I sometimes find myself thinking back, wondering where it all went wrong… When did I lose faith, when did I turn my back on Arnath? When did it all start to crumble… Was it the beginning, the middle or the end? Let’s start from the beginning and see where it all went wrong.
I never knew my parents, the only memory I have is of a cloaked figure that I can only assume was my mother, leaving me at the doorstep of a church. That’s where I met Father Armel as he was the one who took me in and raised me as best he could during such trying times. My life growing up within the church consisted of listening to the clerics preach of Arnath and doing chores. Nothing I’d consider exciting but as I grew older the teaching of Arnath became instilled into my very core.
One day a man clad in armor by the name of Benedictus showed up to the church; though the father referred to him as Brother Benedictus. I tried to listen in on their conversation but I couldn’t hear more than bits and pieces before finally getting caught.
“Ah, Matheus, come closer, there’s someone I’d like to introduce you to!” Father Armel said cheerfully as he beckoned me forward. “This is Brother Benedictus! He’s a Lion from the Order of Arnath.”
I remember looking at the man then back to the father and what I said next brought them to tears, of laughter “He doesn’t look like a lion.”
“Oh, I like this one. He’ll fit in well with the other aspirants of the Layorder Youth.” announced the boisterous man.
Aspirants? Layorder? What is he going on about? I turned to Father Armel for answers just to see him smiling before responding “When will you be leaving with the children you deem ready?”
“We’ll be leaving in the morning. It will be a long trip and I’d like as much sunlight as possible.”
Little did I know at the time but I would be amongst the few he’d take with him to the fortress of the Order of Arnath and from there my life would change. At first I was hesitant, heck one could say I was rebellious. I mouthed off and started fights but eventually I grew to call that place my home. Life there wasn’t too different from my life at the church. I had to do chores, listen to priests preach and recite scriptures of Arnath. The only difference was I was also being trained to fight.
The training didn’t come easy, I found myself falling behind others in terms of teamwork and overall combat prowess. But instead of giving up I began to analyze the movements of other aspirants who were further along in terms of experience and training. One of the said aspirants I watched was someone who faced the trial before. They went by the name of Ventaris, I’m not sure why they failed but that didn’t matter.
Watching him allowed me to learn to correct unnecessary movements but that wasn’t enough. I didn’t want to just be better, I wanted to be the best and to be the best you must learn from your betters. So one day I approached Ventaris for more tips and from there on he began to teach me how to read the slightest of movements from those around me, to better allow me to assist my allies and also apply more pressure to my enemies. I would like to say I was a quick learner and held my own against him but that wasn’t the case for he was rather brutal in his training. My body still aches when I remember those training sessions.
Still l remember what happened next as many of us made our way southward with hope in our hearts with the news of the discovery of another continent known as Mardrun. Once we made it to our destination though, I chose not to go on the boat at first. I felt as if I was in the best location to continue my training as I was surrounded by many of the Order’s finest. Though, I got exactly what I wanted and showed a knack for the divine, I was not prepared for the horrors I’d experience in the next few years.
The year was 254 when I was asked once more to take the boat by Brother Benedictus and once again I would refuse. I don’t remember my reasoning. Maybe I was simply being arrogant thinking I could do something more or maybe I was simply being defiant with no real reason regardless. I wish I had gone however, for that was the year Aldoria fell and soon after I would watch many faces I knew disappear; either from fleeing on the boats, heading to front lines or turning enemy.
I wanted to stay, I wanted to fight for the place I called my home but when I went to fight I was stopped by Benedictus. “What are you doing boy? Get on that boat!”
“I want to fight! I can’t just stand here and do nothing and even worse than nothing, flee!” Thinking back now, I can’t help but think how foolish I was.
“You are no lion yet Matheus now get on that boat or Arnath help me I will make you!” I still remember how red his face was and of course what came next was quite deserved.
“That doesn’t matter I can still fi–” and that’s when everything went dark.
It was later explained that out of desperation Benedictus struck me, rendering me unconscious and placed me on the next ship out. When I awoke several hours later I was informed by the medic watching over me that I was on one of the last boats to escape the waves of undeath that came shortly after our departure. When I asked if Benedictus was on the boat I was met with silence.
“Tell me! Where is Benedictus!?”
“He…and many others…stayed behind to ensure more survivors could escape. They were heroes until the very end.”
After that the room filled with silence once again and shortly after that the medic left, leaving me alone to my thoughts. Though at the time I didn’t know what to think, what to say or how to feel. Life as I knew it was over and the man I looked up to was gone. I could feel my faith and spirit cracking like some sort of fragile glass goblet. What would he say if he saw me now, questioning everything…
It was in that moment I swear I could hear his voice. It was as if my memories of his lessons were replaying in my head showing me what to do. So I followed as instructed once more and began to pray, reciting the virtues of Arnath.
“Thou shalt not give into sways of great emotion, but allow them to further thyself. Thou shalt carry forward on all thy endeavors, even through hardship.” I paused, the words weighing heavily given the situation. How was I to use these emotions to further myself? Then suddenly a voice broke the silence.
“Thou shalt understand that all things come with time.” I turned to see a robed figure and before my eyes could even adjust they continued, “I always felt this virtue was forgotten in times of great emotion and hardship as we scramble to find answers.. We expect them to be as clear as the sky on a sunny day but they’re not. You must weather the storm before you can see the sun once more. You must be patient and understand the answers you seek will come in time.”
