The Path of the Adventurer

Chapter 1

            Briarbeth City, the capital of the kingdom of the same name, was a town of peace and prosperity. The lively roads were made from cobblestone and the buildings included poor shacks of beggars and timber-framed shops of artisans. Stalls and shops were frequent throughout the city's streets and slums; there merchants and travelers from all corners of the land would sell common and rare items. Men often wore tunics, trousers, and boots; and women often wore long dresses or skirts that touched the ground. The sound of people talking and children laughing was so common, one could claim it was omnipresent. The largest castle in the kingdom - Castle Briarbeth - could always be seen overlooking the city on a hill in the distance. The castle was a large, pointed building made of stone with several turrets; decorated by several windows, banners, and flags; with one tall spire in the center. It was the home of King Lionel, the 11th King of Briarbeth and the first and last in his dynasty.

***

In Briarbeth City's famous tavern and inn "The Drunken Troll", a hooded person sat at the table in the rather dusty corner near the barmaid's counter, looking around out of boredom. He was a slim young man of average height, half of his face being obscured by his cowl. Rich torchlight provided him warmth as music and laughter filled the air. Slouching in his seat, he watched the mirthful villagers as they clashed their cups together in toasts. In addition to this, minstrels were playing their upbeat music accompanied by couples dancing arm in arm, enjoying the comforting mirth of Briarbeth City's famous tavern and inn.

As the minstrels were about to finish their joyful song, a knight abruptly burst through the door.

"Sir Thomas!" One villager rejoiced. The entire guild began to cheer.

Sir Thomas was a tall, gallant man. He had long, straight golden blonde hair; fair skin, bright azure eyes; and stubble. He was wearing a fine black jerkin over a regal white shirt and a longsword was sheathed in the scabbard strapped to his back. He cleared his throat. "Everyone, can I please have your attention?" He said loudly. The whole tavern went silent. Heads turned and slowly gazed upon the gallant knight. Suddenly, almost everyone began to cheer.

"Please, Sir! Tell us about your adventures!" Begged another.

"Silence!" Thomas shouted. The racket instantly ceased. "I cannot today. It pains me to say it, but-" His speech was interrupted by series of boisterous coughs. "I've been afflicted with The  Bite - a disease that no common medicine or spell can heal."

The crowd gasped.

"Settle down!" Exclaimed Thomas. The villagers did so at once. "Now, Lady Carolin, the daughter of our king's steward Lord Ernest went off into the forest early in the morning. She did so to find a rare plant that could only be found in the dangerous part of the woods - the territory of the goblins. She did so for a concoction she was making to potentially heal me of my sickness, believing she'd be able to-" Again, he spontaneously released another series of coughs. "E-Excuse me. She believed she would be able to fend for herself. However, she has not been seen since. Seeing how my disease will only hold me back, the king and Lord Ernest intends to establish a search party to find her in my stead."

"Someone like me'll do!" A blacksmith in a dusty apron belted. "My best craft is my sturdy steel halberd, and now's about time I put it to use! Foes will cower in fear at the very sight of it!"

"You're just a common blacksmith!" Hollered a woman with blonde hair. "Just because you forged an axe and have large muscles doesn't mean you can properly wield it! I'd say my mother is a better choice!"

"Oh, the old crone who runs that run-down bakery? In your dreams!" A man in the crowd rudely replied.

"Calm down, all of you!" Thomas exclaimed, frustratingly. "The goblins of the deep forest are worse than you think. They are weak, but they are also masters of trickery and stealth. The king is only looking for those with proper experience and training. To be specific, he is looking for adventurers. Now, are there any adventurers here who can face the dangers?"