Lightstar Family/Xarnelf/Roleplay 47

To Larmebsi

Xarnelf rode onwards to Larmebsi with his men as the sun began its descent. He reflected on his recent confrontation with his former captain back on the family estate as the trees whipped by. Urjintah Feralgem had been his most trusted friend, a virtual brother to him through shared experience, if not by blood; yet he no longer viewed the world as the young knight now saw it, he was blind to the general stagnation of Taith Aenil, blind to the realm's irreversible deviation from the Path.

And so, they had parted ways on a bitter note, which, though it greatly pained the young noble to have perhaps permanently lost such a good friend, one who had been with him since they were but young lads, he would accept it stoically and unflinchingly, for if it meant that Aenilia would be restored to its former glory, then it would be a necessary sacrifice.

His parents had also been greatly surprised and distressed by his apparent change in both demeanor and character after awakening from his deathly slumber; they neither condoned nor understood his decision to leave their native realm and join those whom they believed were the heretical rebels. Xarnelf had left the estate immediately after his father struck him a blow across the head for the first time that he could remember in his life, while his mother sat trembling in tears and confused about all that was taking place within Idapur and the surrounding regions.

The young knight gritted his teeth and blocked out the painful conflicts from his mind. Lord Orphen had informed Xarnelf of the possible consequences resulting from his decision to help him in revitalizing Aenildom, and the noble had understood and accepted them willingly, for their goal was one greater than all of them. Their duty, their purpose, was much more important than any personal matters, for such concerns were insignificant and petty when viewed in the grand picture, when so much more than their individual lives was at stake.

Xarnelf slowed down his horse's pace and signaled back to his second. The man came up the ranks and saluted, waiting for orders.

"Minlot, send a couple men ahead in search of a suitable clearing for us to set up camp. Since the sunset soon approaches, we shall rest in this area for the night and continue towards Larmebsi at first light."

Briefly, the knight wondered what Lord Orphen had in store for him when he arrived at his destination as instructed, but he brushed the thought aside as quickly as it came; he would find out soon enough.