Retired PC who now operates Stryker's Pub in Arindel for the Restless Hand
Score: 430 | 9/23/23 |
Khal was born a bastard son to a seaman in Tarmok and, at the age of 5 was bartered to a wealthy merchant by his mother, who gave up her daughter Rena at the same time. It was then that he travelled east to the mountains near Neesa, the base camp for the merchant's mine and quarry. The merchant, Malikstad, was a ruthless businessman and did not have particular regard for his workers. After a few years in the mines, Khal was fortunately able to secure work above ground in the quarry after his ease in climbing was recognized. Life outside of the mines was much healthier and it was here where Khal developed his tumbling and climbing skills as well as unusual strength to compliment his god-given dexterity. His sister Rena was deaf from birth and given the task of tending to the horses, livestock, and work animals. Since she would feel left out and picked on, Khal would often plug his ears with wax and spend time with her as a show of empathy........unexpectedly, he became quite good at reading lips.
Through the summers, Khal befriended a young boisterous boy named Alejandro who would pass through with some others periodically. They established a kinship which has lasted. The lead animal tender for Malikstad was Ragiel. Despite having only one hand (the reason for which Khal would discover later), he was very adept at virtually any task asked of him. Having developed an affinity for young Khal, he helped him explore his curiousity about weapons and aided him in becoming quite proficient with a rapier and bow when time would allow. Pressed by Khals persistent questions about his past, Ragiel acquiesced and began to surreptitiously teach Khal other skills that had long been dormant.........those of a thief.
Years went by with Khal enjoying his time with Ragiel and Rena, but resenting their mistreatment at the hands of Malikstad. A defining moment came one summer night when the drunken merchant struck Rena, sending her small frame sprawling into the campfire. Khal sprung to help her and put the fire on her clothes out. Ragiel, unhinged by the event, attacked Malikstad, but was beaten back by his everpresent mercenaries. That night Ragiel had left the camp, knowing his days were numbered and that the merchant had designs on punishing him further. He left a message for Khal to stay courageous and that the fates will bring their paths to cross again. Rena succumbed to her burns two grueling days after her attack. It was at this point of sorrow and anger that a plan was hatched in Khal's mind. He convinced the merchant that he, being a man of 21 years, and having been familiar with the livestock, was the natural replacement for Ragiel. Every winter, Malikstad would take his caravan of stone and precious metals over the mountains and to Ghalik and the southern cities. Shrewd as he was, he knew that other merchants would not travel in the poor winter conditions of the north and that he would be the sole supplier by doing that. Also, he had accumulated a hardy team of oxen and mules to accomplish the trek. Not actually knowing much about tending to the animals, Khal was nonetheless able to keep them healthy prior to the journey. One week before, he began mixing diseased feed that he had let fester into the good stock. He remembered Ragiel's admonitions to never allow the soured feed into the stock or the animals would fall sick within two weeks.
The journey began over a blanket of snow -- good luck according to Malikstad. Upon reaching the mountain peaks and recognizing some of the signs of deterioration in the work animals, accentuated by their exertion, Khal stole off into the night and never looked back. His expectation was that the crazed or dying animals would pull the valuable cargo over the cliffs or, at the very least, strand the heavy materials in the mountains to be covered by snow. The merchant would miss his annual "killing" that he'd make in the south and be hard pressed to continue without the healthy profits from that trip.
Khal made his way on foot and in the care of some travelers back to his home town of Tarmok. It was here that he spent his last silver piece on passage to Umerus -- a wonderful, far away land where he could begin his life.........................