AGF: Heroes' Gathering

By SJ White

It all started as scheme to get rich quick, but became so much more...

In a crime ridden city in a deteriorating empire, a young thief joins forces with a large strongman. Their plan: hold fights where anyone can take part, and fight anyway they want to. "Anything goes" is the hook to attract spectators and opponents alike to make things more interesting. As well as more profitable.

Soon they have to take their act on the road for a steady supply of matches and opponents -- and to stay out of trouble with the police. Along the way they gain interesting companions like a short boxer, a one armed kick-boxer, and a blind swordsman, among others. Yet rival wrestlers turn out to be the least of their problems. Roving bandit hordes, corrupt policemen, and foreign mercenaries will have them battling outside the ring as much as in it as they travel the land.

Strangest of all, this colorful group might just turn into the heroes this chaotic, dangerous world desperately needs...

• Language: English
• Publisher: SJ White
• Release date: Sep 12, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463803820

SJ White

Cautiously optimistic geek with a strong creative side and a head full of ideas.

Book preview

Prologue

The world is not what it was.

A once great empire is being torn apart by both external and internal threats. Bandits plague the countryside while crime rates climb in the cities. Corruption and immorality have spread like a disease. Those with the power and resources to change the world remain above it all, acting only to protect their own interests. The empire’s enemies wait for the time to strike while the few free countries live in fear. Even those who should be protecting the people are a threat, their sense of duty replaced by a sense of pride and superiority that has given way to arrogance. Those who are too different are treated with scorn and contempt.

This has been going on since the assassination of the beloved Emperor John and his family. The peace and prosperity of his reign died shortly after he did as Emperor Charles took the throne and an era of violence and strife began that has gotten steadily worse over time. Charles is able to control the world, thanks to the empire’s unrivaled military might, led by the dirigible known as The Storm. But he is far more interested in controlling the people than protecting them.

The common people suffer in silence, praying for the return of those who once stood for what is right. But that hope is fading. Some have no hope left for the world and its fate.

The world is not what it was.

Chapter One

Mick Rhoda was a thief.

Some people called him Mickey, which he hated. He was only 13, yet had the body of a kid three or four years younger.

People liked to joke that he was so poor he couldn’t afford to grow. He hated that too. Jokes about being from the slums of Thenar City were bad enough, but the really unfair thing was that all his friends had grown up.

But there were times he didn’t mind — it made his job as a thief and con man a lot easier. His size made it easier to sneak around, run into or through small spaces, find good hiding places, and gave policemen a lot less to grab onto. And his youthful appearance made scamming people a lot easier, as they trusted him quickly or felt sorry for him. There were a few times someone he stole from would forgive him or tell the police to let him go.

His life was hardly one of luxury, but he was fairly happy.

One evening, Mick decided to steal some money from a mugger named Dan. Business had been a little slow lately and he thought it would be nice to steal from another crook, especially an asshole like Dan.

Big mistake. Dan chased him all through the slums and into another part of the city, brandishing a club.

Running for his life, Mick ran into something hard. He thought it was a crate or a barrel, but was surprised to see a person. A big man, six and a half feet tall with a buff, muscular body that included a washboard stomach, melon-like pecs, and big muscles most men would envy. The giant reached out a big hand. Mick thought he was going to hit him, but was surprised that he trying to help him up.

You okay? the big man asked.

Huh? — Uh, yeah, I’m fine, Mick replied as he picked himself up.

Rhoda! a voice called behind them, You little rat! Wait until I get my hands on you!

Mick yelped and started to run. He stopped at the sight of the big man standing in the way of his pursuer.

Out of the way! Dan yelled.

No, the big guy said.

Dan held up his club. I said out of my way, you stupid bastard!

You not hurt that boy.

He stole my money!

If he did, he needed it. And I see you on wanted posters. You bad man.

I’ll show ya how bad I am!

He brought his club down and it broke apart as it hit the big man’s head.

But the big man remained standing, unfazed, even as blood trickled down his forehead.

