The Tales of Sir Rithor Thorne
Sir Rithor Thorne is currently the Lord of the Lance, and Paladin of Nadrik at the addition of these tales to the Library. He is a knight driven to protect his own and the children of Good by a deep compassion. Herein are the tales of how he came to the Knighthood which he has graciously donated to posterity. - Dame Datai Amberillo, Lorekeeper
Meeting the Copper
It had begun like any other day. I awoke early and headed to the temple for
some meditation. Few Knights had been awake in the recent days, the keep
seemed rather quiet. Once I finished my meditation, I decided to make my
rounds through the keep, making sure nothing was amiss and help any in need.
Walking into the stables, I was happy to see Giles hard at work cleaning the
stalls and going about his daily duties. "Hail, Giles. " I said as I
entered, it must have caught him off guard as he came stumbling from one of
the stalls trying to offer a salute as he regained his balance.
"Hello, M'lord. May I get you a steed? "
No, I do not plan on heading out just yet. I came to see if you needed a
hand cleaning the remaining stalls.
He smiled telling me there was only one left to be cleaned and the stables
would be ready for the day. I placed my staff on one of the fences and
walked into the last stall, then began to help Giles remove the old straw
and replace it with new. It did not take long for us to finish and place
the last charger back into his stall with a bag of oats.
"Thank you Sir, it is always easier with two people. "
I picked up my staff and headed towards the racks. I noticed a few days ago
it has been over filled with some useless items and could not hold armor for
the Knights. I was stopped part way there by a familiar voice.
"Greetingss, Knightling"
It was a young bronze I had not see in sometime, he went by the name
Auzrykaazr. "Greetings, Bronze. I hope you are well. " It was nice to
hear he was still doing well, he must have grown so much since the last time
I had seem him. I spoke with him for a short time before he asked if I
could watch over him and a young copper that wished to hunt for a short
time. I was honored they would ask me for aid so after I prepared myself, I
ventured out of the keep to find two Metallics. I found them awaiting my
arrival in Althainia, walking into the Market sqaure I noticed this small
copper she seemed to be small to even be out of the vale.
Auzrykaazr smiled down to me and intorduced me to the Copper, telling me her
name was Seredath. She seemed very greatful I was willing to watch over the
two as they hunted. I was just happy to provide what protection I could.
After I provided all the spells I could to aid them, we headed off to find
them some food, the copper was content to eat the cows in the Nomad village.
It was quite the sight as she was roughly the same size as the cows but her
claws were very sharp nonetheless. I watched over her until she got tired
and returned to one of the Elder's homes.
I then returned to the keep to see if others hand need before I retired for
the evening.
Saving Amarie
Sitting in the Altar Room, I finally got a chance to reflect on the last
week. I had been aiding a few members of Justice and a couple of Knights as
we tried to take Misery keep from the dwarves. We had nearly finished with
the lord as a number of dwarves entered to try and protect him. The lord
gave way to Justice and the dwarves fell.
I decided to return to the the Keep to allow my wounds to heal. Just as I
entered the Altar room I heard the voice of my closest friend Amarie.
"Rithor.... I made a horrible mistake. " I could hear the pain in her
voice. At first I thought she might have upset the Senate of Shalonesti.
So I asked her what happened thinking I could offer a little advice before
heading back onto the battle field.
It is gone!! All gone! I lost my wakefulness!
My jaw dropped, I could not believe what I had heard. I quickly prepared
myself and ran to Shalonesti. Arriving on Emerald Lane I found Amarie
kneeling in front of the Court House in tears. I leaned down to embrace her
and I could see the pain in her eyes. She told me that the executioner had
acted hastily in the use of his blade.
It hurt to see her in such pain, she described it as worse than death as she
needed to suffer with this for the rest of her life.
I was not born with an awake mind like Amarie, so I felt I could better
handle losing my abilities. I offered her my powers. It was the only way I
could think to fix the mistake that had been made. Amarie refused.
