3. Stories of Kanen Hightower

Stories of Kanen Hightower


  • THE EXAMPLE

    “…that is what he did. That is the secret behind Faramir Otarch.” Kanen hung his head and closed his eyes in shame over his brother Paladin’s actions. _To have fallen so far, so fast_… Kanen thought.

    Frowning, Lucia looked at Kanen as he stood next to the fireplace as she sat in a chair with her feet propped up on the table. “That is a terrible thing he did, Kanen. But what does this have to do with you?” she asked.

    Opening his eyes, but still staring at the wooden floor, Kanen replied in a voice tinged with pain “Lucia, Faramir was a married man, and Paladin of Helm, who lived in a fine home. Look around you. This is my home now. In a few weeks I will be married.” Kanen paused then finally said his worst fears “Lucia, what if…what if that was Faramir’s first mistake…to try to be a husband to a woman while still remaining a Paladin? All this time, I thought he was an example of a Paladin who had successfully lived his life as both, yet after what I have learned…what if the reason he fell is he valued his life too much, because he felt he had too much to lose?” Kanen shook his head again, leaning against the wall next to the fireplace.

    Lucia looked at Kanen and sighed. “Kanen, you are not Faramir…remember the other night? That rash young Paladin Chase was standing there outside the south gate challenging and then being threatened by Ashan. What did you do? You went right out there and confronted Ashan. If you hadn’t, that young Paladin would probably have wound up dead. You didn’t hesitate at all. What were you thinking?”

    Remembering the confrontation, Kanen replied “I wasn’t going to stand by and let Ashan take or kill another Paladin while I was there. I was ready to die if that’s what it took…and thank you for being there, my friend. Without your help, I never could have gotten Ashan and Elendel to back down. Everyone else was just standing around watching, that night.”

    “Seven knows that your service to Helm comes first, right?” Lucia asked, her brow furrowed in pensive thought. “Of course. As I know her service to Torm must come before me.” Kanen quickly replied.

    Standing, Lucia began walking toward the front door. Over her shoulder she added, “You are worrying too much about this, Kanen. You are not this other man. Just because he fell doesn’t mean you will, and you don’t really know the reasons for his actions. Perhaps he was always weak, or wasn’t really worthy. And Seven knows your first loyalty must be to Helm…you will do just fine, my friend. May your blade stay sharp.”

    Lucia walked to the front door and out leaving her friend to his thoughts. Kanen sat before the fireplace, staring into the fire, thinking over her words. Lucia was probably right. He was doing a lot of guessing on why Faramir had done what he had done, and he had no real way of finding out the truth.

    Kanen knelt on the floor, praying to his Lord for wisdom in this matter. He truly loved Seven, he knew this, but would he be able to be both a good husband and Paladin? Were his instructors from so many years ago correct? That a Paladin had no time or place for romance and love? These questions weighed heavily on him, as he knelt on the hardwood floor, head bowed, thinking on his upcoming wedding, trying to determine what Duty would require of him this time.


  • VISION

    The common room of the Boar’s Head was brightly lit, though smoky from the torches on the walls that were providing the light. The smell of roasted meat and ale permeated the room. The crowd was a bit noisome but the mood seemed for the most part amiable, with a few drunken songs ringing out. Kanen sat at the small, scarred table, opposite of Seven as they had just sat down for an evening meal after a long day traveling the roads together, part sight-seeing and part patrolling the roads for the ever present bandit forces. They had dispatched some and drove others off, at least for a short time making the roads between the city of Peltarch and the town of Norwick safe for unwary travelers.

    He sat with a quiet smile, looking over at her, as she glanced about the room at the other patrons. Seven’s long golden hair was still curled, and it only enhanced her beauty in his eyes. Kanen reached over and slowly took her small hand in his, kissing her palm. He gave her a secret smile as he felt his desire for her growing, and she tilted her head slightly and returned his look knowingly with a wink. Just as he was about to suggest skipping the meal and perhaps getting a room for the night at the inn, Kanen’s vision suddenly went dark, and then images started to form before him.

    It was as if he was flying as a bird high above the scene below. A near-full moon provided the only light, but it was enough to make out what was happening and what had happened on the ground. At least two human bodies lay out on the plain south of Jiyyd, their forms frozen in death, bloody and torn. Surrounding the bodies was a large group of celebrating orcs. They seemed to be fighting over who would claim what from the possessions of the fallen humans. Kanen could only tell that there were many, and that the group of orcs were much more dangerous than the ones that were normally found scavenging between the Nars and along the road to Jiyyd. Then his vision went dark again, and he returned to his previous surroundings with Seven, who was looking over at him in some concern.

    Kanen quickly explained about his vision to Seven, and the two armor-clad warriors left in haste to gather a group to recover these fallen adventurers, whoever they might be, their meal or other thoughts now forgotten. As the pair exited the north gates, they came upon a small group of other adventures. There was Ashen the ranger, Scutum the friendly halfling monk, Talyna the always happy halfling warrior, and the gruff dwarven warrior Balin, among a few others. Wasting no time, Kanen explained that he had received a vision of death and danger on the plains south of Jiyyd, and asked if any would care to join he and Seven, as the fallen needed to be recovered and returned to life, if possible.

    All standing there agreed to join them and the small band of adventurers headed north from Norwick and traveled uneventfully into the sleepy town of Jiyyd and gathered at the southern gate of Jiyyd. Looking at the group, Kanen asked for a volunteer to travel south while invisible, to determine the tactical situation they faced. Small Scutum quickly volunteered, and Kanen told her to look for the corpses, note their location, and try to notice the size and composition of the orc forces they would be unable to avoid.

    With a quick smile, Scutum downed the potion and exited the southern gate and went south. The rest of the group prepared for the mission, tightening straps on armor, checking the pull on bows, or saying quiet prayers to their gods. Scutum returned after a short time, and reported that there was a sizable force of orcs to the south, with the overly large warriors, nicknamed ‘destroyers’ by those who had survived fighting them, orcish mages, and orcish crossbowmen, all surrounding the corpses of two fallen human warriors, still fighting over the belongings of the dead, so currently distracted from watching their surroundings.

