Role

Chapter 2

A burst of cheers erupted from the streets and homes of Hillcrest as
the cryer walked through the streets sounding the autumn bell to the
masses. The first brown leaf had fallen from the old oak tree in the
center of the park, signalling the beginning of fall and some cold
days ahead. As was tradition, the gnomes of Hillcrest prepared for
the coming winter with a fall fair to lift their spirits.

Preparations were already made for the fair, but now the date was
set to three days hence. Dinkertot had looked forward to this fair
all year long, for she was finally old enough to partake in the
champion's tournament, a tournament where young, hopeful warriors
tested their skill in arms against each other in friendly duels.

Dinkertot's training was intense. Her tiny form had become the
pinnacle of gnomish might during the past year, as she pounded
away on a tree trunk with a wooden staff. With three days to go,
she knew she was ready. But ever the fanatic about her training,
she opted for one last bout against an old, dead oak.

Sweat dripped from her brow as crack after crack shattered the
peaceful sounds of the woods. Suddenly, a secondary crack and creak
sounded above her head. She glanced up just in time for her brow to
meet a large, falling branch.