Theradus Lightfinder

"'The light is my guide, as it always shall be. But we must always remember not to follow blindly, lest we be led astray from our beliefs by simple arrogance'."

"- Theradus discussing his understanding of the light with Solomon during their time in Tyr's Hand."

Summary
Theradus Selent, born in Amaranthine of the Wyrmfyre owned Barony, became a ward to Oribas Wyrmfyre following the death of his father. During his time within the barony Theradus completed his Paladn training and earned the surname 'Lightfinder'. After these events, Theradus survived the third war, and spent the next portion of his life serving in the Crimson fleet, as well as a short time as a Mercenary. Such atrocities and unforgiving horrors during this time changed Theradus, though when he came across his oldest friend in a chance of fate, he once more offered his service to Solomon. From that point onward and to this day, Theradus Lightfinder pledges his blade to Solomon Wyrmfyre, and currently acts as the Lieutenant of the Covenant of Lordaeron.

The Wyrmfye Barony
Theradus Selent grew up within the Amaranthine Barony, on the border of Quel’thelas, as a ward to House Wyrmfyre after the loss of his parents. Oribas Wyrmfyre took in the young child due to Theradus’s Grandfather helping Oribas’s Father to secure the barony for the Wymfyre bloodline.

During his years as a ward, Theradus was taught how to wield a sword, and although no master of a blade, often found himself repelling troll skirmishes on the borders of the barony when the need arose. Here he put into the practice all that he had been taught by some of the swordsmen that served House Wyrmfyre within Amaranthine. It was also during these skirmishes that he often noticed Oribas’s Son, Solomon, who was not much younger than himself. In one such circumstance, Theradus saved the life of Solomon due to his quick thinking, where his personal troop would have been too slow to save the young Wyrmfyre. As a gesture of good will, Solomon allowed Theradus to serve within his personal escort, and from this point the two soon become good friends.

As Theradus served loyally by Solomon's side over the next year or so however, Oribas became troubled by the idea of friendship coming before duty. As such, Oribas recommended that Theradus be considered for training as a member of the Silver hand to priests and the like within the barony, who after a number of months found Theradus a place within the holy order. In truth, Oribas felt as though he had to get rid of Theradus, yet still had to honour his efforts in the eyes of the rest of the Wyrmfyre footmen. Theradus gladly accepted the role, believing his friend to be in capable hands, and that the light itself was guiding him on a more virtuous path.

Theradus spent the next part of his life under the care of his assigned mentor within the silver hand, and devoted his time to the Light, learning how to wield it as a means of peace, and where needed, judgment. Though Theradus managed to physically use the light in the forms he was taught by his mentor (the basic use of healing an open wound to relieve pain, and the odd other beneficial means to using the light), he constantly struggled with the understanding behind it in some areas. This never put him off his training however; as much as it frustrated Theradus he would often spend more time researching and training more rigorously to ensure he met the expectations of his betters.

It was because of this that when Theradus attended his ceremony in which he was knighted as a member of the Silver Hand, he earned the surname of ‘Lightfinder’, as his mentor had said that he had the rare potential to “ Buckle down in the darkest of times, use his head, and let the light be his guide. He can always find hope through the light, in the bleakest and darkest of his days ”.

Shortly after his training, Theradus came across Alyessa Hartland, a farmer’s daughter within the barony whom he quickly developed a relationship with, and a short number of years later, married at the age of 21. Serving as a Silver Hand Paladin within the barony of Amaranthine, combined with a faithful and beautiful wife, Theradus felt acomplished despite his young age. Though this would not last.

The Fall of Lordaeron
With the planned return of Prince Arthas from his campaign in Northrend, the city of Lordaeron, as well as the surrounding regions, made preparations his ceremonial welcome home. As such, patrol frequency was increased to ensure that the proceedings continued without any problems; providing safety and order to the occasion. Theradus and another newly appointed paladin were assigned to patrol the roads north of the city with a troop of the city guard. Like the majority of the people within the Kingdom of Lordaeron, Theradus eagerly awaited the festivities to come.

Nothing seemed amiss on the day of the Princes' return, though patrolling the roads Theradus was slightly saddened that he could not be within the city itself. Still, he was happy to fulfil his duty as he talked to the those accompanying him to pass the time.

