After a short courtship the couple made the long journey to Fern Wood in the central foothills of Gessel where Aarilyn's family lived. There the two were married and moved to Crom's Well, just two days ride south of Fern Wood. It wasn't long before the household grew to include the couples four children -- Rhavin, Marisa, Kyndra, and Gaitlin.
Rhavin was not a particularly bright boy, but he had a sense of responsibility and commitment that made up for his short comings. It was that sense of responsibility that caught the eye of Father Diem, a priest presiding over the Festival of Estereal ceremonies.
The Harkness family travelled each year back to Fern Wood, where along with Aarilyn's family they celebrated the Holy Holidays. It was a grand event and the children (as well as their parents) looked forward to the outing. On this particular trip Rhavin was eleven, and as eldest, was protectorate of his younger siblings -- Marisa (9), Kyndra (8), and Gaitlin (5).
Aarilyn's older sister, Lyana, was married as well, with two boys -- Felden (15) and Dirk (13). Dirk and Rhavin had the job of buying bread for the evening meal. The baker's shop was a short five minute walk from the Thansbridge's and so the boys were trusted with the task. Unknown to anyone, little Kyndra decided to tag along. But it didn't take the boys long to notice her, and rather than sending her back alone, she was allowed to join the boys as long as she held someone's hand at all times.
At the shop the boys flipped their lonely copper, to see who would go inside to talk with the baker. Dirk yelled out 'Werax' indicating the side he intended to land face. But as the coin hit the boardwalk it rolled between his feet, and fell between the cracks of the weather worn boards. Both boys looked in horror as the coin (Werax side up) taunted them from below.
Releasing Kyndra's hand to Dirk, Rhavin began crawling under the boardwalk toward the coin. With shouts from above he was able to coax his narrow body toward the coin. At some point Kyndra pulled away from Dirk and wandered into the crowd. She wasn't noticed until Rhavin gave the coin to Dirk.
The boys began searching for the lost child fearing the worst. Hour seemed to pass, but in reality it was only a few minutes before they heard the thundering hooves of a charging horse. The rider was frantically pulling at the reins to no avail. And as the crowd parted to escape the beast, the boys caught sight of Kyndra crying in the middle of the street.
Rhavin began running and yelling without a thought. Judging the speed of the horse he knew he would never make it to pull his sister out of the path of the horse, but he tried. As the gap between them closed, Rhavin dove for Kyndra, and landing on top of her, shielded her from the sight of their deaths. But before the horse could trample the two, it was hit square between the eyes by a copper coin thrown by Dirk. The horse reared up throwing its rider and changing directions, before taking off again.
Father Diem was shaken to say the least. The temple had provided the horse -- 'One of our finest' -- so he could travel the parade route in anticipations of tomorrow proceedings. But shortly after leaving Master Hoogen's stables the beast was spooked, and the poorly experienced Father Diem could only hang on for dear life. After being helped to his feet by some concerned citizens, he went to look after the children.
Later at the Thansbridge home the good Father explained everything that had happened, and professed how terribly sorry he was to have scared the poor child.
"Young Dirk here has a quick wit, and a truer aim. I think I owe you something special." The Father looked around the room joyously. "How about you all join me in the parade tomorrow as my honored guest. Young Dirk here, can bear the lead flag."
Cheers and shouts went around the room as the family accepted the Father's gracious offer. Everyone was pleased except Rhavin.
The somber lad stood tall before his family and the priest, hands at his side waiting to be acknowledged.
"Piglet is something wrong?", Aarilyn asked
Rhavin winced at the nickname his mother favored, and spoke up. "I'm sorry, for putting Kyndra in danger, and forgetting the bread. I should have let Dirk go in and talk to the baker, he would have probably gotten a few extra rolls. It was my job to take care and see that nothing happened to my younger sister."
He spoke the words formally, and quickly. Looking around the room to his elders and other family members. Everyone seemed shock in light of how things turned out, and the good news Father Diem just gave them. He then knelt to little Kyndra, nestled on Aarilyn's lap. Grabbing her hand he spoke to the girl as if no one else was there.
"I am so sorry little one. The toss of a coin almost cost me the most precious person in Hurva. I promise never to gamble again, if you can forgive me?"
She smiled, "I'm sorry I ran off Rav. Its not your fault." She turned to her mother "tell him mama". He didn't do anything wrong."
"Piglet, all is well, your little sister is here and safe."
