Bob the Bards Grand Adventure
Chapter 2
Bob and his new friend had departed early that day moving along the trail when they came upon an enchanted glade that Sir Thumpsum swore had not been there just a few days before. In the glade there was a gigantic caterpillar reclining upon a mushroom slowly eating a leaf seemingly in meditation with an odd incense burner beside him.
It spoke with a soft voice "Welcome Sir Knights of goodly deed. It good to see you again, Bob my friend. I have kept my promise as you can see by your arrival. Please, introduce me to your new companions.
Bob stood in confusion at the creature's statement. And he responded as best he could. May I introduce Sir Jeepea, his squire Hammy and his battle steed Sir Thumpsum. I am sorry but I do not recall ever meeting a talking caterpillar before. How do you know me and what is this promise you speak of?
Oh no. I am sorry this must be that time you first met me. You may call me Moathely if you wish, and I am of the faerie realm. I am aware of all my life's timeline. From my first thought as an newly laid egg, until the last flutter of my wings far across the sea. I peer though the mists of time seeing visions of what was and what will be. So hear now the words of what I have seen and shall see.
You shall meet another me resting upon a glowing mushroom, nearby the dead god's gate with its barren pedestal. It awaiting this ancient tome you venture within; wanting to open the way. Enter the god's home to complete the quest of giving a divine soul its peace.
The last time we shall meet I shall not say at your own request.
The previous meeting you found it stupendously funny and worthy of a new song.
The first time I met you we were in the high god's garden filled with statues. You often came back to see me then and performed for me when I was barely a larva.
But as for in the here and now. As relative as this place may be. Here is my wisdom for thee.
Rescue with great flair, symbol of honour to wear, entry to fanfare. Music's magic floating through the air, snaring evils servant's there. Cunning magic and acts with justice armed, slaying foes and causing panic. Evil command dispatched smashed, foes fort a plan is hatched to slay puppet lord. Beware the things lair amid deathly air, shining shield and good orb banish that lurking below. Return through portal true, where they look for you, read your tale, help the six too.
Then Moathely sang a short verse of "Moathely the Mighty Caterpillar" and as he finished he smiled upon Bob. You taught me that song and I leave the other verses to your future my good friend.
I am sorry that our reunion is so short this time. You shall have lots to say after the first time I meet you. Now then you must go complete your adventure my friend. It was a pleasure to finally meet you Sir Jeepea and as for you brave Squire Hammy, I can only ask for your patience for the heavy task that awaits you.
The adventurers left the magic glade and next came upon a giant spider that ambushed them. It pounced at Bob but he blocked its fangs with his short sword, holding them off as the spider loomed over him and his lizard steed. Its carapace shell was hard for his dagger to pierce, Sir Thumpsum charged in and impaled it upon his horn then squire Hammy reported its burrow lair had only a few minor bits of treasure from other victims. Later they came upon a poisonous millipede that bit Squire Hammy when it was disturbed. Sir Thumpsum and Sir Jeepea quickly dispatched the creature before Bob drew out the poison and Sir Jeepea applied a poultice. A good berry healed Squire Hammy's wound but the lingering poisons effect would not allow him to feel well for a few days. Meanwhile Sir Thumpsum nibbled on some plants as he kept watch.
They came to one last cliff before the trail went down to a road and they now heard the unmistakable sound of combat below. They found a small caravan on the road that was being overrun by cloaked rats led by a larger cloaked figure. Three rats were upon the hill side firing down upon the guards with cross bows. Another half dozen rats were fighting the guards with some travelers fleeing into the far woods.
It is one of the enemy's war bands said Sir Jeepea before he charged with Sir Thumpsum down the trail to join the fight. Sir Jeepea's long lance took one unaware rat from behind with Sir Thumpsum's gauntleted paw killing one cross bow wielding rat in his way. Squire Hammy turned out to be very good with a sling as his first bullet struck the third cross bow wielding rat breaking some of its bones.
Bob went to follow up with an attack on the third rat until he saw two other rats nearby making off with an ornate chest. He turned and leapt off his lizard mount to attack these two rats while the rabbit riding knight continued downwards into the main fray below. Caught by Surprise, the two rats were easily dispatched by Bob but it was obvious that the dropped chest had already been broken open. The lid was half off and a bundle of cloth had spilled out. There seemed to be nothing else in the chest so with having no sacs at hand Bob hurriedly tied the cloth around his waist to store it then proceeded down the hill coming upon two more cross bow wielding enemies. He caught them by surprise as they were about to shoot Sir Jeepea in the back. With a cry of "You shall not harm them" Bob beheaded the first rat then plunged his short sword deep into the other ones belly. Grabbing a cocked cross bow and quiver of bolts he shot another rat that was returning from chasing after the fleeing travelers. Squire Hammy had also grabbed a cross bow and gave what support he could but was lacking in his aim so returned to using his sling. Bob helped to quickly dispatch the others raiders including their cloaked weasel leader before Sir Jeepea and Thumpsum chased down the last of the fleeing rats. Quickly the tide had been turned and the villains were laid low.
Bob used his magical healing good berries on the many wounded guards, Sir Thumpsum and the travellers so that they were fully recovered when Sir Jeepea pointed to Bob the bard and asked him "Where did you get that".
Looking down Bob saw that the cloth he had tied about his waist was now clothing him as a full length tabard with unknown symbols.
The recovering guards and travelers proclaimed it was the Tabard of Honour they had been secretly taking to the free people's army to help rally the forces. It was to be used as a symbol of hope and rally point for them. Now it rested upon Bob seeming to majestically ripple and sway in a suspiciously non-existent breeze.
It seems to have chosen you Bob, said Sir Jeepea. Legends say it always chooses the best leader for the people and also helped you in many other ways. Charm, protection and flight are amongst the most common of the tales told.
Bobs test of the purported flying ability and while true showed it would take time to attune to the tabard if the heavy bruising from his two failed attempts was any indicator.
Sir Jeepea now turned to his squire and tasked Hammy with returning the two borrowed lizard mounts to the highlands hamlet where they were sorely needed and to thank the good people for him.
(Bob has acquired the stories ancient Tabard of Honour which requires one day for attuning. See the description at the stories end).