    Thinking aloud, Kanen laid out their possible courses of action, saying they could send a few invisibly to gather the bodies of the fallen and return without conflict. They could also send an advance group and attempt to draw the orcs away from the bodies, while a second group then recovered them. Another option was a straight frontal assault, killing anything in their way, but opened them up to unknown reinforcements that might be nearby. Seven suggested another plan where they would slowly move south, engaging the orcs as few possible at a time, ready to run back north to the town gates if things became too difficult to proceed. This was the plan that was decided upon, being the most flexible and easily changed.

    The group went through the south gates cautiously, looking out into the darkness. The guttural cries and grunts of the orcs could faintly be heard, as the group crept along the road, checking all about for any hidden foes. Peering into the darkness, faint orc forms were spotted, after traveling a short distance south. Moving slowly forward with great caution, they found several superior orc warriors, several heavy crossbow wielding orcs, half a dozen orcish spellcasters, and one gigantic, greatsword wielding orc, a destroyer.

    Suddenly, behind the party an orcish voice yelled out, apparently having spotted them, and warned the force of orcs. The orcs now looked with eyes burning with hatred at the group, and charged. The battle was fierce. Orc crossbowman shooting bolt after bolt into them, harming many with their well aimed bolts. The orcish warriors moved forward and encompassed them like a noisome tide of orcish flesh. Shouting out a warning about the spell casters, Kanen waded forward into the mass. He was striking left and right, clearing a path toward the spell casters who were already using magic to enhance the orcish warriors and causing the ground beneath the party to sprout strange, rubbery tentacles. The tentacles were whipping about the party and orcs alike, causing deep burns where the tentacle struck flesh, or bruising the flesh where armor protected their target. Seven was near Kanen’s side, both attacking the orcs with her sword, and keeping an eye on the group, calling for Torm’s grace to heal ones that were badly injured, allowing them to continue instead of being forced to flee.

    Then, pushing his way through his lesser brothers, the large orc warrior engaged Kanen, Seven and Balin as well, with his greatsword. Each blow from it numbed the hands of the orc’s target, and the orc warrior was able to expertly knock the greatsword from Kanen’s grasp, causing the Paladin to quickly draw his longsword instead, barely deflectling a decapitating blow. While it concentrated on Kanen, Seven and Balin were able to strike at the creature’s unprotected flanks, first weakening him, then by combining their attacks, the three were able to finally down huge warrior who died silently.

    The others had already killed some of the orcish spell casters. The remaining orcish mages had fled further south. No doubt they went to warn and alert their forces, and the area would soon be swarming with alerted and ready orcs. The group quickly gathered the bodies and what belongings they could find strewn about and on the bodies of the orcs. The dead were found to be Vino, the honorable cleric of Tyr, and of Marcus, the young hotheaded warrior who had been searching everywhere for his Robyn. It seemed the two had come south looking for the missing girl and ran into more than they could handle alone.

    While they had enjoyed a brief respite, now angry orcish voices could be heard shouting in deep booming voices from the south, apparently a very large group quickly approached as crossbow bolts started to come in from the south, so far harmless. Carrying the bodies between them, the group fled north now, hearing the guttural orcish voices gaining ground slowly, as the bodies of the dead bodies slowed them.

    Fortunately, they were able to reach the gates, have them opened and all were safe inside with the gates closed and barred, before the orc forces could reach them. The orcs, obviously angry but unprepared for siege or open attack on the town, slowly went back south. Breathing prayers and sighs of relief the party checked and happily found that they had all made it back alive. All that remained was to heal and bandage wounds, and see to the raising of Vino and Marcus.

    After taking care of that, helping the newly risen with their trauma after being raised, Kanen and Seven left the others and went into the inn in Jiyyd. Both were now quite tired and very hungry. They ate a quiet meal together, comparing what they had seen during the battle, tactics that had worked and ideas about what could be done differently next time. After the meal, they retired to a room together, happy in the other’s embrace. After expressing their love for one another for a time, they slept quietly in each other’s arms for the remainder of the night, resting peacefully.


  • Current


  • THE BOTTLE

    It had started out simply enough, three men sat around the small, scarred table at the Boar’s Head. Kanen looked at the other two, as Vino, the quietly competent cleric of Tyr, spoke in hushed tones about interesting information that he had come across that he knew Kanen would want to hear about something that the Paladin was searching for. The wizard Call was there as well, silently listening to Vino’s story, and watching Kanen’s reaction to the information.

    Vino grew silent as Marcus, the young warrior who would soon be married to Kanen’s friend Robyn, walked up to the table. Marcus looked very upset, as goblin archers had just killed his friend Talgris out in the woods, and apparently wished to speak to Kanen about something. The knight told the young man that he would speak with him shortly, but that he needed to finish up with Vino and Call first. Marcus seemed a bit frustrated by this answer, and sat heavily at a nearby table, clutching his fist in pent up feelings over what had occurred.

    Just then, Kanen noticed a sadly familiar red headed dwarf walk behind him. At first he thought it must be Bormus, as Bormus’ gruff brother had taken his own life just the previous night, and even the Friar had said nothing could be done to raise him back among the living. But then a twin to the first walked past. Balin and Bormus together. Kanen stood to speak to the dwarven brothers, both shocked and gladdened to see Balin alive and well again, yet both brothers were obviously very angry and were speaking of heading to the gypsy camp to pay back those who had harmed Balin. Kanen tried to calm them, saying they needed to bide their time and attack in strength, rather than to attack rashly. However, Call then stood suddenly, looking over at Marcus, who was being fawned over by the barmaid Misty. Call told Marcus he had had enough to drink, as Misty sat a bottle down before Marcus, her eyes and manner offering much more than what was on the menu.

