True Knight

Keldren sat in the quiet study of the Aravel Estate, enjoying a hot cup of tea. Standing beside him was Jaredyn, the head butler of the household. This study was a place of solitude, where only the family and their most trusted servants and workers were allowed to enter. Ancient tomes lined the heavy wooden bookshelves that spanned across all four walls. The only break in the sea of books was the door to the study itself. In the center of the room was a large circular table with a large hole in the middle surrounded by many well padded leather chairs.

After emptying his cup, Keldren waved his hand over a smooth oval shaped white crystal mounted on the table. A soft glow resonated from the crystal as waves of arcane energy swirled within it. Gentle mechanical sounds emanated from the center of the table as a circular platform, the exact size and shape of the opening rose, filling in the empty space. On the platform was a large clear crystal ball.

“Will there be anything else, Master Keldren,” Jaredyn asked as he placed the empty cup on his tray.

“I wish you would stop calling me Master Keldren,” Keldren responded. “Just Keldren will do.”

“I understand your feelings regarding noble titles Master Keldren,” Jaredyn replied unapologetically, “but you are my employer’s son, an elf I greatly admire and respect. And it is due to my reverence that I properly address such respect with the appropriate etiquette to him and to his family.”

“But I am asking you to stop.”

“Let me ask you this, Master Keldren,” the butler said. “Why do you continue to address those of status with their proper titles if you harbor such dislike for such protocols?”

Keldren stared at Jaredyn and had an answer but it was an answer he didn’t like. Keldren was always cordial and polite in social settings because he was brought up that way. But more importantly, unless said person proved to be unworthy of such respect, he felt obligated by duty and honor in giving such recognition where it was justified. “I’m not going to win this one, am I?” he admitted.

“No and I don’t see why you continue to try,” Jaredyn smiled, “but then again, stubbornness seems to be a family trait.”

“It appears the trait isn’t restricted just to my family,” Keldren retorted.

Jaredyn smiled even more. “Well, we could continue this discussion till nightfall but you have the orb up, so I will provide you with privacy.”

The butler walked out of the room with the tea tray, closing the heavy door behind him. Keldren stared at the large crystal ball and concentrated. He just had to focus on them and if they were near the sister orb, the connection would be made. Soft white mist collected within the crystal orb as Keldren’s focus intensified. The once free flowing mist within started to condense into an image.

“All is well, Keldren?” An image of Lhorynna, Keldren’s mother formed within the crystal ball. Next to her was his father, Matheus.

“Yes Mother,” Keldren replied knowing they were receiving his image upon the orb they possessed. “What’s the word from the frontlines?”

“The Offensive is making progress,” Matheus replied. “Hopefully, we will reclaim Quel’Thalas from Kael and Kil’jaeden very soon.”

“How goes with you my son,” Lhorynna asked. “Any news you wish to share?”

“Nothing of note among my duties as a knight or from my services to the Horde,” Keldren answered. “But I did join an organization, actually a church.”

“Oh really?” Lhorynna seemed intrigued. “What is the church’s name?”

“Kiss of the Betrayer.”

Matheus looked disturbed. “Doesn’t sound much like a legitimate church to me. You sure you didn’t join some cult?”

Keldren chuckled, “I am sure. The name was originally developed as a cover to avoid persecution. I have no doubt this church is truly dedicated to the Light.”

“That’s good to hear,” Matheus relaxed. “But I better not hear reports of some radical organization walling themselves in and preparing to perform some massive ritual suicide by drinking tainted moon juice and that you are somehow involved in this.”

“Oh you know me better than that.”

Matheus just stared back, sarcasm running freely. “No ritual suicides, understand?”

“Yes, yes.”

Lhorynna appeared to elbow her husband, who in turn feigned being hurt. She shooed him away and her image occupied most of the crystal ball. “What of the members? What are they like?”

“They are devoted, sensible and kind people. That’s the first impression I got,” Keldren answered. “Ishbaneer is the leader. A Forsaken follower of the Light, leading a church dedicated to the Light. Who would have thought?”

“Sometimes the Light works in mysterious ways,” Lhorynna stated.

Keldren continued, “He seems like a good person. But I always get the feeling he’s shrouded in some secret or he’s trying to hide something.”

“No cults!” Matheus shouted from the background.

Lhorynna shook her head, “Be quiet, will you?”

“No, I don’t think it’s anything sinister,” Keldren added. “Maybe it’s just the burden of leadership? Hopefully I’ll learn more in the near future.”

“Then there’s Uziriaa,” he continued. “He is by far the most personable troll I ever met. And he shows great mercy. In a fit of beserker rage, if I remember his story correctly, he slaughtered a human family save one child whom he managed to avoid killing as the fury faded. He seeks to reconcile with this child.”

“The history between the humans, elves and trolls are littered with blood and death. For a troll to show mercy to a human child and then attempting to heal the wounds of past wrongdoing is truly paramount.”

“That’s what I thought as well. And let’s see,” Keldren tried to mentally start a checklist of those he met. “There’s Melusin. Very polite, even by my standards. He actually called me ‘Lord’ and when I objected, he shifted to ‘Sir’. As a Master Knight, I should have been calling him ‘Lord’. And…I also recall Malagenia, a Forsaken woman with an undead baby…long story. Nicolae, whom I think is Malagenia’s husband. Not too clear on that. Reth or Rethus? We were never formally introduced but from what I gather, he is a mage and a bit stand-offish but not unlikeable. I’m guessing he’s the type you have to know a bit longer before truly knowing who he is.”

Keldren thought for a bit more, “Oh and of course there’s Trinea. I find it fascinating that she appears to be one of the official spokesperson’s of the church. She is clearly younger than I and for someone that young to represent the church in that capacity is quite amazing and impressive.”

“Seems you have found good people,” Lhorynna said. “I can hear the excitement in your voice.”

“Of course!” Keldren replied. “To actually find others in the Horde who reveres the Light is…a blessing. Though our noble status afforded me some leeway, I know many in Silvermoon ridicule or criticize our devotion to the Light. To not stand alone is a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders.”

“I am glad, Keldren,” Lhorynna said hastily, apparently distracted by someone outside the view of the orb, “but it seems your father and I are now needed elsewhere. I look forward to more news of your new friends in the future. Be safe Keldren and may the Light shine upon you.”

“Light be with you both,” Keldren said solemnly as the images faded from the orb.