Birth of a Regent
Although now separate and distrustful realms, Tuornen and Alamie once existed as a single country under the banner Alamie. The Alamie of old counted itself among the greatest of the Twelve Duchies of the Avonlaer Empire. But then arose a fateful conflict between two brothers which rent the realm in two.
Tuornen's history began 140 years ago when Kaeduric Alam, Archduke of Alamie, dallied with a beautiful but unblooded woman named Calle. Although marriage between Kaeduric and a commoner was unthinkable, no courtly sensibilities prevented the birth of their son. Calle named her child Dalton, for fond memories of her own youth in Avanil's city of Daulton.
Kaeduric obeyed his counselors' advice to pay Calle a modest annuity in exchange for her leaving Lofton. Carrying only her son, a small pouch of gold, and a ring adorned with a leaping stag (a gift from Kaeduric), Calle took a boat to Lofton's sister city, Haes. There she could look across the river toward the duke who once loved her.
Three years later, Kaeduric married Morissa Berran of Sorelies, presenting his subjects with an eminently appropriate duchess. Within a year, Morissa bore a son of her own, Berric Alam. Berric grew to manhood surrounded by royal grace and splendor. He became a willful heir to the throne, subject to no one—until he met Lanelle Flaertes. Like his father, Berric fell in love with a woman of low birth. Unlike Kaeduric, however, Berric intended to obey his heart instead of bowing to social constraints.
Across the Tuor River, Dalton had also come of age. Choosing to find his own path in the world, he joined the Alamien military. On the day he left for Lofton, however, his mother told him the secret of his birth: "If ever you find yourself in peril, show this ring to the archduke. His love for you will get any favor a father can grant." Dalton understood what Calle meant, but resolved never to use the secret unless his life depended upon it.
In the army, Dalton quickly distinguished himself—at least, as much as a common man could. But station concerned him little, for he found love. Whenever he had leave, Dalton walked along the river with Lanelle Flaertes. He knew her charms had drawn the attention of other suitors, some well-placed. But he saw in her eyes that she loved him alone.
Just as Dalton was confident in Lanelle's affection, Berric feared losing it. On the night that jealousy overcame discretion, Berric confronted Lanelle and Dalton. The two men soon exchanged swords for words, and only the intercession of two city guards saved Berric from a serious wound, or worse.
Dalton faced the death penalty for assaulting the heir. Despite Lanelle's pleas, Berric refused to pardon his rival. But before he could be dragged to the gallows, Dalton persuaded his commander, Braedonnal Tuare, to deliver the stag ring to the archduke. With reluctance but growing wonder at his soldier's story, Braedonnal brought the ring to Kaeduric.
As Calle had foretold, Kaeduric spared Dalton's life. In joy at having saved his own son from death, Kaeduric rashly and publicly acknowledged Dalton's lineage. Berric grew full wrathful, and Dalton grew perhaps too proud. The people of Lofton found themselves joining camps, some celebrating Dalton as a romantic hero, others denouncing him as a threat to Berric's rightful heritage.
Tuornen's history began 140 years ago when Kaeduric Alam, Archduke of Alamie, dallied with a beautiful but unblooded woman named Calle. Although marriage between Kaeduric and a commoner was unthinkable, no courtly sensibilities prevented the birth of their son. Calle named her child Dalton, for fond memories of her own youth in Avanil's city of Daulton.
Kaeduric obeyed his counselors' advice to pay Calle a modest annuity in exchange for her leaving Lofton. Carrying only her son, a small pouch of gold, and a ring adorned with a leaping stag (a gift from Kaeduric), Calle took a boat to Lofton's sister city, Haes. There she could look across the river toward the duke who once loved her.
Three years later, Kaeduric married Morissa Berran of Sorelies, presenting his subjects with an eminently appropriate duchess. Within a year, Morissa bore a son of her own, Berric Alam. Berric grew to manhood surrounded by royal grace and splendor. He became a willful heir to the throne, subject to no one—until he met Lanelle Flaertes. Like his father, Berric fell in love with a woman of low birth. Unlike Kaeduric, however, Berric intended to obey his heart instead of bowing to social constraints.
Across the Tuor River, Dalton had also come of age. Choosing to find his own path in the world, he joined the Alamien military. On the day he left for Lofton, however, his mother told him the secret of his birth: "If ever you find yourself in peril, show this ring to the archduke. His love for you will get any favor a father can grant." Dalton understood what Calle meant, but resolved never to use the secret unless his life depended upon it.
In the army, Dalton quickly distinguished himself—at least, as much as a common man could. But station concerned him little, for he found love. Whenever he had leave, Dalton walked along the river with Lanelle Flaertes. He knew her charms had drawn the attention of other suitors, some well-placed. But he saw in her eyes that she loved him alone.
Just as Dalton was confident in Lanelle's affection, Berric feared losing it. On the night that jealousy overcame discretion, Berric confronted Lanelle and Dalton. The two men soon exchanged swords for words, and only the intercession of two city guards saved Berric from a serious wound, or worse.
Dalton faced the death penalty for assaulting the heir. Despite Lanelle's pleas, Berric refused to pardon his rival. But before he could be dragged to the gallows, Dalton persuaded his commander, Braedonnal Tuare, to deliver the stag ring to the archduke. With reluctance but growing wonder at his soldier's story, Braedonnal brought the ring to Kaeduric.
As Calle had foretold, Kaeduric spared Dalton's life. In joy at having saved his own son from death, Kaeduric rashly and publicly acknowledged Dalton's lineage. Berric grew full wrathful, and Dalton grew perhaps too proud. The people of Lofton found themselves joining camps, some celebrating Dalton as a romantic hero, others denouncing him as a threat to Berric's rightful heritage.
