Way of the Warrior Saints/Saint Valmyre
Saint Valmyre has long been considered the patron saint of the lands of Eston. His dedication to chivalry and courtly behaviour has made him a favourite saint of Knights as well.
Traditionally, Saint Valmyre is portrayed as wearing a full suit of gilded plate armor, an ermine cloak, and a wielding a greatsword. He carries three blue spears on his back.
History
Hearken, all ye Eston, as I tell you of Saint Valmyre of Eston and of his courage and dedication to his land and his King!
For Valmyre was a cavalier and a great horsemen of Hawrthune, which would one day settle the city of Hawthorne. Valmyre was fabled for having never been unseated in a joust, and his bravery inspired many songs and deeds.
There came a time in the land, when wicked rebels, and foreigners from afar conspired to unseat the King. Valmyre was offered the throne, if only he would betray his liege. He refused, and armed only with three spears and his steed, he slew the traitors and rebels and their henchmen, and protected the honour of the throne. In gratitude for his faithfulness and loyalty, the King gilded Sir Valmyre's armor, and honored him with a grand quest as Eston's Champion.
His task was to locate and make a pilgramage to the Mountain where the Father of Earth and Stones slumbered, and protect it on a vigil. Valmyre traveled for many years before locating the Holy Mountain at World's End, and had many adventures along the way. When at last he arrived, he set upon his vigil, and prayed and meditated for ten, then twenty years.
Many fell beasts tried to disturb his watch, and many fair maidens sought him out to disuade him from mission, but his purity of purpose defeated them. When at last his vigil was complete, he arose. Rather than the elderly man he should have been, he had been born anew, vibrant and bathed in holy radiance, armed with the wisdom of the Earth and Stones.
He returned to Eston, galloping on a mighty steed with hooves of golden fire, and presented his King with earth from the Holy Mountain. The King rejoiced and wept tears of joy, and died a proud sovereign. Saint Valmyre buried him in Hawrthune, and covered him with the blessed soil.
It is said that the fabled king still rests under Hawthorne, returned to the earth in the most righteous way, and Saint Valmyre still rides the fields and forests of Eston, a Warrior Saint until the Father awakens again.
Go now in faith, and may Saint Valmyre guide your hearts and your steps as you go about your day and fufil your duty!
(The teachings of Saint Valmyre are still being researched in the libraries at Hawthorne.)
