***
After their meeting, Faindan was sent to town by Furlus to speak to the leader of the Nine Axes, Valedos Firehelm. Valedos was a legendary Dark Knight who wore an extremely rare, full set of Glaetherin armor--including a horned helm--that he had found in the maze of tunnels below Dremlock. The armor, which had belonged to a Dwarven prince, had been a perfect fit, and the High Council had awarded it to Valedos for his many heroic deeds.
Valedos wasn't wearing his armor on this day--though he did have his battle axe with him, as always. He stood in the tavern at the bar, his shoulders as broad as those of Furlus and his body laden with muscle beneath his black tunic. A forge accident had left his face scarred and part of his beard unable to grow back--with the latter being a mark of shame that added to his sullen demeanor. He watched Faindan with suspicion as he approached. The tavern was filled with Knights engaged in merrymaking in their free time, though the rest of the Nine Axes were not present. Valedos stood alone, a big wooden mug in hand.
Faindan bowed. "Greetings. I was sent here by Furlus." He showed Valedos his missing hand. "He seemed to think you could help with this."
Valedos slammed his ale mug down on the bar. "Can't help you," he growled. "I have no idea how to make a hand grow back."
Faindan wasn't sure what to make of that response. "Okay, but I didn't expect you to have that sort of skill. I'm just doing what Furlus told me to do--come here and see you. So here I am."
"What happened?" asked Valedos.
Faindan told his story. When he was finished, Valedos gazed at him with contempt.
"That's a pathetic tale," said the Dark Knight. "I'm surprised Furlus didn't just toss you right out of the Order."
Anger burned within Faindan. "Well, he didn't. He wants me to remain a Knight. So can you help me, or not?"
"Possibly," said Valedos. "But why should I? You brought disgrace to Dremlock and Ollanhar. If I help you, I want some assurance that you're going to grow a backbone and become a real warrior."
Faindan's anger increased. "I can't give any such guarantee, because the whole concept of it is rather insulting. Until you've been in the situation I have, you shouldn't judge me."
"You came to me for help," said Valedos, "and I'm deciding whether or not you're worth the effort--so I'm going to judge you. You're one of those snobbish Blue Knights, I see, who think you should get treated like royalty. Well, I'm going to speak my mind. If you don't like it, the door is that way." He pointed.
Faindan stood his ground.
Valedos nodded. "Then as I was saying, I won't help you until you prove to me you can overcome that weak will of yours."
"How can I possibly do that?" asked Faindan. "There is no way to prove such a thing."
"Sure there is," said Valedos. "You must pass through the Gauntlet of Axes and become an honorary member of the Nine Axes. Only a handful of Knights have made it through the Gauntlet. A good many have failed."
"And what would it accomplish?" asked Faindan. "What would it mean to be an honorary member?"
Valedos laughed. "Essentially nothing--beyond earning great respect. But if you succeed, I will find a way to turn that missing hand of yours into your greatest strength. Bear in mind that the Gauntlet of Axes is difficult. Usually only very stout Olrogs can emerge victorious. If you were to prevail, it would erase the cowardly actions of your past--actions that other Knights will look upon with contempt. But if you complete the trial, no one would question your heart and skill ever again. So what is your answer?"
The challenge sounded worthy. Faindan didn't want to be a Knight that others regarded as a coward, and it would take many heroic deeds to change their minds about him. Yet the Gauntlet of Axes seemed to offer a quick fix for his reputation--if he could prevail. And if he failed, no one would think less of him. It seemed to be a gamble with little risk.
"I'll do it," said Faindan.
"Good," said Valedos. "Just a word of warning--the Gauntlet of Axes can be very painful and dangerous. It can leave you scarred. Still want in?"
Faindan felt he had to prove himself regardless of the risks. "I'm ready. We can do this right now if you want."
Valedos grinned in approval. "That's the spirit. We'll have a drink or three first, though. My warriors are busy right now helping some townsfolk repair a bridge. We'll meet up with them later and go out back." His grey eyes narrowed. "And then you'll truly know the meaning of pain."
"I already know the meaning of pain," said Faindan. "I cut off my own hand after being driven mad by pain, remember? Trust me--I'm prepared for whatever punishment you plan to give me."
Valedos didn't reply.