Rax pushed
hard against the solid metal doors, yet they opened with ease. Swinging inwards they revealed the grand
foyer of the Dawnbearer manor. At first Rax thought this room must be the
entirety of the house, judging by its size alone. However he could see several
doors on each side of the entrance hall, along with a grand staircase opposite
the front doors.
Rax took a
few tentative steps forward across the solid marble floor. Each step echoed
like thunder in the night. Like the floor the walls were white marble, with
deep coloured veins running all across them. The continuous finish made it
appeared to Rax as though the entire room were hewn from one giant piece of stone.
Along each
wall stood several wooden doors, each ornately fashioned with brass fixtures.
Adorning the walls between each of the doors were large black marble pots
containing exotic plants, as well as richly detailed paintings which, to Rax at
least, seemed almost life-like.
Across from
the open doors stood a grand staircase which rose to the upper landing.
Flanking the bottom steps stood a pair of marble statues, one male and one
female. The male statue stood in a suit of plate armour and brandished a
longsword. His female counterpart stood in a garb of chainmail and held a heavy
mace with both of her hands. Each of the
two sculptures seemed to be bathed in a holy light, the source of which could
not be identified.
Almost lost
in the transcended visage of this antechamber, Rax jumped with a start when a
tall elven man appeared by the base of the stairs. The man ignored the young
Dragonborn and made his way directly towards Baroghan, whom he addressed with
reverence.
“Salutations,
my lord. We received your missive not three days ago. All has been prepared as
per your request. I have been informed your guest has arrived in the city and
will be joining us shortly.”
“Thank you
Beren” replied Baroghan. He took a satchel from off his shoulder and handed it
to the elf. “Is Saronten nearby?” he asked.
The elf took
the bag from his master and responded. “He should be returning any moment from
his morning session with Quor’ra.” Beren took a moment and looked over at Rax.
“I take it this is our new addition?” he asked. Rax shifted nervously.
“Yes” he
responded. Indicating to the young Dragonborn he said “This is Raxogar.”
Beren took a
step towards Rax and bowed. “Greetings, I am Beren Veranthion, keeper of the
Dawnbearer estate. Should you need any, it is my duty to assist you in any way
necessary.”
Rax stood puzzled
for a moment. He had never been addressed with such reverence and was unsure
how to act. Nervously he gave a short bow to the elf. Beren straightened and once
again turned towards Baroghan.
“I shall
have your effects brought in and dismiss the driver, if there is nothing
further?” said Beren.
Baroghan
responded. “Please let me know as soon as the lady arrives.”
With a short
bow Beren turned and walked out to the waiting carriage. As Rax caught up with
himself again he was jolted by a loud shout from behind him.
“Father!” yelled
the voice with exuberance.
Rax was
almost bowled over as a young man swiftly made his way passed him and embraced
Baroghan. The paladin returned the embrace with vigour.
“It is good
to see you, Saronten.” Baroghan released his hold his son. Rax could now look over
the young man in full.
 |
| Saronten Dawnbearer Original by Schnedler |
Saronten was
in his late teens, just about to enter into manhood judging by the peach fuzz
on his chin. The handsome features of his face were framed by shoulder length
blonde hair. His red velvet tunic and breeches were lined with a fine gold
trim, and at his waist he wore a longsword, the guard of which resembled a sun
rising over the horizon. He seemed to stand very tall to Rax, though he was not
more than six inches greater in height.
While Rax
was looking over his new brother, Elisya and Ellana both stepped forward and
embraced him. As Saronten released Ellana he scratched the top of her head with
his knuckles, with a little more force than was necessary. Ellana recoiled in
discomfort.
“I see you
survived the wilds then, Lanie?” Saronten said with laugh.
It was at
this point that Saronten noticed the young Dragonborn standing in the middle of
the foyer. His smile faded into a look of puzzlement.
“What are
you supposed to be?” Saronten asked bluntly.
Rax was
caught completely off guard by the young man’s question. His lower jaw fell slack
as he tried to comprehend what Saronten had just said. He was given some time
to react as both Baroghan and his wife jumped to his defence.
“Saronten!”
Baroghan responded angrily. “That’s not the way to treat our new family member!”
“That’s
incredibly rude!” added Elisya. “Apologise at once!”
“Well I’m
sorry,” he said insincerely, “but when I got your message and it said you were
bringing home a new family member, I assumed it was some sort of pet for Lanie.
I wasn’t expecting…“ He indicated to Rax. “… This!”
“His name is
Rax!” stated Ellana defiantly. “He saved our lives.”
“Saronten”
Baroghan leaned forward and placed his hand on his son’s shoulder. “This young
Dragonborn showed greater courage than a man twice his age. He stood against
his own kin to save your mother and sister, and he came to my aid when I needed
it. I believe the Gods brought him to us, and for that I have brought him in to
our home.”
Saronten
glared at Rax for a few moments before responding. Though his words were
welcoming, Rax couldn’t help but feel that they were hollow.
“I am grateful
for what you have done. I don’t know what I would have done if everyone had not
returned safely.”
Saronten gave
a short nod of appreciation. Slightly confused, Rax returned it with a nervous
bow.
Saronten
turned back to his family. “You must all be hungry after the long journey at
sea. I’ll check on the kitchens whilst you all settle in.” He turned on his
heel and briskly made his way through one of the doors leading off from the
foyer.
For a moment
Rax thought he saw a troubling look between Elisya and her husband, but he didn’t
have time to dwell on it as Ellana grabbed him by the hand and pulled him
across the foyer and up the main staircase.
“I’ll show
you your room” she squealed in excitement. “You’re going to love it. It’s right
next to mine!”
To
be continued…
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