Whispers filled the town as an atmosphere of excitement and unrest spread without any signs of slowing down. The people were expecting a visitor they did not know how to accommodate. A man shrouded in legends and mystery was said to be approaching their little town in the borders of a nation that pays them little mind. They were unsure as to what to expect of him for every legend painted him in a different light. The tales sung of him by countless bards each seem to not be related at all. There those who even claim that they speak of completely different men altogether. The Song of Great Lament speaks of a man that gone silent for years, not speaking a word, after losing his life. It is a beautiful song of lost love and sorrow. However, the Song of the Mad Defender speaks of a man that fought single handedly against countless invaders. He spread blood and death across countless battles.

As the few craftsmen and guards that presided in the town gathered in a hall, the head of the families, mostly fathers and first-borns, followed after them so that may hear the latest news and ease the worries of their loved ones.

"What do you suppose we are to do?".- Craftsman 1

"Are we to do anything at all? This man has a thousand legends to his name but the only one that's actually true is that he goes around solving problems and the like. He doesn't care for anyone for he has no time for it. He wanders around, guarding the kingdom after all, by the king's orders. I say we leave him to his business and give him whatever he may need." - Head Guard

"Yes, that is the problem after all. What problem do we have that requires the Mad Defender's attention. We have to know incase it is a problem that may get us all killed in the process. Last I heard of him, he was fighting Eastern raiders. What do we have that compares to that and how did it come about?" - Craftsman 2

"Though that may be good point, it won't be a problem much longer with him here. It may be wise, however, the make investigation after everything is done. We can't go meddling now and get ourselves killed." - Head Guard

Unbeknownst to them, it was a group of children at the edge of the town that would be the only witnesses that he was ever in the town at all. A group of children, no older than ten, were spending their rare free time playing at knights at edge of the forest that surrounded the town. They were filled with anticipation for the visit of the walking legend. However, the moment they actually saw him, they were left paralyzed. He stood at six feet tall in a full set of armor. He towered over them. None of the children were brave enough to speak out. He was nothing like they were expecting.

When people speak of heroes and legends, they speak as though they were one in the same. However, there are legends who aren't heroic in least. What stood before them didnt feel like a hero in shining armor. He felt wild and unrestrained. The armor was scratched and dirty. Pelts of beast surrounded his figure and his weapons felt unrefined; being made of bones of the beasts he hunted. Worst of all, chains wrapped around him holding in place a large black rectangular block strapped to his back. The block was tall but very thin; giving the impression that a large shadow followed him around. He seem like a more like a nightmare, a cursed warrior that protected the gates of hell instead a great legend that was assigned to protect the lands.

He saw their fear and hesitation. He had seen them many times, but to him, it hurt the most when children were the ones to run from him. It didn't matter where he went or if the people love or hated him, fear was ever present in all of them. He spent his life fighting and trying to become stronger. This was the obvious result. He had wanted to let the people in charge know why he was there but in the end, he decided it didn't matter. They could do nothing anyway. He would fight and move on like he had done countless times before.