Dan looked as shocked as Mick. He balled his fist and punched the big man. He clutched his hand like he’d hit a brick wall, hissing in pain. Dan pulled out his knife, but before he could use it the big man knocked him back three feet where he sprawled on the ground unconscious.

Holy shit! Mick squealed.

The big man turned to him. Before Mick could start running, he said It okay now. He not hurt you.

Mick stared at him, stunned. Not only was he shocked by this man’s size and strength, but he was so … nice. Mick had never encountered someone so nice besides the suckers. And even then, they’d certainly never done something like this for him!

… Thanks, he finally told him. Thanks a lot!

You welcome, the big man said with a smile. He turned and started to walk away.

Hey! Mick called to him. What’s your name?

The big man turned to him. Ollie.

Where are ya going? Do you have a place to stay?

Ollie shook his head. Not yet. I just got here this morning. I looking for work.

Mick hesitated before asking, How would ya like to stay at my place?

Ollie thought about it, then smiled. Hokay! Thanks. That real nice of you!

You’re welcome, Mick responded, smiling back. He normally wouldn’t be real nice like this, but he realized having a big, buff guy around could come in handy.

You want me carry you? Ollie asked.

You bet! Mick responded.

As he rode on Ollie’s shoulder, he was already glad he’d befriended him.

So, Ollie, Mick asked, "where ya from?

A li’l village far away. I lived there with Grandma and Grandpa.

And your parents?

I dunno. Grandpa and Grandma just find me.

Oh.

They raise me ta be big and strong. They make me do all kinda exercises and make me eat right. Farm chores help too.

Mick looked Ollie over. I’d say they did a good job.

Thanks.

And what brings you all the way from a little farm village to the big city?

Ollie stopped walking and his expression became sad. Grandma died a few years ago. Then Grandpa. A rich man buy farm. Make me leave. No one have work or place for me. Friends tell me: Go ta city, Ollie. You find work dere.

I’m not sure about that, Mick told him with a sigh. Though I think someone could find good use for a guy like you. Heck, the guy who kicked you out was just stupid to let someone like you go!

Ollie smiled and started walking again. Thank you.

They made their way through the slums to Mick’s place. It was a small house that had partially burnt down. It looked like it was ready to fall apart any moment. But the basement was good and sturdy. It wasn’t much: a table, bed, shelf and various goods, either stolen or from the trash (it amazed Mick at the good stuff people threw out.) The place was rather junky. Mick wondered if his basement would be big enough to hold Ollie, but it looked like there would be room.

Mick gestured to the basement room as Ollie put him down. Welcome to my little hole in the wall. It’s not much but it’s home. Sorry. I usually don’t have much company.

It don’t look bad, Ollie said with some enthusiasm that Mick found a little surprising.

As Mick dug around for a pillow and some quilts and blankets, he kept looking over at Ollie to see what he was up to. The big man was just sitting there looking around with a curious expression. Mick started to wonder if Ollie was smarter than he acted and if this was some kind of scam. But if he were putting on an act, would he really be so nice? Why beat up Dan to help a stranger? If he was putting on an act, surely he’d put it to better use than staying in the basement of a burnt house with a young thief.

Mick shook it off. It was more likely that Ollie was just a simple country bumpkin who’d come to the city for work.

He managed to find a nice pillow, some quilts and a blanket to put on the floor.

Sorry, he said, feeling a little weird saying that, but the bed’s not big enough for both of us.

That okay. Thank you very much. And kin we let candle burn all night?

Why?

I scared of the dark.

Mick stared in surprise. What?

I scared of the dark, Ollie repeated with some fear in his voice. That when bad things come to take you away and do bad things to you.

Ya gotta point there, Mick replied with a shrug. It wasn’t much work to steal a few candles later or find some partially used in a trash can. He smiled at the thought that this brawny man, who could take a blow to the head unfazed and drop someone with one punch, was scared of the dark like a little kid.

When it was time for bed, Ollie gave Mick a bright smile that the little thief had never seen before.

