An Adventurer's Quest: Prologue

What does it mean to go on an adventure?

"Erdric..."

To some, an adventure is a quest undertaken by only the mightiest of warriors, facing mighty beasts and overcoming great obstacles. To others, an adventure might be a long voyage far from home, adapting to new circumstances and meeting new people. To yet others, an adventure is a mission, a purpose in life given to them by a higher power to explore uncharted lands and uncover amazing discoveries.

And to some, an adventure is simply a new experience.

"Erdric..."

Despite what you may have heard, adventurers are not limited to your typical heroes or knights. Anyone, from the most pampered of kings to the most hardened of warriors to the smallest of children can go on an adventure. And every one of them, no matter how strong or weak, young or old, will have a story to tell when they return.

"Erdric...!"

Perhaps you would like to hear one of these stories? Very well. This story is about the adventure of a young boy and his travels across the land of Valebatia...

"Erdric, wake UP!"

Erdric's eyes shot open as he sprung awake, looking at the frowning face of his mother standing in his doorway.

"Honestly... 16 and you still need me to come and wake you up." She grumbled, brushing a lock of brown hair out of her face with a sigh as her son rubbed his head sheepishly. "Well, you'd better hurry up and get ready if you don't want to be late for your audience with the king."

"A-Alright... thanks, Mum." Erdric smiled and got out of bed. His mother simply shook her head with a weary smile before heading back downstairs. She despaired for that boy sometimes; he was headstrong, ignorant, easily-distracted... he DEFINITELY took after his father more than he did her.

She paused and glanced at the portrait on the staircase, showing herself standing with her family, back when they were still together. The smile faded from her face as she stared at the older gentleman, laughing with one arm around his wife's shoulders and the other on his young boy's head. She fought back tears as she remembered that day ten years ago when he left on an adventure with his usual party... only for them to return a few days later, beaten and bruised, and one man less.

Erdric grinned as he looked himself in the mirror, his short brown hair neatly combed and clad in his best tunic and trousers. He pulled on his leather gloves and boots, slung his scarf around his neck and tied his headband around his forehead, grinning. He was ready.

"Alright, Dad... time to make you proud..." he grinned as he began to stride downstairs. Ever since he was young, he had always strived to be an adventurer like his old man. He remembered the days when he would wait up for his father to come home with his adventuring buddies, usually with a monster carcass slung over his shoulder as a trophy. Sure, it meant that he might not have been around all the time; his journeys usually lasted for weeks, maybe months at a time. But Erdric never hated him for it; he did it to support his wife and child, and he always made the few brief weeks he was home count.

And now it was finally happening; he was on his way to meet with the King Verndetau and his daughter, Princess Jennifer in order to get their official blessing to become an adventurer! Of course, there was nothing that said he COULDN'T become an adventurer without their approval, but doing so would be a LOT harder. Officially approved adventurers got a lot of bonuses and assistance whenever they were in allied territory; most unapproved adventurers cracked under the pressure when the going got too tough and ended up becoming bandits just to make some money.

Just as his foot hit the bottom step, he heard the family clock sound off the time. It always comforted him when he heard those familiar chimes. One... two... three... four... five... six... seven... eight... nine?

His brow furrowed in confusion, then shot up in realisation. "It... it's nine o'clock!?" he yelled.

"I told you it was late, son." He heard his mother announce from the kitchen. "I tried to get you up at eight like you asked, but you just kept snoozing away."

"Oh no!" he cried, suddenly starting to panic. He was late! He was supposed to be at the castle in half an hour! Rushing as fast as his feet would carry him, he charged through the kitchen, grabbing the first foodstuff that his hand met and charging out the backdoor, rapidly reciting "ByeMumwishmeluck!" on his way out.

"Erdric? Wait...!" she yelled, but it was futile. He was already gone. Yeah. he DEFINITELY took after his father. Sighing, she turned and glanced at the table, to see what he took.

What did Erdric take on his way out?
A --- A juicy red apple
B --- A light fluffy pastry
C --- A carton of spoiled milk
D --- A thick slab of meat