W
When I was in Stormwind, a Dwarf saw me walk past with my shield and axe, and taunted me. He said “So you think you’re a real Warrior do ya? Why don’t you prove it! You wouldn’t last a minute on Fray Island!”. All this running around left me thirsty for some action. I returned to Stormwind and took the Dwarfs challenge. He told me to go to Fray Island off the Merchant Coast in Ratchet to prove myself.
To get there, I’d have to take a Gryphon to Booty Bay and then take a ship to Kalimdor. There I’d have to swim to the island to face my challengers. With the story of Stalvan complete, and the Worgen menace confronted, there was little left to do in Duskwood, so I took a pathway to the south which lead to Stranglethorn Vale.
As I walked down the short southern path, I was amazed. In an instant, the Darkness gave way to a lush Jungle. How was this even possible? How could two completely different climates coexist? Putting my shock aside, I found a small human outpost with an abundance of things for me to do. I promised them that I would help on my return, and took a gryphon south, flying over the massive tropical landscape.
As the sun began to set, I was in Booty Bay. This area fascinated me. The port was bustling with Goblins buying and trading goods. There were numerous bars and outposts. I felt small as creatures big and small walked around me. There would surely be a lot for me to do in this area on my return.
I boarded a large, empty ship set for Rachet, and took a nap on the canopy. With a lurch I awoke to find myself in the small desert outpost. As I regained my balance, I looked far off in the distance. As the Dwarf told me, I saw Fray Island miles away in a warm haze. Without any sort of transport there, I boarded my Mechanostrider and took to the water.
When I finally made it ashore, I saw a ring of thugs. In the middle was a circular mesh covering a bubbling pool of piranhas. I did not want to know what those were there for. I found the islander that the Dwarf spoke of. He laughed when he saw my short stature. After I said I wanted to prove myself, the islander burst out laughing. He obviously thought this was some kind of joke.
I angrily walked to the group and told them I was ready to fight. They shared the islanders enthusiasm, and a large human entered the ring. As he puffed up his chest, I whacked him in the arm with my axe. Suddenly he wasn’t laughing any more. He drew his weapon and struck at me, but was no match. When he fell, another man joined the fight, and was defeated in an instant.
Finally I heard the crowd gasp, then talk amongst themselves. I heard them say something about “Big Will”. Before I had time to decipher their murmurs the metal platform began to shake. Immediately I felt a kick to the back of the head. I stood up to see an enormous, balding man. This had to be Big Will.
He said “So you think you’re a real Warrior do ya? Why don’t you prove it! You wouldn’t last a minute on Fray Island!”
He swung at me with his massive fists, but missed. I warded off his huge, drunken swings with my shield, but I was knocked down by his sheer force. He then raised his foot, in an attempt to squash me like a bug, but my battle worn instincts took over. I rolled behind the behemoth and buried my axe into his back as he stomped on the platform. With a groan, Big Will was no more.
Reluctantly, the crowed cheered for me, and gave me an old, dented stein as a reward. I threw it in my bag, and headed into the water without looking back. What was it about my size that made people assume I can’t stand up for myself? Over and over again I have to prove it. Everything has a purpose, I suppose.
