Bonafidghter

Marlon stands battered but proud. The eleven fellow students standing next to him in a line have outshone him throughout the training but, despite graduating last in his class, he made it to the end.

Marlon sighs deeply.

He may not be smart or agile as the others but even passing last in his class is still a victory. Better yet, he knows that he’ll be more useful to Bastien and Nitendae in any future battles.

The three teachers award medal after medal to the successful students and finally make it to Marlon.

Standing on a box, Pechi drapes the ribbon over the Ox-like Marlon’s neck.

“Congratulations boy. The fighting style I taught you, may not be pretty but it’ll hopefully keep you and your friends safe.”

Marlon smiles as his stands back straight.

“Just remember to keep your guard up. You can’t save your friends, if you’re already dead.”

Marlon’s smile falters for a moment.

The life of a Fighter is a dangerous business but his friend Sereena is determined to keep adventuring and he also has a big debt to repay the war-priest and half-elf.

Once the ceremony is over, the other fighters drift off with their friends and family.

Without even a copper coin in his pocket and unsure what to do, Marlon loiters on the sandy floor of the arena.

Sereena had apologised in advance as she had to run some mysterious errand.

The diminutive Master Pechi calls to him.

“Hey Marlon, over here! I have a present for you.”

Marlon shuffles over to where Pechi’s standing over a battered chest.

“I heard from your sorceress friend, that you managed to get your hands on some second-hand Plate-mail.”

Marlon nods.

“Well armour is great but you’ll still need a weapon.”

As he speaks, Pechi pulls a heavy but well crafted Warhammer from the chest.

“It’s not magic but it’s the best I could find. Oh, and this shield may enable you to live a few days longer.”

Marlon gasps as he takes the two items offered. He’s no weaponsmith but even he recognizes ‘Master” craftsmanship when he sees it.

Before he can say ‘But’ though, Pechi raises his small hand.

“Look Marlon, you’re a good boy going into a hazardous profession. I’d hate to hear you died just for the lack of a decent weapon.”

Pechi then raps on the heavy, metal shield.

“And as you insist on only using a one-handed weapon, this’ll probably be useful.”

Marlon smiles broadly.

“I’ll repay this kindness. You’ll see!”

Marlon receives a ‘Large Heavy Metal Shield. and a ‘Masterwork WarHammer’.