A New Assignment East [Fal Sion]

[Jared Vanders]

Zoradin Fel

Zoradin began to cross the drawbridge to the Keep of Fal Sion. His Asha’man uniform was immaculate. His coat was clean, pressed, and on its collar, the sword and dragon pins proclaiming his rank were polished. His face was clean shaven and his hair well groomed. He didn’t look the part of a man who had traveled to Shienar from Arafel on horseback. In fact the only sign of his travel were boots scuffed from rubbing against the stirrups of his saddle and the tired look in his eyes. 

As Zoradin approached, he noticed two guards and a boy, about ten, at the gate to the keep. The young one denoted that this wasn’t a group to bar his approach. He wore what Zoradin assumed to be a house uniform, based on the sigil on its chest. He approached Zoradin, offering a bow and a name. 

Zoradin hadn’t expected a child to greet him, but it wasn’t unusual enough for a scion of the house to greet honored arrivals. At least at this point he assumed he was an honored arrival. The lord of the keep hadn’t come himself, but he had sent his son. Truth be told, Zoradin hadn’t expected much of anyone to greet him in such a way. 

Zoradin’s eyes inspected the troops out of habit, noting their posture and readiness. His gaze looked over Lord Kenta in the same way. He then returned the bow and spoke, recalling a Shienaran greeting. ”Lord Kenta Armendariz,” he said, one hand of his heart, the other resting on th pommel of his sword. ”Peace favor your sword. I am honored by your welcome.”

Zoradin wasn’t completely sure that it was culturally correct or not, but it was said honesty and sincerity. It was a better response than they would have seen from one of his more gruff Asha’man brothers. The Shienarans were his  allies, however, and it paid to be more diplomatic. 

He raised himself from his bow and spoke directly to Lord Kenta. ”I am Zoradin Fel, Asha’man of the Black Tower. The M’hael has sent me to assist with the defense of Fal Sion and this keep.”