Naldir was ready to leave before the King even began to speak. As he stood in the great hall, standing among adventurers of every kind, Naldir felt out of his element. He had long surrendered his sword and shield, instead walking the path of a civilian. But why then did he feel so unfulfilled. His thoughts nagged at the back of his mind, as did the words of the divine interloper. For the past several nights the God Amaldi had come to him in nocturnal visions, pleading for him to return to the path of the just. And now for several days Naldir had attempted to ignore the pleas, as he did now, moving to leave the hall.

It was then that the King began to speak with a mighty voice that had a quiver of sadness. Naldir turned back to hear what he had to say, owing the Lord that honour at least. As Naldir listened he pondered over the quandary that was the Fog. For many weeks he heard tales of it, how it swallowed people up forever. He had also heard whispers of the Prince disappearing, but it was still a shock when King Brand confirmed it. Naldir felt a knot form in his stomach as he remembered what it was like to feel like you have lost someone very close to you. He focused on that feeling as the King continued talking, even glossing over the reward. There was nothing physical that Brand could offer Naldir, he did not need riches or land. Naldir was painfully aware that no mortal could repair his soul, for he truly believed that it had been damaged.

Naldir remained in the hall as many began to leave, obviously not ready for the danger required in dealing with the Fog. As Naldir began to think that everyone may leave, a Half-Elf approached the King and knelt before him, swearing herself to the cause. Immediately afterwards several others approached, first another Half-Elf, then a fearsome looking Dragonborn, a Dwarf and a Man, a Minotaur of all things, then a lady Tiefling. All pledged themselves to the cause. Most of the others had left the room and Naldir greatly considered following them. Surely this was enough heroes, as they all seemed quite capable. But Naldir remembered the lessons of a Paladin, that an extra blade in good faith is always needed. With the knot tightening in his stomach, Naldir stepped forward.

“My name is Naldir Kadim, and I shall pledge you Lord my sword and shield,” Naldir said as he knelt, “As I devote myself to returning the young Prince.”

Naldir looked up, locking eyes with the King. Realizing that there was no going back now, Naldir stood up and followed after the others who had sworn themselves to this quest. In the back of his mind he recalled the dreams of Amaldi telling him to follow the path to redemption.