A Bloodied Traveler Approaches

“Thalenir, quickly, go find Adyslaine. “

Kirell helps the man to a chair, as he begins to question him about his wounds.

That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

That which does kill us makes us stronger still!

Thalenir utters a brief incantation and vanishes in a flash of blue light.

The stranger accepts Kirell's help and falls weakly into the seat. "Don't worry about me, angori. I'll live. It's my squire. He needs a healer." He gestures toward the cart.

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Dreygor steps out of the warriors hall and notices Kirell and the new comer.

"Good evening Kirell what seem to be going on here?" Dreygor notices the squire in the cart. "Oh poor soul, what has happened? Kirell have you sent for a healer? I might have something here to help if we can get him to swallow." Dreygor produces a small vile full of clear blue liquid and proceeds to try and let the squire drink. "This healing potion should atleast help a little." Dreygor waits to see if there is any effect.

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

Looking upon the squire, Dreygor sees that his face is ashen and pale, and his breathing is labored. The squire coughs as Dreygor pours the potion down his throat. A hint of color returns to his face and his eyes flutter open, but he seems too disoriented to sit up or speak.

The man in the chair nods toward Dreygor. "I am in your debt, friend. It will be my honor to repay your kindness as soon as I am able."

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Dreygor smiles at the squire and places some straw from the cart under his head. He the turns to the gentalman and says.

"No payment needed good sir, we are glad to help out anyway we can. I am Dreygor and this big fellow here is Kirell. Welcome to Jastrey. May I ask what happened to you and your friend here?"

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"Well met, Dreygor. And you as well, Kirell. I am Sir Crasist Galloway." He rises, unsteady but resolute, and shakes Dreygor's hand. "The lad in the cart there is my squire, Saul. We traveled here out of Tarkalsys on the trail of a vampire named Scorsha. I slew the wretch last night, but as you can see, she put up quite a fight. It's my fault for not fighting her during the day, but alas, it couldn't be helped."

"Much as I hate to impose, Saul and I are in need of shelter, repairs, and supplies. I regret that we have little to offer in return but our gratitude. Were I not duty-bound to remain until my task is complete, be assured I would not burden you so. Do you know of any in this town who would succor a valiant of Lemesin and his squire?"

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Dreygor smiles at the knight. His eyes affix on the emblem across the knights neck as if trying to remember something, he then looks up again and speaks.

"Well met indeed Sir Galloway. We have lodging here at the warriors hall. You and your squire may stay there as long as you need to. Also judging by the damage to your armor and sword you could use a blacksmith to help repair the damage. We have a forge there as well and I would be willing to assist you in fixing your gear. We may talk more about your endevor once you two are looked after by our healer Haven and have had a good hot meal."

Dreygor then helps the man get his gear and asks Kirell to help with the squire knowing the big angori is twice as strong as he is. Dreygor can be seen looking sometimes at the emblem as the gentalmen walk torwards the hall.

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"Your charity is refreshing, Dreygor. I've not seen its peer for some time now. Warrior's hall, you say?" Crasist grins broadly. "I suspect that will do just fine."

Crasist follows Dreygor in the direction of the warrior's hall. Noting Dreygor's interest, he holds up the emblem. "Do you know of the Circle of Swords, Dreygor?"

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Dreygor looks up at the man and speaks.

"Not much, I have only seen it once, and that was when I was but 4 years old. My father wore one similar to yours. He was taken from me when I was a child. I didn't know much about my father only that he was a devote warrior. I used to hear him ask for blessings from Lemesin before he would leave for a battle. One night he just never returned. The very next morning I found my mother lying dead in her bed. My niehgbors took me in and taught me the ways of the sword, however I am not sure this is my true path."

Dreygor pauses for a moment then speaks again.

"Oh well, enough about the past, lets get you two settled in shall we."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

Crasist frowns. "I am truly sorry for your loss, Dreygor, though I am heartened that you seem to have weathered such tragedy all the stronger. If what you say is true, I suspect your father was an adherent of the Shining Knight, if not a valiant as I am."

"As I said, this," he holds up the emblem, "is the circle of swords. It is the symbol of our knightly duty and brotherhood." He traces his finger around the outside of the emblem. "At the edge of the circle, we find purpose, comradery, and valor in protecting the innocent and opposing the wicked through strength of arms." He points to the empty center of the emblem. "At its center, we find peace, honor, and virtue, the things which we seek to protect."

Crasist smiles. "Like any symbol, it is only what we make of it. I like to think of it as the promise of peace within war for those who follow the valiant's path, of a heart unfettered by a warrior's regret."

"But I digress. Yes, let's get settled in and tend to Saul. Then, if you like, we can talk further on this."

