Legacy of the Dragons
Kelberen MATTHEW GEORGE
142
Kelberen’s earliest memories are of lying in bed while his father told him stories: tales of mighty heroes, terrible monsters, forgotten gods, and ancient evils that stalked the darkness only to be defeated by the forces of light. His favorites were always the stories featuring his namesake, the Lord Kelberen Liathes, a knight from the empire of Sennes. As Kelberen would fall asleep, his father would remind him that “heroes are made by their actions, not born in their blood.” Although his family’s status had dwindled over the centuries to an empty title and a few merchant holdings, they remembered proudly their days of past glory. In fact, everyone seemed to be more proud of an empire that had collapsed under its own weight 1700 years ago than the living, breathing world they experienced every day. Kelberen wanted more than anything to give his family something to be proud of besides the deeds of the distant past, but he never expected to have the chance to do so. His parents knew more about his dreams than he imagined, however. As the youngest of five children and the second son, Kelberen traditionally would enter either the priesthood or the military. But his parents had him tutored in the magical arts (secretly, so as not to induce talk among the neighbors). Much arcane lore proved to be beyond his grasp, but he took well to the fusion of magic and a warrior’s skills. When he had mastered the arts of a mage blade and reached the age of adulthood, his parents gifted him with a sword and released him into the wider world. Kelberen swore he would bring honor to the family name—and write home frequently. Kelberen’s adventures are something of a byword in the region. Many know of the aid he gave to the village of Seldron during the Great Flood. The time he won a riddle duel with a concussed chorrim inspired more than a few ballads. But his time as a wandering hero couldn’t last forever, and it was a chance encounter with a caravan in a storm that ended his adventuring career. Kelberen learned that the caravan master followed a mysterious cult that kidnapped children. With the assistance of Desdimne (dess-DIM-ni), a young woman he released from the caravan, he sought out the temple of this cult and sent word to the authorities of its location. To stop a ritual that would cost its kidnapped subject his life, Kelberen had to enter combat with the cultists. He was able to hold them off until reinforcements arrived, but at a high cost: his athame was shattered, his left hand maimed, and he was severely injured. Kelberen remained unconscious for more than a month. When he awoke, he found himself in the household of a
giantish noble, whose grand-nephew would have been sacrificed without Kelberen’s aid. The noble had brought Kelberen to his estate to recover. Desdimne, a keeper of songs and a healer, had watched over him during his coma and continued to do so during his convalescence. During the fourth month of his recovery, she agreed to marry him. When he had returned to full health, Kelberen was offered a position as bodyguard in the giant’s household. At first he refused it, thinking his days as a warrior were finished, but he soon learned to compensate for his injury. He now bears a shield, concealing a hidden blade, strapped to his dominant left arm. Kelberen has served this household for more than 10 years with distinction and honor. Visitors might easily mistake him for a mere ceremonial guard, as he bears few weapons—but most overlook the cutting edge of his shield. His knowledge of courtly behavior permits him to be present at even the most formal of occasions. Desdimne’s musical talents are often called for, and she has occasionally served as a vital pair of eyes at state dinners, although Kelberen is loath to put her in harm’s way. He and Desdimne have two children: a daughter, Iarel (EYE-ah-rel, seven summers), and a son, Murres (Mur-ay, two). To date, Kelberen and the guard have stopped two major assassination attempts, seven robberies, and one kidnapping. Although there have been no such incidents in the past year, Kelberen has detected subtle signs that his family was the true target of the kidnapping attempt. This concerns him and his employer greatly, and he is considering sending Iarel and Murres to stay with their grandparents for a time.
Combat Kelberen’s first duty is to protect his employer, and he will do so even at the cost of his life. Sometimes the best defense is a good offense, and Kel handles both with grace and speed. He uses his magic to sneak near and stalk intruders, taking them alive if possible. Should physical combat become necessary, he uses his dagger with its animate weapon spell to strike from a distance, if he can do so safely; otherwise, he casts energy blade (usually with sonic energy) and enters melee. Most adversaries don’t realize his shield is also a potent weapon until it’s too late—he uses it purely defensively until he sees an opening. Kel’s combat style is elegant, almost like the movements of a dance, and he often relies on dodging and ducking to avoid blows. When on duty, he casts a heightened glamour on himself to augment his spellcasting ability, then a diminished lesser ability boost to aid flexibility.