"Thanks to Dirk." he grabbed his cousin in a tight hug. "Thank you Dirk, I will never forget this"
The Family shared a few moments of joy cheering and celebrating Dirk "The Marksman" Aneik, before retiring to the dinner table where Father Diem joined them.
After the meal, Rhavin, who had still be a little quite, went out to the porch to offer a bag of Uncle Yarn's finest gold leaf tobacco to Father Diem.
"I do not smoke my son. But thank your Uncle anyway."
"I will Father." He started to walk away, before turning again. "Father I hope not to offend you but, I will not be able to join in the procession tomorrow."
"But why Pig... um Rhavin, it will be a wonderful event."
The boy looked at his feet a few seconds before continuing. "What I did was wrong. It is my job to see that nothing happened to any of my siblings. I am the oldest. If it had not been for Dirk's daring, poor little Kyndra may have been killed." He paused about to say more but thought better of it. "Walking in the parade is not the punishment I had in mind."
"And what punishment have you thought of for yourself." the priest mused.
"I am not sure, I thought you could give me some guidance Father."
"Come to the chapter house tomorrow at dawn, I'm sure we can arrange something."
Rhavin did not actually smile, but his mood brightened as he walked back into the house.
The next morning found Rhavin standing at the door of the chapter house when the first rays of the sun were beginning to lighten the horizon. Father Diem greeted the boy with a smile and beckoned him inside.
"What would you like me to do first, father?" Rhavin asked respectfully.
"Services will be starting soon," said the priest. "And we no longer have an acolyte since young Jesum moved to Tonn to study law. I have a feeling that you would do well in that role, until Jesum's replacement arrives."
Rhavin's eyes widened. An acolyte? Him? "I would be honored, father. But, I deserve punishment. This seems more like a privilege."
Father Diem smiled. "I am glad you see it as such. Rest assured, you will have plenty of tiresome duties here. Etta, our cook, has a great many potatoes for you to peel after services. But, in the meantime, I have need of a likely young lad to light the candles in the sanctuary, and greet the faithful at the door. Are you willing, my son?"
Rhavin felt his chest swelling with pride. He would get to light the sacred candles! "Yes, father," he said solemnly.
"Very well. Let's see about getting you into a robe."
"I get to wear robes? Like yours?"
Father Diem smiled. "Of course you will wear robes, my son. Everyone participating in the ceremony must be garbed appropriately. It is a sign of our love and respect for Estereal, that we observe all of the holy rites with proper reverence and ceremony. No detail should be overlooked. My vestments are of Estereal's colors -- gold for His unbreakable law, purple for Ceremony, and white for the pure light of truth. As an acolyte, you will wear plain white robes. Will that suit you?"
Rhavin strove very hard to be humble. He reminded himself that he was here to do penance for failing in his duty to Kyndra, and curbed his excitement at this unexpected honor.
"Yes, father. Anything you ask, I will do."
When the ceremony began, Rhavin found himself stationed at the door to greet the morning worshipers. Inside, the sanctuary blazed with the light of a hundred candles. Only the light on the altar had not needed Rhavin's attention -- that was special, and was never allowed to go out. Beside Rhavin, dozens of candles blazed -- these would be handed out to the faithful, while Rhavin repeated the ritual blessing. "May Estereal's light guide you." Rhavin repeated the blessing over and over again while he waited for the service to begin, to make sure he would not forget.
Everything went perfectly, and Rhavin recited the blessing correctly to each worshiper as they filed inside. Rhavin forced himself to smile at the older folk who patted him on the head or pinched his cheeks. It did not seem a very dignified way to treat an acolyte. But then, perhaps that was part of his penance.
When everyone had gone inside, Rhavin shut the doors and slipped into this assigned seat. The service was very long, and the young boy noticed some of the adults falling asleep. But Rhavin listened to every hymn, and to Father Diem's every word, with rapt attention. The songs, the lights, and indeed the whole ceremony filled Rhavin with a peace and sense of rightness he'd never felt before. And the sermon! Father Diem spoke eloquently on Estereal's love for those who strove to do their duty above all things. At the end, when Father Diem stood to give the benediction, Rhavin felt warm all over, as if Estereal himself had embraced him.
Afterwards, Rhavin found himself peeling potatoes, chopping vegetables, carrying out trash, and washing dishes -- in short, he was Etta's slave. The big cook frowned at him a lot and acted gruff, but Rhavin noticed she saved him some of the best cookies, warm from the oven. He whistled to himself and worked hard to please her.
