Kelth’s Ford was to most just another small hamlet on the banks of the Thunderwash River. Full of simple but honest folk who worked the land and the water with respect and humility. A place where a traveler could spend the night in a warm c…ozy inn without worry of pickpockets or press gangs. An uncomplicated town that had the misfortune of getting caught in Veldron the Blackhearted’s march to the Grey Sea.
Many died that night, when the Black riders set torch to the husk-thatched roofs, including the RiverWarden, Alanast Boh.
Many believe that is the end of the tale, but it is only the beginning.
The survivors of the attack, few as they were, headed North to seek refuge amongst the Thunder Dales. Only one traveled South, Second born of Tilane Boh, younger brothe…r to Alanast, second seat on The Council.
He journeyed across the Adarack Plains and passed through the Dragonmaw Pass, following the route his brother, his father, and every RiverWarden before them had taken. He would be the last to journey this way, he imagined. The last of Kelth’s Ford to follow the ancient path to Highhold.
Cephelo Boh knelt on the rough stone floor, his eyes closed, his breathing slow and steady. He focused on the weight of his heavy plate armor, on the cold steel of his helmet resting atop his head.
“My faith is my armor”, he repeated to hims…elf.
All around him, defying the peace he held within, a dozen men brought sword to shield, practicing the drills he had long ago mastered. He heard a blade pass dangerously close to his helmet, but merely repeated his mantra,
“My faith is my shield.”
He had felt the sudden and brutal impact of an errant blow before, too many times to count, but each blow only put him at ease in regards to the next. His training here, he knew, was coming to an end, and soon he would return home. He had gotten so caught up in his thoughts that he almost didn’t notice that the other acolytes had stopped their drills.
He opened his eyes and let himself emerge from his meditative state.
“Fourth-Acolyte Boh, rise and come”, a eunuch’s voice called from across the massive pratice room, and he obeyed. The messenger stood with another man, who’s face seemed familiar, but the weight of whatever despair he carried over how many miles overshadowed his true appearance. As he approached, the man seemed to sink further, dreading this encounter. Cephelo stopped in front of the man, who slowly raised his eyes,
“Son of my brother,” the man said. Cephelo suddenly realized this man was his Uncle and Godfather and felt only a moment of elation at the reunion before recognizing the pain in the man’s eyes. " Kelth’s Ford is no more, razed by a Ravager. Your father is dead, your mother the same. They failed in their duties, but gave their lives willingly."
Cephelo staggered at the news, but his conditioning washed the despair from his mind, “My faith is my Armor, My faith is my Shield,” he thought. His uncle began to speak again, but stuttered, unable to mutter the words.
Cephelo knew immediately and forced his hand, “What of Elsea?”, he demanded, “What of my sister?” Hendal Boh sighed, “…taken.” he whispered.
