Episode 44: Turmoil in Erbandor
Upon arriving in Erbandor, Elahar took in the city's chaotic scenery. Still in the early stages of expansion, its inns, taverns, and markets were overflowing, while adventurers bustled about, chasing their own ambitions. Yet many rushed into expeditions without gathering proper information, banding together recklessly before marching out.
Elahar found no one among the gathered adventurers who seemed a suitable companion. For now, he resolved to travel alone, using this time to purchase supplies beyond what he had already prepared. He organized a list in his mind, steadying himself with quiet determination.
But then the commotion began. Shouts erupted through the street, followed by the crash of a brawl in a nearby alley. Drawn by curiosity, Elahar walked toward the noise—only to find Brakka at its center.
The orc warrior was locked in a violent scuffle with a handful of novice adventurers, his massive axe sweeping arcs that sent onlookers fleeing in terror. Gasps of shock rippled through the crowd.
"What's a descendant of rebels doing here?" one of the novices sneered.
The insult lit Brakka's fury like a torch.
Elahar instantly understood: the hotheaded novices had provoked him, and Brakka's rampage was the inevitable result.
"What is this madness? Why are you fighting?" Elahar shouted, his voice cutting through the din.
Brakka glanced at him, one eyebrow arched. "These whelps can't give me the fight I crave! A battle's only worth it when it sets your blood on fire!"
Elahar exhaled sharply, his patience strained. Turning to the shaken crowd, he raised his voice with authority. "Brakka, enough! What will this solve? Violence for its own sake leaves nothing but ruin."
But Brakka was not ready to calm. His grip tightened on the axe. "If no one will stand with me in a real fight, then I'll settle this my way!"
Seeing the situation spiral further, Elahar drew his sword, not to cut but to command. "Adventurers, listen to me! This is no time for pointless bloodshed. Stand together, restrain the chaos, and restore safety to this city!"
The force of his words pierced the fear gripping the onlookers. They recognized in Elahar not just a swordsman, but a leader. Spurred by his presence, the adventurers rallied, moving to quell the conflict and bring Brakka under control.
Through this incident, Elahar realized once more the weight of his role—not only as a warrior but as a guide for those who sought strength—and steeled himself for the journey that awaited.
**
Episode 45: The Duel Between Elahar and Brakka
Elahar stepped forward, resolve clear in his gaze."Brakka, this fight is meaningless. There's no need for us to wound each other."
Brakka let out a booming laugh, swinging his axe with reckless vigor."Meaningless? Fighting is what I am! Or are you telling me you'll refuse me, Elahar?"
Around them, the adventurers froze, eyes wide with anticipation. None dared intervene; the gulf in power was too great. All they could do was watch, tension coiling like a drawn bowstring.
The clash began with a roar. Brakka charged, his axe cleaving the air, brute force incarnate. Elahar, light on his feet, evaded with fluid precision. Steel and strength collided again and again, sparks flying as two starkly different styles met: Brakka's overwhelming might against Elahar's refined agility and flawless technique.
The tavern square became a furnace, their duel blazing at its center.
At last, their weapons locked, each straining before stepping back in unison. Their eyes met, and in that moment both knew the truth: this battle had no true purpose.
Elahar lowered his blade slightly."Let it end here, Brakka. There is no reason to fight."
For a beat, silence hung heavy—then Brakka's laughter broke it, loud and genuine. He lowered his axe."Fair enough. Then how about we drink instead?"
A faint smile touched Elahar's lips."Very well. To the tavern, then."
Together they walked away from the wreckage of their conflict, leaving the crowd exhaling in relief.
Inside the tavern, Brakka raised his voice over the din."My fault for the chaos earlier! Forgive me, friends."
His candid apology drew laughter and cheers. "Forget it, Brakka! Let's move on!"
He ordered rounds for the house, lifting the mood with ease. Soon the room rang with laughter, mugs clashing together in celebration rather than strife. Elahar, too, shared in the moment, acknowledging that even in their differences lay the foundation for trust.
That night, amid ale and camaraderie, Elahar and Brakka forged the beginnings of true friendship. Around them, the adventurers found renewed determination, ready to set their sights on new goals and brighter horizons.
**
Episode 46: Elahar and Brakka's Companionship
Elahar and Brakka exchanged a glance and, without needing many words, came to the same conclusion: their journeys would no longer be walked alone. Both had planned to set out on their own, but now they found themselves willing to share the road—two warriors bound by mutual respect, if not yet a formal party.
"Traveling together might not be such a bad thing," Elahar said with a faint smile.
Brakka nodded, his grin wide. "Aye. We're headed the same way anyhow. Better to put our strength side by side."
They set off across the quiet plains, their footsteps steady, the silence between them filled with unspoken resolve. Each envisioned the challenges to come—Elahar wondered how his precision and Brakka's raw might might combine in battle.
As they walked, Elahar realized Brakka's presence steadied him. There was comfort in knowing such a formidable warrior fought at his side. And in that comfort grew a deeper respect for each other's strengths.