Father Diem told Rhavin that his penance would last for two weeks. As the end of his penance approached, Rhavin became increasingly quiet and somber. The new acolyte would be arriving soon, and Rhavin would no longer be needed. Rhavin knew that he could still come to the church and worship with his family, but it would not be the same as being a part of it all. He would miss this place, and Father Diem. Rhavin kept his concerns to himself -- he did not like to complain, and this was his penance, after all. On the last day, he bid Father Diem goodbye and trudged home, with extra cookies from Etta in his pocket for his younger siblings.
"Rhavin!" Little Kyndra was the first to see Rhavin approaching as he returned home. She came flying out the door like a whirlwind and threw herself into Rhavin's arms.
Rhavin hugged his little sister and smiled. Suddenly, the pain of leaving the chapter house was much lessened.
"I missed you!" Kyndra cried.
"I missed you, too, dear heart." Rhavin kissed her forehead.
Soon, the whole family was outside to greet Rhavin. He shared Etta's cookies, and Mrs. Harkness took them all inside for milk.
"Tell us, Piglet, how was your stay at the chapter house?"
Rhavin described his honored role as an acolyte.
"I wish I could do that!" Marisa wailed.
"Maybe when your older," their mother soothed. "Come, there is much to do before dinner. Rhavin, dear, your father is out working the fields. Would you tell him to come in soon? You know how he gets when he's busy. It's good that you're back in time for the harvest. You're always such a big help to him."
Rhavin was very quiet during dinner. It was good to be with his family, for he loved them dearly. But he couldn't help feeling that something was missing.
As Mrs. Harkness took out her famous apple pie for dessert, Rhavin stared sadly. It was his favorite, but he had no appetite for it, not right now.
Then there came a knock at the door. Rhavin watched curiously as his father went to answer it.
"Father Diem, what a pleasant surprise. Please, come in."
Mrs. Harkness soon had Father Diem sitting at the table with a piece of pie. The curious family watched him as they shared dessert. Rhavin was suddenly hopeful. Did Father Diem want him back?
"I have come to ask you both a favor," the priest said, looking from Rhavin's mother to his father. "You may find this difficult. I know that Rhavin is your eldest and of great help to you both. But I believe that Rhavin could have a place in Estereal's church -- a permanent place. I was hoping that, after Wajen's Day, you would allow me to take Rhavin to Havingford. It's a few days ride from here, about half the distance to Geston. There is a shrine to Estereal there, run by a good friend of mine who is dedicated to teaching. I think Rhavin would benefit greatly by studying there."
Rhavin stared at Father Diem in astonishment, his pie sitting forgotten before him. Could this be true? Could he really become a priest?
Rhavin's parents exchanged proud but wistful smiles. "What do you say, Rhavin?" his father asked. "It would mean being away from home, and years of study and hard work. Do you think you would like that?"
Rhavin swallowed the sudden lump in his throat. "If it pleases you, father, mother. I know I will miss you all. But I think I would love to be part of the church of Estereal."
Rhavin's mother wiped a tear from her eye. "Your grandfather would be so proud of you, Piglet."
Father Diem smiled. "It's settled then. Don't fear. They will take good care of Rhavin. And I know he will do well. He's a hard worker, and a dedicated young man. You've raised him to be honest, faithful and disciplined. He'll do you both proud."
And so, after the Wajen's Day harvestfeast, Rhavin traveled to Havingford. Father Diem himself left his chapter house in capable hands and escorted young Rhavin on the journey. Along the way, he told Rhavin tales of famous priests and paladins, and the legends of the gods. Fascinated, the young boy listened intently to the stories, and vowed to learn more.
He was soon given that chance. Rhavin began a very busy period of training at the shrine. To learn discipline and humility, Rhavin and the other young people spent time doing the menial chores of the shrine -- cooking, cleaning and so forth. They were also given roles in the services, which thrilled young Rhavin, as well as time for prayer and meditation. Best of all, Rhavin began to learn. He was taught the religion of Hurva, beginning with the myths of the canon and ending with the roles and beliefs of all the major churches. Rhavin learned about the church of Estereal's role as the leader of all the Hurvan churches, and its importance in guiding the kings and leaders of Hurva to be just and honest rulers. He and the other students also learned combat -- each day at least an hour was devoted to weapons practice or strength training, for the servant of Estereal must be ready to fight to uphold what is right and good.