After I managed to calm her down a little we headed away from the busy city
so we could try and figure out what to do next. As far as either of us
knew, there was no way to reawaken a mind besides taking it from another,
Amarie did not wish to join her cousins in the clan.
A couple days had passed when I thought about asking the Master of the
temple. When I sought out Amarie she did not think it was able to be done
and she had all but given up hope. I knew I had to try so I made my way to
the Serpent's Temple and sat outside the chambers of the Master waiting for
him to finish meditating so I could speak with him. All the rumors I had
heard said he did not often allow people to speak with him but I had to try,
so I waited. Three days had past before I was able to speak with the
Master. I took my time explain to the best of my knowledge all the events
that had transpired with Amarie. The Master sat quietly only nodding as I
finished the story.
After hours of Silence the master had finally spoke. "I can aid your friend
this time. Never again will these gifts be so easily given. "
I could do nothing but nod before rising to return to the Elven city. I
found Amarie happier then I had ever seen her. "H... How did you do this?"
the smile never leaving her lips as seemed to bounce with each step. I
told about the master and what had transpired.
"Thank you my friend. " was the last words she spoke before I was summoned
back to aid a Knight.
Finding the Thornes
Watching a group of young children running around Althainia, it made me stop
and remember my childhood. Though I was not privileged growing up, it was
probably for the best.
I had spent much of my younger days in the streets of Althainia after my
parents had abandoned at the age of eight. I remember those first days; it
was cold and raining and I thought assuredly I was going to die.. A few
passing citizens were nice enough to give me food, a few even took me in to
provide me shelter. I was not able to stay long with them, being traveling
performers, and I wanted to stay in Althainia in case my parents had returned
to look for me. As I left, they gave me a small coin purse for some food.
Days turned into weeks, weeks into months and I had not found any sign of my
family, I was running low on coin. I spent what little of it I had left on
a few supplies and ventured from Althainia towards the west to visit a small
family who lived on a farm in Haon Dor.
The forest seemed so quiet that first night, I was used to the sound of the
Taverns and citizens wandering about at all hours of the day and night.
That was the first night I had felt truly alone as the only sounds that
echoed through the forest was the occasional howl of wolf or squeek of a
bat. I did not sleep well that night, but as the night gave way to dawn I
set off again in search of the farm.
Three more nights would pass before I finally stumbled upon the remains of a
farm. All the animals had long broken free from their pens, while the
fields that once held crops were flattened and destroyed. There was an old
house still standing, the door swinging with the wind. I recall trying to
decide if I wanted to look into the house or leave, but I needed to know if
this was once the home of my family. As I walked towards the door my heart
began pounding. Even though I was young I could feel that something was not
right, so I stood there at the door for what seemed like an hour trying to
get the courage to walk inside.
Finally after I took a long breath I pushed the door open and stepped
inside. The stench of rotting flesh filled the air, causing me to gag.
Looking around I could see the bodies of two adults and a young girl laying
on the floor. I walked closely to the elder female and looked down to it,
and though her face was bloodied I could tell it was indeed my mother. The
tears rushed to my eyes as I looked down over her body, I could not imagine
why anyone would have wanted to harm them. I could not leave them laying on
the floor to rot. I searched around looking for a way to start a fire. I
was told over and over again to always cremate the corpses of the fallen to
protect the living from different sicknesses. I managed to come across a
pile of notes on the table, though I was unable to read at the time I took
them so another could tell me what they read. Finally I discovered a small
flint and used it to light the house on fire.
Walking away from the house I turned to look one final time over where my
fire died. I made my way back towards Althainia, the return trip took me
twice as long as I did not wish to walk far, over burdened with grief. I
finally saw why they had not returned for me. Perhaps they could foresee
this and in abandoning me, they were protecting me.
I spent the next eight years learning to fend for myself and living on the
streets of Althainia. I found myself at times having to steal food to
survive sometimes nearly caught. This was not how I wished to spend my
life. I eventually met an Althainian who offered to teach me to read and
would allow me to become a citizen if I was able to stop stealing. I spent
my hours with her studying and learning, so I could one day finally
understand the notes I had found.
