Bob finds a Cave!

 

Bob found a tree trunk he could rest on that still left him hidden. He waited for an hour or so. He didn't mind waiting,  as a guard he had waited longer and in worse weather. At least this time there would be a reward at the end of it instead of just finishing a shift and heading home. He heard cackling voices raspy and high coming from the cave.

"Gribo sorry we ran but he killed the others we thought it best to come tell you" 3 goblins walked out followed by a larger fatter goblin. 

"yes... Yes.... I'm sure that was it and not just you are cowardly retches!" the fatter goblin replied. Bob tensed, this was it his heart pumped faster. He moved forward slowly to the edge of his cover. The goblins had no idea he was there. He gripped his sword and shield. Here goes nothing, he leapt from the Bush" Aargh!! " he yelled. The goblins turned in surprise,"What the hell!!!" Gribo yelled. "it's him!!!"  one of the 3 goblins yelled and they ran into the woods. Gribo pulled out a short sword. "so it's you that's disrupted my plans. Well now it's time to end you! “ Gribo leapt forward and slashed with his sword. Bob took the blow on his shield and swung his sword in a vicious arc. Gribo dodged backwards so Bob's sword just bit the crisp clear air. Gribo circled Bob. Bob was nervous this was his first real one on one fight. Adventuring was starting to feel a lot more real now!! He charged forward swinging his sword, Gribo desperately parried the flurry of blows from Bob. One of the blows slashed Gribos arm spirting blood. Gribo hissed in pain, he darted forward his short sword pointed right at Bob's heart. Bob was off balance and scrambled back. He managed to parry the short sword away from his heart and it bounced of his armour. Now Bob and Gribo were so close, Bob could smell Gribo rancid breath as he scowled at Bob murderous intent in his eyes. Stars flashed in front of Bob and a sharp pain to his forehead burst across his brow. Gribo had headbutted. Him?!?! That's not sporting!! Bob stumbled back in surprise, Gribo closed in with his short sword raised and an evil grin across his face. Bob caught sight of the short sword swinging down. Bob's life flashed before his eyes..... His child hood, the battle of Shireheath....... Wait was that it? No way he was going out like this.  He kicked out hard catching Gribo between the legs. The goblin squealed in pain and collapsed into a foetal position. Bob reacted quicker than he thought he could. He kicked away Gribos  short sword and smashed the pommel of his sword into the goblins head. The goblin, went limp and unconscious. Bob grabbed his pack and pulled some rope out. He tied up Gribo nice and tight. Wrapping the ropes all around  the goblins body so his arms and legs couldn't move. He checked round and gathered Gribos short sword. It seemed fairly decent so he strapped it to his backpack. After making sure he had everything he lifted Gribo over his shoulder. The goblin weighed around the same as a child so Bob thought he would be OK to carry Gribo back to town. Might have to have a couple of breaks but he should make good time.

"Well looky what we have here" Bob stopped as the 3 goblins that had run off reappeared bolder than before. He dropped Gribo to the ground and drew his sword. There was a rustling and 3 more Goblins appeared.. "Damn" Bob thought

Bob gripped his shield tighter. 6 goblins might be a bit to much but he should be able to cut through and make a run for town. He gave it a good shot at capturing Gribo didn't he? He could try again or maybe find an easier task yeah that would work. The goblins started to spread out and encircle him. Bob couldn't lie he was quite concerned  now...... "Now Gribo is all tied up one of us can be in charge after we have gutted you human!" one of the goblins snarled. "Not today!! “ a high pitched voice rang out. The goblins and Bob all looked confused and looked around. Out of the trees stepped a small gnome dressed in brown animal hide and blue paint in intricate designs all over its body. It's hair was in tight dread locks with twigs intertwined. The goblins stared at the gnome and then laughed. "Ha ha ha what are you gonna do gnome? I will crush you like the bug you are!" one goblin yelled. The gnome smiled and started to run towards the goblins "We'll see". The goblin raised its short sword but then something wierd happened. Well Bob thought it was wierd he wasn't sure if anyone else did as the gnome ran it  started to change shape and ina blink of an eye instead of a gnome running there was a wolf!!!!!!  The goblins smiles turned to looks of fear as the wolf bounded towards them it's mouth open revealing sharp glistening teeth and a hungry look in its eye. The wolf leapt onto the first goblin knocking it to the ground and then biting at its neck. Panic flowed through the other goblins and Bob saw his chance. In an unusual bout of bravery Bob charged, sure the goblins weren't looking at him, more backing away in horror from the attacking wolf that's just appeared but Bob will take it. He swung his sword and hacked a goblins head clean off. The look of surprise forever etched on its face. The other goblins realised Bob was amongst them so started to attack him. One charged towards him, Bob felt something fly past his cheek and the goblin fell to the ground with an arrow in his eye. Where the hell did that come from?? Bob thought. No time to think now as another goblin sword crashed against his shield. He swung his sword  and the goblin parried the blow. Bob swung his shield and it crashed into the goblin sending him flying to the floor. Another arrow flew past Bob and killed the goblin who was trying to get up. A goblin sword scrapped along Bob's armour thankfully it held and as he turned around the wolf jumped across his view and savaged the goblin. The last goblin turned tail, trey didn't get very far as another arrow took it down and it collapsed clutching at the arrow but soon stopped moving. Bob looked at the dead goblins and the wolf prowling round.. He watched it nervously and it watched him back.  "that's enough Hamish!" a well spoken female voice said. The wolf turned back into the gnome. He stepped forward and put out his hand "Hey laddy! Names Hamish. Druiding is the game. Saw you were in a bit of a spot and thought we would help." Bob was taken aback, he reached his hand out and shook the gnomes hand. Well more like took the whole of his hand as it was so small compared to Bob's hand.

