laneys.info Beware of Yankees, drunks, and loose women.

"And may the light of His wisdom guide you all," the priest's raised arms blessed the small congregation as he ended his sermon. Howard rose with everyone else and moved forward instead of back towards the foyer. He had other things on his mind other than a large dinner this day. Turning left, he walked quietly towards the polished wooden podium and passed it as the elder priest gathered his tome and closed it.

"Something on your mind, my son?"

Howard glanced up to the white haired servant of the God of Justice. "I'm fine, Father. Thanks."

Nodding, the robed cleric resumed his departure as the knight continued along the gallery towards the rear of the church. Columns of light streamed in through the three tall windows, bathing the large sarcophagi of Duke Lericanin, Lady Nyrellia and their first son, Sir Alexander. Reverently, he knelt in prayer, closing his eyes.

"Whatever it takes, give me the strength to help them return home," he pleaded as emotions welled. "I know you've set examples that have become higher than us, but you've never forsaken those who purely pursue justice in this world, such as these before me." A familiar charge in the air revealed the presence of the one he sought. "Give Adam and I the wisdom to see evil no matter where it lurks. Help us support those you've called to do your bidding. Taking up your mantle and helping rid the world of those who only wish darkness and death." He sighed as the realization of the task he had chosen finally revealed how large this quest would be. Leaving those behind that he loved to venture across the empire and beyond also had weighed heavily on his heart. Visions of their faces flashed in his mind. Fears for them arose as well, but it was something that he would have to trust Arhus to handle now.
Howard opened his eyes and blinked away tears as he took in the end result of three lives. Or was it? They had pursued what they thought was right without question and the paladin interred to his far right gave his life for it. To save the woman he recalled standing here not that long ago. She was so beautiful.

"Howard," a gentle voice called from behind, startling the knight as he turned and expected to see Lady Lyvyrikka only to see his girlfriend instead. Embarrassed at the thought, he sobered. "Are you okay?" Sunlight picked out the blue eyes and long, golden hair as he straightened.

"Yes," he nodded and smiled.

Her head cocked to the side, she neared him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your mother was worried, as was I. You've been distant lately," her worried eyes rose to the tomb of marble blocks adorned with beautifully carved engravings.

He had to tell her finally. Priscilla deserved no less than the truth. Standing, he looked into her eyes. "I'm going away," he revealed quietly and with a tinge of regret.

Confused, she looked up at him. "Where?"

"Wherever He leads." Turning, he squared to her and took her hands in his own. "I don't know when or if I'll return, but I want you to know that a large piece of myself will always be here with you." Her eyes glossed and he pressed on through the rising emotions. "Arhus has called me to take up my grandfather's name and support the Chosen. It's something that I can't ignore any longer. I have to answer his call."

She hugged him tightly as he wrapped his arms around her and laid his head on her shoulders, taking in the last memories that would keep him for the long journey ahead. Sniffling, she pressed her cheek to his. "I feared this day."

Howard kissed her passionately on the cheek. "I love you and I will never forget you."

* * *

With a heavy heart, he strapped the saddlebags onto his horse, quietly hoping his departure from the painful goodbyes would quicken.

"Here," his father called as Howard turned to view the outstretched hand holding a leather backpack. "Your mother threw in some of her bread and a few dried fruits in there for the journey. At least enough to keep you until you reach Purbeck."

"Thank you," he replied and shouldered the brown sack, then hugged his father tightly.

"You take care of yourself." They parted as Howard nodded to his mentor. "Stick to Arhus's teachings and you'll be fine. Remember all I and your grandfather drilled into your brain, it'll save you."

"I will," he nodded, then turned to his mother whose red eyes revealed more than words could say and hugged her.

"Come back when this is over."

"That's the plan," he grinned and backed. "Don't worry about me. You have enough to tend to already," he motioned with his head to his father. An attempt to lighten the mood and did manage to gain a fleeting smile which pleased him.

Howard climbed into the saddle as Adam emerged on his own mare and reined in as the knight nodded to his own aunt and uncle. "Arhus will guide and protect us, in that I have no doubts."

Grey haired, his parents nodded as she hugged his father who cleared his throat. "May his light shine on you always," he blessed confidently and Howard thought he heard the strong voice crack a little at the end. Spurring his mount, he turned his attention on the street as they both rode towards the northern gate and their destiny.