Within Althainia ( 1 of 2 )
By the time my nineteenth birthday was near, I had been accepted into the
Royal Althainian Navy. The first few months were horrible. I was not used
to the rocking of the ship through the waves and it seemed to me like I was
spending more time leaning over the railings than attending to my duties.
Tired and drained from not being able to hold down any food for long periods
of time, I began to wonder if the Navy was truly the place I wanted to
serve.
Eventually, my sea sickness gradually began to pass and I was able to walk
with steadier feet on the ship while it rocked. I began to learn more about
the ships and how to sail. I was shown how to work the sails and how to
spot from the crows nest. In all my years I had never been outside of the
Hoan Dor and Althainia. I remember so clearly how humbled I had felt the
first time I stood in that crows nest looking over the open expanse of the
oceans and seeing a small speck of land way off on the horizon.
As my training progressed, I was taught how to navigate using natural
landmarks and eventually, they showed me how to captain the ship. Being in
control of the Sojourner was such an honor. I really began to enjoy the all
the sights and sounds of the Oceans brought a sense of peace to me, I was
still unable to bring myself to reading the notes I had found. I did not
think often about my family well I was out sailing, though part of me knew I
could not keep running from the truth, I needed to know what it was that
happened.
One day after we brought the ship back to the docks I asked Admiral Rashla
if I could use the Captains quarters to read the notes. She was happy to
grant me the privacy I needed. Sitting at the small desk I could hear the
sound of the waves rolling into the shore and against the ship. I pulled
the neatly folded notes from my packs and set them down. My hands shook as
I reached down for the first one. As I slowly began to read it over my
heart was racing. I breathed a quiet sigh of relief as I saw this note was
nothing more then a letter between old friends. It had thanked my father
for helping another farmer to harvest his crops. The next three notes were
all the same. I began to wonder if any of these notes would provide some
clue.
Within Althainia ( 2 of 2 )
I finally found it! It was the second to last note, the one I had been
looking for. It spoke of a great debt that my family owed to repay for the
protection of their farm. I had always heard that the forest was a
dangerous place but I did not know that family had enlisted the protection
of some mercenaries. It seemed my father was far behind in paying them and
they had grown very angry, giving my family a mere week to pay their debt in
full. It was dated roughly three weeks before I found them.
I let the note slip from my hand and fall gently to the desk, disbelieving
the fact that my family had been slain over a few coins. A wave of anger
overwhelmed me. I recall wanting so badly to seek out this group of men and
drive my sword through each one of their hearts. I tried to stand from the
desk to begin my search but a wave of dizziness passed over me causing me to
lose my balance.
I remember nothing until I awoke then next day. The Admiral was standing
over me, telling me that when I fell, I hit my head on the edge of the desk.
When she discovered me, she had some of the crew move me so that she could
tend to the cut on my head. As I begun to awake a bit more I tried to
explain the note to her and how I wanted to find the men responsible.
Sheath did not feel it was wise for me to act out of angry and thought I
should think fully about the recourse of my actions. Revenge was not the
answer if I went out and killed them it would likely make be feel better at
that moment but the pains of losing my family would still be there. She
feared that if I would eventually fall into darkness trying to seek out and
kill everything in my path because that would be the only way I would be
able to cope with their loss.
Her thoughts weighed heavily on my mind though I knew she was right. I
decided not to seek the men but instead devote my life to finding where I
truly belonged. I continued my training with the Navy and eventually the
anger had passed and I was able to rise through the ranks until I was the
First-mate of the Sovereign Sojourner. I always enjoyed Althainia. Her
people taught me a lot but it was not where I felt I belonged.
The Towers
I decided that I would try to find a place that felt like home to me. I
first decided to try the Towers of the Conlave. Always hearing rumors that
they welcomed all that wished to study magic, I hoped that if I studied with
them I would be able to find my place.
It did not take long to find my way into the towers, since the use of the
arcane seemed to come easily to me. I did not leave the towers very often
since I was not accustomed to having people hunt me constantly. It seemed
everywhere I turned there was an enemy waiting to try and harm me in one
form or another.