    Kanen realized suddenly, that he had heard of Misty acting like this before, recently. She had been flirting heavily with Janu right before… Standing quickly, and moving rapidly across the room, Kanen smacked the bottle from Marcus’ table onto the floor, where it shattered. Misty looked at the Paladin in apparent anger. Marcus seemed stunned by the sudden move, but stood and bent over, beginning to pick up the pieces of the bottle with his bare hands, cutting himself slightly in the liquid-covered shards of the bottle, before Kanen could stop him from touching it. Marcus seemed almost immediately affected in some way by the contact with the shards, stumbling a bit, just as his young fiancé Robyn walked through the door, taking in the scene in some puzzlement.

    Kanen walked over to Misty, asking her what she had put in the bottle, however, Misty only glared at the knight, saying she had done nothing, however, still winked at Marcus, continuing her obvious flirting, as Robyn, standing with Marcus, watched and looked at Marcus questioningly. Marcus, moving slowly as though perhaps drugged, waved Misty away, saying that as he would be married soon he wasn’t interested in anything she had to offer. Worried, Kanen strongly suggested that they take Marcus to the Friar, so that perhaps his concerns that Marcus had been poisoned or worse be put to rest as simple overreacting of a cautious Paladin, that would have been fine with Kanen.

    They immediately took Marcus to see the Friar. Kanen told the priest of his concerns that Misty might have infected Marcus in the same way she had poisoned Janu. The Friar, at first jovial, become serious after hearing this. They discussed how Janu had been given a bottle to drink from by Misty, flirting heavily with him before, during, and after he had drank from it. Janu had spent many days and weeks after that night fighting the effects and slowly regaining himself back, after drinking the demon’s blood the bottle had contained. The fight had nearly killed Janu. It was believed this was how the Paladin Justinia had been turned, and Adam the bard claimed such was offered to him once by the evil Callista. The Friar cast spells of healing on Marcus’ hands that were only slightly cut, but whether he had been infected or not could not be easily determined, the Friar only saying that Marcus should be watched, and returned to him if he started feeling or acting strangely.

    As the three left the Friar’s Robyn drew her swords, her eyes hard, saying she would get answers from Misty, one way or another. Kanen stopped Robyn, telling her that she wouldn’t be able to watch over or help Marcus, if she was in a jail cell. Robyn slowly agreed and sheathed her weapons, though her eyes were still full of anger. They walked back into the Boar’s Head and confronted Misty again about what exactly had been in the bottle she had given Marcus. When she denied having done anything, Kanen pointedly mentioned how a bottle that Misty had given to Janu had found to have been poisoned most foully. However, Misty denied having done anything to Janu either. Getting nowhere with the furious barmaid, Kanen turned to Barle, explaining how Marcus may have been poisoned, or nearly so, in the same way Janu had been. Barle said he would look and see if he found any tampering with the shipment of ale that the bottle had come from, and would get back with them later, as he was quite busy at the moment.

    Looking around, Kanen realized that Call, Vino, Balin and Bormus were gone from the Inn. Shaking his head, Kanen hoped that they had not gone unprepared after Balin’s attackers, but didn’t see what further he could do, as they were long gone. He watched as Robyn glared at Misty as she took Marcus and left the Inn. Kanen then walked out of the Inn into the sunlight, and prepared himself for the dangerous journey north to Peltarch, where he hoped to find Seven with some free time from her studies. Her calm, loving presence would be quite welcome right now to the Paladin after all that had occurred that day in so short a period of time.

    As he left through the north gate, Kanen began thinking about the story that Vino had told. It seemed the knight had some research to do into some historical events in Damara…and Kanen still needed to find and speak with the seer Taylin to learn if she had any new information for him. The pieces of the puzzle seemed to be falling slowly together, though he wasn’t sure he cared for the picture that was forming.


  • POISON

    A few minutes later, whistling a happy tune, Kanen stood up from his prayer of thanks to Helm and walked down the hill toward the Boar’s Head to see who was there, as he had some hours yet before Seven would be expecting him. Scutum the halfling stopped him, speaking of how a woman named Cordelia in the woods had spoken of Vinessa, and that this Cordelia was upset that none of the group with Scutum even knew who Vinessa was. Scutum asked Kanen what he knew of her. So Kanen began telling the small group, that included Scutum and Ashen a bit about Vinessa. How she was a witch, and a succubus as well. About how Vinessa and the traitor Selron had killed him that fateful night where she had also died, and how he had gathered up her corpse and made sure it had been burned to keep her from returning.

    Scutum mentioned that she had spoken to Braeth somewhat about this, and how he had brought up the Defiler. Kanen was somewhat surprised that his friend would mention that name, but explained briefly how the Defiler had been Vinessa’s master, and how the townspeople had been unable to kill the evil being, but had captured it, though at great loss of life.

    Perhaps it was the mention of the Dark Master that brought the attack, perhaps it had been already planned by some other force, yet just then, Kanen noticed those standing with him, as their eyes went wide as they looked at something behind him. As he was turning swiftly, the assassin’s dagger cut through his robes and passed through the flesh of his side, instead of stabbing directly into his back as the creature had planned. It was dispatched quickly by the others, as Kanen drew his sword, but he noticed his vision was growing dim, as his strength left him, and he dropped his sword to the ground as he fell heavily himself. He looked at the corpse of his attacker, a goblin trained as an assassin it seemed, then looked at his wound.

    Something wasn’t right. As he blinked the sweat from his eyes, pulling his robe open to look at the wound he noticed his flesh seemed black around where the dagger had sliced into him. Leaning heavily against the wall, his breath became ragged as he looked up at those standing around him, their words of concern sounding more like noise than words to him. Janu had come across the town, seeing the attack and helped Kanen to his feet, saying that they should take him to the Friar, as something wasn’t right with how Kanen was reacting to what seemed little more than a scratch.

    Janu half carried his friend, the semi-conscience Paladin to the Friar, who ushered them all inside as he looked at how Kanen was both feverish and pale. The Friar examined the wound and become very concerned, saying that he had not seen it’s like before. He tried several prayers and spells of healing, yet the wound remained blackened, and Kanen’s condition seemed to slowly only worsen. Janu then attempted to retrieve a sample of the poisoned blood and liquid around the wound, yet accidentally touched the wound with his bare hand, which immediately caused his fingertips to become blackened and caused him to grimace in pain.

