Bug Bigbelly awoke late deep within his hut to the sounds of celebration in the village. 'Hut' was perhaps an overly strong term for Bug's dwelling, which comprised three quarters of a rotten log half submerged in the Brinestump Marsh. The other quarter of the log was the rightful property of a loathsome yet charming giant leech, who had won the rights to the lodging fair and square in a wrestling match some six months ago. Bug often brought the leech, who preferred to remain nameless, offerings of food. He had not yet decided whether the lovely creature was divine or not, but didn't want to take any chances. Bug was content to live in proximity to this manifestation of the supernatural, sharing his own cramped three-quarters with Mabel: divine conduit, faithful steed, cold-blooded killer and remarkably ineffective bed-warmer. Mabel, it should be noted, had her own opinions on the subject which she had never voiced save through the manifest reality that Bug still lived.<br/><br/>Bug poked his head out of a fungus-ringed hole in the log to smell the news. He was immediately hit in the face by three sloppy wet balls of dung. His attackers had been waiting for over an hour to enact this weekly ritual. Bug had forgotten that it was Dungs-day. Gamely he wiped the crap off of his face and waved at their retreating backs. Yet Bug was proud despite his lowly state, for today he had an Appointment With Destiny. Today he would set foot upon the Path of Heroes. Today, yes today, he would finally receive the Respect he Deserved. He had received a Special Invitation from the Chief, and those didn't just get handed out to anyone, no sir. Quickly he gathered his treasured possessions, emptying several shelves of assorted slimy creatures and supporting habitats into his backpack. He didn't know when he would be back, after all, and there was no sense in letting so many worms go to waste.<br/><br/>"Move your arse, Mabel!" he cried. The giant toad opened one huge eyelid, looked Bug over, and then lowered the eyelid again in what Bug had come to learn was the opening salvo in a battle that could easily last an hour. She outweighed him by several stone and was almost immune to his most damaging kicks. Today, though, he would not be thwarted. He emptied a jar of nightcrawlers directly in front of the toad who was still feigning sleep. Such a treat would break the resolve of the most stalwart amphibian, and Mabel was not such a beast. She greedily dug into the wriggling mass and after eating her fill condescended to have her saddle buckled on. Soon the two constant companions were heading into the village at a jaunty hop, Bug having carefully roped his doughy body to the saddle with his second best length of fraying cord.<br/>