Veldrin
An Old Flower
Cove Command
Covian Legend
Karma: +29/-12
Posts: 671
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« on: September 14, 2005, 12:42:10 am » |
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The crimson sun was slowly melting into the trees as a weary white horse plodded into the thinned forest of Yew, leaving Empath Abbey. The lone rider who sat perched atop a creaking leather saddle glanced around in awe at the healthy trees and the firm grass that grew bright green, instead of the mud and moss that had dominated the once swampy marshes. The rider had gotten wind that the swamp had been drained, but never was it thought the rumors were true.
A hazy reflection of the orange and indigo sky shimmered over the plate armor that covered just about every inch of the warrior's body, save for the bottom half of a dirty blonde ponytail that peered from under the helmet. The entire suit rattled with the horse's every heavy footstep. A symbol of Luna gleamed proudly on the front of the breastplate, and a white book was clasped tightly in one gauntlet-covered hand. A large, heavy shield was strapped to the warrior's back, and a heavy sheath bounced at the horse's side.
Been too long since I've been home, the rider mused, eyes focused on the road ahead. Stonekeep could be seen a few hundred yards away. But this wasn't home. That was farther down the road. I've finally finished my training in Luna. It's a shame Father isn't here to witness my triumphant return to Trammel as a full-fledged paladin. A proud smile was hidden under the shadow of the helm.
The rider's head tilted. But it is still good to return to Cove. It's been over half a decade! And it appears Octiovus now reigns as Baron! Ha! No big surprise. He was always an ambitious one. Proud of the chap.
"Who goes?!" a mottled voice called out. The rider pulled on the reins and stopped the horse. Eyes quickly searched for the voice's owner. But the day was darkening, and it was getting more difficult to see. Finally, a guard was spotted, wearing the colors of D'gar. Ah, a Yew guard. He looked the rider over, and examined the horse. He wore a helmet, and his voice sounded hollow as he spoke. "Isn't it a bit late to be riding?"
"I'm on my way to Cove from the moongate," the rider replied smoothly. "I am only passing through."
The guard tilted his head. "I see... I think I asked your name, didn't I?"
The hidden smile returned. "Kendall Richter, my good man. Just returning home from my academy training in Luna."
"Richter? Where have I heard that before..." The guard rubbed his helmet with a gloved hand, looking down. Kendall waited for an appropriate moment to answer, to lay on the drama.
"You may have heard of Baron Octiovus Von Richter," the warrior grinned, squeezing the reins. The guard's head snapped up. Through the visor of his helmet, Kendall could see him squinting, trying to spot a false word. "He's my cousin, you see. It has been a fair while since I've seen him." The guard still said nothing. The rider grew impatient. "Am I free to go now, or shall I call him here to confirm?"
"Oh! No, no, go about your way," the guard gave a polite nod and waved a hand. "Have a safe trip, and be wary of brigands!"
Kendall smiled and kicked two plated heels into the horse's side. With a tired groan, the old steed plodded forward again. The warrior was quite glad that there was no need to send a pigeon to the Baron. Octiovus was sure to be in for a surprise when he saw Kendall back in Cove again...
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