despite the carnage she had caused, she looks just like a little girl right now, Fetch thought. I can't beat that ogre,and I'm sure Hank can't. I don't even see the mage anymore. Shes the only that can.
The ogre roared in frustration , but continued its assault. Fetch muttered a quick prayer hoping to repeat his spell he did on Otis. Ymir, released the tension on her teeth, and looked at Fetch and then looked at her now healed wound. She wordlessly nodded in amazement, before picking up her axe again.
Hank stumbled from the Ogres blow. His shield and armor bearing most of the blow. A goblin tried to overtake him, but he still had enough sense to kick him away. Ymir took this distraction and slashes her axe at the ogres leg. The axe meets no resistance and for a second it looked like she missed. But then the ogre lost its balance and fell without its lower leg. Howling and thrashing .
Fetch seized the opportunity to slay the goblin that Hank kicked. The goblins howl in frustration and fury at their fallen champion, but their will for battle was broken . They scatter in every direction, and just as quickly as it started the battle was over.
Despite their death toll , the caravan was mostly intact. Logan did a quick survey, they lost 4 horses, 2 of his teamsters, and 4 guards . 2 fled and were either lost, or food for goblins or wolves. Of the 4 surviving guards Hank suffered a broken arm and several broken ribs. Big Jim made a "miraculous" recovery..he claimed to have taken a heavy wound at the start of the battle but a hidden healing potion brought him back to full health . Clovis was skewered by spears, and still unconscious. Despite Fetch's clerical powers his condition was worsening.
It could be worse, Logan thought, at least I still have my cargo.
2 of the carts were abandoned. Their cargo redistributed amongst the remaining carts. Logan was glad he hired Ymir. The little dwarf maiden proved to be a wise investment.
Hank , briefly mourned his brother, but as in the way of twins , when one falls the other takes his place ( and his gear). Logan thought it odd, that Hank never talked much when his brother was still alive, always hanging in the background, but since his brother died he took up where his brother left off. Must be a twin thing he thought.
Logan fired Big Jim at the next trading outpost. Jim protested angrily, but Ymir and Fetch told him to take a hike. Jim concede their point, and hastily left. After a lengthy haggling session, Logan bought a healing potion for Clovis. Logan was cheap, but at least he took care of his men.
After resupplying and recruiting the caravan left for its next stop Mammoth keep.
That Fetch fellow, proved to be really handy. No one knew he had healing powers, not even himself. He also proved really handy in a fight, good with the sword and more importantly kept his wits about him. He proved to be a good pick up. One of your better business decisions , thought Logan.