Thomas groaned as he stood up from his simple bed, his shoulders and arms sore from the arduous physical trials of the selection he had faced the other day. As he got prepared for the day, throwing on a simple shirt and pants, strapping his boots tight. He practically skipped down the stairs as his mother prepared some simple rations for the day of dried jerky and some berries from their farm. "Someone's in a good mood today," his mother said, "must be for some reason, but what ever could it be?" His mother tapped her chin, pretending to think. "C'mon mom, you know I got selected to serve in the mighty Order Montague" he said with much false bravado, puffing his chest out and assuming a knightly pose. His mother laughed, shaking her head "Shouldn't you be on your way to that big tower? Beverm stopped by earlier looking for you, he said something about a gift for the newest warrior of Mountmend." "You're probably right, we have to accompany the convoy down to Aylsbury today." His mother took on a worried look, despite knowing that Beverm was not one to throw recruits into the hellfire right away. "Just, be safe, will you? A mother will always worry, even if you have a mighty half orc for company." "I will mom, but I must be going." Thomas grabbed the small sack and attached it to his belt before giving his mother a hug. "I'll be home before you know it mom, be ready for tales of the glory and fame I win." Thomas opened the door and took a deep breath, smelling the fresh mountain air before setting off up the hill to the tower, feeling his heart in his throat as he tried his best to settle his nerves. 'Simple, walk down to Aylsbury and come back, can't be too hard.' Thomas thought to himself.

Beverm listened intently to the mage as he explained the situation. "Well according to our scouts, the dragon has already hit 3 villages further down the valley, no survivors whatsoever, hardly even any buildings or remains." The mage may have been small in stature, but the words he had uttered carried a weight heavier than a castle. "Hmm" Beverm tapped his chin, "what should we do then? Abandon the valley altogether?" he asked, concerned for the people's safety. "No, that would cause too much of a panic. We've sent messengers out to multiple monster hunting cohorts and the Elecian Council to alert them of the situation. As for now, you just need to make sure that recruit of yours is ready for today." The mage turned away, scuttling off to attend to his other duties, and leaving Beverm to ponder his thoughts. Beverm shook off his worry, heading towards the stalls to prepare the horses for their short journey down the mountain. Thomas arrived shortly after, having stopped at the armory to get his issued gear, which included armor made of heavy steel plating that felt like it was trying to drag Thomas into the ground itself, and a simple steel blade. Beverm chuckled to himself as he admired the young man's tenacity. "Well not too bad for your first set of armor I suppose but are you sure youll be able to keep your blade up with all that extra weight?" "Don't worry about me old man, I'm more worried about you falling behind in your old age. Besides, I need to get used to wearing this if I'm to be half the paladin you are." Thomas retorted. "Oh, by the way, I had a blacksmith friend of mine whip this up for you," Beverm said, reaching into a large bag on his horse's side and pulling out a simple shield, rectangular in shape and made of thick steel. "A shield is not only a paladin's defense, but a symbol of his role as a protector. Use it not only to protect yourself, but other's as well." Beverm said, handing Thomas the shield and helping him with strapping it to his arm. Thomas rolled his shoulder, feeling the weight of the shield and nodding. "Thank you Beverm, I was actually thinking about getting one." Thomas said, attaching the shield to his saddle before hopping up onto the horse. "So, are we ready to head out?" Thomas asked, looking at Beverm as he donned his helmet. Beverm chuckled, "So eager young man, I remember my first adventure as well. Best not to keep the convoy waiting, you know how those dwarves can get."

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The ride down to Aylsbury was quiet, which both Beverm and Thomas were thankful for. Aylsbury was a much larger town than Mountmend, boasting a wide selection of shops and taverns, and even a small manor which served as the town hall. But their stay was short lived, as Beverm wanted to be back before night fell, in order to reduce the chance of the convoy getting attacked by bandits or some of the more vicious wildlife that resided in the caves of the mountains. Thomas looked back at the town as they rode away, amazed that such a different place was just a simple ride down the mountain he had lived on his whole life. Beverm took notice and nudged him. "Keep your eyes ahead, you never know when trouble might present itself." Thomas nodded and focused on the treeline ahead of them. Beverm reminded himself that it was only the young boy's first day and thought back to when he first joined the Order and how hyperactive he was. The journey felt much longer on the way back, owing to the night beginning to fall. But as they drew closer to their destination, Beverm could tell something was off, something that he could smell on the wind. Smoke, and lots of it. Then as they rounded the bend, the location of the smell became all too obvious. "Is that, is that the village?!" Thomas exclaimed as he took in the sight of fire coming from the direction of the village. "I believe it is, and if so, we must hurry," Beverm said before turning towards the dwarves on top of the wagon, "please, ride back to Aylsbury and alert the guard, send help as soon as they are able!" The dwarf nodded "Aye, we'll make all haste and be sure to come back with the fury of Hashut herself!" The dwarf expertly turned the wagon around and whipped the reins, sending the wagon careening back down the path at breakneck speeds. Beverm looked at Thomas as he stared at the flames grow higher. "Thomas," Beverm said, keeping his voice calm for Thomas's sake, "We have to help. Steel your nerves and be ready for the worst. Pray that we are not too late to save our families and friends." Thomas nodded, "What do you think is doing this?" Beverm shook his head "I don't know, but it's our duty to help those people." Beverm snapped his reins and took off with Thomas in close pursuit.