Beleveios Thunderstone

"I am Vorken Iceshard, one of the lords of Iceshard manor. In this day and age you can never tell where one's allegiances are. Leave my servants in peace or you may leave in pieces."

"Loyalties, of course, little one. Each day I see more mercenaries come to Kael, seeking their fortunes. King Tormax will use your kind to wage war on the dragons and upon the Coldain. But I question the motives of your kind."

"My motives are simple. I will acquire as much power and prestige as possible before I die. Such is life for me, a constant search for power and wealth. But my great power and wealth have not brought me happiness. Enough of my motives, what drives you? A constant search for more power, a search for security and happiness? Or do you truly believe in the rhetoric of King Tormax which advocates that we eradicate the dragons?"

"I understand. You seek wealth and power. Believe me, young one, it will not bring you happiness. Each item you acquire will only quell your lust for more power for a short time. There is always something slightly better to gain. Would yet another useless possession really make you feel better? Let me tell you a little story."

"Before I ascended to power here in Kael Drakkel, I lived as a nomad in the eastern wastes. My brother Klaggan and I did as we pleased, not abiding by the laws of the Kromrif leaders at the time. With each 'crime' we committed we drew the attention of Beleveios Thunderstone, the so called leader of the wandering giants at that time. His anger with us grew so much that he eventually came looking for us."

"Beleveios came seeking my brother and me to slay us and end the whining of the weaker giants. The day is still crisp in my mind. Four of his greatest champions fell upon my brother and me in our encampment, attempting to slay us in our sleep. We Iceshards are not so easy to slay, however. Klaggan awoke as they attempted to slit our throats and snapped the neck of one of our assailants. I leaped to my feet as well, and with my trusty axe I slashed at the knaves who had come to [murder] us."

"Yes, they tried to stop our actions without so much as a trial by honorable combat. My brother and I slaughtered Beleveios' most powerful guards as he watched. When the last one fell, I was covered in the blood of my foes, as was Klaggan. Beleveios stood there dumbfounded, before he dropped to his knees begging for our mercy and forgiveness. He prattled on about his [family], and wanting to protect his people. I would hear no more of this. His head lay on the ground not long after that."