As the last of his words left his lips my eyes finally adjusted to the darkness around them. While I didn’t recognize their face I did recognize their robes and the insignia of Arnath on them. They were of the order.. And not just anyone of the order they had to have been an eagle or maybe a griffin? I wasn’t sure but I was too stunned to speak.
“Come. You’re doing no good just sitting there stewing in negativity and what if’s. There is much we can still do even on this boat.”
He was right as much as I hated to admit it at the time I was acting childish and ignoring the first duty of the path, duty to the people. So I rose and followed the man, I then learned that he and I were the only members of the order on this boat so from there I would spend the next few months shadowing him as we made our way to Mardrun. At the start it was mostly comforting the passengers, reassuring them of their safety and the occasional group prayer to calm them. During that time the man that I came to know as Brother Siegfried took the time to teach me more on how to hone my divine magic, while I wasn’t able to reach his level of mastery I was able to produce some spells.
After that the tasks became more physical though the intensity varied. Some days I’d be instructed to help with cleaning and cooking, others I’d have to help with repairs and haul supplies from one end of the ship to the other. Thinking back now I feel like Siegfried just wanted to keep me busy, to keep my mind off of what happened on Faedrun. This also helped pass time, making the days feel as if they flew by.
One morning I was woken up by shouts of excitement with a repetitive “LAND HO!” I wasn’t the only one awoken by this as suddenly all I could hear were the footsteps of the passengers making their way to the top of the deck. Their cheers filled the air, it was hard to even hear myself think but who could blame them. Once it all began to settle down and I finally made way to the top of the deck I could hear them all talking about their plans and aspirations. It was inspiring and I couldn’t help but think of my own goal of wanting to be the best within the order, to be a beacon in the dark like so many were for me.
As the land grew closer I was approached by Siegfried, he informed me that we would be heading straight to the keep known as Starkhaven where the Order of Arnath resides, so I gathered my equipment in preparation and waited on the deck of the ship.
As we waited Siegfried spoke up, “I don’t typically train aspirants. But with all the free time we had I figured why not I could use something to pass the time.” Siegfried chuckled.
“Wait.. what? I was just a-”
“But with that said, that free time is coming to an end. I’m sure you won’t see much of me as there will be much to do and learn on this new land and you will be busy with your training. I look forward to seeing how far you go, Matheus.”
Needless to say I was stunned for a moment. but after 2 long months of my curiosity building up I blurted out my question “What rank are you Brother Siegfried?!” This was followed by me covering my mouth out of embarrassment. At first he was silent but then erupted in laughter. To this day I remember how warm my ears felt and I’m sure I was as red as a tomato from the embarrassment I felt.
“I am a caretaker of knowledge, a diplomat. an elite priest of the Order of Arnath. I am one of the now very few Griffins in the order.”
I can’t say I was surprised. My time spent on the boat I watched Siegfried closely and other than his extraordinary skill with the divine he often was calming the masses and speaking with people. That paired with everything I was told about each rank it just all clicked together. Perhaps this was part of my path, to see a Griffin in action and use what I’ve seen as something to inspire to be. But I wanted to be more.
It wasn’t long after we reached the shore of Mardrun, I helped make sure everyone else got off the boat safely before hopping off myself. My first step on this new land had meaning, the fire within was reignited and I was going to be the best there was within the order. Though I was surprised when I saw it wouldn’t just be Siegfried and I heading to Starkhaven. A small group of roughly 15 people of varying ages were standing with Siegfried, waiting to depart.
On our journey to Starkhaven it was explained that many people who bore witness to those last few days on Faedrun were scared but the promise of a new home gave them a sense of safety. Some are even going as far as attempting to join the order and of course those orphaned by the war will be brought in as well for their own safety. To say the least, this news was a little surprising but good to hear since we lost so many to the undead.
When we finally arrived at Starkhaven I sadly couldn’t help but compare it to the great fortress we once had but regardless it was my new home. Though with that said I prepared for the heartache that was to come as I entered the fortress, I couldn’t help but think of Benedictus and everyone we lost. There were more unknown than familiar faces within and with all of this in mind I must have had quite the look on my face as suddenly I had Siegfried smack my back.
“We’re here. It should go without saying but we won’t be seeing much of each other from here on out. Though with that said I have high hopes for you Matheus”
He was right as soon as we split off from each other I was brought into the barracks where I’d be staying as I continued my training. At first it took some time to adapt but once I became accustomed to our new location I would start spending most of my days training and assisting in day to day chores to make up for the time lost on the ship.
Though with that said the lessons I received on that ship proved to be quite beneficial as I showed to have better control over my magic compared to the other aspirants my age. This allowed me to put more effort into my martial training as I had a new found goal in mind, I was going to take the Trial of the Lion next winter.
From there on the year passed by in almost a blink of an eye, I spent most of it training, though during that time I also attempted to find some clues as to what the trial consisted of to no avail. Though as winter grew closer and closer my skills became honed like a fine blade. As the first snow began to fall in the year 255 I signed the necessary papers and requested to take the trial to enter the Lions of Arnath. I was then informed my trial would begin at sunrise the next day and that I was to be at the training yard armored and ready.
