"Why so gloomy, youngster?"

Compassionate blue eyes were looking down at him and Anomen's anger quickly turned to awe.  "Wow!  Are you really a paladin of the Order?"

Chuckling, the armored man replied, "That I am, but you haven't answered my question.  Why are you glumly standing here instead of playing with the boys over there?"

There was no doubting the longing in Anomen's eyes as he watched the mock battle.  "I want to play with them but they always make me be a smelly old kobold.  I don't want to be a kobold.  I want to be a paladin."

Amusement crinkled the man's eyes.  "My heart gladdens to hear this, young one."  He paused to look at the wooden toys in the young boy's hands.  "You certainly have the equipment of a mighty warrior."

Anomen's chest puffed up with pride.  "The sword was a gift from my mother.  She had a servant make the shield.  My sister painted it with my family's crest."

"A more magnificent shield, I have never seen.  If you have the gear of a knight, why do they make you be a kobold?"

Anomen shuffled his feet before answering.  "It's because the sword keeps getting knocked out of my hand.  They won't let me be a paladin until I can hold on to my sword."

The paladin looked around and found a heavy stick.  "Perhaps I can help."

For the next half-hour, Anomen was shown the proper fighting stance, how to grip his toy sword, and several swordplay techniques.  While the kindly paladin taught him, the nearby combat ceased as the boys came over to enviously watch the training session.

"Look at that!  Ano's talking to a real paladin!"

"He's so lucky!"

"Hey, Anomen.  Want to be on my team?  We're fighting in the name of Helm."

"No fair!  I want him to be a paladin for Torm."

The paladin couldn't keep the merriment from his eyes.  "Well, young scamp, you've been promoted to warrior status.  Why don't you run along and defend Amn from the roving bands of 'smelly old kobolds'."

Anomen, his eyes gleaming with pride and gratitude, bowed to the man.  "Thank you, sir!"  Gripping the toy sword in the proper manner, Anomen ran to join the other boys.

The man watched as Anomen fiercely entered the mock combat, knocking down his opponents with finesse.

"Inducted as a full member of the Order just two days ago and already you are busily recruiting, Keldorn.  I'm impressed."

"Ah, Ryan.  How long have you been there?"

"Long enough, my friend."

The two men continued to watch the children's epic battle.  Keldorn smiled.  "He shows potential, that young rascal."

With a shrug, Ryan replied, "If you say so.  All I see is young boys whacking at each other with sticks."

"Come now, Ryan.  That boy could grow up to become your squire.  Perhaps even one of the greatest of us."

"Maybe.  For now, though, it's time for lunch.  I've invited a young lady to join us.  She's just your type.  Pretty, blonde, and witty."

Keldorn laughed as he followed Ryan.  "And just what is this maiden's name?"

From the battle, Anomen watched as the two men departed the district.  Some day, I'm going to be just like him.  He turned back to the combat with a mighty roar.  "For the Order!"