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The half moon glimmered weakly, barely casting
any light as it glided through the heavens. It would still be several
hours before the sun rose to bring it's warmth.
The muffled figure that was his mother reached for his hand and gently led him
through the quiet streets of the strange town they had only a few days ago reached.
She led him to the Central Plaza where even at this time of night a few people
congregated.
A proud Knight rode nosily by on a war horse, his armour glittering even
in the dim light. A pair of magus floated by on their magic carpets chattering
busily to each other. In the shadows a dark feline shape silently carried
it's rider away from the place.
His mother paused, waiting for something. After a few moments she swung her
head and looked to the South. A group of robed and hooded figures entered silently
and moved to the East. Quietly they followed the group until they went through
a guarded door.
She waited awhile then tentatively, she approached the lone figure who remained
outside. As they approached he noticed the man stiffen slightly as if preparing
for action, there was no sign of a weapon being drawn not even the small sharp
dagger favoured by many citizens for personal defence.
As they approached the light the man seemed to relax and bow low.
"Greetings Lady, I am Brother Rukath Guardian of the door to the Monks
Guild of Devardec. How may I help you at this hour of the night?"
"Brother I come seeking the aid of your Guild. I am with my second Child,
which is due in a couple of months. We are a poor family and can barely feed
three mouths. A fourth will be impossible. We have heard that your guild has
in the past taken in such children as my son and cared for them until they can
choose their own way in the world."
"It is true." Brother Rukath replied. "Though usually the children
are orphaned and alone in the world. If you would wait here I shall send a message
to the head of the Guild."
Ringing a little silver bell, Brother Rukath turned to a young monk who
seemed to appear from nowhere and spoke in a low tone. The monk nodded and
walked into the Guild.
After a few moments an elderly monk appeared. " I am Father Pare Master
of Novices. Our Patron has bid us make all welcome whatever their calling or
station. The Lad shall have a home with us until his eighteenth Birthday when
he shall follow the path of his choosing."
His mother nodded a thanks to Father Pare and bent to hug her son one last time.
"Be well Keraptis, I love you more than life, but for now you will be better
off with these kind monks. Follow your heart and remember I do no leave you
lightly."
With a sound like a stifled sob she was gone into the darkness. Keraptis turned
to Father Pare. "Sir?"
"Come with me Keraptis, we shall find you a bed for the night and in the
morning you can begin your education"
Keraptis pulled himself up to his full 34 inch height, squared his shoulders
and looked Father Pare full in the eye. "I thank you sir. One day I
shall repay this Guild for it's kindness to me."
Turning his back on a world he barely knew he walked into the Guild and his
new home. |
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