Chapter 23: The Stonefall Warriors
The messenger returned two days later, his face flushed and eyes wide with urgency. He staggered into the village square, where Srabon, Mira, and the Builder were gathered.
"Chief!" the messenger gasped, bending over to catch his breath. "Stonefall... they're willing to help, but... there's a condition."
Srabon's brows furrowed. "A condition?"
"Their leader, Magnus, wants to meet you in person. He doesn't trust us. He said if you can prove yourself to him, he'll send his best warriors."
Mira crossed her arms. "Prove yourself? What does that mean?"
"Magnus is a former warlord," the messenger said. "He won't follow someone he sees as weak."
Srabon nodded, his jaw set. "Fine. I'll go to Stonefall myself. Mira, you're in charge while I'm gone."
"I'm coming with you," Mira said, grabbing her bow. "You're going to need backup."
[New Quest: Convince Magnus of Stonefall to Join the Alliance. Reward: 1000 Gold, 700 Elixir.]
---
The journey to Stonefall was arduous. The path wound through dense forests and rocky hills. Mira kept her bow ready, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.
"I don't like this," Mira muttered. "Magnus has a reputation. They say he once took down an entire goblin raiding party by himself."
Srabon kept his gaze forward. "If we're going to survive the Goblin King's next attack, we need his help."
They finally arrived at Stonefall, a fortified settlement with towering walls and well-armed guards. Magnus awaited them at the center of the village — a massive man with arms like tree trunks and a thick, braided beard. He eyed Srabon up and down, his expression unreadable.
"You're the one they call Chief," Magnus said, his voice a deep rumble.
Srabon stood tall. "And you're the one they call the Stonefall Warlord."
Magnus chuckled, the sound more like a growl. "I hear you want my warriors. But why should we risk our lives for you?"
"Because if you don't," Srabon said, his voice steady, "the Goblin King will wipe you out next. He's building an army — giants, hog riders, and more. We barely survived his last attack. If we don't unite, none of us will."
Magnus's eyes narrowed. "Big words. But talk is cheap. Let's see what you're made of."
He gestured to a circle marked in the dirt. "Fight me. Prove to me that you're worth following."
Mira stepped forward. "Srabon, you don't have to do this."
"Yes, I do," Srabon said, stepping into the circle. "If we're going to win this war, we need Stonefall."
Magnus rolled his shoulders, cracking his knuckles. "Ready?"
Srabon nodded, fists clenched. The fight began.
---
Magnus charged like a bull, swinging his massive fists. Srabon ducked under the blow, narrowly avoiding a strike that would have knocked him out cold. He retaliated with a swift kick to Magnus's knee, but it was like hitting a stone wall.
"You're going to have to do better than that," Magnus taunted, swinging again. This time, his fist connected, slamming into Srabon's side and sending him sprawling in the dirt.
Mira gasped, her hand reaching for her bow. Srabon raised a hand, signaling her to stay back.
"I'm not done yet," Srabon grunted, struggling to his feet. Blood trickled from his lip, but his eyes blazed with determination.
Magnus smirked. "Good."
Srabon dodged the next swing, ducking low and delivering a powerful punch to Magnus's gut. Magnus staggered, eyes widening in surprise. Srabon pressed the attack, aiming for pressure points and weak spots, striking with speed and precision.
But Magnus was a mountain. He shook off the blows and tackled Srabon to the ground, pinning him down. "This is over. You're not strong enough."
Srabon gritted his teeth, struggling under Magnus's weight. His mind raced, and then he remembered something — a move he had seen the Barbarians use in training. He twisted his body, grabbing Magnus's arm and using the warlord's own momentum to flip him over.
Magnus crashed to the ground, dazed. Srabon scrambled to his feet, breathing hard. "Still think I'm not strong enough?"
Magnus burst into laughter, a deep, booming sound. He stood up, dusting himself off. "You've got guts, Chief. And a brain. You're not the strongest fighter, but you're smart."
He extended a hand. "Stonefall will join your alliance. But remember, if you lose to the Goblin King, we're pulling out."
Srabon shook his hand, relief flooding through him. "Deal."
[Quest Complete: Convince Magnus of Stonefall to Join the Alliance. Reward: 1000 Gold, 700 Elixir.]
Mira smiled as they exited the circle. "That was reckless."
"Maybe," Srabon said, rubbing his bruised jaw. "But now we have an army."