The Life of An Adventurer

Chapter One - A Goblin Army

He looks shifty, with a nervous sweat breaking out across his forehead, holding his cards close to his chest. He's a terrible poker player, I think. Looking down at my hand I know I am going to win. I have a royal flush, thanks to the nifty cards tucked up my sleeves. All the other guys look nervous. I had won every hand so far, and they had thrown it all in the pot. These men would go home broke today. Most people think I'm an easy target, at 3'9 with short calico hair, dressed in simple brown trousers with a grey Greatcoat over top a white linen shirt. Yeah, easy pickings to those who don't know of the weapons hidden all over my body. "Well, boys, are you in or out?" and, grinning with a cat that ate the canary smile I wait for their response. They all mumble "in" and slowly they reveal their hands. A couple pairs, a few flushes, but I was right, as I reveal my hand they all groan as I sit there laughing lightly. "It's been a pleasure gentlemen, but I do have to go, maybe tomorrow you can lose all your money to me again!" Getting up, I start scooping up my winnings into my coin purse, until a hand reaches out and takes hold of my wrist. I look up into the face of a tall, ugly man - big, beefy and stupid looking. He has a squat nose, with a bump in it signifying that it had been broken at least once. Dirty, matted black hair clings to his sweaty head, greasy and unwashed. His clothes are equally as filthy, a pair of brown leggings and a wrinkled shirt. He is unarmed.

"Where do you think you're going with my money girl?" The pressure on my wrist increases to the point that I let out a hiss in pain. "I know you've been cheating the whole time, and I want my money back." He growls, bending down to my height to get in close to my face so none of the other patrons in the pub can hear. Without thinking I pull my dagger from my boot and hold it to his throat, nicking him a little. "Look buddy, this money is mine, I won it and it's going to stay mine, or you're going to have one big red smile, ear to ear." I growl into his face, putting a little more pressure on my blade. He lets go of my wrist, straightening up and taking a swing at me. I duck and he hits the guy behind me - a big guy with a very big hammer leaning against the table. He looks at Mr. Ugly, lifts that very big hammer, and hits him dead in the chest, sending him flying across the bar, taking people with him. A chain reaction of chaos begins; angry shouts start up and fighting breaks out all around the room. The bartender is trying to calm things down, until a patron punches him right in the face, and he goes down. I hide my dagger and get a sudden inspiration, pulling out my magical mandolin, I climb up onto the bar, and start playing a high-energy music, perfect for brawls. I can feel the magic flowing through me into the music I play; I can feel knowledge passing from my mandolin into me as I play, teaching me new cantrips. The fighting continues for a good twenty more minutes, and all the while I play. "You're all under arrest!" A shout from the door calls out - the guards have arrived. Now even more pandemonium ensues, with patrons fighting off the guards. At this I take it as my cue to leave before I get caught up in it all. Winding my way through the fighting, I leave the pub the back way, just in case Mr. Ugly recovers and escapes the guards. I head for the stables, where my mare is waiting.

I only stay in one town for a few days before moving on to the next one. Earn my money then leave, that's what I say. Most people don't notice a little 3'9 lady stealing their money. I guess people don't think someone as small and defenseless looking as me poses much of a threat. While thinking to myself, I almost miss the sound of someone behind me. I pull my dagger out and turn around to face whoever it is following me. He is small for a human, almost as small as me. He has dark brown hair and is dressed for travel, although looking worn and weary. He lets out a squeak of fear as I round on him. "Don't attack me!" He shouts, trembling as I walk closer. "Why are you following me" I growl softly, stopping about three feet in front of him. "I saw you take on that big guy in the bar, and I was wondering if you were an adventurer." He chokes out, sweating profusely. Glaring at him I sheath my dagger again, standing there with my arms crossed over my chest. "What if I am, what's it to you?" I ask in a snarky tone. He licks his lips, still wary even though I put my dagger away. "I was sent out to find adventurers to come to our village to take care of a... 'Problem' of ours." He clears his throat, looking expectantly at me. "What kind of problem?" I say, now wary myself.