Your name is Valani. Born the seventh son of a rich noble family, you were left with almost no inheritance. The king at that time was greedy and cruel. In your fifteenth summer, there was a peasant uprising, aided by renegade knights, that toppled the kingdom. The poor folk were glad to see the old ruler go, but that was not the case with your family and other nobles, for they went into hiding and planned a countercoup that would restore the old order of things. You were left behind, preferring to stay and see what would happen. For the next year, you secretly spied on things as the new regime took over. Surprisingly, during this time, your sympathies changed . You began to see things as the poor folk did, and realized the corruption of the old system. At the end of the year, you boldly walked to the palace and disowned your family and noble heritage, pledging total allegiance to the new king. You quickly became steadfast friends, especially after you told the king of the planned attack by the old nobles.

     When the invasion came, you and your new friends were ready. But the nobles' methods were brutal, and the kingdom began to falter. Soon, you realized the need for a more organized defense, and joined the army. You were then twenty-one. Due to your strength, skill, and brilliant tactician's mind, you quickly rose through the ranks of the army, and soon were second only to the king himself. You welded the ragtag army into a cohesive fighting force, and began to win decisive battles. After two years, your army stood at the gates of the last stronghold of the noble families. A siege of three months ended the war. You married the king's beautiful daughter, and settled down to live a happy life. You soon had one child, a son named Evelian.

     But the king fell ill seven years later, and soon died. A struggle began to claim the throne. The king's two twin sons fought viciously over the title, and the country was at war once more. Fearing for the lives of your wife and son, you fled the country and settled in a small town, becoming a farmer. . .


     Ten years later: There have been reports of brigands in your area, but none were confirmed. One normal day, you head to town to buy a new plow. When you return, you call out. Nobody replies. Fearing the worst, you rush into your house. There, lying in a pool of blood, your wife is slumped on the floor. With a heart-rending cry, you rush to her side. She smiles weakly up at you, and then whispers feebly:
     "Evelian has been taken. Promise me you will find him. Promise me, Valani."
     "I will seek him until I find him or death claims me first."
     She looks at you once more, her eyes full of love, then says "Thank you." She goes limp in your arms, dead. Engulfed in grief, you eat nothing for three days. Then, remembering Evelian and your vow, you enter the house. Opening a clothes drawer, you throw out the clothes, and remove a sword. Shining brilliantly, its blade is as sharp as ever. You swing it experimentally, then, satisfied, leave the house. With a look of grim determination on your face, you leave along the road. Pausing for a moment, you look once more at your wife's fresh grave, then turn to go.