Sir Leinad

Leinad is odd, but not dangerous. He has the voice of a seasoned knight. Leinad tells Cedric to sit down and share a slice of apple, as Cedric's mouth becomes wet in anticipation of the tart fruit. His worn hands worked the knife firmly and delicately to produce eight perfect slices. His silver hair seemed to betray the heart of a mighty warrior within. Though he was old, his shoulders were broad and his arms were strong. The firewood he chopped was an easy challenge for him, and the blade of the ax landed on its target every time. His gentle brown eyes were framed by tan wrinkles that ran toward his temples. They were eyes that Cedric could gaze into and not turn away from. At times during his orations, they became a living canvas that revealed love, pain, courage, and fear. The years of age only slightly masked what Cedric knew was once a very handsome young man. Leinad lowers himself on his right into an adjacent chair, which faced him toward a window that looked south to the sea that was just beyond one’s vision. He says his is a story worth it's telling. He lands a veteran hand on Cedric's shoulder, and his smile accompanies a wink. Leinad said was a new beginning for the people, the dawn of a new kingdom. Leinad’s story is one of knights, swords, treachery, and love. There is no story like it, and though it is Cedric's beginning, it is Leinad's story—a story that must not be forgotten.