    Kanen’s condition slowly worsened, his breathing becoming more and more shallow as he slipped into unconsciousness. Looking quite alarmed, the Friar tried again, pouring more powerful healing magic into the knight, who slowly regained his senses and sat up weakly. The Friar explained that he had halted the poisons effects, but had been unable to remove them, and that there was limited time before the poison would begin to work on Kanen again, probably to a fatal conclusion. He suggested the ones who had brought Kanen into his house to seek out Vino the ranger and to show him the sample of the poison.

    Vino was known to know much about local herbs and plants and could hopefully help them to find some cure for the deadly poison. It was decided that Kanen would stay at the Friar’s and was helped upstairs to a bed. As he lay there, still somewhat feverish, his mind replayed the conversion he and Seven had had. About how she would be unable to give him children. So if the assassin had succeeded, there would be no one to carry on his name. He told himself it didn’t matter, but a small part of him argued that he needed someone to carry on his name, someone to continue the Hightower name. He tossed and turned during the night, his feverish mind going over and over these thoughts.

    Fortunately, a cure was found in time, and given to him, which caused Kanen to rest quietly the rest of the night and most of the next day. He didn’t even remember the thoughts he had the night before, or of his internal debate. He only remembered feeling very sick and thinking he might well die, and remembered thinking of Seven and his love for her.


  • THE QUESTION

    Kanen walked slowly up the hill, to the bluff overlooking the waterfall. Seven was already sitting there, looking out at the waterfall, waiting for him. He stopped a moment and just looked at her, her lovely profile and golden hair, and the self-doubt began again. He knew that she loved him, as he did she, but what he would be asking would be…permanent. Was it too soon? Would she be willing to bond herself to him? Love was one thing, but love could change…could even die. Kanen thought briefly of the only other woman he had thought he had loved, and how it had turned to ashes, her betrayal stabbing him deeply.

    Then there was the fact, no matter how good his intentions had been at the time, that he had left Seven for another. Yes, he had thought it was what Seven wanted, bowing out so that she and the killer Jubei could be together. But he had been a fool then…an inexperienced fool who had wounded this beautiful woman sitting before him now. He still remembered his shock when, hope against hope, Seven had not laughed at him, or cursed him, when he had finally tried to come back to her. Instead, she had been merely cautious at first, but had slowly allowed him back into her life and into her heart, much to his happiness and surprise.

    Bringing himself back to the present, Kanen walked slowly toward Seven, and sat next to her, greeting her, and gathered his courage. He was unconsciously leaning a bit forward, as though bracing for the blow of some enemy. Taking her hands in his, he began in a quiet voice, as he looked into her deep blue eyes, “Seven…I love you very deeply, as I know you love me. We have been though so many things together, over these years. What I would wish, more than anything in this world, is for us to become companions for life….I would have you as my wife if you will accept me. Seven Ecksetter~Dai, will you marry me?”

    Seven’s blue eyes become filled with tears, her chin trembling, as she looked back at him. At first, she seemed unable to speak, overcome with emotion. Kanen unknowingly held his breath, waiting for her answer. Finally, she forced out “Kanen I…” and again seemed too choked by emotion to speak. Kanen braced himself for her answer, as worry began anew in him. Seven took a deep breath and finally replied “Kanen, I will… of course I will marry you”. He almost knocked her over as he reached out and grabbed her and held her tightly, blinking back tears, kissing her gently. “I knew it before, but after our first… night together, it made me see without doubt, that you are the one I want to spend my life with”, he said with a smile.

    They sat quietly for a bit, enjoying the happy moment, each looking at the other with love and happiness. “I promise to make you a happy woman, Seven” , he said quietly. “Together, we can do anything. Our life together will be a happy one”, he added, as he pressed a golden ring into her hand. However, his words seemed to trouble Seven. She looked down, a frown slowly appearing on her face

    “Kanen there is something I must tell you. When I was very young, I became very sick. In fact my parents worried I would die.”, she began in a soft voice. “Well I see Torm saved you”, Kanen replied with a small smile. “Indeed, yes He did. However, I am still affected by that illness so long ago….Kanen I am barren. I can give you no children. So there some things we cannot do together. I wanted children…but I cannot…” She then began crying, as he took her again into his arms, holding her. “Seven, I do not care. This doesn’t change my feelings for you in the slightest. If the gods wish us children, it will happen, it not, then so be it. It will be something we can pray for.”, he replied gently.

    “How soon do you want to do this?” Kanen asked, changing the subject back to something more under their control. ‘I don’t know, I’m just so excited right now!”, she replied with a dawning happy smile. Musingly, Kanen said “Seven Hightower, hmm”. Seven turned serious and looked him in the eye. “No. Kanen Ecksetter~Dai. Yes. I like that.” She returned in a serious, no-nonsense tone. Frowning, Kanen repled “Seven…where I come from, it is the woman who takes the man’s name not…”, he broke off as he saw her start to laugh softly at his confusion. “All too easy.” She said with a devilish grin. Shaking his head at her with a smile, he confessed, “You know, I was more nervous here than I have been before any battle”, as he grinned a lopsided grin at her. “Mother will swoon at this news.”, Seven predicted. But I need to let them both know as soon as I can."

    Smiling at him, she stood and said with a sigh, “Kanen, I need to go. I need to get this message to my parents and let them know the good news.” Kanen stood up and took her into his arms, and kissed her passionately, and then nibbled gently on her ear before asking, “You have to go…now?” With a coy smile Seven nodded and replied “Yes, I do. But you can come over later, if you wish…”. Smiling wolfishly he replied brashly, “Atol himself could not keep me from you. I will see you later tonight.” As she walked slowly away from him, she looked over her shoulder at him and said softly “I’ll be waiting….”, as she walked down the hill and away. Kanen, smiling a happy smile, sat and mused for a bit, thinking how lucky and how blessed he was to have such a beautiful, bright woman who loved him…he felt truly blessed, and prayed in thanks to Helm, his Lord, for his happiness. However, she didn't see him that night.