“Be sure to enjoy your meal tonight and rest up.” that was all the clergymen had to say after taking my papers. I hung onto those words as more of a warning than friendly advice and returned to my daily duties. Time almost felt like it slowed down as I waited for the day to come to an end but I did what I was told. I made sure to eat and enjoy my meal and I rested, saving my strength for whatever tomorrow brings.
Oh how ill prepared I was.
The morning of my trial I began to put on my armor, while doing so I recited my prayers asking Arnath to give me guidance and strength for the trial ahead. As I finished my preparations I went to the mess hall only to be turned away by someone stationed at the entrance.
“You are not permitted to enter the mess hall. You should be reporting to the training grounds, your orders were to be there by sunrise for your trial.”
At first I attempted to protest as given the winter the sun would rise later but no matter what I said I wasn’t allowed entry. I eventually gave in, thinking there must be a reason beyond what they were saying and so I headed to the training grounds. I arrived as the sun began to rise and I wasn’t the only one to do so, as there were four people showing up at the same time, three of which were partially armored with a gambeson and chainmail while also wielding wooden swords. The fourth however was dressed in simple cloth, I wasn’t sure what was about to happen but I knew it wasn’t good.
“My name is Brother Algerhast, I’ll be the one overseeing this trial. The men and women with me and many others will be testing to see if you have the will of the lion.” He explained as he approached, stopping just short of me.
“In this trial you are the last remaining member of your unit and the only thing standing between your foe and the civilians you protect. You must hold your ground until reinforcements arrive; the fate of those behind your shield depends on it.” He then proceeded to draw a line in the dirt behind me that almost looked like it was in the shape of a gate entrance before continuing.
“Don’t let anyone enter the gate, if they do you have failed.. Those who followed me and many more will be the attackers and since we don’t want to seriously injure our allies even in this mock scenario we will be using wooden weapons. Upon the fifth hit your “enemy” will retreat. You will hold this position and push back any enemy forces until I return with reinforcements. Now prepare yourself!.”
I quickly looked from Brother Algerhast to the three individuals, keeping my eyes on them as I acquired my wooden sword and returned to my post. I still remember how shaky I was though I’m not sure if it was from excitement or what. But regardless I readied myself, raising my tower shield waiting for the signal for their assault. In the back of my head I figured they’d have me there guarding that silly line for a few hours. That I’d have maybe a break in the middle.
I was a fool.
As Algerhast signaled for the fight to start, the three lunged forward and began their assault. At the start it was fairly easy to defend my so-called gate considering I wielded a tower shield and they only had a single blade in hand. but after one hour turned into two the three who were attacking me stepped off for a break. I thought this was my moment to get some rest but as quickly as they stepped off three new combatants stepped on and started a new assault!
This new wave of attackers much like the last were armed only with wooden swords which still put me in the advantage given my shield but the fatigue of fighting for two hours was starting to set in. I could begin to hear my stomach grumble but I had to push on. If these were real bandits they wouldn’t let me go eat or rest so I continued to fight and hold my ground. I had no other choice, if I were to back down I would fail the trial and so I fought.. I fought and I fought hard. I began to lose track of time, I knew if I focused on anything other than holding my ground my body would give out from exhaustion.
As the sun began to set, its light fading over the horizon I remained standing, my bones ached and muscles screamed as the fight continued into the night. Eventually my body went into survival mode, though the healers described it as more of a frenzied state. I began lashing out at my attackers, forgoing defense and using both my sword and shield as weapons. My assault on my attackers was described as ruthless and for the first time in this trial they were on the defensive. After that my memory gets a little foggy as next thing I knew morning came and with the sun creeping up my “reinforcements” arrived.
Brother Algerhast was blowing a trumpet of sorts as he approached to signal that reinforcements had arrived. The sound of the trumpet woke me from my frenzy and as I came to my senses I noticed I had one of my attackers pinned to the ground under my foot and another under my shield as the third stood back with my sword pointed at him. That’s when everything went dark as exhaustion took over. It seemed the last bit of my energy was used to “survive” the night and once I relaxed I lost consciousness, only being held up by the shield.
Next thing I knew I was waking up in the infirmary covered in bandages. I shot up in confusion just to be greeted by intense pain as my body ached, I couldn’t help but let out a verbal response “Fuck that hurts!” I looked around to see if anyone was around though I wasn’t able to see much with the only light source being that of a lit candle on a table in the corner. I began to get to my feet when the noise of footsteps began getting close before suddenly the door sprung open.
“What are you doing?! You should be laying down until you’re recovered!” I could feel the anger in the voice before seeing it on this elderly woman’s face. Before I could even respond she pushed me, forcing me to fall back into the bed. Both the impact of the push and bed caused an intense pain to wash over me once more
“Agh damnit! Why would you do that you old hag?!” I screamed out of frustration though I did not bother getting back up, this clearly was to show me I’m not ready to return to my duties let alone be up and about.
This woman, Elinor, was well known amongst the aspirants, heck some viewed her as a mother but in the year I’ve been here I swear she’s more monster than human. Everytime I suffered an injury and had to come to her infirmary it was non-stop nagging about over exerting myself and sometimes she would hit the wounds just like she did tonight. And of course as I laid there in my cot she did her usual nagging, warning me about this and that. Thankfully it didn’t last long, as the door behind her creaked open to reveal Brother Algerhast, I immediately went to stand at attention only to be pushed back down.
“Ah good you’re up, we have much to discuss.”