Three years passed quickly. Rhavin missed his family, but occasional visits to and from home had helped ease that parting, and the handsome and modest young man -- for Rhavin was no longer a boy -- made many new friends at the shrine. He was quite happy with his new life.
One day, an incident happened that would cast a shadow on Rhavin's life forever. It was early in the month of Jvelton, and Rhavin's little brother Gaitlin's sixteenth birthday was fast approaching. Rhavin had received permission months ago for a visit home, and he'd sent word of this to Gaitlin, promising the brother who idolized him that they would spend the whole day together doing whatever Gaitlin wanted. When the time for traveling came, Rhavin bid his brethren farewell and headed for home. The damp conditions of the rainy season did little to dispirit his mood. He was looking forward to seeing his family again.
Kyndra was the first to rush out to greet him. With typical enthusiasm, she threw herself into his arms. Rhavin hugged her and lifted her up, laughing.
"It's so good to see you, Kitten."
Kyndra smiled and kissed him as he put her down. "I've missed you, Rav. I want to hear all about your training. I'm going to be a priest, too some day. I just know it."
Rhavin smiled. "If that is what you wish, I have no doubt of it."
Soon, the rest of the family rushed out to greet Rhavin with hugs and kisses. His mother fussed over him, fetching him food and happily describing the success of this year's roses. His father complimented him on how much he'd grown, and Marisa playfully asked about any handsome priests at the shrine.
But it was Gaitlin who was the most anxious for Rhavin's attention. He proudly brought out two handsome yew bows for Rhavin's inspection.
"Look, Rav. I made these myself. And I've planned a camping trip for us. We can hunt and fish. Everything's all packed."
Rhavin smiled at his little brother. Not so little anymore. Every time he saw Gaitlin, it seemed he'd grown another inch. He wasn't much shorter than Rhavin now.
"That sounds wonderful," Rhavin said sincerely. He loved nothing better than combining the beauty of nature with quiet, undisturbed time with a person he loved. He was looking forward to this camping trip almost as much as Gaitlin.
That night, the family celebrated Gaitlin's birthday. The cousins, aunts and uncles came over, and the house was filled with laughter. Family tradition was very important to the Harkness clan, and they always celebrated birthdays with great enthusiasm and a long list of rituals. Aarilyn made her famous lemon cake, and Darius uncorked several jars of home-made apple cider. Marisa sang a special song in her sweet, clear voice, then everyone at the table blessed Gaitlin, naming one of his good qualities while putting a beeswax candle in the cake. Afterwards, Aarilyn lit the candles, and Gaitlin made a wish while blowing them out.
It was a very happy time, and Rhavin had never been more content. When the family gave Gaitlin his birthday gifts, Rhavin handed the boy a neatly wrapped package he'd picked up on the way home. Gaitlin gasped in delight as he uncovered a bone-handled hunting knife.
"Rav, it's terrific! I can't wait to use it tomorrow."
But when the next day came, Rhavin and Gaitlin were met by a messenger as they carried their gear to the horses. The messenger handed Rhavin a scroll bearing the wax seal of the church of Estereal.
"What is it, Rav?" Gaitlin asked.
Rhavin opened the scroll and read. The message was from his superior at the shrine. The good priest apologized for interrupting Rhavin's holiday. But they had word of a traveling monk who'd been assaulted by bandits not far from the Harkness farm. The elderly priest had not been severely injured, but he'd lost his belongings and was afraid to travel on without escort. Since Rhavin was the closest servant of the church available, he was being asked to assist the man.
Rhavin's heart sank as he looked at his eager young brother. "Gaitlin, I'm sorry. I won't be able to go camping with you today. Something's come up."
"What do you mean?" Gaitlin asked. "You promised."
"I know, Gaitlin. But there's a monk who needs an escort and --"
"They'll have to send someone else. Rhavin, you promised. It's my birthday, and you're on vacation."
Rhavin tried to put a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder, but Gaitlin dodged it. "Gaitlin, I'm sorry. But this is important."
"More important than me?"
"Gaitlin, don't be angry. We'll do it again. I promise."
Gaitlin dropped his packs and backed away, glaring at Rhavin. "You promised this time, but I guess it didn't count for much. I guess the church is more important to you than your family. Fine. Leave. See if I care."
Gaitlin turned and ran off before Rhavin could say another word. With a heavy heart, Rhavin explained things to his parents and went off to assist the elderly monk.