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Upon hearing the news of a newcomer to town and the condition in which the new comer entered Jastrey, Kevass comes to assess the situation. "Sir Knight what is afoot? Is there any aid in which I can provide you? It appears you have come fresh from battle. Has whoever that did this to you and your man followed you here? Should we be on alert?" Kevass pauses to remember some since of decorum. "Sir I apologize. I am Sheriff Kevass the Outcast and I am charged with the protection of Jastrey and her surrounding areas. Forgive me for being so jumpy and abrupt. We have had many troubled times in the past. Sometimes my zealousness for my duties get in the way of my manners. Are you and your fellow alright? Has someone attended to your wounds? May I have the pleasure of your name? And what is your story?" Kevass presents his hand in the gesture of a hand shake towards the Knight.

Says the Wise Old Owl

Dreygor smiles at Kevass and speaks.

"Slow down there friend, Kirell and I have already attended to the ernest matters this gentalman had, for it was Kirell that saw them coming down the street entering Jastery. I will let Sir Galloway tell you all you need to know, but lets first get him comfortable. It is my understanding Kirell asked Thalenir to get Adyslaine in order to check out the condition of the young man Saul" Dreygor eyes the younger man Kirell carries.

As they enter the Warriors hall Dreygor drops the mans armor and sword over by the forge, and shows the knight to the living quarters.

"Its not much, but it serves us well, the brave dwarf who once called this home died protecting the town from a dragon not a month ago. He was a brave man, and we all counted him as a friend and mentor. Please get comfortable. I will go to the tavern and fetch us some good stew and mead, that will allow you to tell your story to our sheriff here."

With that Dreygor parts torwards the Tavern.

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

Sabian enters the hall. " I heard some people talking about some newcomers to town and that one is badly hurt." Upon seeing Sauls wounds Sabian approches and starts checking the wounds (DIAGNOSIS). " What the hell happend to ya boy?"

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

Crasist calls after Dreygor. "Thank you, good sir, but let us discuss this back at the tavern and give good Saul here a chance to rest. I'll be along in a moment."

Crasist shakes Kevass' hand. "Well met, Sheriff. My name is Sir Crasist Galloway. No need for concern. It is as Dreygor says; he and Kirell have been most gracious in attending to us. I am glad that you came, however. There's much we should discuss about the possible threat to... Jastrey, was it? Please join me back at the tavern so we can discuss it in more detail. I should be along shortly."

Crasist kneels beside Saul as Sabian examines him (PM incoming). "I trust you're a healer. Is there anything you can do for my squire?"

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

" I am indeed, apparently the only one left in town." Sabian starts casting a spell. " With the power of shadows and darkness I heal your wounds.(heal 40)" "As the shadows are renewd at dawn so are your limbs.(regenerate all)" Then he turns to Crasit and gives him 3 heal 40s.

" There also seems to be something else wrong with him that I can't figure out."

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

"Thank you for your assistance Sabian" Kevass turns to follow Sir Crasist "You have my attention. What is the threat you speak of?"

Says the Wise Old Owl

At first, Sabian's healing seems to stir Saul from his stupor. "Wha...?" he mumbles dimly. But then his eyes fix on the ceiling, his face contorts in a look of terror, and he passes out once more. Those who continue to watch over him see him toss and mumble restlessly, as if he's having a nightmare.

"Shh, rest now," Crasist says to his squire. Sabian's magic washes over the knight, mending his wounds and restoring some color to his face. "You are most kind, master healer. I trust he'll live now. Whether or not he can come to terms with what he's seen... well, let's just say even magic can't heal some wounds." Crasist shakes his head sadly and rises.

"I should be off to the tavern, now. You are, of course, welcome to join us if you like. I trust this concerns you as much as anyone in Jastrey." With that, he heads back to the Shady Corner along with Kevass.

Arriving in the tavern, Crasist wastes no time with his explanation. "As I told Dreygor, my squire and I came to this shard out of Tarkalsys on the trail of a notorious vampire named Scorsha. We finally caught up with her in the night. I slew her, but as you can see, it was a hard-won fight, and I was unable to exterminate all of her minions."

"The threat of which I speak is not so immediate as it was before. At the same time, it is perhaps more troublesome. As the master vampire, Scorsha was able to keep her minions in check. Now they are free to disperse and go into hiding. It may take some time to track them all down, and by then, their numbers may be such that I would require assistance in completing my task. Have you any able-bodied souls who would risk such an errand, Sheriff?"

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

"I have a few in mind that may lend their services. With the capability of these poor tortured souls to spread this vampiric disease, there must be a cleansing of the land of their affliction. Our swift action will assuredly slow, if not stop their spread. Is there any training or tips you can provide for vampire hunting. Guide me Sir Crasist. I am with you."

Says the Wise Old Owl

"I too will help with the cleansing. Can't have undead spreading about Jastrey, but until then let us have a drink and eat."

Dreygor eyes the medallion around the knights neck again.

"Tell me sir Crasist, tell me of Lemesin, and what it means to be a valiant in his name. Something in my heart tells me it may shead some light about my father, maybe help me understand why he so fequently went to battle."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

Sabian follows the rest into the tavern.

