I decided not to leave you hanging after only one chapter. For chapter 1, I said there is a side trip. Actually, in each chapter there is such a trip. They are not random for the sake of length. Stories have subplots which must be solved in order to solve the main plot. In a quest fantasy, the subplot is having the character gain enough strength to defeat the antagonist. (the enemy). This is accomplished in two ways. He gains new skills or powers so he is equal, but perhaps not as practiced as the antagonist. ie; more magic or charms, plus he becomes more skilled at leadership. ie; his followers like him better, which compensates for his lack of experience.
The best straight line example I can think of is David ben Jesse (who knows his 'real' last name?) We know him as King David in the Bible. When he was annointed by Samuel he was a young teen. It took him 15 years to actually attain the throne. Along the way he lived in the house of King Saul learning the ways of courts and diplomacy, he was hunted, so learned subtlty, gathered an army, learning how to command loyalty and respect, and had friends in high and low places, learning the value of friendships, and how to retain the love of people even through hard decisions. Though he was annointed as king, the crown certainly wasn't handed to him.
As you travel from place to place seeking clues, lost keys, those who need to be on your journey, who needs to be sent home and who to kill off, let each event be something your protagonist will learn from.
Hope I have helped.
This post is dedicated to my son, Jason who lives online. lol
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