  • MISSING

    He couldn’t find her. Days had turned into weeks, yet still Kanen had received no sign or word from Seven. He had searched the whole city, the towns, and even the cursed gypsy camp, but still could find no trace of her. He had expanded his search, deep into the woods to the south, the plains to the east, and even beyond Peltarch to the north. He had found nothing. This search forced Kanen to reflect back on how he had searched for Cila, when she had disappeared for so long. She had returned to only to admit her lies and betrayal of him, yet he knew the situations were very different, that Seven was nothing like Cila, to believe anything else was unthinkable, he refused to think otherwise.

    Steele had told him he should watch after Seven, to stay with her as much as he could. Yet, after they had traveled back to Peltarch from Norwick, after he had spent the night holding her, Kanen had not seen Seven at all. He had checked her room at the Mermaid, and out of recent desperation even had her being watched for. But she had apparently not been there recently at all. No one at the temple had seen her for sometime either. Each day, each week that he could not find her, his concern and worry only became stronger.

    Yet, there was nothing more he could do. So he continued the routine. Searching the towns and the wilds for any sign, any trace of where she might be, or what may have happened to her. Each day now, he prayed for her safety wherever she was, and that she might return to him soon. Kanen knew that she loved him, as he did she, so whatever had happened could not have been of her doing to keep her away for so long…she would have at least have sent some word… Her dreams…perhaps the key was there, and what was the mark that was burned into her? And how was such a thing done when he had been right there with her and had noticed nothing? These thoughts were a puzzle that his mind would not let go, continually reviewing, looking for some detail he might have previously missed that would explain what was happening to her.

    He would not give up. He would continue his search. Since he had ‘left’ the Allliance, that was one less duty taking his time from his search for her. He told no one about this, as he didn’t know how or what really to say…instead trying to seem as though things were still normal, that each day wasn’t spent in fevered thought of what things could have befallen Seven, of thoughts of what her fate might now be. Kanen refused to believe she was dead. While it might be so, that would be to give up hope, something he would not do. He instead chose to believe she was somewhere, needing his help, his aid. All he had to do was find her. Somehow.


  • FAREWELL

    The early morning was chilly with low hanging fog in the cemetery of Norwick. A cold wind blew across the field of stones. A solitary man stood before one of the graves there, pulling his cloak tighter about him in the morning chill. The grave had been decorated with flowers and various small items from those who cared and loved the woman who was buried there.

    Kanen's head was bowed, as tears flowed slowly from his eyes as he looked down at the last resting place of the one he had thought of as a sister. He kneeled down before the marking stone, taking a brightly polished, horse hair helmet, and laid it on the stone. The kind she had worn before creating the Paladin Order. Kanen remembered he used to place such a helm, every day, at the place where Alannia had fallen during the ill fated duel with Aspera Chillwind. Then, he had been filled with hope that she would return, some how, some way. And Helm had returned her, filled with His purpose. Yet this time, the Paladin knew this was not the case. This would be final resting place for the mortal remains of Alannia Diams.

    The knight still tried to make sense of it all. Alannia had returned and formed the Paladin Order with the aid of Killthorn. For a time, a brief, shining time, the Paladin Order had been strong, with many members, each brave and noble warriors of strong faith. Yet, over the weeks and months since the Order formed, the members had slowly left, either by their own choice, duties needing them elsewhere or death. And then… and then Alannia had dueled the Banite animal Ashan. A powerful, murderous beast that she never had a chance of defeating, without true divine aid from Helm. Did she think that Helm would allow her to smite the evil priest? Kanen would never know.

    What lessons should he learn from this tragedy? What wisdom should be gained? Kanen had vowed to see Ashan put to death for killing Alannia. Yet he would not offer the Banite a duel of honor. What the Paladin had learned, painfully, over the years since coming to this place is you cannot have a duel of Honor with those without Honor. Steele had allowed himself to be goaded into a duel with a superior opponent, and died. Alannia had been goaded into dueling Aspera the witch, and lost. And now, Alannia had dueled the Banite and been given her final defeat.

    Ashan seemed gone. Perhaps the dark priest realized he had gone too far, that his blood was hunted by many now in Narfell for the killing of the fair Paladin Alannia. Perhaps he had thought to goad Kanen into another such duel. However, Kanen had vowed to hunt Ashan down like the rabid beast he was. The Paladin would enlist the aid of any and all who would see such an evil destroyed. This hunt would begin when Ashan was found. And it would end when Ashan was destroyed once and for all. Kanen knew he himself might well die in this hunt, but had asked others to continue it, in any such case. Ashan was strong. Ashan was powerful. But the defenders of Norwick and the area of Narfell were many, and together, their strength far surpassed what Ashan, or even his few dark allies could bring to bear.

    Knowing that Alannia was now safe forever with Helm helped ease the knight's pain. Talking now, to the grave, Kanen told Alannia that he would strive to rebuild the Order, to bring it righteous strength once again, in time. He promised to continue to care for and watch over Norwick and the people within, as they both had done since arriving here. He talked briefly of his love for Seven, and that he wished Alannia had met and gotten to know her, as he knew they would have been great friends, both women strong in their faith and their will.

    Finally, Kanen turned away from the grave, after a silent prayer to their Lord, knowing that Alannia was now happily serving her Lord, beyond the pain and death of this world, allowed a much deserved rest from the cares and concerns of this place. Slowly, the knight walked away from the grave and out of the cemetery. "May Helm hold his hand over you", he quietly intoned as he left that place, his face still wet with tears, but his mind and heart becoming filled with new purpose.


  • ?

    apologizes and shuts up

  • ?

    Kanen knows who comes first.

  • ?

    wants to point out that she wrote one before Kanen, so nyeh.

    I get all the love points. 🙂 Of course, I think I just spent them, today (Wednesday). cough


  • Umm, tearful, heart-rending rememberence to Alannia coming right up, sir DM :shock:


  • New story, huh? No mention of, oh I dunno, say the death of your close friend Alannia, huh?