When Rhavin returned to his parents' farm the next day, his mother met him at the door, wringing her hands with worry. Rhavin leaped down from his horse and ran to her.
"Mother, what's wrong?"
"It's Gaitlin, piglet. We're very worried about him. Your father is out looking, but we didn't know where to look exactly. You and Gaitlin always had your special places that you liked to go and..."
Rhavin held his mother as she started to cry.
"You mean, Gaitlin went camping alone?" This alarmed Rhavin. The woods around the farms were not exactly crawling with monsters, but a person alone could find dangers enough.
"Yes. He left right after you did. And he hasn't come back."
Rhavin kissed his mother's forehead tenderly. "Don't worry, mother. I'll find him and bring him back home."
Worried sick, Rhavin sped off in search of his brother, praying all the while that Estereal would protect Gaitlin. He found his brother at their favorite fishing spot, huddled in the hollowed out trunk of a dead oak that grew close by the stream. Gaitlin was shivering, and barely looked up when Rhavin called his name.
Rhavin leaped from his horse and ran over to his brother. He stopped short, horrified at what he saw. Between the bloodied strips of cloth that had been wrapped around the wounds, Gaitlin's left leg had nearly been stripped of its flesh. The boy's ankle hung at an angle, white bone protruding through dangling scraps of skin.
"Gaitlin!" Rhavin kneeled beside his brother and looked into his eyes. They were glazed with pain. Still, Gaitlin managed a brave smile.
"Rhavin, you came."
Rhavin thought his heart would break. "Gaitlin, I'm sorry."
"There was something in the water," Gaitlin said, sounding vaguely surprised. He seemed half in shock, still. "I never even saw it."
"Don't worry, little brother. I'll get you to a healer."
Working as quickly as he could, Rhavin fashioned a litter for his brother. It seemed to take forever, and Gaitlin was sleeping fitfully when Rhavin had finished. He tenderly settled his brother in the litter, praying for Soltana's mercy to ease Gaitlin's pain. Then he headed for the nearest healer, a priestess of Wajen who lived in a small cabin in the village.
It took hours to get there. Rhavin didn't dare ride too quickly for fear of injuring Gaitlin further. The whole time, he prayed to Estereal to let his brother live. Gaitlin tossed and moaned in the litter, but he did not wake until they reached the village. The kind people, many of whom knew the Harkness family, crowded around them. Two farm-hands helped Rhavin carry his brother to Harvest master Marna's cabin.
"Rhavin," Gaitlin asked between clenched teeth, "where are you taking me?"
"It's all right, Gaitlin," Rhavin said soothingly. "I'm taking you to Marna. You remember her. She always comes to bless the spring calves."
"No. Not all right."
Gaitlin's protests dissolved into incoherent mumbling that Rhavin ignored. He assumed his brother was fevered, or irrational with pain.
Luckily, Marna was at home. She immediately ordered them to carry Gaitlin to her small infirmary and ushered them outside. The farmers left, one of them promising to carry word to Rhavin's parents. Meanwhile, Rhavin paced nervously, hoping that he'd gotten Gaitlin here in time.
He was surprised when the priestess came out after only a few minutes.
"Will he be all right?" Rhavin asked anxiously.
Marna looked at him sadly. "The wound will not kill him. But I am afraid that it will leave him with a permanent limp. Gaitlin will not allow me to heal him."
"What?!" Rhavin stared at the healer in astonishment. "Harvest master Marna, please. He doesn't know what he is saying. He has a fever."
Marna shook her head. "I cured the illness first, so I could speak to your brother and determine the full scope of his injuries. He was very clear. He blames the Church for breaking up his family, and says that he does not want any help from a priest of any faith, now or ever."
Rhavin stared at Marna in open-mouthed astonishment. How could Gaitlin turn away from the church so completely? Had he always nursed this resentment, and not spoken of it until now? Rhavin could not understand. This resentment imperiled Gaitlin's soul, as well as his health. He had to change his brother's mind.
"Harvest master, may I speak to him?"
"Of course. I will gather some herbs from my garden, so that I can brew a tea to ease your brother's pain, and make a poultice to prevent rotting of the wound. This much he has agreed to accept from me."
Gaitlin looked at Rhavin warily as he walked into the infirmary. "Don't try to talk me out of this, Rav. I've made up my mind."
Rhavin stood beside the bed. Tears filled his eyes as he looked at Gaitlin's leg. It was so horribly mangled.
