Calemnon

Calemnon Lemenoc was born in a small village near Therenborough. His father was a Paladin soldier in the Baron's army, and his mother was a commoner. His early years were uneventful, and he grew up doing the usual stuff youngsters do - roaming the towns and woods with his friends, swimming and climbing and going to school. But life changed drastically for the young lad when his father was killed in battle against the Gorbesh, when Calemnon was but 10 years old.

Greived at the loss of her husband, Calemnon's mother decided to move to the isles of Qi. She managed to make a passable living for herself and her son as a clothier on Ratha. Calemnon helped her when he could, though he was busy with school and chores. He made new friends on Ratha, but always wanted to return to Theren. His mother would not hear of it, however - she could not bear to go back to the place where there were so many memories of her dear husband.

However, as Calemnon grew older, his mother's health began to deteriorate. She came down with an illness that the local empaths couldn't cure. Concerned about the welfare of her son, she sent Calemnon to Crossings to squire under a Paladin who had been a great friend of her husband’s. Thus, Calemnon left on a boat to Crossings, never hearing a word from his mother again. It was a long and lonely voyage, the first time he had ever been alone.

As he arrived in Crossings, Calemnon looked for the residence of the Paladin he was to be squire for. After days of searching, he knocked on the door and was allowed to enter. But upon entering, he saw that the knight was gravely ill. Calemnon introduced himself to the dying soldier, and when he named his father, a smile of recognition crossed his face. "I knew your father well, young Calemnon. A fine and noble Paladin he was, a hero in battle and one of the finest horsemen in our army!" Calemnon then told the knight of his mother’s illness, and that she had sent Calemnon to seek him out and ask if he would take Calemnon on as a squire, hoping that he would look out for the lad.

A sad smile crossed the aging warrior’s face, and he said “I will indeed, my boy. But I have not much time left, and you’re still a bit young to join the guild. For now, I’ll have you begin to earn your keep by working in my stables. Go out and say hello to Grezdinalt, the fellow who keeps my horses. And have him introduce you to my favorite mare, Lightning.”

With a smile, the old knight sent Calemnon on his way. The lad worked in the stables for weeks, noting that the old man was growing weaker and frailer each day. His loneliness and sadness were relieved a bit by his time riding and grooming Lightning, and horse and lad became fast friends.

Late one night, Calemnon awoke on the little cot where he slept to hear the old knight coughing dreadfully. Calemnon dashed to the old man’s side, and though his servants tried to keep him in bed, the man rose and draped an arm around the lad. He dismissed his servants, telling them he knew his time was nearly done, but he had one thing to show the boy before he died. "Take me to the stables, boy" the old man wheezed.

A blanket wrapped around him, and barely able to walk, the man leaned on the boy, and smiled to himself as he felt how strong the heavy stable work had made the lad. “Have ye ever heard of a horse named Thunderbolt, my young Calemnon?” asked the dying knight.

“But of course, Sire” replied Calemnon, a smile creeping across his face. “That was the beautiful mare my father rode into battle. He loved that horse!”

A fit of coughing nearly prevented the old man from continuing. Lightning affectionately nuzzled Calemnon as the boy supported and comforted the old man, who finally smiled at the boy and horse, and continued.

“This mare, Lightning, is the daughter of Thunderbolt, the horse of the finest friend a man could have in battle.” He quickly wiped away a tear, and watched as Calemnon turned to the horse and wrapped his arms around her neck, burying his face in her mane. He then handed the boy an envelope. “Find the man whose name and address are inside. He will see that you are properly trained as a Paladin. Work diligently, my lad, and you will be rewarded.”

The frail knight collapsed, and Calemnon helped the servants carry him inside the house, where he bequeathed his sword and armor to the lad. He reached out to hold Calemnon’s hand, and with his dying breath, he made one final request ... “Be the best Paladin you can, my boy. Help to keep alive the traditions of the mounted Paladins. And share your knowledge with the younger squires, when it is your time. Do it for me ... and for your father.” Calemnon nodded, tears in his eyes, and the old warrior smiled one last time before his labored breathing ceased.

Calemnon followed the instructions inside the envelope, and found the home of a gruff but kindly Paladin who had also known his father. Calemnon became squire to the man, and was most pleased when old Grezdinalt came to work for the this household to help tend his horses, bringing Lightning and the rest of the dead knight's stable of horses with him.

Calemnon was quickly accepted as a Paladin, and diligently learned the ways of the guild. When he passed 20th circle, the kindly Paladin who had become his mentor took him to the stables, and introduced him to a young mare. “This be the daughter o’ Lightnin, young Calemnon.” He grumbled a bit, then winked at the sturdy young man and said ... “an’ she be yers now. Take good care o’ her, as yer father did fer his horse, and ye’ll have a mount ta be proud of!”

Touched by his generosity, Calemnon accepted the animal and named her Thunder. He trained diligently, winning the Jousting finals of the first Kaith Kirm competition.

Continuing to keep the promises he made to his father’s dear friend on his deathbed, Calemnon now looks forward to sharing his knowledge of the realms, the Paladin guild, the many other fine guilds, and of course, his knowledge of horses, as he seeks to become a mentor to others. Calemnon has returned to Theren, where he now makes his home. He has passed 40th circle, and continues to work with his beloved Thunder.

Last Revised: 06/27/03