Cuchulain

The Early Years Born Setanta the Son of Dechtire, a noble from the mighty Elven city of Eglan Berriador the early years of his life were marked with Sworrow and tradegedy. Shortly after his birth his mother passed away leaving him without a mother and upon hearing of his wife’s death his father, a proud warrior, so heartbroken abandoned his only son leaving him the care of his wife’s brother a blade weaver for the Elven nation. Studying under his uncle for many years Setanta became very skilled with the sword and through his love Emer, skilled with the harp. Like his childhood his sub adult years were marred with sorrow as well. While out on a task for his uncle his only love Emer was raped and killed by a member of the king’s court. Upon learning of the atrocity he crept into the mans sleeping quarters and slit his throat. Knowing he was now a fugitive he fled into the night, never returning to his ancestral home. Life was hard over the next few years; employed as a mercenary for a band of killers and rogues he fought other men’s wars and spilt much blood for them. No matter how deep he would drink the horror of his actions and the meaninglessness of his life could not be shaken. At dawn on a cold morning he left this life, taking a boat South. As fate would have it, his travels took him to the frozen plains of Raithscar where he lived in seclusion for some time. Still a young man he took great joy exploring the land and battling the great beasts of the land. On one such quest he spied a group of warriors battling a great mob of beasts and fiends and was impressed with their courage and bravery. Upon introduction he learned they had a city to the west and that a young Aracoix was the leader. Feeling as if he had been along for long enough he agreed to go back with the group and see if would be welcome. A new home and change of names Having only heard of Aracoix and never actually seeing one he was momentarily taken aback when he met Michlo, lord of Walker. After his initial shock he sensed the young Aracoix’s honor and felt at ease with him and his small group of leaders, who asked him to join the clan, which he agreed to. Later, Lord Michlo was invited to a banquet at the house of Culain; a local blacksmith and he asked Setanta to accompany him. Setanta was at the trainers at the time and said he would follow shortly. When the guests were seated at the feast, Culain asked Michlo if all the expected guests had arrived and Lord Michlo replied that they had, forgetting about Setanta. Culain unchained his huge hound to guard the house. Unaware of the danger ahead, the young man arrived at Culain`s house .The vicious dog leapt at Setanta, who had only his short sword with him. Undaunted by the ferocious beast the young man thrust the sword down the animal’s throat. The hound was forced back by the blow and Setanta was able to grab the hound by its legs and smash its head on the stone courtyard. When Michlo heard the hound howling he remembered Setanta and ran outside expecting to find him torn to pieces. He was amazed to see him unharmed, standing above the dead hound. The blacksmith, Culain was distraught on the sight of his fallen dog. Setanta, although without blame in the duel, vowed to take the place of the dog, protecting the pass into the Clan, and became the hound of Culain - Cuchulain. As time went by, he found his niche with the clan and enjoyed the camaraderie and feeling of trust he had with his new friends. In time, he was asked to become one of the lords of Walker to help guide the clan in that time of peril. Always forgetful that he was born into the world as a noble as the past is easier to forget. Instead, keen to the notion that actions are what make a man noble. A bit reserved by nature and more inclined to listen than talk he is always willing help a friend and act for the best interest of the clan. Part II The Breaking of the World...a later chapter.

Written by: Cuchulain on: 12/11/03