[K T Ong]

Zang-Gief the barbarian hunter had been wandering through the mountains for days in search of prey... in vain. Tired, the tall, bare-chested stawart knelt down by a small stream, splashing some of the cool, sparkling water upon his handsome, bearded face. He had longed to prove his manhood to his tribe through some heroic feat, perhaps dispatching a bear or lion all alone and with naught save his empty hands. "Would the gods grant my wish?" he wondered.

He recalled the stories told by the tribe elders in his childhood days while sitting by the fire; according to the stories, only one man in the entire 20,000-year history of their tribe had ever had the strength and valor to wrestle a bear and crush it utterly in his arms. How wonderful it would be to be possessed of such prodigal might, he thought; how wonderful to have one's name forever remembered in the songs of the tribe for such great deeds!

Presently he stood up after the brief moment of rest, and as he prepared to leave he noticed for the first time an old cottage by a waterfall in the distance. A tavern or inn, perhaps? The idea of helping oneself to some refreshments and a good night's lodging was certainly tempting after several days of sleeping rough in the wilderness. Without further ado, Zang-Gief strode towards the tavern...