"Whatever we face, we'll overcome it," Brakka said suddenly, voice full of conviction. "Together, we'll break through anything."
Elahar inclined his head in agreement. "Yes. Whatever our goals may be, we'll be stronger if we walk the path together."
Step by step, with determination in their stride, they pressed on toward the unknown continent. Their companionship marked the beginning of a new chapter—one filled with both the promise of trials and the thrill of discovery.
**
Episode 47: The Bruteghar's Appearance
Leaving Erbandor behind, Elahar and Brakka set their sights on the heart of the new continent. Yet instead of vast kingdoms as they had imagined, they found only scattered city-states, far from the reach of any single power. To the two warriors, this lack of order was not disappointment, but intrigue—an open land full of possibilities.
"This place is less developed than I thought," Brakka said, his grin betraying excitement. "Could be fun."
Elahar scanned the horizon, eyes narrowing. "Perhaps here we'll find the kind of strong opponents we're searching for."
That was when they appeared. Massive boar-like creatures lumbered out of the brush, their hulking frames and savage eyes betraying no hint of mercy. These beasts were known as Bruteghar—feral, brutal, and terrifying in number. With guttural roars, they encircled the two warriors and charged.
"Looks like we'll have to fight our way out of this!" Brakka barked, tightening his grip on his axe.
Elahar's gaze sharpened, calm amidst the chaos. "They're hostile by nature. No choice but to cut through them."
The ground shook as the Bruteghar swung their crude, massive clubs. Elahar darted aside, slipping past the first blow, his sword flashing. "One at a time—focus them down!"
Brakka's laughter rumbled even as he met the charge head-on, his axe crashing against a beast's armored hide. "What a mess! Fine, let's see how many of you I can split open!" His shout seemed to draw even more of the beasts into the fray.
Elahar's blade carved arcs of steel, his movements swift and precise. "These aren't mindless creatures—don't just flail, fight with purpose!" he called, deflecting a strike and countering in a single motion.
The Bruteghar pressed hard, some bearing down on Elahar while others hammered at Brakka. Yet the orc roared with defiance, parrying with brute strength. "I knew it'd be like this! Come on then, Elahar—let's end this together!"
Reading each other's movements, they began to fight as one. Brakka drew the beasts' fury, his axe forcing them back, while Elahar darted in to exploit the openings. "Now! Fall back a step!" Elahar commanded, slipping behind a beast's guard and driving his blade deep.
The creatures snarled and stumbled, colliding with each other in their frenzy. One by one they fell to the combined assault—raw power and refined skill, fused into a rhythm of destruction.
When at last the final Bruteghar collapsed, silence returned to the plain. The two warriors, bloodied but unbowed, shared a breath and a grin.
"Well fought, Brakka," Elahar said, lowering his blade.
Brakka slapped his axe against his shoulder with a booming laugh. "And you as well! Hells, that was fun!"
Together they stood, the bond between them tempered by battle, ready to face whatever else this wild continent would hurl their way.
**
Episode 48: Karon's Unease
As Elahar and Brakka made their way along the road, they halted at the sound of fierce combat ahead. Through the clearing, they caught sight of Karon locked in battle with a holy knight. At first, they assumed Karon would make short work of his opponent—but to their surprise, he was struggling.
"That's Karon," Brakka muttered. "How's he having such trouble against a single paladin?"
Elahar inclined his head, watching in silence. The clash was brutal, each blow from the knight forcing Karon back, his expression betraying strain as he narrowly held his ground.
When the fight finally ended and Karon staggered to catch his breath, Elahar stepped forward. "I expected you to put down a lone paladin with ease. What happened?"
Karon drew a long breath and lowered his gaze. "He was immune to fear. My dark sorcery clashed directly with his holy light. Sometimes the impact struck deep, but other times, both forces canceled each other out. Battles like that are… unpredictable, full of chaos."
Brakka nodded, his voice rough but thoughtful. "Then the three of us together would make things smoother. How about you travel with us until we reach our destinations?"
Karon hesitated, weighing the offer, then nodded. "Very well. Alone, I may falter against such foes. Together, our chances will be better. Even in uncertainty, strength lies in unity."
For a moment, his eyes flicked between them, reassessing. "And where exactly do you two intend to go?"
Elahar considered before replying. "I seek the heart of this continent. Its center holds the truths—and perhaps the adversaries—I must find. Brakka, meanwhile, seems intent on chasing every formidable beast we encounter."
Brakka gave a toothy grin. "Damn right. As long as stronger prey awaits, I'll keep swinging."
Though their goals diverged, each man recognized the value of the others. Elahar's precision, Brakka's raw power, and Karon's sorcery—together, they formed an unlikely but formidable alliance.
As they set off side by side, anticipation and tension thickened the air. None knew what dangers the continent still hid, but each step bound them tighter as companions. Whatever lay ahead, they would face it together.