Garnor the Adventurer: Book 1 -- Hell of a Way to Make a Best-Mate

Synopsis   Garnor the Adventurer: Hell of a Way to Make a Best‑Mate is the first story in the Garnor the Adventurer series, set in the rugged frontier of Western Australia during the latter half of the 19th century. The tale follows Garnor, a large, fierce, blond‑haired bushman whose violent past has placed him firmly in the sights of the authorities. Forced to flee deeper into the wilderness, Garnor’s desperate escape leads him into an unexpected encounter with Borak—a dwarf bushy whose size is no measure of his capability. Despite their rough introduction, Borak offers Garnor shelter at his isolated farm. What begins as a temporary refuge slowly becomes a place of uneasy companionship. Borak, practical and sharp‑tongued, teaches Garnor a few skills and disciplines he has long lacked. During his stay, Garnor discovers a study in Borak’s homestead filled with books and sketches of medieval‑era swords. Fascinated, he expresses a desire to own such a weapon himself. Borak, amused but not dismissive, tells him that perhaps one day he might. Their growing camaraderie is tested when a crocodile attacks during a fishing trip. Garnor slays the beast in a brutal struggle, and Borak skins it for its valuable leather. Soon after, Borak departs for Perth with the crocodile hide, leaving Garnor alone on the farm. During this time, Garnor’s marksmanship improves, hinting at a growing discipline under Borak’s influence. When Borak returns, he brings two gifts: a crocodile‑leather vest crafted from the hide of the slain beast, and a newly forged sword for Garnor—an impressive weapon Garnor names Claw. However, Garnor’s past refuses to stay buried. A group of mounted bounty‑hunter bushrangers arrives at the farm seeking him. Knowing he cannot risk Borak’s safety, Garnor slips away into the bush, intending to draw danger away from the homestead. But the next morning, smoke rises from the direction of Borak’s farm. Fearing the worst, Garnor races back to find the homestead ablaze and Borak missing. Determined to rescue his unlikely friend, Garnor salvages Borak’s savings and arms himself with both firearms and Claw. Mounted and driven by fury, he tracks the bushrangers westward. When he finally locates them, Garnor launches a calculated ambush. A violent confrontation follows, culminating in a prolonged sword fight with the fearsome Mr Death, the leader of the quartet. Garnor emerges victorious, slaying all four bushrangers and freeing Borak from captivity. With the immediate danger ended but the frontier still full of threats, Garnor and Borak return to the charred remains of Borak’s homestead. Recognising that Borak’s life there is over, they gather what supplies they can salvage. United now not just by circumstance but by loyalty and hard‑won friendship, the two bushies set out together into the northern wilderness—ready for whatever dangers and adventures await them next.