"Fear and famine are nothing but excuses, young pandawa. The mind is strength and will is power. So if you truly desire it, your will shall make your hunger a triviality." Whispered the old master in Gabriel's ear as he straightened up. He had managed to keep his cool despite the situation, as his master had taught him, yet one problem persisted. Gabriel remembered his master's words and also the answer he had given him that night: "Willpower? Can you eat that?"
From that moment on, he had a memory gap, not knowing whether it was hunger that had made him faint or the master's palm that had split the air at that very instant. But no matter, he thought to himself, faced with about twenty armed men ready to perforate his ass straight through to his mouth. He wanted to quickly start the conversation so as not to come to blows when one of the men stepped forward a little to try to pierce the mystery he represented in their eyes.
Who are you? The man uttered violently.
I am Gabriel, a traveler. Calmly replied the young boy.
What did you come here to do? The man pressed on.
I am just passing through and I need water and food. The boy replied in a friendly tone.
Where do you come from?
From the great forest, a day's walk from here. Gabriel replied while pointing down the road with his finger.
The men looked at one another and began to murmur among themselves. A sort of disagreement seemed to exist, and as if to dispel it, another spoke up, wiser and gentler than the previous one.
You carry a fine sword, do you know how to use it? Asked the one who seemed to speak the language of wisdom.
I even think I am the best. The boy replied with confidence and serenity.
Then why are you naked and wounded?
Let's just say I have just triumphed over a monster among monsters. He added.
Gabriel was not an idiot, and he had traveled enough in this world to see the difference between mercenaries and frightened villagers.
Listen, I absolutely mean you no harm. I spent the whole day walking and I am terribly hungry, so either you help me, and I beg you, or I simply try elsewhere.
After Gabriel's words, the masked men looked at one another again, and as if they had agreed with a single glance, one of the men asked Gabriel to accompany them inside the village. A proposal that lit up the latter's face.
Once they had entered the village, the masked men all removed their masks. They were all simple villagers, and none of them had the build of a soldier or a warrior according to Gabriel's observations as he carefully watched his surroundings.
The one who spoke to him turned out to be an old man with gray hair and a white beard. He was the oldest of the group and did not hesitate to offer hospitality to the traveler.
My house is not far, come along, you will find something to eat and to treat your wounds.
Gabriel accepted the old man's offer. While accompanying him, he very quickly noticed the pitiful and dilapidated state of the village, and it made him ask himself questions.
"There must have been violent fights here. Several houses are burned, others destroyed, and people have tears in their eyes. Most remain hidden in their run-down homes while the men are all armed and display completely defeated expressions. They are on edge." Thought the young man after a quick assessment of the place as they arrived at their destination.
The man led Gabriel to his home where they were greeted by an old woman and a charming young girl, both of them seeming very sad. The old woman was preparing something to eat while the young girl was tending to Gabriel's superficial wounds. In his inner voice, the latter could not help but make a comment about the pretty young lady.
"For a village girl, she's damn well-built. A very cute face, an average chest and a nice little ass. I want to fuck her." He told himself when he was cut off from his perverted thoughts by the old man who invited him to join them at the table to eat. Which he accepted with pleasure.
On the table, a soup, a bowl of rice and two sliced papayas. A true feast for the common folk.
Can I really? Asked the traveler, almost drooling.
Of course, my wife and I offer it to you with all our heart. Replied the old man with a small forced smile.
In that case, enjoy your meal!
Letting the hunger inside him be fully satisfied, Gabriel threw himself at the food with joy. More than the search for taste, it was simply the desire to fill his stomach that drove him at that moment, and he did not hold back.
Meanwhile, the old man took advantage of the moment to speak to him about their current situation. He first began to launch into a long speech about the good life that reigned in their village when Gabriel abruptly cut him off in his momentum.
I understand that things are not going well, so spare me the details and just tell me what you expect from me. He let him know.
Hmm, alright! I'll get straight to the point then. Several days ago, we sent a quest to the guild to inform them of the establishment of a horde of goblins near our village. But alas, no one took care of it. Two days ago, the goblins launched an attack on the village and it was a massacre. Several men found their deaths there, but above all, they abducted several young girls from the village, including the eldest of my daughter who is present here.
The old man tightly clenched his hands and bit his lips as he met his wife's tearful eyes before continuing.
Despite our fierce resistance, we failed to do anything to stop them. We are nothing but villagers, we can do nothing against these monsters. So… we beg you to please accept our request, Mr. Gabriel. I do not know who you are, but I know that you are capable. Your reward will be ours. This is not just a request, know this, it is a prayer!
Gabriel set down his spoon and crossed his arms, then closed his eyes to think for a second about the villagers' request. The old man's wife approached in turn and came to kneel at his feet, tears in her eyes, and without dignity.
I beg you, Mr. Knight. Save her! Save my little girl!
You are our only hope. Added her husband. Look!
The old man then showed Gabriel the windows of the house taken by assault by the curious and sorrowful villagers who were all waiting to see how the situation would unfold. Gabriel took a deep breath before responding to their request after weighing the pros and cons.
I figured it would be something like that. First, take down the monster corpses that are at the gate and burn them. A good bath and disinfectant in large quantities, not forgetting cleaner… clothes. Prepare something for me to eat on the road, and if there is a mount, I want it too. In exchange, I will hunt down the goblins that trouble you so much.
The man's face lit up with joy. He placed his fingers at the corners of his eyes before quickly pulling himself together and replying to the young boy:
If that is all, then the deal is sealed. We will do everything you have asked, so please, save our children.