    You're so dead Hightower :twisted:


  • THE MARK

    It was early morning, still nighttime really, as Kanen sat outside the south west gate of Peltarch, idly talking with the mage Therius about the lack of mages in the city. “…well with Spellweaver Keep at Norwick, most of them live around there”, Kanen told the mage. The gates opened and a woman dressed in golden hued armor walked confidently out, and Kanen smiled happily when he saw that it was Seven. The knight started to say something to the mage Therius, when another woman approached from the south, this one also familiar to Kanen, but only vaguely so. Kanen rose and walked over to Seven, greeting her warmly, as the other woman walked up to him. “Mr Hightower? I bring you a letter from my master”, the woman meekly said. Kanen thanked the messenger and took the letter, reading it quickly, a look of exasperation plainly on his face, as the messenger left. Therius, in the mean time, had walked up to Kanen and Seven, introducing himself to her.

    Kanen started to speak about the letter, but then looked at Therius and promptly closed his mouth. Seeing that the Paladin obviously wished to be alone with the lady, Therius said his goodbyes and left quietly. Kanen showed the letter to Seven, explaining what he had been doing recently and why the letter had been delivered. Seven replied with her ideas on what the note actually might mean, and what purpose might be behind it.

    Changing the subject, a sly expression on his face, he told Seven that her gift had finally arrived, and with a flourish gave her a hatbox-sized package. She looked at the box, scowled, said in a semi-serious tone, “I’ve told you before. I do not wear helmets. They obstruct my vision.” Kanen only stood there smiling sweetly at her. “Open it, I’m sure it’s your style”, he replied with a wink. Shaking her head and sighing, Seven opened the package to reveal…a helmet. She looked up at him with a scowl but he quickly added “Take it out of the box, look at it”, still smiling a secret smile. As Seven picked up the helmet, she saw that it was filled with wrapping paper. She looked suspiciously at him as she now removed the wrapping paper from the helmet and found a book. The book was bound with white leather and scripted on the cover were the words “Seven’s Prayer Book to Torm the True”.

    Her expression became one of shock as she thumbed through the book, written in a flowing, silver script. It was filled with prayers to Torm, her Lord. Seven, of course, already had such a book, but hers was ripped and torn from years of frequent use in environments sometimes harsh. “Thank you so much”, she said with tears in her deep blue eyes as she hugged him tightly. Kanen moved to give her a brief kiss, but she embraced him tightly and kissed him with passion, which he eagerly returned. “I love you”, she breathed, through their kissing, “and I love you”, Kanen replied quietly, still embracing her with passion, as he kissed her neck.

    Smiling playfully, Seven separated a bit from him. Breathing a bit heavily, Kanen looked up at the night sky and realized it had started snowing. “I would think I’d be cold, with the snow, yet I’m quite warm…” he said with a smile, as he stood still loosely holding her. “What are you plans this early morning, Kanen?”, Seven asked. “I had planned on going to Norwick for awhile, to see what’s going on there, with the were-creature menace still plaguing the town”. So together they headed south, through the Nars pass, and on into Norwick, the trip being surprisingly uneventful except for small talk between them.

    As they entered the north gates, the snow still falling gently, the two looked around at a surprisingly near empty town. Seven asked if Kanen would like to eat with her. Smiling, Kanen replied that he’d be happy to. They went to the Boar’s Head, and sat down at a table after their long journey south. Just then, Scutum walked up to Kanen and asked him some things about the were-creatures that he had learned, and what he thought was going on. During the conversation between Scutum and Kanen, Seven went and ordered and then brought their dinner back to the table. Scutum said her goodbyes to them, and walked away.

    They ate their meal quietly. Seven admitted that she was still having her nightmares. Changing the subject, she said how her mother was doing better, though still recovering from the disease that had almost taken her life. She also spoke how this had changed her father from a gruff, near emotionless military man, to a man suddenly realizing what his loved ones meant to him, showering his with wife with love and attention all over again. They talked and joked back and forth for a time, both laughing at the jokes and light-hearted barbs that went back and forth between them, each relaxing for a time from their cares and worries.

    After their meal, they left the inn. After gathering a couple of fruit from a tree, Kanen hanging onto Seven while she had leaned out precariously over a cliff to collect them, they sat down on a bluff overlooking the town, Kanen’s arm wrapped around her.

    “Are they still every night?” Kanen asked. She knew what he meant and nodded, saying “Yes. I’m getting only a few hours of sleep a night…barely enough to keep me sane.”, She added bitterly. “The dreams continue, but…”, sighing she added, “but…every four or five nights there is a different dream.” Kanen said quietly “Perhaps it might help to speak of it” and waited for her to continue. Nodding, looking into the distance, she began.

    “Same town, I walk into it, but don’t speak to the knolls this time. I walk down an alleyway, and Elrick and and a few of his men jump me, and they…rape me.’ Sighing, she continued, “Then, after they beat me, the men leave. Elrick helps me back up…and I hug him. We go back to the inn and….well, that’s when you arrive. You enter our room and you kill him. I run out and tell the guards. You come out and are confronted. The arrows come through the glass and kill the guards. I run but get hit. You smile at me as you run from the burning building, leaving me there. Then I wake up.”

    “It’s like you took my place. I do not understand it”, Seven said quietly. “What of the…voices, the sounds that you had been hearing?” Kanen asked with concern. “Those have stopped, some days ago”, she replied shaking her head. “I have worried that one of these…attacks would occur while you were in combat, causing you to fail a spell or drop your sword…”, he said. “No, during combat, there are no problems”, she replied, shaking her head. “Do you still think…he…is involved?” Kanen asked pointedly. “That’s the only thing I can think of”, she replied. Seven started to add more, but then suddenly went very tense, clutching at her chest, as she yelled out in pain. “Seven! What’s wrong wrong?!?”, Kanen asked with deep concern and alarm in his voice. She did not reply, only clutching her chest, her entire body tense, yet seemed to mutter something. He held her close, hugging her tightly, then she finally, slowly relaxed.

