The Faithful and the Fallen discussion

Another new POV! This time we have not heard of him in previous chapters.

Kastell, we learn is the son of parents murdered by the Hunen (Giant clan) and now lives with his Uncle Romar (King of Isiltir) in Mikil.

He and his shieldman, Maquin are riding guard, escorting a merchant train to a mining town in Helveth called Halstat. Kastell had known Maquin longer than any other, the last remnant of his fathers hold.

Kastell is reflecting on Mikil and how he is glad to be away from it. His cousin Jael lives with Romar also, Jael's father was killed in a similar manner to Kastell's own. It soon becomes apparent that Kastell and Jael do not get along. Jael takes every opportunity to belittle Kastell and it has resulted in what seems like paranoia on Kastell's part. You certainly get the impression he thinks everyone is conspiring against him because of his cousin.

In the evening Kastell settles down away from the men who are settled around a fire. Maquin suggests they join the men but Kastell is convinced Jael has poisoned the men against him. The captain of the mercenary guard, Aguila joins them with a skin of something that burns throats.

Mainly they talk about the stolen starstone axe. A relic of the ancient world. It was stolen from Mikil which put Romar into a rage as it provided a strong revenue stream from people coming all over the banished lands to witness it.

Eventually the warrior Aguila offers them both a spot at the fire. He makes a light hearted jest of the fact that Kastell's blade is sharp enough (he spent his nights sharpening his sword.) Kastell senses a trap and says, 'Are you mocking me? been talking to Jael have you?'to which Aguila responds 'Have a care, Romar's kin or no, it won't always protect you.'

When Kastell and Maquin are left alone Maquin takes it upon himself to lay some home truths on Kastell. Explaining that he sees enemies where there aren't any.

While on watch Kastell reflects on his conversation with Maquin and ultimately seems content with the thought that not everyone is against him.

The following morning he seeks Aguila out and apologises for his words the previous evening.

I like Kastell. Anyone who can swallow their pride, hold their hands up and admit they're wrong is a good lad in my book.

Especially when you're as young as he is. Pride is everything.

Absolutely. Would take a lot to do that.

It's shows strong character in a person who can take what seems like harsh words from someone and although get angry and upset at first, then reflect and see things from another's point of view ( I'm proud to say my son does this, most of the time, with a little encouragement)
This also shows the bond between Kastell and Maquin
As Maquin says he hoped Kastell would see that he is sometimes paranoid, but isn't worried that Kastell would start getting paranoid about him or that their friendship would suffer.

Kudos to you for your son being that way. He sounds a top lad.

I feel their relationship is mentor & student... with a big & little brother element. It hits you as such straight away and is nice to get that feel for them so quickly.