Snippet #1246113

Sigfried sat with his black helm next to him, his gray eyes staring intently into the flames of the fire. He had not taken part in today’s competition as he was… tired to say the least. He had little interest in it to tell the truth, he went in there for glory, so he never looked at the scoreboard, and half the time didn’t look at the quest, merely entering. In the corner of his mouth was a short cob pipe, from which the knight was taking puffs from and blowing them in the air.
In 11 years he had never seen so many people in this city, hoping to gain glory and fame… with a side of riches no doubt. In his mind most of them would die in that maze… it had gotten far more dangerous than it had been. His long brown hair fell around his scarred face, as the smoke trail drifted up from the pipe into the sky.

Glancing around the fire, he had noted the magic user arrive from the cave first, which was a boon to the young kid, but he had far to go. He was not surprised when another young man came to speak with the young mage, as the kid’s talent would attract more partners. Although the man looked stiff, he seemed capable in his own right.

With a sigh, he took the pipe out of his mouth and tapped it against a stone, empting it of its contents. As he was empting his pipe, a young group of adventures stopped in front of him, their youthful confidence seeming to reek off them. The leader of the bunch stepped forth and spoke with a confident tone “Hey old man! We heard you knew stuff about that maze”

Sigfried looked up at the young warrior, with his cold gray eyes, and the young adventure met it with bravery… or stupidity depending on your view “I am only 31, and what stuff?” the young man seized up Sigfried and declared loudly “We are going to kill a minotaur… wanna come?”
Sigfried thought it over, and shook his head. “Sorry kid, I don’t want to.” The young man growled and muttered “Coward.” Anger erupted in Sigfried eyes which turned quickly into an icy cold stare, and he stood drawing his sword. “What did you say runt?”
The young man drew his own sword, and spoke louder “you’re a worthless, old coward” and without another word Sigfried swung his sword in an ark, that the young man deflected with his own blade, his group widening to give the man enough room to duel the knight. As their swords hit and sparks flew the man looked at the swords with concentration phasing out all else, and Sigfried promptly punched the man in the face with his left hand, due to his utmost concentration on Sigfrieds blade he did not see his fist. The blow knocked the kid off balance and moving with experience, he swiped the kids legs out from under him and brought the sword point first down…

The man went white with fear as the sword point went down at his face, only to have it stick in the ground inches away from his face. Lowering himself near the young man Sigfried spoke calmly and softly, like a teacher reprimanding a student “You’re not ready for a minotaur, hunt a lizardmen or orc first. Than once you can defeat them well enough come back and I’ll join you.” Moving the sword form the ground he sheathed the blade, and offered his hand to the young adventure. Pulling the man up he dusted off his back, and gave him a friendly pat on the back.

The man and his group left somewhat embarrassed over losing, but Sigfried hoped they listened to his advice… as if they faced a Minotaur at their level; they would be dead in minutes.