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The Paladin Way
an illustrated tale
page 1


    It took several weeks for the party to reach Karkos.  During that journey Garalt could feel himself becoming stronger, faster, but he was beginning to feel something else too.  He was unable to understand what it was, but he knew it was there.  During the trip Alyia seemed to notice it too, she was acting differently toward Garalt, as if she sensed something was wrong.  Garalt didn't think her feelings were at all warranted, he didn't see anything wrong with himself, but he also knew that her love for him allayed any worries she had.
    Three days into the borders of Karkos, Garalt and his party reached the Paladin Citadel, a series of ancient ruins and strange monoliths that the Order of Huldrain held sacred.  It wasn't long after they arrived till they were greeted by familiar faces.

    "Garalt!  I am thankful you survived your ordeal at the Tower of Olyian." Garn smiled at the young knight.
    "I'm thankful as well, Garn.  Moraine, how is life as the Patriarch treating you?"
    "I'm not used to so much reverence, it's all much to formal for my tastes," Moraine smiled.
    "So what brings you to Karkos, Garalt?" Garn asked.
    "Well, to be honest I've come here on a mission."
    "A mission?" Moraine pondered.
    "Yes, you see I recently obtained a letter, and in that letter I discovered that the mother who bore me and the mother I grew up with are not the same person.  My mother was a Huldrain Priestess."
    "Is that so?" Moraine beamed, "what was her name?"
    "Lady Kiana Di'Anlan."
    The three paladins who came to greet them gave out a simultaneous gasp.  Phollnar immediately got down on one knee and said a quick prayer.  Garn and Moraine seemed to do the same, though they did not prostrate themselves.
    "Is that a bad thing?" Garalt looked at the three, puzzled.  Garalt looked back at Alyia who shrugged.
    "Oh, no boy, not at all.  If you truly are the son of Lady Di'Anlan, then it's subject for celebration," Moraine smiled.
    "Why is that?"
    "Lady Di'Anlan," Garn began, "was our high priestess many years ago, she was the one responsible for training all the new paladins in the way of healing.  Her gift was outstanding, people said there was no wound too severe for her to heal."
    "This is why I've come here," Garalt said slowly.
    "Oh?" Moraine said, laying one of his hands on his hip.
    "I wish to learn the ways of the paladin.  I'm sorry to say that I'm not here to join your order however."
    "Well, young knight, the Order of Huldrain does not turn anyone away who wishes to learn the art of healing," Garn said, "though we always prefer new members to our order whenever we can get them."
    "Follow me, Garalt," Moraine said, turning and slowly walking into the ruined city.

    It didn't take long for them to reach what looked to be an ancient, broken down church of some kind.  Moraine stopped and looked at Garalt.
    "This is the site where all would be paladins come to gain the power of healing." Moraine said softly.
    "So what would you have me do?" Garalt asked, looking around.
    "Walk into the temple and pass the two tests.  I cannot tell you what the tests are, or that would reveal how to pass them.  You will understand when you enter."
    "Very well."
    "Before the test can begin, however, we cannot be here.  This is something you must do alone," Garn added.  Silently, Garn and Moraine escorted the other travelers to a different part of the city.

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All characters contained within this page and website are purely fictional, any resemblance to persons either living or otherwise is purely coincidental.  All material  contained herein are copyrighted 2001 by and property of Anthony J. Sava III.  Any copying or reproduction of said material is strictly prohibited except with expressed written authorization.