The Brothers

They had nothing to say to each other.

Their journey had spanned the greater part of a decade, and like their tattered clothing and battered weapons, they felt neglected, like the Gods themselves had lost interest in their quest. It was always the same. Walking, fighting, resting... The same routine for 8 years, with only the occasional village or abandoned tomb to break the monotony. They had shared their deepest, darkest secrets with each other, slain countless demons and bandits in their travels. They had fought over women, even shared them at times. But in the end, it always came down to the same routine.

Was this truly all they amounted to? Was this what their “call to adventure” had been worth? Smiting petty creatures that would only be spawned elsewhere the next day? What was the point? What made their journey so great? Was there anything that set them apart from the other would-be heroes of myth? Were they even worthy to count themselves among their ranks? Where was the great reward they sought? Where were the parades, the cheering children, the swooning women?

The last time they spoke had been 3 days ago. It was the 8th anniversary of their departure from their hometown. All their lives, they had been comrades. As orphans, they worked together to steal scraps of food from merchants. As they grew older, they helped each other to seduce the women they desired. They never faced danger alone. One chose the path of shield and sword. The other chose the path of magic and medicine. Their skills complimented and protected each other, and together, they would carve their mark on this world that had abandoned them so long ago. They were brothers in arms, and together they would find their destiny.

So where was it, their destiny? Where was their entry into the history books? Where was their glory? Did they truly even have a unique story to tell? Just 3 days ago, they argued and fought. One bore the scars of violent magic, the other was covered in bruises and scrapes. Who's bright idea was it to leave their home for a non-specific goal? “Purge evil from the land?” Did they ever truly have a goal? Or were they just small fish in a large ocean?

Their little spat would fade as it always did. But when their sulking came to an end, they would have to discuss the path they chose. They had grown complacent, and lost their way. No wonder the Gods had lost interest in them. It was time to pursue greater things. They were at a crossroads now, and going their separate ways was simply not an option for brothers as close as them, no matter how angry they were. Whatever destiny awaited them, they would face it together, as they always had, as they always would.