Around an hour and a half after the Prince's scheduled return, the small troop heard the unmistakable sound of galloping approaching from behind them. Drawing their weapons the troop turned; only to see what appeared to be a farm hand on horseback, pale faced, barely able to keep himself in the saddle with his left arm covering an unmissable bleeding wound across his chest. Gasping for air, the guard managed to explain that hideous monsters had appeared in the lands North of Lordaeron. Upon hearing this, two thoughts came to Theradus at the same time; his family and the Wyrmfyre Barony were both in danger. Abandoning his duty of patrol, Theradus ushered his horse forward, in the direction of home."'The towers of your estate were the first thing that I saw against the skyline as I drew ever closer to my destination. Half a mile, a full mile, however close I was, I soon noticed the civilians fleeing towards me, some on foot others on horseback. Familiar faces passed by, the butcher, the blacksmith. Women, fear in their eyes and children clutched to their chest, crying and clinging to their parents for dear life. Armed men, although few in number were also present, helping the civilians. I remember one of them grabbing his surcoat and ripping it from his armour, handing it to a young woman that seemed only half dressed amidst the chaos, the Wyrmfyre sigil of the black dragon keeping her warm. As much as I wanted to help, I pressed on, keeping an eye out for the person I was searching for.' - Theradus speaking to Solomon recollecting the events that unfolded on the day that Lordaeron fell." Theradus eventually reaches him home, however he was too late. He discovered the body of his pregnant wife being feasted on by a ghoul. Anger fuelling his actions, Theradus murdered the ghoul. Despite the horrors unfolding in the lands around him, Theradus took the time to create a man made grave under a large oak tree on the farmstead, in which he laid his wife to rest. After doing so, Theradus headed back to the Barony to aid anyone he could, and to seek out his closest friend; Solomon. It was on this day that Theradus turned his back on the holy light.

(Note: A short story detailing Theradus recalling the fall of Lordaeron can be found here: https://wolfbrother947.deviantart.com/art/Memories-of-Years-Gone-By-641524510 )

The Journey to Tyr's Hand
Theradus aided the refugees alongside Solomon Wyrmfyre after the fall of Lordaeron. The weeks and months that followed were unmerciful; the people of the Wyrmfyre Barony were starting to starve, more and more people lost their lives from injuries yet supplies were drastically low. Oribas had intended to lead his people to the fortified City of Tyrs Hand, ruled by Lord Valdelmar at the time. The journey however would take its toll if supplies were not acquired soon. Oribas eventually made the decision to ride ahead with a small Troop of house guards alongside his son Solomon and Silver Hand Paladin Theradus Lightfinder. Oribas ordered the rest of his military unit to continue escorting the refugees to Tyrs Hand with as much haste as they could.

Theradus stayed silent during the bartering that occurred between Oribas and some Merchants that they found on the way to Tyrs Hand. Where once he would offer kind words to the travellers, he simply nodded once in a sombre manner of farewell once supplies had been gathered. On the ride back to the refugee caravan, Oribas decided to ride on ahead, leaving Solomon in Command of the small troop that remained.

Strangely there were no words spoken between Solomon and Theradus, the close friends engulfed by their own concerns. Solomon had the refugees to help, and switfly at that, while Theradus reminisced in silence of his fallen wife of which he had not discussed with anyone yet; not even Solomon.

A few hours later the troop came towards a lake. As they ventured round its side, they heard the screams of what sounded like a horse in pain. Solomon ordered the troop to be on high alert as they headed in the direction of the noise. They arrived to find a small bank in which it appeared there has been an accident. As they neared, it was clear the the horse had stumbled, its leg now broken and had fallen down the hillside. The screams of the horse and the clear state of its woe was not what shocked the troop however; it was the immediate realisation that it was Oribas Wyrmfyres personal steed. Close to the shore, a body could be seen face down in the water. The guards immediately tried to aid, foolishly running into the water themselves to aid their Lord before Solomon could issue any commands. The waters had been tainted.

Solomon dismounted and ran to the edge of the waters himself while Theradus hurriedly dismounted as well, a distance behind Solomon however. As if the situation wasn't bad enough, as the two guards attempted to lift the body of Oribas out of the water, the Wyrmfyre's body seemed to jolt to life. However as the foot soldiers rejoiced Solomon could only watch in horror as his father plunged a short sword into the un-protected head of one soldier, and snapped the neck of the other with quick precision and strength. As the face rose, Solomon froze in fear. The skin of his fathers face had peeled and distorted. He looked more like one of the ghouls that assaulted Lordaeron than Oribas. Solomon drew his blade, his hands unsteady at the sight. The creature looked at his son, and for a moment their eyes met; until the man that Oribas once was let out an ear shattering scream as it charged towards Solomon. Fear once more took a hold of the young Wyrmfyre, frozen in place and unable to raise his blade. He couldn't comprehend the situation as the monster lunged toward him. Solomon tried to raise his blade, though was late in doing so. The monster collided with Solomon, pushing him to the ground, overpowering him. A part of Solomon accepted his fate as he stared at the ghoul.

Out of the corner of his eye, something swung in the direction of the fumbling Wyrmfyres, and in what appeared like a slit second, the left hand side of his fathers head was crushed and the ghoul fell from atop Solomon. Still laid on his back, Solomon watched as Theradus walked past and raised his mace, the the once gifted to him in ceremony of joining the Silver Hand, and brought it down once more on the armoured chest of Oribas. Theradus returned to Solomon and offered him a hand once the ghoul was no longer able to move. Again the two did not exchange any words, though Theradus displayed a clear sign of Sympathy for Solomon as they returned to their mounts. Now was not the time to grieve, Solomon had to return to the refugees with the supplies.