How it all startsFollow

I worked in the mines of Kaladim for 6 Years. As soon as I was old enough to swing a pick and bandage any wounds caused by swinging that pick, I was a miner. I guess I choose that because that is exactly what my father had done. From the year before i was born til this very day, that is what he does. I still remember him coming into our home, smelling of dirt and dust, shaking the grime out of his beard, and giving my mama a kiss. It were those smells and those memoires that put me in that mine.
It did not take long though to discover that mining was not as glamourous as a young dwarf could make it in his head. There is a lot that goes on which you never see from the home, or is never told in the heroic stories that are told. And so i quickly felt out of place, i felt like these rocks that surrounded me were only part of what the world has to offer. That is is only part of what i am supposed to be. But i was merely 14, a sapling in dwarf ages. And inexperienced as a calf, only knowing how to handle what was given to him. So i stayed. Then was not the time to break out, and i didn't even know what i the alternative.
Until one day when i was heading out into the mountains for a walk. These were very important considering you breathe soot all day everyday in the mines. When i reached the outside there was a small commotion going out in fron the city enterance. I ran out there to see what it was and there were 3 men on horses, surrounded by other dwaves. It took only a moment to see that they were humans. They were covered in mail with swords strapped to their horses' saddle. They each had a red symbol on their chest that seemed to speak for itself.
I cannot recall anything that was said that day or any of the reactions of the townsfolk, or even why they had stopped by. But the thing i cannot forget is the way they looked upon thier horses. The sun was setting and it seemed to cast a shadow of them that went on for miles. I stood there silent for minutes after they left, not knowing what or who they were, but knowing that i wanted to be like them.
I eventually went back into the city, counting my blank stare into the wilderness as my walk, and returned home. That night i dreamt a dream will always stay with me. It was one of me slowly walking my wat through a swamp that i did not knew existed, trying not to be noticed by creatures i did not knew were alive. A sword was gripped firmly in one hand, while a shield rest in the other. As soon as i got to a tunnel i was awakened by the smell of my mother's coffee.
I went to work that day, but only out of duty. There were a thousand other places i would of rather of been. So when the whistle blew for the end of the day i was the first one out of the mines and on my way home. I washed up so quickly as to draw the attention of my mama. She prodded into my mood, but i did not reveal anything of yesterday or of my dream. All she got was a kiss on my cheek as i ran out the door. There were parts of this city that i needed to revisit and pay more attention to.
I wandered my way through Kaladim that afternoon was it was my first time. Things that i had not previously seen were popping out at me. Whole buildings that i thought were merely decoration i started to notice goings in and out of people, or soldier looking people. I went and asked about this building and was told it was the Guild of the Storm Guard. I have heard of the name, but little known to me people i knew and loved were part of this guild. My next question of course was what was the purpose of such a guild and building. Many of my questions were answered that day and many more were spawned.
I continued my search for new things in my old city, and that was exactly what i found. But of all the new sights that i beheld that day, not one stood up to the glory of the castle. For the first time since my birth i ventured into the castle, surprised that they even let me in. As i walked in, i started to see dwarves dressed in the same fashion as the humans i saw the day before. The symbols of Brell marked clearly on their coats. And then my mind was set, this is what i needed to do, this was my calling.
My jaw must have tipped him off, for someone came up to me and introduced himself as a paladin of the King's court. I lisetened for hours as he explained his life, his duty and the places he has been. His stories drew me in and with each one he told, i begged for another. It wasn't until he expressed his concern to me about his wife being owrried about him that i let him go and tanked him for his time. Before he left he handed me a note telling me who to go see if i wanted to enlist in their guild. But he made it clear that i had to speak with my parents before i decision was made.
My parents weren't extremely happy about my the happenings of the day or with my desire of what i wanted to become, but they understood. I could tell as the night went on, the fear they had for me turned slowly into pride as they saw the potenial in me and my excitement for this path. I also assured them that there would be travelling, but i would be here a lot, and this would always be my home.
The next day i took the note the knight had given me and i took it to the guildmaster. He seemed excitied to have me there and saw the ethusisam that i had. He gave me a sword he found out of the armory and a shirt. The shirt had only a faded emblem of the guild on it, but it was the beautiful thing i have ever seen. I put in on with pride and strapped the sword to my belt, and headed out for the mountains.
My days were filled with little tasks that might of seem mundane to the normal soldier. But ridding the surrounding areas of skeletons and goblins was the life's greatest acheivement. And plus, i knew that it was merely a way of training me for what lied ahead.
So every night i stand on top Krakkor's Hill outside Kaladim and watch the sun sink into the west. I stand there trying to see what lies ahead for me. I know it is a road of peril, but of great reward. My life i give to this quest, to ever be fighting for the good that remains in this world, and to protect those who cherish it.