Many times I was not lucky enough to escape. Some of the magi began to feel
as though I was not fit to walk among them if I could not find ways to avoid
battle. There was one however that took me as his apprentice as taught me.
He explained the reasons the towers were at war with some clans and not
others. He also began to teach me about battling on the field and how to
escape. Slowly I began to show signs of improvement and even managed to
befall a few enemies. I did not enjoy taking the lives of others but I knew
it was necessary to protect the Towers.
I was studying in the library one day when the Wizard approached me,
offering the books of invocation. At the time I thought it was the best for
me and I was happy to learn more about the ways of the tower. My training
with the books was easy I found it must the same as the basic magi training
with a few new abilities. I worked hard to master all that was taught to
me.
Enemies had come and gone, I lost a few battles, won a few more, and the
towers offered so much to learn that I began believing I had found my place.
I was happy there and the memories of my family were the last thing on my
mind. It seemed as though I was finally able to forgive the men who had
killed my parents. I continued to learn little tricks about combat and to
understand the enemies of the Towers a bit better.
I awoke one day to be summoned to the Wizards chambers, I saw he was there
awaiting my arrival with a sad look. I felt an uneasy tension. He told me
to sit across from him he had some important news to discuss with me. It
began with him asking which of the Gods heard my prayers. Though at this
point in my life I was not a very religious man and had not learned anything
about the Gods, I recalled seeing all small statue of a name in the parents
house the base was engraved with the name Nadrik. I told the wizard I
thought it was him who heard by prayers. The wizard then informed me that
Kantilles the God who controlled the magic of the white tower had said only
his true followers were able to learn from his books and I would either have
to convert to his teaching or to take my leave from the towers. I was
stunned to hear this, but I felt in my heart that converting was wrong so I
returned the books and headed away from the temple still in search of my true
place.
Meeting Rekan
I did not know where to turn after I left to join the Towers, I felt lost
and alone again. I turned to the one place I had not in the many years
before.. Religion - it was so simple. Why did I not choose to learn more
about the Gods when I was younger? I returned to Althainia to aid with
their Navy again. It was nice to see I was still welcomed there, I knew it
was not permanent but I really enjoyed helping Althainia where I could.
I took all the time I could when I was on shore leave to read all the
literature I could about the Gods and their alliances. I found it hard to
believe there were so many religions open to the people of Algoron. Where
did I fit in? I found myself asking this more and more. My studies shifted
towards the Gods of the Light and the one known as Nadrik.
I was almost three months into my studies when I was approached by a young
man named Rekan. He explained to me that he was a priest of Nadrik. I had
been reading a lot about Nadrik and his followers. I was pleased to learn
all I could from this priest.
Sitting quietly within the Church of Light, Rekan questioned me about my
life. He sat quietly as I told him about my parents and my childhood. He
seemed to smile as I told him about the many letters of thanks I discovered
in parents' house. As I completed my story, he told me that he had known my
parents and they there were indeed followers of Nadrik. It turns out that
paying people to protect his farm never sat well with my father, although he
did his best to pay them as they asked. The priest informed me that that my
father gave much of his money to help build a Church on Shokono. Rekan told
me that my parents came to him about a month before their death telling him
that they were worried about the mercenaries coming for their payments.
They also told him that I was supposed to be taken in by an Althainian
couple so I could be safe. They were trying to find a safe place for my
sister but had yet to find anyone. He was not sure why the family that was
supposed to take me, yet could not take my sister but he had hoped they
would find someone soon, He said he was to leave for Shokono to try and
complete the building of the Church or he would have been happy to take us
both in.
Over the next few weeks he taught me the basics about Nadrik. As I learned
more, I slowly began to feel this deep pain for some of the actions I took
when I was younger. I knew I was doing what was needed to survive but
stealing never sat right with me and I had regretted ever doing it. Rekan
informed me that if I was truely sorry I could attend confession and Nadrik
would forgive me. I hoped he would forgive me for the sins I committed,
even if I was only doing as I needed to survive at the time.
