Bobs the Bards Grand Adventure
Chapter 3
After recovering from the ambush the caravan continued on with Bob and Sir Jeepea accompanying them. It was late into the evening when they reached the people's army encamped at a small town. They entered to a welcoming crowd who had just heard of the incoming caravan. The small town was encircled by a large tent town numbering in the thousands. It seemed that the peoples both big and small of all civilized races had come together to stop the evil horde and restore peace to the land.
As they entered the camp Sir Jeepea was welcomed back by many there, but the people quickly became quiet at the unfamiliar sight of the human Bob wearing the Tabard of Honour. They were soon followed by a growing crowd of people as they reached a large tent being using for the command post. Once inside Sir Jeepea introduced Bob to the other leaders of the peoples, Mateamo a mouse, Hamay an elderly hamster, Vader a vole, Fredrick a ferret, Sunik a hedgehog, Percy a porcupine, Peppe a skunk, Oxley an owl, Rowley a raven, hank a hawk and Bruce the badger (who could barely poke his head into the tent). They heard his tale and saw the Tabard of Honour that Bob now wore. With Sir Jeepea confirming the tale, the leadership welcomed him into their council.
After briefing Bob about the two armies known forces Bob asked a few questions and put forth several suggestions to reduce the people's casualties and increase the enemy losses with traps, restricting enemy movement with hazards and magic usage at critical moments. Then Bob presented his sack containing the remaining giant good berries to be used for the people's needs.
All of this dropped several of the commander's jaws in disbelief leading some of them to believe he was both some kind of learned battle sage wielding swords and cross bow along with song magic, battle magic and healing magic. After giving several examples to the council of his experiences with tactics in battle, they adapted his suggestions into a new plan before they went to perform their new tasks with a renewed hope for victory.
Sir Bruce the badger commented to Bob that he is glad they had peacefully gotten past his wife in the chasm as she gets quite aggressive after having our litter of young ones. It will be safer here in the coming battle than being there with her temper I say, the badger stated with a laugh.
When Bob exited the tent they found a crowd hundreds strong waiting outside for him. An elderly hamster turned out to be a leader of this village and came leading the other people's elders and he said.
We have heard your tale and remember the words of a prophet from ages past. "In the dark time when evil roams, all shall stand as one against evil. A strange being shall come to you wearing honour, lifting up justice, and bearing true light. They shall dispel the darkness and defeat its source, giving us peace and prosperity in the future". The frail elder's walking stick gently poked Bob's tabard. You wear the Tabard of Honour upon your person but others have done so before as our leader, but they were not the one foretold. To see if you are the true one foretold you shall now have a test placed before you that only the true one foretold may pass. Come, walk with me strange one and tell us of yourself.
The gathered crowd followed silently at a distance from the elders not wanting to disturb them as Bob recounted his tale.
Bob gave a summary of his life. Having started as an evil henchman but was redeemed by a group of six adventures who placed him onto the path of goodness. I stayed with them and become their first sidekick and most valued assistant before eventually deciding to become a bard. I am presently teaching music in a children's school in their realm and perform were I may. But I was hoping to start my own music school in the future, but I feel, no I sense that I am still somehow lacking and unready to do so.
Bob also talked a bit about the adventuring company he followed. The adventurers I follow travel my world at the request of both destitute villagers and the mightiest rulers to render aid, stop evil plots, halt monstrous destruction and destroy ravening hordes. I accompany them documenting both their heroic feats and their humorous folly's. Turning some of their doings into song, both true and sometimes just a tiny little bit embellished for the entertainment and learning of others. Along the way I have learned from other peoples, hearing their stories and songs. These I play for the entire world to enjoy as I travel the land.
The elder replied. Whether you pass the test or not, we would be fools not to ask for a sample of your musical talents.
It would be my pleasure wise elder and I shall learn your songs and tales as well to carry with me, replied Bob.
They went to the town square and approached a small worn stone building inside an overgrown lot surrounded by a low stone fence. The elder turned to Bob and asked him to wait here and make himself comfortable while I make things ready. The elder then entered the old stone building.
Bob looked about the yard noting a vine with large cantaloupe sized (to him) berries. He performed good berry magic upon them, turning many into healing fruit able to cure almost any wound for these people. These he put into a sack before he looked for another useful cluster to enchant. He found another and repeated his magic creating more giant good berries but as he gathered them he discovered that hidden within the thick vines was an entangled sword. A bit of work revealed it to be a fine steel long sword and with a bit of effort Bob worked it free. The sword was revealed to be in perfect condition with a perfect grip and balance that made it very fast and easy to wield. Upon its cross guard was the image of a set of balance scales on one side and a musical lyre was upon the other side, The blade made the air whistle as it cut through the air for him while he tested it.
A cough behind him revealed the village elder back out in front of the building bearing an empty jeweled scabbard with the same design motifs. I believe the legendary Sword of Justice will be wanting this back now, as he handed the scabbard to Bob. As soon as Bob was grasping both the scabbard and the sword he felt the urge to give voice to a magic bardic song as he raised the sword up to the heavens. Then the sword began to sing along with Bob with its own harmonic voice bringing wonder to the watching crowd. The sword floated up from his hand and danced around Bob for a time before stopping before him as the song reached its end. Bob reached out and grasped the sword floating in front of him as the song faded away.
The elder turned to those watching and proclaimed. "The Sword of Justice has been drawn and raised up high as was foretold. Hail Bob the Bard, foretold champion of all the peoples. Let us rejoice". And so the watching crowd gave a mighty cheer. Bob was puzzled by their reaction and the elder explained that the sword had been imbedded almost a foot into a boulder hidden within the vines. It had been here since before this village was begun and had never been drawn forth. It had only very recently been suddenly over grown by the vines that now bore fruit.
(Bob has acquired the ancient Long Sword of Justice. You may see the description at the stories end.)