Thank you fer supper. It very good. I really like you. He became a little serious as he continued. You not mean to me or make funna me like a lotta people do. You not even say anythin’ about how I talk. I-I never get to go to school because we not have enough money. And when I little, I fall and hit my head and it mess up my brain. It make me slower, make things harder to unnerstan. I kin’t read, write and can’t do much math. Even people back home think I stupid. But you … Ollie smiled again, you really, really nice. You great friend.

No problem. Mick wasn’t sure how to feel. Friend was a fairly strange word to him. He had people he talked to, got along with and occasionally stole with, but he wouldn’t really call the people he knew friends.

As Ollie slept, Mick wondered just what to do with his large guest. He could use him as a guard as, ironically, he’d been robbed before. Or he could use him for protection when something happened on a job. Ollie could threaten people into making them give money, but he seemed too goody-goody for that. Mick thought about what a muscle bound hunk could be used for. Then it hit him. He smiled as he thought it out.

Have I got a plan for you, my big ‘friend’, he told the sleeping Ollie. I’m increasingly glad I met you. I’m not sure if we’ll be good friends like you think we are, but I have a pretty good idea what to do with you. You may be the big score I’ve been looking for all this time …

Mick lay in bed and thought this crazy new idea out until he went to sleep.

Chapter Two

Early the next morning, Mick dug through his stash and found a half-full can of paint and a worn brush. He woke up Ollie and had him carry him to one of Thenar’s many unused warehouses.

What we doin’ here? Ollie asked.

You’ll see, Mick replied with a reassuring smile. Stand over there and be perfectly still.

Ollie did as he was told and Mick painted a big circle around him.

We gonna draw pitchers? Ollie asked with some excitement.

Nope, Mick responded. I’m painting a ring for you to fight in.

But what I fight for? I don’t wanna fight no one if I don’t gotta. I don’t like hurtin’ people.

Mick figured this might happen. But you have a fighter’s body. You came to Thenar looking for a job, and this will be perfect for you! You can make a lot of money fighting chumps. And you don’t have to hurt them — much. Just knock ‘em out or throw ‘em out of the ring like real wrestlers do. Heck, a little pressure could make them give up and run away. And the guys who try to take you on will have it coming.

Ya really think so? I don’t wanna hurt people who aren’t bad.

Mick gave him another reassuring smile. Don’t worry. The good people will be watching from the sidelines cheering you on. Nobody who fights for money is nice. Heck, any poor dumb bastard who comes at you all gung ho deserves to have his ass kicked.

Can I punch ‘em? I not so good at kickin’.

Mick laughed. He was starting to really like this big dummy.

Deal with them however you like! And don’t feel too bad about it, they’ll have it coming. And I’ll put the money we get to good use. I’ll buy ya something nice.

Ollie thought about it. Okay. He frowned at Mick. But if I don’t like it I quit, unnerstan?

You got it!

Mick wasn’t worried. If Ollie’s morals got in the way, so be it. But that wouldn’t be too much of a problem after a few rounds with some thugs who deserved it. And the stuff they’d get from the money! With Ollie’s help, he made an opening in the door and attached a cover to open and close on it.

Now you stay here and take a break, Mick told his large friend, while I get an audience and some opponents.

Hurry back. N’ be careful.

Thanks!

Mick had to admit he found Ollie’s concern a little touching. His own parents hadn’t even cared as much for him. He went about the city starting a rumor of a big, strong, tough fighter, the greatest the city had ever seen. As he’d hoped, it got the attention of civilians, goons, and most importantly, tourists who’d pay to see something like that. He gave the place and time and let word spread.

While he was running around, he spotted a man in a fancy suit and got an idea. He stopped by a hat shop and stole a bright colored top hat that was a size too big (without anyone noticing!), then made off with a flashy coat just before the shouting started. He used what money he had to get lunch and went back to the warehouse.

After they were done eating, Mick put on the coat and hat.

How do I look? he asked Ollie.

The big man studied him, then smiled brightly. You look like li’l clown!

Actually, I’m supposed to look like a ringmaster. Since I’m not doing any fighting I may as well give ‘em something to look at while I’m talking. He looked at Ollie. Need to get you a new look too …

When they come?