Seeking my Path
I sat within the Church of Light with Rekan, listening to all he could teach
me. He taught about the Tenets of Nadrik. As he went over them, I felt as
though I knew them like they were part of me. I did not know why in my
younger years I had been pushing away what, at this point in my life, seems
to be a very integral part of who I am. I knew I wanted to learn more about
His ways and the ways of His followers. I was so very thankful for all the
time Rekan had given me in recent days.
I remember waking late one morning. I found it strange since Rekan usually
woke me at the crack of dawn to begin our lessons for the day. I headed
towards the temple to see if he was awaiting my arrival. Entering the
temple I was stopped by a young boy holding a small note. He told me that
Rekan had asked him to give me this note, before I had a chance to thank him
the boy was gone.
My heart started to pound as I looked down to the note, I did not know what
to expect.
Rithor, you have done well in your lessons. Use all that I have taught you
and serve well, I know you will do well under His guidance.
His words brought a smile to my face thought I was saddened that I was not
able to say goodbye to him in person. As I read further, his note explained
that he was summoned away; there was another who needed his guidance more
than I.
I was so grateful for everything Rekan had taught me. He was the biggest
influence in my life. One of the few people to take the time to help me
learn more about myself. I no longer had this driving desire to try and
find a place to belong. It had felt as though a huge weight had been lifted
off of my shoulders and it gave me a chance to perhaps start fresh, a chance
to aid those in need.
Slowly I gathered my things and left the temple. I passed slowly through
Althainia where I came across a young girl crying in the middle of the
street. I remember crouching down to her and the look in her eyes as she
lifted her head to look back at me. I asked her what or whom was bothering
her and she told me that she had been out playing hide and seek with her
friends. She ran a little to far and got lost in the busy market of
Althainia. She seemed a little frightened and I could tell she did not
trust me. I did my best to reassure her that I was not going to harm her
and that I wanted to help her find her way home. Eventually she offered her
small hand to me and told me where she lived. We talked through Althainia
towards her house. She started to smile brighter and she began to recognize
the area.
By the time we reached the steps of her house, she was pulling me along with
her. I recall the look of relief on her parents' face as they saw her
return home. The joy I had gotten from seeing the three of them reunited
even after such a short time was beyond words. Her parents felt as thought
they needed to repay me for helping their daughter find her way home. I
could not allow them to repay me, I was just happy to see she had made it
home safely.
Walked slowly away from that small house thinking back to all the lessons
that Rekan taught me and the satisfaction I felt helping someone in need. I
knew this was what I was meant to do and I wanted to find a place where I
could do that. So I began my research for a place I could help others and
still serve Nadrik.
Entering the Keep
I was sitting in the library of the Gray Church reading about all the places
that were known to help those in need. I started with Althainia. I had
lived there before and knew that it was a nice place to live, however I
wanted something more. I then began to read about the Gray Church and they
were well known to aid any of those in need. Something about that did not
sit well with me, I knew I wanted to help those of the Light I did not feel
right just thinking about offering my aid to those of the darkness.
The I came across a tome that spoke of a group of noble men a women who had
devoted themselves to serving the Light. I read the tome futher finding out
that they called themselves the Knights of Gareth. They had been around
almost as long as the human race and they vowed to protect the innocent and
vanquish evil from Algoron. I heard Rekan speak of them before but I was
not sure I could join their ranks as the tome said one had to be of noble
birth. My life was well less them pure and although I was trying to change
that I was nervous that they would not even allow me a chance to prove
myself.
I gathered what armor had and set out to find an officer of Knighthood. It
did not take me long as the Keep was very busy. I was told head to the
Market Square of Althainia where I waited patiently until a man dressed from
head to toe in fine plate armor arrived riding one of the finest horses I
had ever seen; its coat was snow white and seemed to reflect the sunlight.
