Darketh was born on a very small island located to the west of Trinsic. His parents were merchants by trade, travelling to the mainland to sell their goods to the shopkeepers of Britannia. When he was old enough, Darketh was asked to join his father on trips to the mainland to learn the family business, but this did not interest him at all. He saw the many adventurers, with their shining armor and valiant steeds, and longed for that kind of life. Through the years, Darketh learned the ways of a fletcher, chopping trees in the forest and turning the wood he harvested into useful arrows and sometimes bows for the merchants. It was a boring life. Darketh began to practice shooting with the bows and arrows he created, and his skill in archery grew.

One fateful day, Darketh had been out in the forest shooting at birds when he heard a huge roar echoed over the entire island. Darketh ran home in time to see a large winged beast fly off into the distance. His home lay in ruins, the roof caved in and the furniture all ruined. He ran to the back of his house and found both of his parents, mauled and mangled, lying dead on the ground. Darketh fell into tears, his despair knowing no end. Slowly, he rose, walking into the wrecked house and lay on his own destroyed bed, and cursed his fate and the monsters of the world.

For three days and three nights, Darketh neither ate nor slept, he only mourned. He thought about continuing the family merchant business, but that thought only led him further and further into his depression. Finally, he raised his head and looked over the house. There was nothing left here for him. He packed up his few belongings and prepared to leave the only home he had ever known. As he looked over the house one more time, his eyes happened upon a bookshelf that had survived the destruction. Upon it's shelves lay two books, the Arania Family journal, containing the history of his family from a time no one can remember now, and his Father's special Tome, which he had been forbidden to ever touch. He sat on the floor, reading through the books and cried once again. The family tome reminded him of his past, and as he turned the pages, he came to his father's last entry:

The men in this family have been merchants since before time, but I feel

that the latest addition may not be suited to the merchant's life. Darketh,

my only son, will never be happy becoming a merchant and following in

the Arania family tradition. I see the way he looks at the travelers that

pass by us when we are on the mainland and I see the amazement in his

eyes. He longs for the open roads and the adventures these shining knights

have every day. I only hope that someday I can give him his wish and allow

him to lead the life he longs for.

 

The tears flowed freely upon reading the entry. Darketh closed the book and open his father's special tome. Inside were words and symbols he could not understand. He dismissed them, and placed both books into his pack. As he walked away from the house, he never looked back. He would fulfill his father's last wish and seek his fortune and life on the mainland of Britannia. He boarded the family boat and set sail for the mainland.

 

He traveled the roads heading north at all times, toward the great city of Britain. But the road was a harsh place. Beasts chased him at every turn. Thieves and scoundrels hustled him whenever they came by him. He was only a simple island boy, knowing nothing about the world out there and the dangers it encompassed. What little money had was soon gone, but along with the scoundrels, there were helpful people as well. He hitched rides with kind adventurers and got lifts from merchants whenever he could, but most of the time, he just walked. Finally, he came to the outskirts of the great city of Britain.

 

Poor and dejected, he wandered the streets, amazed and in awe of the sights and sounds of the city. In the distance, he could see the great Castle of Lord British. He was staring at the Castle, walking slowly through the West Bank area of Britain, when he ran head long into something and fell back upon the ground. He looked up and saw a nobleman sitting upon a magnificent steed.

 

"Hail, young one," the nobleman said. "You should watch your path for you never know what may lie ahead."

"Hail, Noble Sir," Darketh replied as he got to his feet. "My apologies for blocking your path. My attention was drawn by yon castle"

"Aye, the Castle of Lord British. It is a sight to behold by ones new to the city like yourself. What is your name, young one?"

"I am called Darketh"

"Greetings, Darketh," The nobleman replied. "I am Arlyss. Seeing as how you have stopped my journey for a time, join me for a meal. You look like you have not eaten in some time"

"Aye, Sir Arlyss. It has been some time since my last meal."

 

The two men sat at the local inn and shared tales as they ate. Darketh told the sad tale of his coming to Britain and his plans to make a life as an adventurer. Arlyss told his own tales, amazing stories of adventure and of his own family here in Britain.

 

The talk then turned to professions. Arlyss claimed to be a tailor by trade, but also an accomplished Mage. At hearing this, Darketh pulled out his fathers Tome and asked if Arlyss could read the strange writings inside.

"Aye, young Darketh," Arlyss said. "This is a spell book. Your father must have been a Mage of sorts himself." Darketh sat in amazement at this. He had no idea his father was even interested in Magery. It was Arlyss who broke the silence.

"Do you have family here in Britain, young Darketh?" Arlyss asked

"No, I know of no other family in this area. I believe I have relatives on the other outer islands, but none here on the mainland."

"What of a place to stay?"

"None. I was hoping to find work when I arrived to pay for lodging."

"I would be honored if you would consider allowing me to be your host while you are here in Britain. You are welcome to come home with me and meet my brothers and sister. Perhaps we can help you get a start on that life of adventure you hope to build."