| Validar Cereld asks about some sort of nickname to call Validar. It does not meet with approval from the noble warrior. "My name is Validar Van Arkus. I prefer to be called Validar, thank you."
The meeting with Captain Shea went well. "There is much good that we can do in the Frontier and word abounds that there is much treasure and much glory to be had. While under Captain Francel's command, we engaged many humanoids bands in the initial Frontier area just to the east and south of Gateway. Hunting their leaders down alone would be a boon to Cynalon's safety."
Validar is quite satisfied with the arrangements. The Crown is truly interested in claiming Keln lands and the incentive is not only great, but by using adventuring bands, King Victor is saving his troops as much as possible. Since they did not do much pursuing, only patrolling and engaging, Validar lost few men in his commands.
Captain Shea indicates that we are to meet with General Logan in Gateway upon arriving. "The General is a family friend, Captain. I look forward to meeting up with General Logan again. He is one of the great heroes of Cynalon." Sir Logan Rowan was also a general and was the father of one of Validar's childhood friends, Corley Rowan. He had heard that Corley was back in Pyris, training under Sir Belfor. Still it would be wonderful to meet General Logan again.
Validar's impression of the group was a good one. The elf Finrod was a mercenary, and that could cause problems in the future, but he clearly was a seasoned fighter and would be good to have around.
The swordswoman named Stephanie was obviously a great potential. She apparently had lived on a farm and based on her appearance was quite a powerful individual. She would be one of the front-line fighters with Validar himself, he was sure.
The elfin female named Dalliance was quite exotic and her quiet manner gained Validar's respect quickly. He would be curious what her experiences were and what she would be able to add to the party.
TiCat was an odd looking, almost feral, young man. Validar would keep his eye on this one. Not sure how much he could be trusted to follow orders, but he had the ook of one who knew his bow well and the archery skills assembled here would only benefit the group. And for now that would the group leader's problem anyway.
Which led him to regard Cereld. An interesting choice of leader, that was to be sure. Validar did not much trust priests nor their deities. However, if there was one to have leading you, a priest of Heironeous would be the one. Cereld did not exactly look the part of the previous warrior priests of the god of valor, that Validar had seen before. He was not sure that Cereld would eb the right leader for this group, but things could change in time. For now, Validar would wait and try to fit in.
Reagrding the dwarf, Validar had never really met one closely before. He heard they were good fighters and hoped that Flint, despite appearances, would live up to that billing.
Merlin added some magick abilities. Hopefully one or both of the elves did as well. Likely Dalliance for certain.
As for Validar, he was ready to gain some glory here in the Frontier. The situation back home in Pyris, despite the bandit troubles initiated by Elcadan, was basically safe and normal, which meant boring as far as combat and adventure were concerned. His father was a well-loved baron and was relatively young. It would likely be quite a long time before Pyruis would be his, so there was much to try and accomplish in the meantime. Validar had trained under several knights and had charge of two different units of infantry in the Frontier. Mostly they skirmished with nomadic and roaming bands of humanoids which infested the Frontier lands now that the Keln Imperium had fallen. He had faced kobolds, goblins and hobgolins mostly, with a few encounters with bugbears and gnolls. Validar was now free of his military requirements to the crown and anxious to make a name for himself. This group would likely be as good as any to begin that task.
"Welcome to the newcomers, Arafel and Raeden. May we meet with much battle, glory and honor." Validar is not much impressed by a druid, but he hopes that perhaps it is just misinformation and prejudice that clouds his judgement. He had only ever encounter one druid personally before while on duty in the Frontier and that encounter was irritating at best.
Arafel on the other hand was quite the beauty. She was not truly gorgeous, but her mannerisms and shyness were appealing. By her accent, she was from the southwestern part of Cynalon, likely rural Athenos or perhaps Tothmeer. Her curly dark auburn hair drew Validar's attention, but he was to find out that the true best feature of the lady was her enchanting emerald eyes.
The ride went smoothly and Validar tried to chit chat with certain members fo the group when they stopped for camp. While riding, he took the rear, in order to protect against ambushes. They were not likely to see much here, but the outer lands did have bandits and occassional bands of humanoids causing trouble.
On the second day, the sounds of swords clashing reaches Validar's ears. He urges his warhorse out to the side of the column to see what is happening and his keen eyesight picks out a group of bandits assaulting a caravan up ahead. They are some 90 yards away and behind them, Validar can make out some larger humanoids, perhaps ogres and their leader, a cleric of Hextor.
Validar urges Havok forward and lowers his lance to charge. As he is about to slam down the visor of his great helm, he hears Cereld yelling orders, wanting Validar to go after the bandits. Validar slows for a second, surprised at these words. The bandits are all spread out and the cleric is the true danger, as are those ogres. And yet, he has himself, the mage and the dwarf the only ones in the frontal attack. Validar almost cannot believe the thought. A few of the group issue some objections and he makes changes, but the time for attack is now.
Validar makes his decision. The cleric will kill some of them and those ogres are powerful opponents to trifle with if something is not done quickly. Validar decides to avoid getting into a word exchange and slams down the visor of his great helm.
With a cleric of the wargod Hextor on the field, Validar urges his charge riding with him, the lovely ranger named Arafel, off my mount, Havok. With a quick adjustment of his shield, he lowers his lance in the direction of the ebon armored cur. After a brief moment's pause, to ensure my rider is away, Validar charges full tilt at the cleric.
"Avatar of war and combat your kind claim to be, but I call you a lowly slug! Prepare to meet the cretin you worship, souless slug!"
Validar will thunder toward the priest and attempt to impale the dog upon his lance. If the cleric survives the rush, I will then carry on well beyond the group to avoid melee combat and rush him again.
If the cleric falls, then turn my attention to the bandits, chasing them down one at a time from horseback. I shall use my blade only if necessary. The ogres should be dealt with by that time.
| 