"Gaitlin, please. I know you must blame me for what happened. If I'd been with you instead of on church business..." Rhavin took a deep breath, fighting back tears. He'd never felt so guilty before.
"Gaitlin, I'm so sorry this happened. But you can't turn your back on the church because you're angry with me. Let Marna heal you."
"Rhavin, you don't understand. I don't blame you."
"But.."
"No, listen to me. I know this is hard for you. You, the whole family -- the church is so important to you. But I never felt comfortable, being told where to pray, and how to worship. I see them demanding so much of their priests and paladins, and giving so little in return. That was never the life for me."
"Gaitlin, you don't have to become a priest, or a paladin. Not if you don't want to. That is not the price for healing your wound."
"Maybe not, Rav. But it's what Mom and Dad expect from me. Maybe not you. You've always been more accepting than most people. You don't judge people. But most of the priests I've seen do, Rhavin. Even Marna. I'm not willing to give my life to the church, Rhavin. And I don't want anything from them."
"Gaitlin, how can you say that? The priests are good people..."
"Not all of them Rhavin. You just can't see that."
"Gaitlin, please. If Marna doesn't heal you, you might never walk again."
"I will walk again, Rhavin. Maybe not like before. But I will walk, and without help from any priest."
Rhavin tried to argue with Gaitlin, as did the rest of the family. But Gaitlin had always been stubborn and refused to change his mind. Rhavin got permission to stay for another month, until he was sure that Gaitlin's condition was stable. His little brother would eventually walk again, but only with the use of a cane, and at the cost of great pain.
Although Gaitlin forgave him, Rhavin was never quite able to forgive himself. He knew that Gaitlin had been injured because he was not there when his little brother needed him the most.
Rhavin knew that the pain of letting his brother down would weigh upon him forever, and he has never been able to discuss it, not even with his family. He considered leaving the church, to give himself time to sort the matter out, but Father Diem came to the troubled young man and convinced Rhavin to stay. The Church of Estereal had need of young men like Rhavin, and the priest all but ordered him to stay and do his duty. Rhavin agreed. After three years of study, Father Diem paid a visit, and suggested that Rhavin become a novitiate. Rhavin accepted eagerly, and began studying to become a priest.
Rhavin did well in his accelerated studies. But his colleagues soon realized that the young man's combat abilities were exceptional. After nine months as a novitiate, Rhavin received another visit from Father Diem.
Rhavin was practicing sword play with his friend Eiran, when Eiran stopped and backed up, panting.
"That's enough for me, Rhavin. I don't have your stamina."
"You should learn, Eiran. Come on, just one more bout. You can do it."
A chuckle from behind distracted him. Rhavin turned to see Father Diem standing in the courtyard. The aging priest smiled and accepted Rhavin's hand shake.
"You've grown into a fine, young man. Your family is proud of you, Rhavin, as am I. Come inside. There's someone I'd like you to meet."
Curious, Rhavin followed the aging priest into the chapel. There, praying at the altar, was a heavily armored warrior. Rhavin watched curiously as the man finished his prayers and stood to face them. The man was handsome and muscular, with long blond hair, and piercing blue eyes. He wore a tabard with Estereal's holy symbols, and others Rhavin did not recognize. His sword and mail gleamed in the candle light.
Father Diem smiled proudly. "Rhavin Harkness, meet Master Keltus Zantiyron, Kingwatcher."
Rhavin's eyes widened as the man shook his hand. "You - you are a Paragon!"
Master Zantiyron grinned. "That I am, son. And proud to be one. I've heard a great deal about you from your colleagues, and from Father Diem here. All of it good. I have an offer to make you."
"My lord?" Rhavin wasn't sure if that was the right title or not, but he wanted to be respectful. He was quite in awe of the man.
"How would you like to come with me, to train at the Academy of Paragons? I have a feeling that you would make a fine addition to the order. That is, if you're willing to work hard."
"Willing? Why, I..." Overwhelmed, Rhavin kneeled before the startled paladin. "My lord, I would be honored. I swear to you, in Estereal's name, I will not disappoint you."
And so, another chapter in Rhavin's life began. At the Academy, Rhavin found his true calling. He fit right in, and excelled at his training. Rhavin soon realized that it was his destiny to become a Paragon and carry on the family quest to serve Estereal and erase the stain of his great grandfather's misdeed from the family name. He could not have been more proud. Rhavin was true to his promise, working very hard. Indeed, he seldom took breaks except for when his family came to visit. Kyndra came to see him more often than anyone, and to this day she holds a special place in Rhavin's heart.
