84 Chapter 84 Return To The Barbarians (2/2)

”Others want Kenrick to prove self with magic so they see. They not see before and not believe. Chug very busy with many challenges.”

Joseph could see that he had added another line to his necklace.

”I have spoken with the other shamans, and they are not happy that you will be leaving so soon after having just gotten back. Many fear this contract you have made.”

There was a noise at the tent opening, and Logan, one of his guards, stuck his head in.

”I'm sorry to bother you, Master, but there are messengers from both Daniel and Walter.”

”Send them in,” said Joseph with a sigh.

They both entered, looking very tired and kneeled, waiting for him to acknowledge them.

”What do you have to say?” he asked, concerned about their appearances.

”Master, there are troubles in the towns. It is requested that you return as soon as possible.”

”I will head back tomorrow. You may leave now to let them know, or you may rest tonight and return in the morning as well.”

They both nodded in thanks, and turned to leave.

”Oh, Child of Prophecy, please speak before the people, before you leave,” spoke up Tekaun.

Rubbing his head, he knew this was going to be tiresome, but he nodded. They all quickly left the tent, and his people, who were incredibly happy to see him, fell in behind him.

Standing before the crowd that had been gathering every since he had first ridden into the camp, he looked out over the people from the rocks they had a.s.sembled in front of the leader tent.

”It has been told to me that some of you doubt my powers. It has been told to me that some of you doubt my ability to lead. It has even been told to me that some of you doubt the size of my manhood. I had enough power to kill the creature that sent the fog that you ran from. I have the ability to lead you to the south where there is food for your children to eat. As for the size of my manhood. I survived with only my best friend through the icy fog and the dangers of the north for a month with no help from any others.”

He held up the fangs he pulled from the winter wolves and dire wolves.

”We slew winter wolves and dire wolves on our way north. We slew ice trolls who prey on your tribesmen in the long winters. And we slew winter wraiths that come upon you and steal the heat from your blood and the breath from your lungs. Who among you can claim more?”

He paused for a moment of uncomfortable silence as the barbarians look around before beginning again.

”I completed the test of magic in front of many of you. Do you not trust your fellow tribesmen? Would you have me compete also in a test of might? My power is for killing my enemies and not to entertain you in some spectacle.”

He cast PURIFY AIR about 50 feet above him and focused on making a large area about 5 feet in radius of pure oxygen.

”Which of you would challenge me? Who among you can resist my power? It would shame your ancestors and traditions should I use my full power to be 'tested' in your ring.”

He sent a double rune FIREBALL straight into the ma.s.s of pure oxygen. It blew up, but also kept burning. He waited for the roaring whoosh to settle down. Many of the barbarians took cover.

”I offer you a choice. Come with me for one year and see my abilities and decide then if you wish to keep following me, or stay here and starve to death with your children as they waste away in front of you. Everything north of this valley is dead. It was frozen solid. It will be years or decades to restore. I respect Chug and agreed to a good deal for you as I want you to become my people. I leave tomorrow. While I came to help your people, others came to trouble my own. I have no more time to convince you.”

<script>