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Tue 20th Dec 2022 10:05

Choices

by Kanénas

Kanenas was slopping the mud, as SGT. Alister; his friend and mentor, yelled profanity at him and the other new recruits. This was his last day of training with the winter shields, as well as his last day to decide whether he wanted to join the guard or not. Kanenas made his way from running through the mud to the end of the course. After all of the trainees had cleaned up Alister gave the trainees a speech. “Today is your last day of training before you swear an oath towards this city, the gods, and yourself. Once you make that oath you will be responsible for keeping the inhabitants of Neverwinter safe from the many threats that she faces. Now get going so you can be up bright and early for tomorrow.” Kanenas listened to this speech and knew what his decision was. He wanted to serve this place and help its people.
 
Later that night Kanenas,still wearing his training uniform, had just split off from his fellow trainees after a night of drinking. He was heading back from the tavern, to the row house he lived in. He was imagining what it would be like to be one of the Wintershield watchmen Protecting his city. Getting out of the room he shared with three other people. As he imagined this he heard the sounds of fist against flesh and a voice calling for help. Kanenas grabbed his two swords and saw a man beating a woman. He flashed back to a similar scene in his past. He saw the man's uniform; he was a part of the Neverwinter guard; one of the Mintarn Mercenaries. He yelled “Hey you sphincter let the lady go and pick on someone your own size.”
 
The mintarn turned around showing Kanenas his ugly mug. “What did you call me brat?” he said
 
“I sorry I didn’t realize you were obtuse as well as ugly.” The mocking tone infuriating the mercenary.
 
The man walked up to Kanenas and took a swing at him. Kanenas Doged and tripped up the man and knocked him to the floor. Kanenas put a sword to the man's neck and said leave and never bother this lady again you piece of scum.”
 
“Who do you think you are, street rat” the mercenary growled.
 
“Me, I am No One.” Kanenas took his sword and nicked the man's neck.
 
The man left the ally after that, Kanenas helped up the woman and escorted her home. The next day Kanenas was shaken awake by one of his roommates. He found Alister at the door. Kanenas was informed that the man he beat up last night was the son of the head of the Mintarn Mercenaries. “That Craven Miscreant apparently ran back to daddy and told him the whole sob story. I’m Sorry Kanenas, my hands are tied. They are using their political connections to prevent you from joining the Wintershield.” Kanenas felt crestfallen but Alister took his shoulder. “Look Kanenas there are other ways you can use your skills to help people. Lord Neverember is always advertising how we need more adventurers. You could join the adventurers guild and become an Urban Bounty Hunter.”
 
And that is what Kanenas did.