He lead the way to to a quiet place in Althainia where he looked me over and
asked why I wished to join the Knights. My answer was simple, I wished to
help those in need and learn more about serving the Light. He smiled before
questioning me about my past and my family. A wave of nervousness passed
through me as I told him about my family and my childhood I did not know if
they still only accepted Nobility. The seconds seemed like hours as he
pondered my answers before he informed me that I had passed the first of his
tests and would have to complete a walk alone before I could seek out an
officer for a second interview. He gave me a salute before riding off and I
set off towards the guildmaster. I could feel the excitement grow as it
began to realize I had gotten one step closer to joining the knights.
The first day as I set off on my path alone was the hardest. I recall so
many people hunting me and trying to make me fall to their swords, magic,
and even fists. I managed to escape all their attempts as I began to recall
all I had learned in the towers. Eventually I was able to train and worked
my way towards the goal asked of me. I took me three days as I was
continually attacked though eventually I made it.
I sat in the Temple of Nadrik awaiting an officer to awaken and eventually I
was able to find one that was free to speak with me. She found me in the
temple and I greeted her with a salute as she entered. Sheath was smiling
as she looked over my armor. She had her own set of questions for me and I
did my best to answer them for her. She sat and spoke with me for hours
telling me about the role of the Knights and the duties of each division.
When she had completed telling me the duties of a page I smiled and thanked
her for her time before offering a bow. She gave me a bright smile before
speaking her words I shall never forget.
Welcome to Gareth.
Fighting Evil ( 1 of 2 )
My first few days in the keep were hectic trying to get used to my new
surroundings and duties. I met a lot of new people, each one was friendly
and willing to give me guidance if I was in need of it. Eventually I
settled into my new home, working hard to keep all the stables and the rest
of the keep clean. I did not leave the keep much in my first week though I
did try to aid everyone else with spells or whatever was within my ability.
After a few weeks, it seemed as though my duties had gotten easier though I
knew I had just become accustomed to waking up earlier than most. After my
morning duties were completed, I was able to study for a few hours before
heading out with the Knights to scout for evil. I really began to enjoy my
time and I was learning a lot.
My time as a page seemed to fly by, it was not long before I found myself
assigned to a Knight under whom I would squire. It seemed that the keep had
grown somewhat inactive around this time. He was a warrior and a member of
the Lance division. I remember the first time I met him, he looked me over
to be sure my armor was sufficient before introducing himself as Acthus
Renetar. He told me what my duties would require of me and I was happy to
perform them. Some of them were simple such as making sure his steed was
fed and watered, others not so easy but I knew they were all meant to test
me and to teach me the conduct of a proper Knight.
I remember as Acthus rode back into the keep early one evening. I rushed to
take the lance from him so he could dismount but he did not wish it.
Instead he told me to grab a steed and prepare myself. There was a vampire
sighting the night before in the great forest and he wanted to destroy it
before it ran back to its place of hiding. I was quick to prepare myself
and we rode as quick as our steeds could carry us into the great forest to
begin our search as the sun began to set. The hours passed and we found no
sign of the creature within the forest. We decided to look in the areas
surrounding the forest, it was just past midnight when we arrived at the
entrances to the Undead Temple. I felt an usual feeling as I stood looking
into the darkness of the temple. I knew the vampire was in there waiting
for us.
Walking into the temple the grip around my sword got tighter and my knuckles
were likely white underneath my gloves. I was so nervous, I had never
fought a vampire before and didn't know what to expect. Glancing over to
Acthus he seems calm and composed as his eyes searched the corridors of any
sign of the vile creature. We walked deeper into the darkness and the only
sound was my heart racing and our footsteps.
Fighting Evil ( 2 of 2 )
An hour passed before we entered a small room, the small light I carried
offered only a limited view but it was enough to see the body of a forest
nymph on the ground. Hunched over her lifeless body was the one we were
searching for. He looked up to use blood still smeared across his face and
his eyes seemed to reflect the light with a red hue. Acthus rushed in
towards the vampire, as he did the vampire moved quickly trying to make a
break for the door sending me flying into the hall as he barreled into me.
I was taken by surprise since the vampire only appeared to be much weaker
than he really was.