Rhavin studied at the Academy for two years, when he decided he was ready to take his test. The young man was thrilled when he passed his test of arms by defeating Master Zantiryon himself in combat with the long sword. A nervous Rhavin also passed a lengthy test of Ethics given by Forthe Solarian. Then, in the happiest day of Rhavin's life, he was initiated into the Order of Paragons, with all his family come to watch. Rhavin's mother wept with joy when her son thanked her before all the assembly, and gave her a rose as a token of his everlasting gratitude for her years of love and guidance.
At eighteen, Rhavin was very young to be a Paragon, and his first years were spent adventuring in the company of more experienced members, as well as priests of Estereal and Soltana. Rhavin became very involved in the Church -- he saw himself and the other Paragons as an important part of the bigger whole, and Rhavin always respected and sought advice from the priests of Estereal. (Rhavin was thrilled when he learned that Marisa and Kyndra had both decided to study for the priesthood.)
During Rhavin's first few years as a Paragon, he and his elder companions did many good deeds, and Rhavin was justly proud of their service. But Rhavin, mindful of what had happened to Gaitlin, always retained an air of modest obedience, and was especially watchful whenever the lives of others were placed in his care. Never again, he swore, would he allow someone he cared for to come to harm.
After five years of apprenticing with elder Paragons (Rhavin was even honored with quite a few adventures led by Master Zantiyron, who became something of a role model for him.), Rhavin was freed to follow his own path -- the Paragons suspected that Estereal had called Rhavin to some special task, and it was up to Rhavin to travel his own path, keeping his heart open for Estereal's call while he did his best to work for good and to restore honor to the name of the Paragons.
Rhavin knew that his first stop must be to thank the man responsible for leading him to the Paragons. Father Diem was an old man now, but still vital and working hard at the Chapter House. Rhavin visited the old man, and his parents, giving them his gratitude. Rhavin asked Father Diem to teach him more about the different religions of Hurva. Father Diem, who had many close friends among all the faiths, was happy to oblige.
One day, Father Diem asked Rhavin a favor.
"Some adventurers delivered to us a very special magical item. It's a shield, one we believed to have belonged to a priest of Azkal some hundred years ago. We have decided to make a gift of it, to the High Priest at Soldiers and Sailors Hall in Istur. I realize that you have never been to a temple of Azkal before. It's something you should see at least once, I think. Will you deliver the gift for us?"
"I would be honored," said Rhavin.
A month later, Rhavin found himself in Istur. He wandered into the temple of Azkal and tapped a young priest on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, I ---"
"Aha, a Paragon. Defend yourself, honored warrior!"
Rhavin was startled when the priest drew a sword and attacked him. He soon found himself engaged in a heated sparring match. Other priests gathered around, cheering and making wagers. Finally, an exhausted Rhavin disarmed his opponent.
"Why did you attack me?" he asked.
The Azkalite grinned. "To show my respect. Despite what some may say, I honor the Paragons. Well fought, brother, and well met. I am Morallan."
Rhavin helped the priest to his feet. Morallan took him to meet the High Priest, and the gift was duly delivered (though without the ceremony Rhavin had been expecting.)
Over the next year Rhavin made a four additional trips to the temple of Azkal, and he soon developed a close friendship with Morallan. Then, one day, Morallan urged Rhavin to go have a drink with him at a new tavern in Istur, called The Oasis. When they got there, they found the innkeeper, Alanna, and her friends beset by a minotaur, of all things -- in the middle of the city!
Rhavin and Morallan pitched right in and helped defeat the creature. Alanna came over to thank them.
"Some of the monsters frozen by the wizard Dorvin have gotten loose, and they're running amok in the city. Will you help us capture them?"
"Of course," said Rhavin, "We are at your service."
Rhavin's dealings with Alanna and her friends didn't end there. Along with Morallan, they formed a capable group of adventurers, and stayed together for some time. It turned out that Alanna had been part of the retinue for Lisha Shadowborn, winner of the last Hurvan Games. Sadly, Lisha herself had disappeared, the young bard had died, and others had wandered off. Alanna needed help to fulfill the King's Quest, and she asked Rhavin and Morallan to join them. With blessings from their churches, the two gladly joined the young illusionist, and did recover the magic items. But Rhavin wasn't quite sure they belonged to the King, and he decided to do something about it...