I swallowed hard as the room fell silent, my eyes darting between Algerhast and Elinor. Did I fail because I fell unconscious? So many questions ran through my head as I waited for him to speak. It wasn’t until I saw him crack a smile and open his mouth as if he was about to speak when suddenly Elinor smacked the back of his head.
“Just spit it out already! Gosh the tension was already high and you needlessly made it worse by taking ages to tell him he passed!” She shouted though at first I sorta blocked her out assuming it was her normal nagging but then her words hit me.
I passed? I PASSED?
I quickly looked at Brother Algerhast who chuckled as he rubbed his head.
“Normally we hold a small ceremony for those who pass, ordaining them into the ranks of the Lion but given your injuries I’m not quite sure you can handle such festivities. Although with that being said your fellow aspira-” before he could finish his sentence the door shot open and the room began to fill with aspirants and even a few lions that were willing to spar and give me tips during the year I spent here. I was rather confused at first but once I saw they brought drinks and food I understood their intent. While it was not as grand as I would have hoped I will always remember that night fondly as the only pain I felt was from laughing too much, my only worries were if someone was gonna spill a drink on me but, as the night came to a close and everyone began leaving I was left alone with Algerhast.
He took the opportunity to inform me that once I get all cleared by Elinor I’d report to him before beginning my new duties as a Lion, after that he left but not before congratulating me once more. Upon his departure Elinor stepped in to explain the severity of my wounds. She went on about how the body has limitations though in some scenarios of great duress we’re able to surpass those limitations. This has consequences though, it strains your body greatly. Many who do this are often already on death’s door and lash out like a wild animal before falling. The look she had after explaining all of this showed she had witnessed this before, she described it as if they were fueled by rage. After the explanation she as per usual went back to nagging, talking about how dumb I am for pushing myself to such a point.
Finally once she settled down and left I fell to sleep, wondering what my first day as a lion would be like. The next three days were spent in that cot and every day I’d attempt to get out letting my excitement cloud my judgment of whether or not I was well enough to wear my armor let alone fight if needed. Every attempt of course failed as I was either pushed back to bed or shown how hurt I still was as that she-devil hit me. It began to get to the point where I thought she enjoyed hurting me and I’d have bruises that weren’t there before but finally on the 3rd day the only pain that remained was from Elinor’s assaults so I was given the all clear to return to my duties and informed where Algerhast would be.
For the following five years I was stationed within the walls of Starkhaven. In that time my duties consisted of helping to build up the fortress via manual labor and assisting in the training of new aspirants. This was not what I had expected my life as a Lion would be, however I was still proud to have earned the title. In my free time I would spend hours with the artisans so I could learn more skills and be of more use to the order in the future, that is where I met Thomas Smith. He was the blacksmith who made my armor along with many sets for others in the order and he overtime began to teach me the skills of his trade. Over those 5 years I spent many long days and longer nights doing all my duties to their fullest and doing my best learning a useful trade, but I eventually passed Thomas’s final test and earned the right to call myself a blacksmith; despite this I still did not feel like it was enough.
Thankfully an opportunity would present itself in that 5th year. As the construction of Starkhaven neared completion a few Lions had been selected to investigate what was happening in the rest of the colonies. I was amongst the few that were selected and though besides rumors of mordok acting odd near the dirge I didn’t ascertain much during my investigation. I did notice there were many unwelcomed stares coming from a few of the ulven I encountered. I had heard rumors of tension rising, although I had no first hand experience until then, it was unsettling to say the least.
As the year came to a close I returned to Starkhaven to report my findings or lack thereof. The other lions that were sent out all had similar experiences though they identified the ulven as being a part of Clan Grimward. I felt ashamed that I lacked the knowledge to give a proper report. I refused to let this happen again so the next step I took was towards those who spent their time out in the world. The Eagles.
Known to be the eyes and ears of the order, their knowledge and skills inside and outside of the battlefield is exactly what I needed to grow. Thankfully a fellow lion pointed out a member of the Eagles that they considered to be the most helpful.
After approaching the woman from behind I cleared my throat hoping to get their attention “Sister Henna, may I trouble you for a moment?”
“Oh, uh sure. and you are?” The lightly armored woman turned and appeared to immediately start eyeing me up with a raised brow, unsure what to make of me as I was in my simple robes, unarmored.
After straightening my posture, as if I was at attention I began to introduce myself “Apologies, I’m Matheus, a lion of the order. I was informed you could potentially help me in expanding my knowledge and skills?”
Her eyes narrowed as she gave an intense stare. “And why should I help you? Why do you want to learn more?”
“I want to be of more use to the ord-” before I could finish my sentence she put her hand up as if to stop me from speaking.
“Wrong, try again.” The look she gave reminded me much of the look Elinor would give whenever I came into the infirmary.
At first I was quite confused by this interaction and my thoughts began to run rampant through my head. Wrong? Shouldn’t I want to be of more use to the order? I thought this woman was supposed to be the most helpful? Doesn’t she remember her duty to the orde- wait that’s it!
Unable to restrain my emotion I shouted “I wish to learn more so I may better protect the people of Mardrun!”
What I said must have amused her as she began to laugh, it was odd seeing her go from giving me a look that would make most aspirants wet their pants to something of joy and laughter. Many stopped in their tracks and stared, I could feel the blood rushing to my face. Was this a test or was she just trying to embarrass me? As her laughter began to die down, what she said next took me by surprise though, It did make sense.
