My adventure started simple enough. I presume life gets more complicated as one ages. Childhood is a blur for most of us, mine most assuredly was. I believe we often look back upon our childhood since it has a lasting effect on shaping our lives. I was the son of groundskeeper in the service of our Baron. My father, Evan, was the hardest working man I ever knew. He always taught me “an honest man is a happy man” and I have always tried to live my life by this simple principle.
It was the spring of 354 AC, my 17th year. The Hero’s of the Lance had just defeated the armies of Takhisis and just like every boy on Krynn, I replayed the final scenes to my own conclusion daily. It was also the eve of my beloved friend’s birthday celebration and his test to be pledged for the knighthood. Winter was determined not to give way to spring that year but preparations were being made with a stubbornness I had not seen before. People arrived from distance lands and other members of the Truheart family assembled upon my lord’s humble but cozy estate. It was one guest that stood apart from all the others and the one that would shape my life going forward. When he arrived, it was like thunder from a distant storm. Sir Gais Uth Strongarm approached the estate upon the most brilliant horse I had ever seen. He sat upon the horse with a pride that almost reached arrogance. He was covered from head to toe with the ancient armor of a Solamnic knight, with beautifully mastered heraldry decorating the breastplate. I had seen a knight before but never one as majestic as Sir Strongarm. It was awe inspiring.
For the most part, I was content on being the son of a groundskeeper. It was my lot in life. However, as I spent more and more time with Gordon I wondered what life would be with his opportunities. He was spoiled as a child but rightfully so; the baron and his wife lost their first three children. He and I would run around like wild dogs at times but we were good lads even if we did found ourselves doing extra chores often. Well, I did mostly; Gordon would usually just chat most of the time while I did the heavy lifting. He would go on for hours about how great of a knight he would be, laying waste to all the dragon high lords that crossed his path. I still looked up to him, I admired how proper he was and I often tried to imitate his behavior. His beloved mother, Lady Vara ran a tight house and made sure Gordon was brought up proper despite Dugan’s subtle attempts to undermine her operation. They were a loving family and I was blessed to be part of it.
Gordon was getting his final fittings for his armor the evening before the tournament. I watched as the smith finished the final adjustments. Gordon was on one of his lectures and I was only half listening when the smith confidently said, “ok, now you.” Me, what did he want from me, I asked? My father arrived with a letter from my mother written several years earlier. I had not seen my mother since she had left when I was but 13 and my father never spoke of her so I never did. I missed her dearly and her words only made me long to see her once more and feel her loving embrace as only a mother can give. Next to him was a worn breastplate with the heraldry removed and the words from my mother explained that she had left it for me and wanted me to make more of my life. I was overcome with emotion so I did not get to enjoy the astonished look on my dear friends face. My father told me I was to also take part in the tournament the next day. I had always trained with Gordon but it was as a sparring partner and more for his benefit than mine. I was nervous, anxious and excited by the unexpected turn of events. But at that very moment, I understood why Sir Strongarm looked as proud upon his horse as I was fitted with my very own armor for the first time.
I had a moment with my father alone when I was finished. No words were said other than thank you but his eyes said it all. Every man wants his son to have a better lot in life than his own.
I did not sleep much that night and the next morning was upon me in an instant. I bested Gordon and the other hopefuls on the field that day. I even won the favor of Amarana, Gordon’s beautiful cousin. It was the beginning of a new life.
Later that evening, Gordon, Amarana, her friend Glora, who took a liking to Gordon caught a ride around the estate. Glora was lovely in an exotic way. She danced that day before the festival and it was like she had cast a spell on every man who looked upon her. Once we reached the out linings of the estate, we were assaulted by highwaymen. We were in a dire situation because they waylaid us too far to get help and they shot our driver who was on the brink of death. It was the first time I felt completely helpless in my life and made me grow up in an instance. They threatened to harm the young ladies, if we did not cooperate and we had to hurry to get the driver the attention he needed. We finally convinced the thieves to take the steele and valuables we had and leave. We drove back to the estate with all haste where we saw firsthand the miracle of the true Gods. Sir Strongarm prayed to heal the good man and the wound closed leaving no scar behind. It was there that Sir Strongarm assured he would sponsor both Gordon and me for the knighthood. He mentioned that Gordon was not going to be sponsored until our bravery with the highwaymen. I believe it was that moment that allowed my dear friend the opportunity for humility to enter his heart.
But it is a difficult for pride to be swept away so easily…
That was very good! I think the tone is just right - I can almost imagine Ardain sitting at his desk and writing or maybe dictating his memoir to a young squire while sitting in front of a cozy fire. His memories seem tempered with the wisdom one would gain as they got older and perhaps he's thinking of his own son as he writes.
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