Description
This is a paint-sketch of Serin. He is an effective military leader, despite his age. But he never attended an academy. He was forced into the role by circumstance. Bummer.
COMMISSIONS OPEN! You can buy a paint-sketch for about 90$. If interested, PM or email me ( Belfrie -at- live.com ).
Story
Serin is the bastard son of a soldier and a camp-follower. When his mother was pregnant with him, she decided to settle someplace. She found Koa, a village community near the ocean. Because she had been given some money by Serin’s father, she was able to buy a small yurt. She worked as a weaver for food.
Serin was born in Koa. He spent his childhood roaming the sandy village, stick-fighting and wrestling the other children. During this time, his talent for leadership flourished. He and his few friends would commonly use stratagem to win games against other young villagers.
One dusk, when motley soldiers arrived demanding food and shelter, Serin confronted them. He believed they were unjust in their demands and knew they were the routing cowards from a nearby battle. One of the soldiers approached him with hostile intentions. Serin used a staff to humble the soldier, barely. The effort spooked the other soldiers into being respectful. The village was paid for food, and the soldiers were allowed to sleep nearby, huddled in the forest. Serin was feeling confident in his abilities, but a greater trial was soon to come.
While hunting, Serin spied a gathering army. They wore the undyed tunics of wood-cutters and travelers. But they were moving toward Koa, wielding weapons. Because he had remained undetected by them, he was able to hurry back to the village and muster a defense. While the sun was high, he was helping set traps, sharpen axes and spears, and give encouragement to fearful villagers. The ensuing battle was sporadic but fierce. A few raiders would attack from one direction, while others would attack from another. The housetop archers were the only factor that enabled the villagers to win, a tactic Serin fully utilized. Many were lost in the fight, but that small village—led by Serin—had withstood an overwhelming force.
Serin was accommodated by the tax-collector. He was given a bounty for the bandits’ scalps. They used the money to treat the wounds of the injured and buy stone for a wall. Serin was given a medal and invited to the capital city to tell his tale of bravery. His friends insisted he go, so he did. Some of his friends went with him. Serin hoped the journey would mean better fortune for villagers throughout the land.
In the capital, he told his story many times. After speaking with some persuasive officers, he was convinced to tour the countryside, checking the security of other villages and organizing defensive efforts. This is his current assignment.