" Tha..... Thanks. Much obliged for the rescue" the Gnome nodded, "Not a problem we were a little bit lost and heard the ruckus. Least now we have found a path and a companion." Bob looked around "We?" he asked  tentatively,

"I'm Hamishs travelling companion" a voice said to Bob's left, he jumped as he spotted a green haired elf in a blue cloak covering her face standing next to him. "Good heavens where did you come from?!" Bob asked. The elf laughed "I was just in the woods over there. Lena is the name" she held out a gloved hand. Bob shook it "Well good to meet you Lena and thanks for the timely arrow shots"  She did a short nod "Not a problem always good to keep your aim in. Wondered what you were doing out here all on your own?" she looked at the tired up Gribo. "Ah well you seem I decided to try my hand at adventuring and this here is my first job" he kicked Gribo who remarkably was still unconscious after all the commotion. "Those lot had run off I wasn't expecting them back that caught me out a bit to be fair." Bob felt a bit more comfortable around these 2 they seemed like decent people. "Ooo adventuring laddy. That sounds fun may we join you? We need to find a way of earning some gold that's why we are out here we came looking for the town of Shireheath" Hamish said,

"Oh Shireheath! That's where I'm from I can show you the way as I have to take this thing back for the reward." Bob replied excitedly. Hamish smiled "Ah excellent! Our first reward. Let's go then"

Wait, what thought Bob our reward?! Though to be fair they had Saved Bob from cm probably death most certainly serious injury and it would be rude to deny them some gold. Bob started to search the goblin bodies and located a few small bits of gold. Their weapons were nothing special so he left them. He grabbed Gribo and lifted him up. "Right 'o let's go!" the adventuring party (Bob quite like the sound of that) headed back to Shireheath. Gribo had woke up on the trip back to Shireheath and hurled abuse at them but Hamish soon used a vine to gag the goblin. "orrible creatures they are!" he had said. Bob had to agree, they were sneaky, devious and Bob was glad this mission was done now he was a proper working adventurer. They entered the town and Bob beamed with pride. They got some stares as the carried a trussed up goblin through the main gates.  Then a merchant shouted "Is that Gribo?" Bob nodded, "Yes indeed! Captured by me and my able companions."

"Good work. That little sod has been pilfering my goods for weeks. Be good to see him sent to jail or the gallows" the merchant replied. He then started clapping! Well Bob thought what a result! A few other merchants gave them a quick round of applause as they walked to the mayor's office. Well this is splendid thought  Bob and he swelled with pride. They made it to the mayor's House and the guards stopped them. "What's your business?" one asked in a gruff tired bored voice.

