Zarg

 

Deep within the Alzion Mountains, among the sprawling warrens of Gugal, Zarg learned the ways of the stalker under the harsh tutelage of goblin rangers. Unlike many of his kin, who relished chaos and discord, Zarg displayed an unusual temperament of measured calm and thoughtfulness. These traits, rare among goblins, earned him both respect and suspicion within the hierarchical society of his goblin lord's domain.

As a stalker, Zarg mastered the bow and the art of tracking. His natural patience served him well during long hunts through treacherous mountain passes and dense forests. While other goblin stalkers rushed to their quarry, Zarg waited for the perfect moment, his arrows finding their mark with deadly precision. His methodical approach brought success where others failed, yet the constant political maneuvering and backstabbing among the goblin lords left him feeling cold and bored.

The turning point came during a vicious power struggle between rival goblin lords. Rather than choose sides in another pointless conflict, Zarg gathered his belongings—including his prized lute, won in a game of chance from a traveling merchant—and ventured into the wider world. His experience as a stalker had already familiarized him with the Freelands' geography and its key players, making his transition from a servant of a goblin lord to an independent mercenary smoother than expected.

“Over there—the one with the bow—that’s Zarg. He’s a haurek, in case you hadn’t noticed. Long time ago, he served with the goblins of Gugal in the Alzion Mountains as a stalker. He knows how to fight all right, but he’s a fine hand with a lute, too.”

Bella’s face lit up. “Serena said she saw him playing in the mercenary camp.”

Zarg was as tall as the Anvil at about seven feet, though the haurek was leaner. Like most haureks, his face was humorless, with parchment-colored skin, a mouth marked by protruding fangs, and beady green eyes. Jacob saw no instrument, but he did see a bow and quiver strung over a shoulder and a shield over the other.

“His playing? Yes. But his voice?” Aden made a face indicating what he thought of Zarg’s singing.

- THE ALCHEMIST’S FORGE

Despite the widespread prejudice against goblins, Zarg's exceptional skills as a tracker and archer spoke louder than his heritage. His unflappable demeanor in crises earned him the moniker "the Steady." Whether facing down bandits or tracking dangerous beasts, Zarg maintained his composure, often humming to himself while others panicked.

Music became his passion during long nights around campfires. The lute, initially just a curiosity, grew into an obsession. Zarg practiced relentlessly, eventually mastering the instrument with the same patience he applied to archery. His singing, however, remained true to his goblin nature—rough, grating, and at odds with his skillful lute playing. Yet Zarg remains blissfully unaware of his vocal shortcomings, convinced that his voice enchants all who hear it.

His reputation for reliability and skill eventually caught the attention of Captain Madilyn Oakthorn of the Mavens. Under her leadership, Zarg found a place where his abilities garnered genuine appreciation, and his quirks—including his enthusiastic but tone-deaf serenades—became endearing rather than alienating. The Mavens learned to appreciate his steady presence while developing creative excuses to avoid his impromptu concerts.

Despite his vocal shortcomings, Zarg's presence brings stability to the Mavens. His tracking skills prove invaluable on missions, while his unshakeable calm helps steady newer members during their first battles. He takes pride in mentoring young rangers and teaching them the patient ways of the stalker, though mercifully, singing lessons are never a factor in his instruction.

Through the years, Zarg has built a reputation transcending his goblin heritage. His arrows fly true, his tracking never fails, and his composure never wavers. Even those who initially dismiss him for his race soon learn to respect his abilities and appreciate his steady nature. Though they might duck into the nearest tent when he clears his throat for a song, none can deny that Zarg the Steady has earned his place among the Mavens through skill, dedication, and an unwavering belief in his questionable musical talents.

FIRST APPEARANCE

Zarg first appears in The Alchemist's Forge (The Alchemancer Book Four).

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