Captain Kalanthas Dar'Kath
Kalanthas Alari Dar’Kath
Captain, The Blessed
Leader of Lordhels Chosen
War leader, House Sar’Donnath
Born into the House 49 years ago upon the Island Kingdom of Inverask. Kalanthas was, as is the custom, tested for magical aptitude at birth. This he failed and thus began the downward spiral that is his life. Being of a prestigious family he was then initiated into the Dar’Kath as all such children are. His first memories were of degradation and pain, of his instructors forging him into an instrument of hate. Hate for Varalla, hate for the Fey, hate for any not of his House.
In hate he excelled.
Under their tutelage he learned, even if he would not admit it to himself he learned. Not how to be the best warrior, not how to plan grand strategies but to lead men. Unfortunately this was a thing he had no wish to do. Although a brave man he had no wish to lead soldiers and ultimately see them die at the hands of Varallans. His superiors, however, saw the potential in him and ordered him promoted. Such things could not be refused. As a new officer he was given command of one of the training units. Blessed warriors, the stock from where all else come. These he led with zeal.
Life for the young Kalanthas was good. His men were loyal, he led them by respect, not fear and this proved a blessing. Always impulsive, his temper could land him in trouble and always, because of their respect, his men would see him good.
This cosy life lasted for 46 years. Years of contentment, of preparation for the coming conflict and then, against all hope of love. She was a warrior within the Blessed regiment. Strong, powerful and seductively feminine.
Theirs was a joy that was not to last long. In the human year 1099 the Varallans again ravaged the Sar’Donnath. Varallan ships slipped past the Queens magical defences and, aided by a traitor breeched Inverask’s defences. By some twist of fate, Kalanthas was the only Dar’Kath officer within the Queens citadel when the invaders struck. In desperation she turned to this unblooded youth for salvation…
In this he failed.
How could he succeed?
The Varallans had attacked without warning. By the time the Queen was brought word of the offensive half the island was under the Fey’s boot. Kalanthas did what he could. Ordering the soldiers with a brutal detachment. Knowing that they all must die. For how could steel defeat High Magic? The house warriors were cut down by the hundred. Whilst this slaughter progressed. The royal family, with what servants they could muster, prepared to flee. Kalanthas’s efforts bought time. Time bought with the souls of his troopers but nonetheless three ships were able to be filed with refugees, water and provisions.
His orders were simple. He was to gain as much time as possible. To this end he ordered a continual fighting withdrawal. The Dar’Kath fought with all the courage and hate they had been taught. Every warrior knew they were lost, every soldier fought with the determination to slay one last Varallan. By these actions the ships were able to be filled. When he thought them away he ordered a final withdrawal into the Citadel. Here to die at the Heart of House Sar’Donnath power.
His soldiers retreated, the gates shut and the walls manned. The priests led one last prayer. Then with the name Lordhel on their lips the soldiers readied themselves to die. It was then that his second informed him of his love’s death. Unashamed tears upon his cheeks he resolved to throw himself into the first break and thus die.
Outside the fortress the Fey marshalled and their Princes directed their High Magic against the walls. With a roar of power and the crack of stone, the last bastion of Sar’Donnath might crumbled. Again the Fey had proved their mastery. His dispositions made, Kalanthas hefted his axe and charged into the fray.
…
…
…
Only much later did he learn of the next events.
The Queen, perhaps impressed by his work, ordered him saved.
Not the troops, for the ships were full, just him.
She had need for someone to lead her ragged band of mismatched warriors
and in him she though she had found her leader.
Now.
Kalanthas leads troops he has no wish to lead. He fights wars he does not wish to fight. The leadership has changed, the Queen's son, the Lord Prince, now rules. This new ruler denies Kalanthas his freedom. As the only House officer he has to lead.
And so he does.