Acthus and I chased after him, and as s we neared the entrance I watched
with curiosity as the vampire came to a sliding stop turning around to look
at us. I could see a dim light outside as the sun as began to rise. I
could tell by the feral look in his eyes that he was going to try to fight
us both. He had a better chance to survive by defeating us than he did to
try and find refuge while the sun was rising.
I was ready this time as he charged towards me, we collided powerfully and
he was not expecting me to hold my ground as well as I did. He stumbled
backwards and Acthus charged him, trying to pin him to the ground. I rushed
up beside Acthus to see the vampire kicking upwards trying to get himself
free. It might have worked except for the fact that I quickly placed my
sword over the neck of the vampire to hold him still. I remember looking
over to Acthus, I had never before fought a vampire and was not sure if I
could kill him by normal means. Acthus looked to me and told me to drag him
out into the sun light and it would remove his taint forever.
I recall standing outside the doors of the temple to be sure the vampire did
not get back inside as the light began to sear his skin. It seemed to
ignite its skin afire as the vampire scream out in pain. As the last
remains of the vampire dissolved to ash, I could not help but smile as I
knew we helped rid the world of this foul creature. I thought of all the
lives that we had saved by vanquishing the vampire. I felt a sense of calm
wash over me in the knowledge that this was my home. This was my duty to
help the Knights in their quest to rid Algoron of evil.
Earning my Spurs
Two weeks had passed since Acthus and I had killed the vampire. We began
patrolling more in the recent days. Overall, he seemed impressed with my
improvement. He did not have to correct me on my behaviour anymore and I
was learning more about fighting alongside the Knights. It was different
than I was used to but I was quickly picking it up.
One day after we returned from scouting for enemies, Acthus asked me to join
him in the War Room. I was expecting it to be another lesson about combat.
When I entered he was sitting quietly at the table and talking with General
Mercerion. I saluted quickly as I entered, looking between the two of them
with a smile, still not quite sure why I was summoned. Acthus looked up to
me with a smile and asked me to have a seat.
I was nervous as Acthus began to tell me that he was proud of the work I had
done lately. I smiled, though all I was doing were my duties trying to help
those I could and learning all I could learn from Acthus. He continued to
tell me that he believed I had completed all of my testing and tasks he had
set before me. I continued smiling, still unsure if Mercerion had more
tests for me. I was expecting something more to do, as I wanted to be the
best Knight I could be and I knew that if they did have more work for me, it
was simply because they wanted the same
Mercerion sat there quietly looking me over and making some notes. I could
do nothing but stand quietly and await his word. I began to shift nervously
as Mercerion looked up from his writing and leaned back in his chair. His
eyes seemed to freeze me in places as they inspected my armor, making sure
it was up to standard. He then began to question me about what I had
learned durning my time as a Page and as a Squire. After he completed his
inquiry, he turned to Acthus and asked him a number of questions as well.
The two spoke for a time before turning back to me, both of them were
smiling. Acthus stood from his chair and walked over to me holding out a
set of spurs. I took them quietly from his hands looking back to the two as
Mercerion began to speak.
Congratulations, Sir Thorne.
I saluted again, my heart beat began to slow and I was able to relax for the
first time since I entered the room. I pulled out a chair sitting across
from the General as he began to explain to me the duties that came along
with my position. After he had told me all I needed to know, he infromed us
that it was time for him to take his leave. Acthus also left at that time,
I sat there a while longer thinking back over my life and how far I had come
from the young boy stealing to survive. I was now a Knight of Gareth's
keep, Though I did enjoy my time as a Page and Squire, I knew I could now
serve those in need better. I had learned so much about how to protect the
innocent.
I no longer felt as though I did not belong. I knew this place was my home.
It was where I belonged. Everything I had done in the past served its
purpose, I felt as though Nadrik Himself had helped guide me along the way.
He had sent Rekan back to help me and reform my life and to find the Keep.
I knew it was always my destiny to serve Nadrik even I did not realize it
until I was grown, everything I did helped me find my path to His children
and to the Knights.