    Stroking her hair, Kanen quietly asked “Are you okay now?” She opened her eyes slowly, and sat up. “I’m fine.”, she replied. Yet she held one hand against her chest. “Come.”, she said, as she stood up and walked down the hill and entered the Friar’s, Kanen following her with deep concern on his face. They went upstairs to one of the private rooms. “Help me.”, she asked, as she tried to remove her clothing. The robe she was wearing, however stuck to her flesh, as Kanen helped her remove it, causing her to hiss in pain.

    Once her robe was removed, an angry burn could be seen over her left breast, in the shape of a clawed hand. “What could have caused such a mark?”, Seven asked, as she started to redress. Kanen stopped her, putting his hands on the burn and attempted to heal her. The burn faded somewhat, but was still visible, as Seven now put her robe back on, somewhat gingerly. “Like the mark made from a branding iron”, Kanen said with quiet anger. “What could it mean?” she asked. “I need to sit down. I’ve never felt such pain. It first felt like a burn but then spread as a sharp, stabbing pain through out my whole body”.

    “Kanen, I must retire for the evening, the robe is irritating the burn. I’ll be staying here at the Friar’s tonight”. “I’ll get a room at the Boar’s Head then, and we can return to the city tomorrow together”, Kanen replied as he started to walk out the door. ‘Wait. Will you stay with me tonight?”, she asked, then added “just for comfort, of course”, she said with a knowing smile at the expression on his face. Sighing dramatically, he replied “Yes…and I promise to be a gentleman”. “I’d expect nothing less” she said with a grin, as they prepared to share their first night together.

  • ?

    sits down besides Marlena and takes notes in his man-to-woman relationship book

  • ?

    ::A letter is delivered to Kanen from Seven's messenger falcon in a delicate, hand-carved scrollcase::

    Kanen,

    While I know we had met prior to sending this to you, I decided to write nevertheless. Please excuse my shaky handwriting at times. You know the reason for this, so I shall not mention it here.

    The reason for this reply is to first apologize for my seeming lack of trust and willingness to share all aspects of my life with you, including the darker parts that have emerged as of late. I also ask that you forgive me for that pitiful and pathetic attempt at lying to you.

    Second, know that my feelings for you is mutual. Without the thought of you upon my mind, I would be in the cold world of despair that I found myself wallowing in prior to meeting you. It may seem melodramatic and over-exaggerated, but it is not.

    Over the years, I have learned to place a smile on about every aspect of my life that is visible to those that I come in contact with. Most people know me as being genuinely friendly and sweet - but all the while inside I constantly fight the sharp edge of loneliness and hunger for friendship.

    Because of this fear, I came to think that somehow, you would leave me if you saw any difficulties in the relationship or found out something about me that was betrayed by my outside appearance and actions.

    For this, I am once again finding myself apologizing. I will not lie to you again.

    In love,
    Seven


  • LETTER TO SEVEN

    This letter is given to Seven on the streets of Peltarch by a messenger boy. It is a crisply folded, sealed page of parchment that also contains another page of parchment, but that page is very worn, and stained by blood and grime.

    _My dearest Seven,

    This is an attempt to put into words my feelings for you and what the times we are able to spend together means to me. Every time I see you, my heart skips a beat and a smile forms on my face, unbidden. I feel I am a very lucky man to have the love and affection of a woman of such radiant beauty, and I find myself at times at a loss of what to say, only wanting to think of something that will make you smile, or better yet, cause you to laugh at my words. I can only hope my awkwardness isn’t too visible. I know that you and I have been through many bad times, together and separately, but I pray that this will only make our bond stronger, as we have set those things aside in the joining of our hearts, looking forward, not back. Together we are stronger that what we are separately. Together our faith in our Lords and each other will see us through any adversity that arises.

    I worry that some morning I will awake and all this had been nothing more than a wonderful, happy, dream. That I will find myself alone again. I don’t know if I could bear that again. Each day I pray in thanks that you and I have finally come together, and pray for our continued happiness in this place. You are like the light that shines before me, lighting my way in the darkness of evil and death in this place. Seven, know that I love you, and I’m bursting with gladness that you’ve come to trust me with the secret of your past, and know that there is nothing you cannot tell me, or share with me. I will be there for you, as long as you wish me there.

    Your golden hair, your eyes, your sweet lips, these are things that I think on when I’m alone in some desolate place, or when the day seems dark and without hope. I only hope that I provide something for you in return, my lady. I hope that my love gives you some of the strength that yours gives to me. This I pray.

    I am returning a page from your diary that was found in Thay. The page was delivered to me just before we set out in our attempt to rescue you. While it’s words being known to me may cause you some embarrassment, know that they warmed my heart and made the journey there and back a little lighter, knowing that you had been thinking of me. I am returning it to you now, as it is your property. I have meant to return it before now, but the time never seemed right. But I am no thief and feel I must return it now.

    Your gift should be arriving soon. It is a small thing, but I hope it is something you’ll care for and think of me whenever you see it.

    May Helm guard you and Torm watch over you always.

    Yours always with love,

    Kanen_

  • ?

    munches her popcorn


  • A Story of Kanen's Past

    ERRANT

    The young man stood quietly waiting but was very nervous. His body, hardened from the years of training and physical labor was tense like a coiled spring. His deep blue eyes were bright, slightly betraying his carefully contained emotions. His light brown hair was neatly combed, his skin freshly scrubbed. He was wearing the shining ceremonial silvered plate armor for the event he was about to take part in, hopefully.

    He looked about the stone, austere chamber, at the banners and pennants of battles long past, of weapons and armor hung from the walls in decoration of a most militant kind. The room’s owner was the Commander of the forces of this place, where the young man had lived almost since before he could remember. He could only vaguely remember his father, mother, an older sister, but in glimpses, the details fuzzy as it had been over fourteen years since he had seen any of them. He had been barely more than a babe when first brought here to the Hold.

