The Amazing Adventures of Jack – Part Two: The Barbarian’s RequestJack ran his hand down the length of his legwhile maintaining his eye contact with the barbarian, who he had unintentionally annoyed, and reaching for his dragon dagger. Although Jack was not an experienced fighter, he knew that by striking first he would have an advantage over his enemy. As Jack felt his fingers grip over the cold handle of the dagger, he swiftly lunged towards the chest of the barbarian. Eyes closed in fear, he was surprised when he slammed into something which felt like a wall of ice. When he opened his eyes, Jack realized that both his hands and the barbarian were frozen solid. Dr Henry walked over towards his friend and the barbarian, having just cast a spell to freeze the two before any blood was shed. “What the hell are you doing, Jack?” shouted Goten. “I was going to take this guy down; he drew his weapon! HE WAS GOING TO KILL ME!” bellowed Jack, his voice shaking with both anger and fear. “That’s not the point, Jack. You can’t go around killing people in their own village; it's just morally wrong,” said Henry, undoing the spell. Looking around the village, Jack realized that many of the barbarians were shocked at his brave stupidity. Even the large barbarian, who had threatened Jack earlier, sheathed his sword and stood there, staring blankly at the humans and their dwarf friend. A slightly older barbarian stepped in front of the three and said, in a very croaky, war hardened voice, “You three have shown the type of guts known only to the barbarian race. Please, ignore the brutish nature of some of our people; they can be rather rough at times. You have proven yourselves both valiant and noble. What brings you to our lands?” Stepping forward, clearly regretting his actions, Jack replied, “We are three warriors on a journey to the lands of Catherby,” all the while trying to stealthily hide his dagger. “Do you go via the Guild of Heroes?” inquired the elder. “Yes,” replied Goten from behind his friends, “we must pay a visit to the Hero's Guild to recharge our Amulets of Glory” The elder smiled a wide smile and said, “In that case, perhaps you could help our people. Among us is a young warrior barbarian, a hero in our lands and yours. He has proven himself worthy of a place in the Guild of Heroes. However, he requires a path of entry that can only be granted by another member of the guild. If you would be willing to help him, he could travel with your party and leave you when you reach the guild.” After deliberating, Goten and Henry accepted the terms set forth by the elder, all the while wondering who this gallant warrior was. The elder then gave a short, ear-piercing whistle. From behind the group came a young barbarian, dressed in the finest battle armour and carrying a long two-handed sword with a hilt that resembled a golden dragon with its wings flared out. As the barbarian peacefully shook the hands of his companions to be, Henry came forth with a question. “Warrior, what is your name?” he asked. “My name is Gamestar, noble protector of the barbarian lands. Are you the warriors who will aid me on my journey to the Guild of Heroes?” Goten smiled at the barbarian and replied, “Yes, friend, yes we shall. I am Goten, senior officer of the Varrock Army, and this is Dr Henry, hero of the dwarven city of Keldagrim.” At this point, the barbarian looked to Jack. “Who are you, young warrior?” To this Jack said, “My name is Jack. Unlike my friends, I am no noble hero. I am just here for the journey. I guess you could call me the noob of the group.” The barbarian laughed and replied, “I saw how you handled my brother; you are far from a noob, my friend. Come now; let us go, for if we leave now we can make it to the lands of Taverly before night falls.” So Goten, Jack, Dr Henry and their new companion, Gamestar all walked on through the Barbarian Village and out of the back gate, heading west towards the lands of Taverly. Wondering about their newest cohort, Goten asked Gamestar what the story was behind his magnificent sword. “This blade has been passed down through the ages, given to those chosen to protect the village,” Gamestar began. “As the newly appointed protector, I have been honoured with the task of carrying this sword. The blade itself is made from the purest steel, strengthened with a runite core. The dragon on the handle represents the power of the person who wields it. The sword was made by your people Henry, the dwarves, the finest weapons craftsmen in history.” Dr Henry smiled with appreciation at the compliment. The group walked for many hours before finally reaching the gate between the free lands and the mysterious town of Taverly. |