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

"I admire your courage, Sheriff, and your thirst for insight, Dreygor." Crasist smiles and sits. "It occurs to me I've yet to celebrate Scorsha's demise, and I could use a hearty meal. Come, let us sup and I shall tell you all that you wish to know."

Unless asked more specific questions, Crasist spends several long hours discussing the finer points of vampire slaying and the valiant's code before retiring to the warrior's hall.

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

After hearing all the tales the knight has to tell, Dreygor asks

"So how does one become a paladin Sir Crasist? Your path interests me much and I would like to learn more about it. I have traveled my current path for too long with no true satisfaction or sence that I am doing right. I feel lost with no direction. I feel there is something more that I must do, and I felt a certain tug when you entered Jastrey. One that I couldn't resist, like something called me to your aide before I even knew you were there. Is that strange?"

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

Crasist nods. "Not strange at all, my friend. Unfortunately, one cannot simply be trained as a paladin in the way you might learn to swing a sword or cast a spell. You must be put through the Trials, a dangerous ordeal that tests the limits of your heart as much as the strength of your steel. It is not something to undertake lightly. Most men spend years preparing for it, and many have perished in the attempt. But it is the only way..."

Crasist considers for a moment. "If you or any other would seek to undertake the Trials, I... can administer them. However, my duty requires that I find and slay Scorsha's minions first. Aid me in that task and I will perform the ritual."

"But be forewarned, Dreygor. Unless your heart is pure, the Trials may destroy you or leave you forever scarred. Take some time and search within yourself. Be sure of your conviction. There is no shame in backing down. I've known good men who followed the path of the valiant without bearing the title."

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Upon hearing Dreygor and Crasist's conversation, "Sir Crasist my convictions are great. I am willing to suffer the consequences of the Trials as well, if you will have me. I am no braggart, but I have done research on Lemesin and I find his philosophy to be very close to my heart. I will be steadfast and sure hearted to Lemesin's cause. My desire for justice rules me. I know that the walk for a paladin is a solitary one" Kevass turns to Dreygor ", but I am glad that you will be attempting these trials around the same time as I. I am not sure what they will hold, but maybe we can help each other at some point." Kevass turns back to Crasist " I know first things first we must deal with the problem at hand."

Says the Wise Old Owl

Kevass peers out the tavern window to check things out on the streets of Jastrey. He notices all the doors and shutters to the Warrior's Hall are closed up tight. Thinking it odd Kevass turns to Dreygor and Crasist, "Why would all of the doors and shutters be closed at the Warrior's Hall in a time of low alert?"

Says the Wise Old Owl

" So what you said is you have to kill all of Scorsha's minions before you can train them, what happens if you can't find them all? Do these fellas just not get trained? Me I'm not a very trusting person so I can't help but wonder if maybe your just gonna string em along get what you want out of the deal and possibly get them killed in the process. Espeacially seeing Sauls current state. I mean theres something wrong with him that can't be healed."

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

Crasist casts Sabian a curious glance. "What I am saying is that my first duty is to eradicate these creatures. I am perfectly happy to aid these fine men in following the path of the valiant, and will gladly do so regardless of their assistance, but I cannot until my task is complete. Yes, helping me may be dangerous, as I'm sure Kevass and Dreygor here have already gathered, as much as I'm sure they understand doing so is the most expedient way to see my duty fulfilled."

Crasist rises and joins Kevass by the window. He furrows his brow as he looks toward the warrior's hall. "Perhaps Kirell closed the windows to let Saul sleep...?"

Over his shoulder, he continues speaking to Sabian. "You are free to trust me or not, good healer. I can only say that I bear you no ill will and hope that, in time, my deeds are enough to prove my words. As for Saul, I myself know little of the healing arts. What is it you think is wrong with him, beyond his wounds, I mean?"

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama

Dreygor looks out across the way with the others torwards the hall.

"I have a sinking feeling in my gut that this is not the doing of our friend gentalmen. Call it a sixth sence, but I feel the touch of something evil here. Perhaps we should go check it out."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

"In the action of kill or be killed, greater love hath no man then to lay down his life for a friend."

" You claim to have been fighting a vampire, if in fact it's the same vampire I met on that ice covered shard I'm sure she could have done any number of things to him."

" A-bra-ca-dab-bra homes."

As Kevass listen's to Dreygor and Sabian's assessment of the young squire Saul. He hears an Angorian roar from the Warrior's hall. "That was Kirell." Kevass draws his blade and rushes out the door. He sprints towards the Warrior's Hall.

Says the Wise Old Owl

Without a moment's hesitation, Crasist rushes out of the tavern along with Kirell.

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain."
- Wizard of Oz

"Ah, my ridiculously circuitous plan is one-quarter complete."
- Robot Devil, Futurama