“My mother was right about you, you have the best reactions!” Her response confused me and at first I didn’t know who she could be referring to but then this creeping irritation began to grow in the back of my mind. Memories of a certain hag poking at my wounds and laughing at my pain.
I pointed at her and began to shout “W-wait! Don’t tell me that old hag is your mother!”
WACK! Her reaction was an answer in its own right as she smacked the back of my head knocking me off balance.
“I recommend if you want to learn from me you don’t refer to my mother as an old hag. Now, where were we? Oh right.. I’ll show you what I know, just try to keep up, kay?”
I wish I knew what I was getting myself into. While Henna is an amazing teacher these lessons frequently made me question if her entire lineage were secretly hellspawn. Day in and day out for the next few months I was either learning about the world and the art of alchemy from Henna or I was learning first aid from Elinor. Each lesson I left with more bruises than I started with as they shared the same teaching style of “understand or I’ll hit you. Mess up and I’ll hit you.” As I was beginning to get a hang of alchemy, that’s when the peace we were taking for granted ended.
Word reached us of the slaughter of a nearby village by Pack Greytide.. From there everything changed, troops were deployed to reinforce trade routes and those who weren’t deployed were either making physical preparation for a possible war or were sent out to scout and gather more information. I, who was for lack of better terms, taken under the wing of Henna was sent out to scout. This provided a much needed opportunity to learn more of what it takes to be an eagle. For the next few months I along with Henna watched for any movements, our mission was to simply scout and report, notifying the higher ups of any suspicious movements.
During that time I would come to learn much of what it means to be an Eagle just from watching Henna, from the way she supported the Lions on the front lines during skirmishes to administering first aid and crafting alchemical remedies off the battlefield. Thankfully I was also able to provide some assistance as well by repairing any damaged armor or shields. Eagles were more than what I thought they were, while the Lions are the front lines the Eagles are essentially the backbone providing support with either spear, bow or javelin.
As spring turned into summer we began our trip back to the stronghold to resupply and report our findings. Though Sister Henna seemed to have had another idea.
“Hey, have you thought about taking the trial yet?” Breaking the silence with her question, I couldn’t help but look at her in surprise though judging by the reaction of the others traveling with us they must have thought the same.
“What do you mean? I was told most Eagles spend a good portion of their lives training for the role. I’ve only really been training for about half a year now. In fact I’ve only been a member of the Lions for a little over 5 years now.”
“And? You realize it’s not unheard of for Lions to become Eagles within the order. You may have trained to be a lion, yes but then you went beyond that to learn blacksmithing, alchemy and more to as you put it better protect the people of Mardrun and to be of more use to the Order and that’s why I believe you’d make a fine Eagle Matheus.” Her words struck deep. I informed her it’d be something I’d have to think about once we returned to Starkhaven.
Though when we returned it seemed the stronghold was on high alert, people were running around gathering supplies and troops were being gathered. Unsure what was going on until suddenly we were approached by one of the few giving orders, Brother Kanos to be exact.
After getting close enough to converse over the loud shouts of orders being given Kanos speaks up “Good timing, we are in need of more lions and eagles. We’ll be marching out as soon as supplies are ready and orders are giv-”
“March? What March? What is going on?” Henna interrupted, I could see the irritation on her face.
“A Lich was spotted in-between New Hope and New Aldoria. It was conducting a ritual that was thankfully interrupted but it escaped and now its location is unknown. We will be sending out eagles to search for it and our lions will be at the ready the moment that beast is found. Matheus you-” Kanos explained before being interrupted once more.
“Brother Matheus is under my tutelage to be an eagle, it’d be wise to use him and his skillset as a scout to search for the lich alongside me and the other eagles as he was about to take the trial to advance his rank.” The way she said it full of confidence surprised even me as I did not state that I was going to take the trial.
Brother Kanos looks from Henna to me, his gaze was unnerving to say the least until he gave his response “Let this be your trial then.” before returning to his previous duties.
After he was more than an earshot away I immediately turned to Henna.
“So I’m taking a trial now eh? When did that become a thing I said I was going to do? And now I have to find a Lich in order to advance? Henna I swear you’r-” WHAM, as per usual she jabbed me right in the ribs, probably because she didn’t like my attitude or something.
“You’re overthinking again, I thought I beat that out of you already. He never said you had to be the one to find it, only that finding it would be your trial so that could mean a lot of things but forget the trial for now. The lich is now our top priority, we will not let the undead get a foothold here, not again.” Her words had a hint of pain to them but then again who could blame her. We already lost one home to the undead. “Now let’s go report in and receive our orders.”
Orders were given, everything matched up with what Kanos told us and as soon as we were dismissed everyone dispersed quickly as we all knew the severity of the situation and how dangerous liches can be. So we set out, our unit went to the location where the lich was originally spotted in hopes of finding a trail to no avail. Our group split into three teams of three heading northeast, north and northwest hoping to find some sort of lead. Sister Henna and I took to the northeast, heading into clan Nightriver territory.
As we continued to search for any sort of clue in the location I couldn’t help but wonder “Say Sister Henna. Liches are drawn to dark energy right?”
“That’s something that is assumed but not yet proven, why do you ask?” The way she looked at me was as if I was about to suggest something stupid. She was half right.
