Taethion watched as the group demonstrated their skills to this woman. He was surprised to see Asha and Gale fight each other but then again, it seemed this was the only way to leave this dark and damp prison. He knew they were skilled and had no fear about their eligibility. Then came the last to be judged and Taethion felt something was off about him. Ever since he saw him in the streets he has never spoken a single word. This man has given no hints or clues as to who he is. A complete enigma and when the young woman expected him to demonstrate the only thing he could muster was a simple phrase.
I...Dig
Taethion noted his voice was odd, and deduced a probable cause. He may be a foreigner and it would explain his strange attire and the accent in his voice. He must not know Londean and therefor has been unable to communicate, simply because he cannot understand us. Yet, it would seem he is able to read body language and actions and maybe understand a few words. Apparently he tried to demonstrate his skills but the young woman wanted combat prowess. To fulfill this, she engaged the beaked mystery man in a duel. The foreigner demonstrated he has skill and must have been a soldier at one point due to his stances. Yet, the show of skill seemed to drag a bit too long for anyone's liking. When it would seem the duel was not to end anytime soon, both the woman and the foreigner stopped. Taethion was confused by their sudden stop, was she satisfied? It seemed so strange to stop in mid assault but his answers were answered when Iator stepped up.
He must have used a spell to complete their duel before anyone got too serious. Taethion was glad it was over and it would seem the young woman, Randionalia, was the leader of the King's assassins. A very prestigious title, and her skills seemed to solidify this claim. As they finally left the confines of the jailhouse, they were being led to a place where food can be found. Upon the streets the group received stares, which isn't too surprising considering they stick out like a sore thumb. Taethion noticed a woman with green hair pass them but didn't pay her much attention. Along the way the Captain of the Guard returned and with a new addition to the group. The man was massive, far too massive to be a normal human being. There was something about him though, something familiar, as a certain aire hanged about him. He had wished he was more proficient in alignment perception like Ser Quincy. He could detect good, evil, and even neutral auras that surrounded every being. Still it didn't matter, even he said you couldn't judge a person by their auras, people can surprise you. When they etched closer however, this familiar man seemed to possess that same ability. He could sense the holy magic coming off of Taethion, something that he didn't have control of either.
The man quickly shouted his complaints about working with a paladin. Already, Taethion felt a twinge of insult over his words about Paladins. He called them all zealots when he knows that just wasn't true. Even more surprising, the boy Adrian shouted at the big man and even called him by name. Bliston Ascor. Ah yes, that's true! He knew he recognized him from some where, and he felt a bit ashamed to have not seen it sooner. Bliston is very famous in these parts, and is know for his brutality in warfare. Some say he is a war hero but most people just demonize him for his lifestyle choices. Obviously carrying around dismembered heads as trophies is one of them. He could understand the young boy's outrage towards this, Bliston, and even his unfair accusations and slandering was making the paladin boil with anger. He was beginning to shake when the Guard Captain spoke up ending the shouting match between Bliston and Adrian. During this time, Taethion didn't even notice the timid woman that walked up to the Captain, his mind was focused on Ascor.
The Captain did speak the truth, the real reason any of them are here is for a greater purpose. The Dragon is a threat to these lands, and Taethion was tired of seeing the monster ravage the Kingdom. On his journeys he has seen the destruction left in the wake of the Dragon. Entire towns razed to the ground, whole farms of livestock devoured, and many lives taken by the accursed Dragon. The Dragon's far reaching crimes are even affecting the people of this city. People are living in poverty and it's running rampant across the Kingdom of Londe. Taethion has even heard of the suffering of neighboring Kingdoms, who have also lost things to this Dragon. Yet, none of them seemed interested in helping, at least the Dragon isn't living some where in their lands. Still this Bliston is standing over him and was very aggravated. He looked prepared to take Taethion's whole head off and add it to his collection. His eyes bore down into his and Taethion hasn't yet to move, with his anger beginning to rise. If this giant of a man doesn't back off soon, he may just lose it. Then came this nagging, pestering thought in the back of his mind. His mind was transported back in time, to his childhood, as he remembered a lesson from his master.
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"Taethion, you become far too angry sometimes!" "How many times have I told you that anger is a pathway that leads to sin?!" He spoke, scolding a young boy after he was caught in a scuffle with the local kids.
"But Grandpa Quincy!" "They spoken ill words about you and insulted your very religion right in front of me!" "How can I not act upon anger when I know they're wrong?!" The boy shouted, tears began to roll down his eyes. "I don't like people hurting you, even though your not there, that doesn't mean the pain never happens." He spoke in a whimper.
The old, grizzled, man then spoke with a sigh, "Taethion, I told you to be strong against such attacks, that swords and magic are not the only weapons at people's disposal." "Words can hurt just as much and cut just as deep as any blade, yet we cannot allow ourselves to be defeated by these weapons." "We are Paladins, Guardians of the Faith and Seekers of Peace, have you forgotten about that?"
"No..." Taethion grumbled.
"No mumbling, boy." Quincy sternly spoke.
"Sorry sir." Taethion spoke up. "I'm sorry about all of it. I was just trying to defend you, because you told me to always defend those that can't do so for themselves." "You weren't here to defend yourself, so I did, and I just don't understand what I did that was so wrong?"
"It's not about what you did but how you went about it." Quincy spoke. "There is a fine line between good meanings and good works." "You can have the most, purest of intentions in the word, but if your actions do not reflect them, then it means nothing." "All you have done is add another link in the chain of sin, making sure it will continue to bind all life for eternity." "Anyone can say they mean well, but only good deeds will separate the truth from deception." "So remember, my boy, when conflict arises, when people seek to hurt or destroy you, you must never forget that you are a warrior for peace." "We do not create conflicts, we help to resolve conflicts, we do not encourage sin, we discourage sin, we do not seek chaos, we seek peace." "Never forget that the world needs more people who can think, who can learn, who can love, and who can forgive...there are far too many people who perpetuate hate, death, and violence in the world." The old and haggard man spoke. After a long drawn out sigh he shouted, "Now for your punishment!" "I expect you to carry these two bags of rice all the way back to the church!" Quincy spoke as he placed the large, burlap sacks filled with grains of rice upon the boy's shoulders.
"But these are too heavy!" The boy cried.
"Nonsense!" "If you want to become a Paladin, then you cannot be stopped by a menial task such as this!" "Now up the hill, go on, get on with it!" He ordered. The boy only groaned as he made the difficult journey from Gilfried back to the church.
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His memory receded in the back of his mind as he looked up at Bliston. Bliston may have noticed that his eyes were closed and his head lowered for a few moments. Taethion looked right back into his unforgiving eyes and then spoke, "If that is how you feel about Paladins then I'm sorry, you must have not met very decent ones in your life time." Taethion spoke. His voice very calm and his expression cool and unhampered by Bliston's words. "If it means anything, I hope your opinions may change someday on our journeys together." "That is of course if you do not mind working with the likes of me." Taethion spoke, he wasn't seeking approval from Bliston, just letting him know he doesn't feel as strongly about him as he to him.