This evening. I told them where and when and now we let word spread to get a good turnout. And we need to plan on how we’re gonna do this.

It was late afternoon when people started to arrive. Mick made them put their money through the hole into a little box before letting them in. Ollie stood in the middle of the ring with his arms crossed. At Mick’s behest, he’d taken his vest off to better show off his body. Not only did it give people a chance to see how well built he was, but Mick imagined the ladies (and maybe a few guys) were getting an extra treat.

The customers were a little upset they’d have to stand, but no one was mad enough to leave. When the thugs arrived they got in for free (Mick certainly wasn’t going to argue with them), and stood off by themselves. They sneered at the regular people, saying crass or threatening things to them while hurling several nasty insults at Ollie. He kept his cool, but Mick could see the frown growing with each hurtful line. Mick was a little worried the thugs might try something, but they waited and limited their activity to jeering, insulting and creeping people out.

When it was time, Mick got in the middle of the ring as Ollie stepped to the side. He gave them his biggest smile and threw up his arms.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the grand debut of the greatest fighter to ever grace Thenar City! I proudly give you, Oliver the Awesome, the unstoppable one-hit ox!

He stepped to the side for Ollie to strike some poses that had the small crowd murmuring with intrigue and approval. Mick even heard some impressed gasps.

The crooks weren’t very impressed.

Any idiot can flex his muscles!

That’s good coming from someone who barely has any.

He looks like an overgrown topsy to me!

All show and no skill.

One hit is right ….

Mick had told Ollie to not respond to whatever the riff-raff said and he was doing a good job, but Mick could see that he was bothered. The boy held up the money box.

The lucky man who can defeat Ollie will get this box of money. The rules are very simple: you lose if you’re knocked out, thrown out of the ring, or quit. And no going for the eyes or groin, cause that’s just dirty. Otherwise, there aren’t any rules! You can even use a weapon — if you’re too much of a puss to fight barehanded! And now, let the first match begin!

He ran out of the ring and hit a pan with a wooden spoon as hard as he could.

The first thug, a burly, unkempt man, stepped away from his fellow crooks and got into the ring. He didn’t even say anything or size Ollie up before lunging at him with a YAARGH! He collided with Ollie’s fist and fell to the floor. There was a pause, then the crowd broke into a small applause.

Another thug rushed into the ring with his fist held back to punch Ollie as hard as possible. Ollie merely stepped to the side for the goon to go by him and run out of the ring. He ran back in and Ollie sidestepped again, but this time held his arm out for the punk to run into it and fall on his back. The goon got up and landed a punch to the gut, which did no good and made him do a dance as he jumped around cradling his hurt hand. Ollie finally hit him and he went down.

By the time the third crook was taken care of, Ollie had the crowd on his side, cheering him on and clapping loudly.

The remaining thugs exchanged worried looks. One of them stepped forward, pulling out a length of chain. Mick swallowed nervously. Ollie had told him it would be okay if someone wanted to come at him armed, but he wasn’t sure how it would go. The reason he’d said if you’re too much of a puss to fight barehanded! was to discourage them from using weapons, but apparently this guy cared more about winning the money than what people thought of him.

Let’s see how tough you are when I bash your brains in! the thug declared as he charged at Ollie, swinging the chain around.

As the chain came at him, Ollie grabbed it.

The thug pulled and pulled to get it back, but it stayed in Ollie’s grip no matter how hard he pulled. He tried until he was sweaty and a vein was throbbing on his forehead, but Ollie’s hold didn’t loosen.

With a strong tug, Ollie pulled the chain from the thug’s hands, making him trip and almost fall on his face. Ollie threw the chain to the other side of the warehouse.

The thug stared at him, then ran forward with a balled fist.

Ollie caught the fist, picked him up by it, swung him around a couple of times, then threw him out of the ring. He flew through the air until he hit a wall. The crowd cheered.

Three goons were left. They stood in place, looking at Ollie with uncertain, almost scared expressions.

Come now, Mick chided them. "Surely you boys