The Forging of the Paladin: The Morning Star

Chapter 3. Ultreia

The Order of the Paladins of the Light is an ancient organization. Arniel, the first paladin, gave his life to protect the world from the first dark Lord. Nowadays, the best warriors from all over the world come to the Arkangelus' cathedral, where the mortal remains of the first guard of the Light are kept. If they are admitted, they will be trained there, to become the defenders, the strongholds of the world. Weapons proficiency, expertise in powerful light spells and survival skills: these are the hallmarks that define the qualities of a paladin.

Only the bests will be able to overcome the harsh trials. Only the strong-hearted. A difficult paht awaits the young Daego Momonori.

(...)

On the streets of New Arcania, there was a young man full of hopes walking around, lost in the wonders of this new world. The main avenue of the upper district was an extraordinary center of commerce. Full of all kinds of stuffs and magic, in his eyes, that was the most exciting experience in his life.

"So... tell me, Daego, why do you want to be a paladin?", Rayzzen's questions got his nephew off-guard.

"So, you want to bring honor to the family's name... eh? Or honor your father?", said Rayzzen, while chuckling and patting his back with an air of complicity.

Daego turned red like a tomato. Deep into his heart, what he really wanted the most was to impress his father. That cold and distant man. He needed to feel his warm through a praise.

"Yeah... ", Daego's voice sounded dejected, hopeless. "However, I don't think he will change his opinion of me."

"You sure are...", Rayzzen replied, shaking his head. "My brother has a stern temper... he expects great things from his children, and that's how it should be, given that he was raised by father to be the man he is today. Your grandfather was terribly strict, especially with your father, his heir."

"Father has never spoken to me about him" uttered Daego, amused by the different people that were on the great avenue. Each one was even weirder than the one before.

"It's no wonder, your grandfather wasn't exactly a loving man." Rayzzen laughed even louder as he stuck a strand of hair behind his ear. "Satsukineo has surely had enough of listening to their stories."

"My brother?", asked Daego, puzzled.

"That's right. That's because he has to be the next heir. Your father expects him to be stern, strict, blah, blah, blah... A great leader for his people!", he dramatically exclaimed, raising his arms. "Just as he expects Oyori to do his duty as the second son, to become the leader of the clan's warriors."

"I get it..."; muttered Daego, his head down. There was that idea that had been stuck in his head and made him fall apart, and now his uncle had just delved into the matter. His eyes got inevitably teary." I'm the third son...

"You are wrong about that", shouted Rayzzen.

Daego was surprised by his uncle's cheerful voice tone. Once he looked up, he found him smiling kindly.

"He really hates it when you try to emulate your siblings, for their destinies are completely different from yours. Your destiny is to..."

"Daego abruptly interrupted his uncle, and he felt once again overwhelmed by his emotions. He could feel his eyes tearing up.

"What are you talking about?", asked Rayzzen, confused. He had to stop and face his nephew.

"Well...". Daego closed his eyes, for they were burning, and he didn't want his uncle to see weakness in him. He wanted to show him that he wasn't a kid anymore, so he put on his best smile before answering. "

Eventually, he became unable to control it and ended up in floods of tears. He lowered his head while rubbing his eyes bitterly. If he hadn't done so, he would have noticed how Rayzzen's face became clouded by his words.

His uncle made a swift movement and slapped him hard in the face. Daego was caught off guard and felt to the ground right on his ass. He was so shocked that he turned into stone. When he looked at his uncle's eyes, he could tell how full of rage Rayzzen was. It looked like a dark and distant storm. Noiseless.

"", settled Rayzzen, before the astonished gaze of Daego and the curious passers-by. "

"How others perceive you is based to a large extent on what you carry inside. Do you understand what I mean?" Rayzzen then held out his hand to Daego, to help him get up from the ground. "If you think you're guilty of your mother's death, everyone else will think so. She gave her life to bring his son into the world. You must honor the love and light of this deed, you ought to honor her memory. Don't let it turn into darkness."

"I... I didn't..." stuttered Daego, overwhelmed. "I've never thought of it that way." He finally managed to say.

Rayzzen smiled fondly at his nephew and gave him a big hug.

"Ultreia", he whispered to his ear. "This iswhere your journey begins. The forging of the paladin will commence".