    His life had been that of boy always training to be a warrior. But not just any kind of warrior. While still a child he had been found to be among the Chosen. He was told his family could not afford to have him trained properly any other way and so had turned him over to the knights of the Hold for proper training and education. That he might fulfill his potential as one of the Chosen. The Chosen of Helm. The Chosen, to one day, if he did not fail his Lord and himself, to become Paladin. The young man reflected back on how his young life had been full of combat training, of hard grueling work and exercise, and of coming to learn and study about his Lord Helm. The classes concerning faith, taught by priests of Helm were mixed together with the warrior training, each subject receiving equal attention.

    It was drilled into him that without faith, his combat skills, no matter how great, would eventually fail him. That only through dedication of service and faith in Helm would he win through the adversities and challenges that he would face. Most young knights would stay at the Hold for a number of years after their being named as Paladin. It had become almost a tradition. This thought made the youth nervous, as he thought of what his own plans were, once his ceremony was complete. There was another tradition that had not been broken in some time… His musings were cut short as the Commander entered the room, nearly slamming the door behind him.

    The Commander of Helm’s Hold was a powerfully built man, though of average height. His hair was whitened from age, yet his body was still that of a warrior, muscled and strong. The greatest strength of the Commander could be seen when looking into his eyes, however. Eyes that had seen many things in his years of service. Eyes full of wisdom and knowledge. The man now looked hard at the youth standing stiffly before him. Looking at the young man, he could see potential. This one could become a Paladin of fine standing and serve the Hold well. Perhaps even one day take over the leadership of the Hold, as the Commander was of course but a man who would one day go to serve his Lord eternally, both at rest and yet vigilant, a paradise for a warrior such as he.

    But the boy would not listen. He seemed to be hardheaded and full of his own ideas of what being a Paladin meant and what service was required of him. As if the leadership of the Hold didn’t know better for him. What gall. And yet, here the young man stood, obviously nervous yet also obviously unmoved by the words of all his instructors and superiors. Scowling as he sat behind his desk, looking at the boy, he waited for a time, but then finally spoke in a raspy voice:

    “Squire Hightower, what is the meaning of this? You have been given wise, sage advice from your betters that you refuse to follow. And yet you expect us to knight you and allow you to take the title Paladin? Tell me why I should do such a thing”, as the Commander pressed his fingers together, staring at the young man.

    Looking straight ahead into space, keeping his voice steady with obvious effort, Kanen Hightower replied, “Commander, I have passed all the requirements that are required for advancement. I have proven both my combat ability, and the strength of my faith. The only vow I have refused to take is one that was made by tradition, not official requirement.”

    Raising his voice the Commander replied “Don’t you think there is a reason it’s become tradition? The Vow of Chastity has been taken by all the Paladins at the Hold for some time now, voluntarily, I’ll grant you.” Steeling his voice, he continued, “They all listened to the advice of their betters and many of them have become Paladin of great standing and service. And yet you”, voice now dripping with sarcasm, “Kanen Hightower, wish to challenge all that. Are you saying you know better than these other worthies on what is best for you? Squire, you’ve been in this Hold most of your life. You don’t know anything about courtship or how to go about such things.”

    Swallowing, still staring at point in space, Kanen carefully replied “Sir, with all due respect to yourself and to the instructors and trainers here, I do not feel that refusing this vow will make me any less able to perform my duties as a Paladin. It is this squire’s belief, in fact, that I might become stronger after finding a woman to love that loves me as well.”

    Teeth gritted, shaking his head, the Commander replied, “Very well. So be it. You will experience much pain and come to regret this decision before finding any ‘happiness’, if you ever do. May Helm forgive you your insolence.”

    Standing now even straighter, but looking now directly at the Commander, Kanen said “Sir. This squire also has plans once he has been named knight and Paladin.” Seemingly with great effort the young man forced out “This squire…I… plan on going…Errant.”

    The Commander exploded out of his chair and was around the desk and in Kanen’s face in an instant, now screaming, “ERRANT? Do you think we’ve spent all these years in training you, all this time and money, so that you can go off on your own and be dead in some ally a few weeks from now?!? Get out of my office, you insolent, wet behind the ears whelp! You’ll never be a Paladin, not as long as I’m Commander here!”

    In a quiet voice, barely above a whisper Kanen replied, “Sir, I have had a dream, a vision. I am needed…elsewhere. This is not my choice, but the Duty I must perform as He requires.”

    Blinking, slowly calming himself, the knight then asked “Where? Where is it you think you need to be? And why do you think it should be you, an inexperienced, newly named Paladin that must go on this journey? Next you’ll be saying you must go alone.”

    Carefully controlling his elation at how the Commander had spoken of him as a Paladin already, Kanen replied “I do not know where my path leads me. I only know that He calls and I must follow. And yes, I must go alone, He has willed this as well.”

    Shaking his head, the Commander looked piercingly at the young Paladin-to-be. He could sense no deception, no hidden purpose behind the words the young man spoke. Wryly, the Commander realized, he had been outranked. In a softer voice he said “Then your path will be a hard one. Staying on it will be most difficult and I will pray daily for you, young Paladin. May you reach where He requires you be, and may you be ready for the tasks He sets before you when you reach your destination. Now then, go gather with the other squires. You will be named Paladin and knight this day, and tomorrow you may leave. You will be given minimal gear and provisions and left on your own from that point forward, may Helm guard you on your journey.”

    Nodding, Kanen turned on his heel and walked to the door. Before opening he stated “Thank you sir. Thank you and the Hold for everything you have done for me. I had hoped to serve here for many years to come, as this is the only home I remember. But I must accept this Duty and do so willingly. Farewell.” With that, he opened the door and went out, quietly closing the door behind him.

    The Commander sat for sometime, eyes closed, in his office thinking of what chance such a young one had of reaching his destination, much less being of any real service when he reached it. Shaking his head, he realized that Helm would decide, as would the strength of the boy’s faith. Standing, he prepared to go down and perform the ceremony of knighthood and grant those now ready as Paladin. Saying a silent prayer for guidance and for wisdom, he left the office; musing on the fates of those about to be granted the title they had worked their lives for. And his thoughts and prayers would go with the young Paladin leaving tomorrow. Yet he knew the young man would reach his destination and perform his Duty, if his faith remained strong…Helm willing, of course.