Paladin - the path begins

Chapter 13

Tar'vid caught his first glimpse of Fernhaven as they crested Ford's Ridge, it was more than he'd expected of a port town... though after seeing the glory of Keldran he wasn't as impressed as he might have once been.

"Your first time here?" Morkin asked as they descended the ridge and down through the patchwork of fields, now sprinkled with the first signs of snow. There was no sign of the plague that had ravaged the south lands for the last few years, as farm hands looked up at the mercenary bands passing. These last people would have to leave soon if they were to avoid the bad snowfall the north was famous for.

"Yes, it's the first town I've seen since I left Whitecliff" he replied after a moment, leaving out his time in Keldran.

Morkin furrowed his brow, stroking his beard triumphantly. "What about Keldran?" he asked suspiciously.

"That was no town, more a gleaming beacon surrounded by fields" Tar'vid replied without missing a beat, he had thought Karhald would tell Morkin eventually and decided there wouldn't be much point lying when rumbled. "Though when I was there things were... messy" Tar'vid told him sadly, remembering his last moments with Luna.

Morkin clapped his shoulder firmly, any apprehension Tar'vid had about the revelation dissipating. "I know, Karhald filled me in. If it's of any help, I have known you but a short while and your actions are not those of an assassin... from my limited experience in such matters. Besides, Fernhaven has no love for their elven rulers" Morkin chuckled.

They carried on towards Fernhaven in high spirits, the sky remaining clear as they approached the town gates. A trail of people lining the streets now and Tar'vid could feel their gazes upon him as he heard whispers throughout the crowd. There was a ragged camp of tents and converted waggons near the walls and Tar'vid wondered what was going on.

"It's worse than when we left" Morkin whispered to him, having drawn his weapon. Tar'vid realised the others had done likewise.

Tar'vid scanned the crowd of men, women and children. They were mostly dirty and ragged, though some seemed as if they had only just arrived, confusion on their faces as well.

"What's happening here?" Tar'vid asked, wondering why these people weren't inside the walls of Fernhaven.

"The plague my friend, it hasn't touched Fernhaven yet and unlike Whitecliff, there is only a small paladin shrine here. None of your order resides here due to some war or other centuries ago" Morkin replied as the waggon came to a slow halt in front of a hastily constructed barricade.

"Greetings master Genstark!" called a well-dressed man from up ahead, his dark beard neatly trimmed like Morkin's.

"Greetings Lisander, how are the children. I hope your health is steadily improving now?" replied Bruhnel cordially, rummaging for something beside him. Lisander tucked his thumbs into his belt, sauntering up to the side of the cart, his breastplate gleaming in the sun.

"They be doing well, though I'd be happier if this riff raff weren't here, only got one doctor willing to help out here and he gotta check them one at a time for symptoms... most of 'em will starve before they get in, poor bastards" Lisander told Bruhnel, moving his left hand to the hilt of his sword as the gathered people started moving.

"Well, is it just the usual crew with you master Genstark?" he asked after a moment, his hand moving away from the blades hilt as the crowd stopped once more.

"Afraid not my friend, poor Ulkirk caught an arrow in the gullet and fair Helena took a nasty axe blow to the skull... I always told the girl to wear a helmet... ah, I also acquired a rather handsome young fellow on the road" Bruhnel replied, then indicated towards Tar'vid.