The remainder of Korv’s journey through Meadow Field was uneventful. There was a chill wind in the air, but the clouds had parted slightly and the sun shone down from above.
Korv still felt a slight uneasiness, but it was more akin to the thrill one feels before an impending battle than a feeling of fear. It was the excitement one experiences when they envision a challenge before them that they must overcome.
As he approached the meeting place, Korv felt a sense of calm come over him. It almost felt as if this opportunity had been perfectly aligned to meet him when he was ready for it.
Korv arrived early, as he had always been taught that it is disrespectful to keep anyone waiting when they have graciously set their time aside for you. “One should always strive to arrive early,” his mother always told him. “Respecting others is also a sign that you respect yourself.”
Korv sat and waited patiently for the merchants who had summoned him this day. They arrived to greet him exactly at the appointed time. Korv was impressed that they too seemed to value the time of others.
“Greetings, Korv the Barbarian,” one of the men said in a friendly tone as he extended his hand. “I am Cristobal and this is my associate Francisco. Most pleased to meet you!”
Korv returned their handshake heartily. “Indeed, the pleasure is mine good sir!”, he said happily. “Thank you for seeing me this fine day!”
“Come, let us speak,” Cristobal said cheerfully.
As they walked the grounds together, Cristobal and Francisco asked Korv of his experiences leading in battle, and his time serving in the trenches of many skirmishes.
Korv spoke in clear, concise terms as he recounted multiple examples of his battle prowess. He was not braggadocios, but he certainly spoke with a sense of pride in his accomplishments. This was not something he had always done, and now, he found that indeed, he had toiled hard and should be proud of his more impressive deeds.
“And what of disobedient soldiers?”, Francis asked him. “How do you maintain discipline if a report becomes unruly and disruptive?”
“Aye, excellent question, sir,” Korv replied. “It would depend on the infraction and the level of discipline needed, of course. I have always tried to talk in plain fashion with the men to find out exactly why they act as they do. Oftentimes, they are acting out because they merely wish to be heard. However,” Korv continued, “if the man is a miscreant, he will be removed from the unit and sent back the fields from whence he came. In severe cases, decapitation if needed.”
“Ah, yes. Most excellent,” Francis replied. “Shall we tour the remainder of the grounds and see the operation, and the goods you shall be protecting?” All three nodded in agreement and they proceeded on their way.
After the tour concluded, the men thanked Korv for his time, and he for theirs. They parted ways with assurances that a messenger would be in contact soon.
Korv gave his exiting salutations, and proceeded on his way to home. Before he had even reached, a messenger had caught up to him. He handed Korv a parchment and said it was urgent.
“Could it be? So soon?”, the barbarian wondered to himself as he unrolled the message.
Indeed, it was a message from Cristobal and Francisco. They were very impressed with Korv, and they wished for him to join their enterprise and lead their troops.
A large smile crept across Korv’s face as he read the parchment again, just to assure he was not mistaken. He was not.
Korv stood in the field for a moment and reflected on how truly fortunate he was. When he felt at his lowest, he wondered how he would carry on. Who would want him? Was he still useful?
Now, this day, he knew once again that yes, he did have a purpose. And he felt proud.
How he could not wait to share this fortunate news with all his friends!
Korv did indeed return to his cats and his writings, just as the filthy demon Shadowlore had suggested. The difference being that instead of returning home in defeat, he did so with a heart full of joy.
The Beginning At Last 
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