“Wouldn’t the lich be attracted to the dirge to the north if that was the case?”
“We’ll discuss that possibility with the others if they find no traces.” Judging by her tone she was either irritated that I was forming theories instead of searching or perhaps the thought of heading towards the dirge unsettled her. Regardless, I returned to searching for anything that might help. After a week of searching we reconvened with the others empty handed to discuss our findings, hoping they may have found something. Sadly that was not the case, each group returned empty handed.
As they discussed other possible directions it could have gone I could hold my silence any longer. “Why don’t we make our way north through Nightriver territory, we can spread out like we did before, we can cover more ground as we head north!”
I wasn’t an eagle. and the looks I received definitely reminded me of that. “Why head north? What makes you think it went north huh?” The tone of the eagle suggested he wasn’t taking me seriously but regardless I must answer.
“Liches are potentially drawn to dark energy right? There is only one place that we all know of that matches that sort of descripti-”
“You want us to head to the Dirge on some theory? Are you trying to get us killed?” His tone became more aggressive, no longer humoring me.
“I’m suggesting we head north! If the assumption is true we know where it will be heading, if not we would have ruled out that it went through Nightriver territory and that it went to the Dirge! Where else could it have logically gone?!” I found myself beginning to raise my voice out of frustration, why was my suggestion not taken seriously?
“He’s right.” Sister Henna chimed in. “It makes no sense for the Lich to go another direction, if it would have remained in New Hope lands we would hear more of its destruction and we would have found it by now. So, let’s humor the lion and go north.”
They begrudgingly agreed and for the next two months we slowly made our way north, taking our time to leave no stone unturned until we reached the end of Nightriver territory. We were faced with 3 options, going through the Great Forest, going around it, passing through Clan Shattered Spear territory or going around the other side of the Great Forest, through multiple Ulven Clan’s territories.
“If we go through, we’d make it to Onallas faster, we can resupply there too.” One of the eagles that I came to know as Brother Erin suggested.
Another Eagle scoffed before countering the previous suggestion, this man was known as Brother Edgar “While that’s true there’s also the chance of facing the dangers within the forest, we aren’t equipped to battle. I recommend going through Shattered Spear.”
“Wouldn’t it be wise to go through the forest? Assuming the lich would have wanted to keep its whereabouts unknown it would have done the same, yes?” I chimed in fully prepared for more ridicule.
“He has a point, if it would have gone through any of the other territories I’m sure we would have been informed via messenger hawk.” I could almost hear him gritting his teeth as Brother Edgar agreed with me.
“Then we will go through, be on your guard and keep your eyes open. Matheus you will stand in the center of the group, prepare to step up with your shield should we encounter anything.” Commanded Henna.
So we entered the Great Forest and as we went deeper the sky grew darker as the tree canopy began to block out the sky. We relied on Edgar who had the most experience within the forest to guide us through it. The forest is known for having many dangers whether it be bears, wolves, bandits or mordok. So we kept our guard up making sure to take our time in hopes of not drawing the attention of any said creatures as we conducted our search while heading northward to Onsallas. It wasn’t until mid June when we found a possible sign of the lich passing through the area. Erin discovered the corpse of a bandit and upon inspecting the body we noticed not only was his armor still intact, he had no visible wounds so the cause of death was assumed to be of magical nature.
Edgar kneeled next to the body, inspecting it further “Decay is just setting in. Probably one. maybe two weeks old?”
“Why hasn’t the wildlife touched it?” I couldn’t help but question since we were in the Great Forest it just didn’t make sense.
Henna quickly answered “Animals tend to have a keen sense of when to avoid something. Given the circumstance he was probably killed by a death bolt as even a mage’s striking bolts tend to leave impacts on armor.”
“That would explain why the wildlife have avoided it for so long. Though this is proof we’re on the right trail. I suggest we make our way to Onallas to warn them of the potential threat and send a hawk to report our findings. Be on guard, the lich may still be within the forest.” Brother Edgar stated before looking to me “Good work, Matheus.. I’ll be sure to add that it was your idea to head north and through the forest in the report.”
It was a good thing I was wearing my helmet because I had quite the shit-eating grin that I’m sure would have irritated the hell out of him and resulted in Henna possibly hitting me. All I could bring myself to do was thank him and from there we made our way to Onsallas, carefully trekking through the forest and as we did we would come across 2 more bodies in the same state. As alarming as this was we had to push on but by the time we arrived it was already July and we were too late. The people of Onsallas were already aware that a lich was near and they have had to fight the dead that rose once more from its foul magic. Despite this Brother Edgar still sent a hawk relaying the information we had.
We stayed in Onsallas to resupply and rest until we received word on how to proceed, little did we know we’d be sitting there for over two weeks. We became restless though when the day came our orders were simple, find it, even if it means searching the dirge. We elected to split up once more and reconvene once we concluded our findings in the areas outside of the dirge, leaving the most dangerous location for last in hopes of not having to enter. So once again we split up into 3 teams of 2, I was with Brother Erin this time as we headed east.
