The wind was wiping through the Yew forest with a piercing chill that could be felt to the very bone. Hettar pulled his cloak tighter around himself as he stepped through the moongate. Returning to Felucca after many months of adventuring in Trammel with his KOB mates, Hettar was eager to get back to his cabin in the Yew forest.

In another part of the Yew forest…

The boy had been wondering the forest of Yew for days, stunned and afraid. The Orc invasion that claimed the lives of his mother and father had been swift; his only thoughts were to do as his father had told him. "RUN BOY!!! Don’t look back, RUN!!!" So he ran, and ran, until finally he fell to the ground and passed out from exhaustion.

Living off the few berries that remained this late in the year, he was on the verge of collapse from extreme hunger. As the cold moved in he knew his only chance for survival was to seek refuge, it wasn’t long that he came to a log cabin nestled in amongst the trees looking very warm and inviting. Working his way from tree to tree in an attempt to stay hidden the boy made for the side window of the cabin. Looking inside it was soon apparent to him that no one had occupied this place in some time. Just inside the windows he could see the many cobwebs that had formed as a result of being unused. As a heavy cold wind caught him full in the back, Nick’s mind was made up.

"I’ll take my chances inside, for if I don’t I will surely die out here".

Finding a heavy branch on the ground, Nick smashed one of the small pains of glass in the window. Reaching inside he unlatched the window and made his way in to the cabin. Looking around the room that he was in it was to dark to make out any details. The one item that did catch his eye was a heavy wool blanket neatly folded in a chair beside the window he had just entered. Grabbing up the blanket and wrapping himself in it, Nick was soon fast asleep on the floor.

Startled from a deep sleep, Nick shook the sleep from his eyes. "Thump" hearing the sound that had woke him from his sleep Nick looked franticly around for anything that would offer protection. Hanging on the walls were several ornate weapons, seizing up a katana Nick backed deeper into the shadows fearing the worst. "Thump" "Thump"

Just outside the cabin…

"Ahh, home at last! I wish this snow had held off long enough for me to make it from the moongate". Walking up the steps of his cabin Hettar began stomping his feet on the porch to knock the snow off of his cloak and boots. "Thump" "Thump"

Unlocking the door and entering the cabin Hettar immediately caught a glimpse of the shadowy figure holding a weapon. Without thinking, Hettar had spell book in hand and was calling up the flames of death, "Kal Vas Flam". As the spell began to form in his hand the glowing magic fire illuminated the room, revealing to him the face of his attacker. Seeing the frighten boy standing before him Hettar realized what was about to happen, quickly flicking his wrist he was able to deflect the deadly spell towards the fireplace. With an incredible eruption that shook the cabin, great flames filled the fireplace and shot out the top of the chimney.

"By the Gods!!! Do you realize just how close you came to being killed? You nearly gave me a heart attack!!!" Eyes wide open in shock the boy couldn’t speak a word. After regaining his composer Hettar had to laugh, "You sure know how to welcome someone home".

Nick however was still unsure and never relaxed his grip on the sword, mustering up enough courage to speak "Who are you? I warn you I know how to use this." Shaking the Katana in the direction of his would be attacker. "Relax boy, I won’t hurt you. My name is Hettar, Knight of KOB and this is my home. Now might I ask what it is you are doing here?"

Explaining all that had happened to him in the last few days Nick told his story of the events that lead him to this cabin. Feeling compassion for the boy, Hettar offered to house Nick through the remainder of the winter months.

By spring the two had develop a close friendship and it became apparent to Hettar that he would not be asking Nick to leave. Rather he felt it was his duty as a Knight to do all he could to set this orphan on the righteous path of the virtues.

"Nick I have given it a great deal of thought these last few months, and what I propose is that you remain here until you are of adult age. I will train you in the arts of sword fighting and educate you on how to live by the Virtues. In return I will ask only one thing."

Looking a little confused Nick said, "What could I possibly do to repay all your kindness?"

"What I ask will not be easy, but I guarantee it will be very rewarding."

"Nick. I ask that you promise on your honor, that once you reach the age of adulthood you will dedicate your life to the pursuit of ‘Honor’ and ‘Justice’. I will also take you before KOB that you may prove yourself and join their noble ranks."

Kneeling before Hettar, Nick spoke "I pledge to you on my word of honor that I will abide by your teachings and do all that is in my power to fight the injustices of this land. To repay your kindness and to honor my family, I gladly accept your terms."

And so, Nick went on to fulfill his promise to Hettar.