"erm...... Yes right I have captured the bandit goblin Gribo! Now I'm here to claim the reward." Bob said trying to sound as proud as possible. The guards expression didn't change and in the same bored voice "Oh OK suppose you wanna see the mayor?" Bob was taken aback by the guards disinterest.  The merchants had clapped him!! "Well yes, we captured him alive as well!" the guards expression changed ever so slightly. "Oh the mayor will like that. Come on" the guard opened the door, Bob, Hamish and Lena followed him through. Bob had never been to the mayor's House. It was lavish for Shireheath standards. The guard led them through to an office where the mayor sat at a desk piled with papers. He was currently reading one holding uo a candle to best see the words. The guard coughed "Excuse me sir we have some adventurers here who claim to have captured Gribo." the mayor paused and looked up. "oh really and dhow are we sure it's not just another goblin like the last 3" other people had tried to capture Gribo and lied. Ha! That means he is already a better adventurer than some. "Sir, Bob here former city guard. I interrupted some goblins trying to rob a merchant and it led me to where Gribo was. When I got there he was ordering the other goblins around." Gribo squirmed in his bonds mumbling as the vine stopped his talking. "Well let's hear what he has to say?"  the mayor said. Hamish made a sign and the vine disappear "Unhand me you scum. I'll kill you all I'm the great Gribo!!!! “ Gribo yelled spittle erupting from his mouth. The mayor had a dry smile now on his face, " so it seems we have captured the infamous Gribo! Excellent news. Right reward I'm assuming that's why you are here" he got up and went to a safe and opened it. Bob heard the clink of gold, that was a good sound Bob thought. The mayor came away from the safe with a bag of gold. 

"There you go 100 gold pieces. Thank you for capturing a threat to our fair town." Bob took the bag "Thank you mayor glad to be of assistance" Bob said proudly. The mayor ahs already sat down and started looking at papers. The guard ushered them back out of the house.

"Let's get to a tavern and sort out the spoils" Hamish  said happily. Some warm food and a beer sounded good to Bob. They entered a small Tavern called the ShireHorse and found a table. Bob pulled out the bag of gold and counted out 30 pieces of gold each. That left 10 gold, "Right I'll use this to get us some food." Bob said, both Lena and Hamish nodded so Bob got up and went to order some food. Lena pulled her hood and face wrap off revealing bright red hair and a small blued eyed face with blue  tattoos around her left eye. He returned to the table some some slabs of salted beef cheese and fruit. The merchant that had congratulated them on entering the town spotted them and spoke to the tavern owner. He soon gave over with a pitcher of ale. "Compliments of the gentleman over there." Bob poured himself a glass of beer and raised it in appreciation to the merchant. The 3 sat munching on some food  for a few minutes before Hamish spoke while chewing on some beef "well this seems like a nice enough town"

"oh yes it's quite quiet.... apart from the attack by the Black Foot other that nothing happens here" Bob replied, Lena leaned forward "I heard of that attack, the goblins didn't even breach the walls did they?" she sounded impressed. "Well yes we held out, there were a few dicey moments let me tell you but we held thanks to the heroes of Shireheath. Their example kept us going through the battle" Bob said proudly remembering the sight of the heroes battling insurmountable odds on the wall next to his position. "The heroes of Shireheath? I've heard of a new group of heroes helping the King with tasks maybe that's the same people?" Lena replied, "Most certainly it is as they left the town with an agent of the King I'm sure of it it." Bob said. Hamish finished all his food, "So Bob you an adventurer then?"

"Indeed just started out. Gribo was my first job. Hoping to find another one soon and start to see the world." Bob said excitedly. Hamish nodded "Well I hope you will let me and Lena share in your adventures. We will work well together I have a sense for these things". He picked up a a chunk of cheese and threw it in the air and caught it in his mouth and ate it.. Bob felt the idea of company seemed sensible. More bodies to fight monsters. Yes less loot but more chance of getting loot. "That seems a good idea. A team will always work better. How would we split the spoils of our adventures though. We spilt everything 3 ways I was thinking. All our loot and treasure sold for a grand total and then split 3 ways." Bob said boldly.  Hamish thought about it" Aye that seems fair you got yourself a humble Gnome Druid" he raised his gnome sized pint in salute. Lena seemed deep in thought "Fine that is acceptable" she raised her wine glass in salute. "Excellent! “ Bob said. He raised his beer as well. Well this was jolly nice he thought. First day adventuring and he had joined a band of adventurers! Good luck or what? The rest of the evening was spent having a few drinks and chatting about various topics. Then they all headed back to  Bob's little cottage.  "Nice little house you have here Bob very homely" Hamish said walking around. To the gnome Bob guessed the house looked quite large. Bob found some spare blankets and Hamish made himself a bed. Lena found a spot and said she would meditate. Bob wasn't quite sure what she ment but Lena went into a trance like state and was quiet so he guessed she was happy. He collapsed in his bed after stashing his armour and weapon. Tomorrow he would need to pop to the store and see if anyone will buy the bits he found off the goblins. He fell asleep quite quickly dreaming of his future adventures.