We didn’t reconvene until October, it seemed as if we were all trying our damndest to find clues that didn’t lead to the dirge but everything pointed back to it. With no other options we sent another hawk reporting that it was believed to be hiding in the dirge itself. Not long after it seemed as if more people were arriving to Onsallas, amongst them were members of the order and vandregonian troops. With the aid of more eagles and Longfang hunters we set out into the dirge to search for the lich but what we found was its gravestone in an area swarming with undead. Thankfully through the combined efforts of those in the outpost and a group of the order’s battle brothers luring the lich away we were able to destroy the stone. Unfortunately the lich retreated further into the swamp and with our forces too wounded and exhausted to press on we were forced to retreat to the outpost.
I amongst the other eagles didn’t have time to rest and we kept tracking the lich from afar as it made its way southwest, it wasn’t long until the coalition was able to join us. We pursued the beast through Watchwolf territory before eventually cornering it in Grimward territory. The death left in its path was reminiscent of the horrors of Faedrun. This fueled many who had witnessed such things to do whatever it takes to not let such a thing happen again.
Though with that said the battle was still costly. While we all fought to keep the undead at bay to buy time for the ritual to be completed many lost their lives and several were infected by the bites suffered during the battle. As our numbers dwindled the ritual was finally completed and with that coalition joined together for one final charge into the frey led by the wielder of the now empowered paladin blade. We fought to give him the time he needed to fight the lich and thankfully it was enough when suddenly a thunderous blast emitted from the center of the battlefield. Bloodied and unable to see out of my right eye I watch as the undead around us begin to wither and fall.
With the battle now over the only noise you could hear was that of the wounded and dying and as I looked around I began to panic. Where’s Henna? I began to frantically look around until finally I found her clinging onto life. I could not help but fall to my knees as I attempted to form a spell to heal her but the battle had exhausted my energy and couldn’t..
“No no no please, Arnath give me strength. This is cannot where her path ends!” Suddenly I could feel her hands clasp around mine.
“Matheus. We do not choose when our paths end..” she began to cough, blood sputtering out of her mouth as she did so.
“But if you go, who will teach me alchemy? You know I still sometimes mix up ingredients.” I could feel tears begin to form and run down my cheek.
She chuckled weakly, “You’ll make a fine eagle. I’m sorry I won’t be able to see it.”
I began to feel her grip loosen and in a panic I tightened mine. I spent the next moments pleading with Arnath to give me just enough energy to save her. After a few moments a hand was placed on my shoulder snapping me back to reality almost. I turned to see Edgar standing beside me, helmet in hand.
“Matheus, we have to go. We can take her remains to be burned with the others but we cannot stay here.” He was right. We couldn’t stay here. We needed to tend to the wounded but I was not leaving her.
As we moved to a small camp established by the phoenix, the wounded began to be tended to but quickly supplies ran out and the energy of other clerics was spent. It wasn’t long until all we could do was give people a merciful death. We began burning the bodies of the fallen and those who couldn’t be saved. Once we reached Henna’s body I took the time to thank her for teaching me and to say goodbye to her one last time. After watching her body be put to the pyre I walked away though that’s when I succumbed to my own exhaustion and possible blood loss despite the bleeding being stopped.
When I awoke I was back in Starkhaven and my first thought was simply not wanting to be where I was now. This thought amplified as the door slowly opened revealing Elinor. I could feel my chest begin to tighten and before I realized it I was on the floor apologizing, begging for her to forgive me. That’s when for the first time in the six years I’ve been here I saw her cry. She tried to convince me that it was okay, that I wasn’t the one to blame and that my wounds prove I tried my best. I looked at the pail of water next to me, seeing my now scarred face. I questioned if these were really proof of my attempt but quickly the question turned into an answer, I began viewing them as reminders of my failure.
For the next month I was forced to take time to recover from the battle but, when I did finally recover I was officially given the rank of Eagle and sent to provide support to the lions holding the pass within the Great Wolf Hackles. I would remain there for the next 3 years before orders were received to pull out and return to Starkhaven due to lack of support from allies and the war causing a heavy toll to be taken by the order. As the years went by I watched my faces I knew disappear to never return, I hoped upon returning to Starkhaven that I may see a few again but that wasn’t the case. For the next year I would not be called to action again as I along with others were tasked with keeping an eye on our fields in order to prevent blood shed that happened four years ago.
As the year came to a close once more and I returned to Starkhaven I couldn’t help but look back at what it once was, a settlement of great renown but now all I see is the toll the war took as it has descended to near ruin. The once proud order I grew up in is now a shell of its former self and has become reclusive. It remained this way until a Griffin stepped up and called for a reform and as a result a new chapter was formed, the Order of Arnath’s Light.
At first I was unsure of how to respond to this until I saw that they were pushing for more diplomacy and progressive ideals in the world. I couldn’t help but think of all the lives that could have been saved if diplomacy had succeeded. While I looked at the good possibilities many of the other members of the Fist frowned upon the change but with the Hand’s approval there was nothing they could do but despite that tension grew. I remained part of the fist but watched the light closely.
As the year went on the Light discovered information about the experimentation on Undead in the settlement of Serai, without hesitation both chapters were mobilized to stop these experiments and the potential spreading of undeath and so started the Inquisition of Fire. While both chapters mobilized the Light was in the lead and reached the location first. While details of what transpired may have been muddled, the gist of what I was told is that they beat the settlement and Bos Meszar into submission and we arrived as a horde of mordok attacked. After successfully beating them back I watched as the settlement swore fealty to the order. As a result many members of the fist stayed to patrol and safeguard the settlement.
As I returned to Starkhaven I couldn’t help but think back at what happened. Why couldn’t we get along like we just did then? Why can’t the Light handle things diplomatically first and if that doesn’t succeed we step in? I don’t understand the tension rising between us. I went to the mess hall to eat but ended up staring at my food lost in thought..
“If you keep looking at your food like that it might blush.” A familiar voice broke my train of thought. I looked up to see Brother Siegfried. “I hear you’ve been quite busy since we last spoke.So you’re an eagle now eh?”
“Uhh yeah, I’ve been an eagle for roughly 4 years now sir.” I answered half-heartedly, my mind still on what’s going on.
“Hmm 4 years eh? Seemed like just yesterday I was watching you take the Lion’s trial from afar. So tell me, what’s got you staring at your food instead of eating it hm?”
From there I told him about things I’ve been noticing within the order, the tension and how I wasn’t sure why it was there and why we couldn’t work together. “Diplomacy is needed to save lives too and not everything can be solved by smashing it.” Our conversation went on until nightfall though it seemed as if not that much time had passed to me. Upon realizing how late it had gotten we parted ways but I couldn’t help but wonder why he decided to approach me.
The next year was a blur for me as I spent most of it tending to corrupted refugees, assisting in the making of the cure of said corruption and attempting to quell arguments between the different chapters.. Before I knew it the year was over and the year where I lost everything came to be. The year started as it normally would though as winter began to wane I was once again approached by Siegfried.
“I thought you said I wouldn’t be seeing much of you once we got off that boat. Why am I suddenly seeing more of you, Siegfried?” I said jokingly though I couldn’t help but look at him puzzled, questioning if I did something wrong.
“Matheus, you have done much in your time and have drawn the eye of those above and around you. When we last spoke I was curious about how you’ve grown and your answers were quite enlightening. I along with the other griffins believe you have the makings to become a fine griffin yourself.” His answer was a lot more than I expected, I stood there frozen.
“I- I’m honored but do you really think I’m ready? Or if I’m worthy of being a Griffin?” So many thoughts ran through my head, what had I done to warrant such a thing?
He’d chuckle, “Questioning if you’re worthy usually is a good sign that you are though there is a process to this. It’s not as simple as taking a trial to advance in rank and your advancement is not set in stone. As for if you are ready or not, you are a candidate and while you show you have the makings to become a griffin you must show you have what it takes to do so. A little tip from an old friend, the library may be of great use.”
With that he left, leaving me baffled. Unsure what to think or even do I went to the one place I knew would clear my head, the infirmary. I would often visit to check up on Elinor but ever since the passing of Henna she changed. She no longer yelled at me nor would she hit me though there were times I wish she would. Most of the time when I would visit I’d assist her in whatever endeavor she was currently doing as I gathered my thoughts. This time I sat on the cot in silence.
“Is something the matter boy?” She’d question, her voice soft but shaky showing that age is slowly getting to her. I explained everything to the best of my understanding and when there was nothing left to explain all I could do was look at her and ask.
“Am I worthy of this?” My eyes looked to the floor, unable to bring myself to look her in the eyes. “I feel as if I’ve stolen what should have been Henna’s. I still feel as if it should have been me that fell not he-” suddenly a pain met my cheek as I was slapped. I looked up to meet her gaze to see her eyes filled with sorrow, tears running down her cheek.
“My daughter believed in you, you have no right to doubt yourself. to doubt yourself is to doubt her.” Her words stung more than any blade could and before I could think of a response she continued “It’d be best if you left, go brood elsewhere instead of tarnishing my daughters memory.”
I didn’t mean to upset her. Just being a griffin is a big deal and all the pressure that comes with it can’t easily be shrugged off. Especially with the increasing tension between the two chapters, the griffins are meant to keep everything together but yet everything seems to be falling apart. I’ve seen what the chapters can accomplish together and I want to strive to have that be our way of life but no one else seems to see it or rather they choose not to.
These doubts began to manifest frequently as days turned into months, clouding my judgment. I tried to push past them by occupying myself with either training new aspirants or studying within the library in hopes of broadening my skills and knowledge to no avail. Days turned into months and every argument or fight I stopped two more would take its place increasing my own doubts in both myself and the future of the order. Eventually I began to frequent the library more avoiding the outside world..
Then summer came and with it the event that would change everything I once believed in. The fighting I once tried to stop grew to a breaking point and a civil war broke out between the chapters. All I remember was seeing fire and out of panic I rushed to the Hand hoping to find them safe and work together to escape, but the way was blocked. I tried to push through to no avail, every alternative passage was blocked and by then the fire began to rage. I had no other choice but to flee and pray for their safety but as I rushed through the corridors attempting to find a way out I stopped as out of the corner of my eye I saw the Library. Fire consumed all that was in there, the history of our order and the deeds the clerics who came before us were lost to the flame. I was already having difficulty breathing through the smoke but after seeing this my chest began to tighten, my breathing became labored with fear. Next thing I knew I was running until eventually I pushed through a door and ran into the dead of night only turning back to watch the keep that I grew up in and helped build begin to collapse. I turned away once more and continued walking into the night.
So, from all of this maybe there was no single point where I lost it all. I, and the rest of the order faced darkness whenever it showed its face and each time it took a part of me until there was nothing more but doubts, regret and shame. Little by little I lost myself until I could no longer feel the light of Arnath nor believe in his path.