The Kingdom of Ontaré

"THIEF! THIEF!" A man called out across the marketplace as Tarn Lockley sped and stumbled through the crowd. He had been sloppy this time, but hunger does that to a man. He nearly dropped the handful of bread he had tucked to his chest as he collided with a random passerby. It was somewhat impressive, though, how he kept his prize while rolling back to his feet and continuing his sprint. He didn't really know where he was going. He hadn't been in Haven long and didn't know the alleyways. He didn't realize it at the time, but that was going to work in his favor.

The thief was easy to track. He was making a right mess of his exit, tumbling over bystanders. Still, he had some skill. That was apparent. His performance would likely improve greatly once he was properly fed. Umbra waited until he had finally found a spot to hunker down and wait out the patrols before slipping quietly from her perch on a nearby rooftop. Tarn was far too engrossed in filling his stomach to notice her approach. "You know, the stall 2 over had some cheese that would go great with that." She said playfully, moving to cut off his escape back into the street. She stood just under average height, with shoulder-length black hair and a mischievous smirk. Her garb was unmistakably Ontaran military, though specially made for more covert operations. Tarn stiffened immediately, still clutching what was left of his meal close to him. He knew he was caught, but didn't know what else to do. He began sobbing.

"Oh now, there's no need for that." Umbra said plainly. "Come on, I'll explain on the way." She offered him a hand which he simply looked at suspiciously. Umbra rolled her eyes. "If I was going to cut your hands off, it'd be done by now. Now, come on." Tarn did not take her hand, but stood trying to dry his eyes. "You're not from around here right? You don't know how we do things yet." Tarn shook his head. Umbra sighed. "What's your name, so I don't have to call you thief?" Tarn swallowed, finally building some courage. "I'm uh... Tarn... Tarn Lockley." Umbra grinned again. "A pleasure Mr. Lockley, follow me please." She made to move out of the alley, but stopped and said over her shoulder. "Oh, and if you try to run, I WILL catch you."

Tarn followed Umbra back into the street, taking another bite from his stolen bread. He may be walking to his death, but he certainly was not going to die hungry. As they walked, Umbra continued to talk, not so much as looking back at Tarn. "Mr. Lockley, we don't execute our criminals here, nor do we mutilate them. How can a man repay his debt if he can't work after all?" Tarn kept up with her brisk pace, wondering just what was happening. "It's a waste of a good resource, and it goes against Aed's teachings. Everyone has a purpose. We just don't always know what that is. Further, Aed requires us to show respect to everyone, including those that do not follow Him. It wouldn't be too respectful for me to start chopping off limbs now would it?"

They passed by the bread stall. Umbra dropped several coins in the merchant's hands, gave a small bow, and continued leading Tarn. "You, Mr. Lockley, know your skills, but not your purpose. That is where Ontaré comes in. We take people like you, and help them find their way. Our knights, soldiers, guards, sailors, and scouts come from very different backgrounds. Many of us were once as you are now. But, we were all brought together and unified here, given purpose. And that is what will become of you." She stopped at once, looking up Tarn realized they had made their way to the temple. "All of Ontaré's military starts here first, gaining an understanding of Aedak and its principles. We are a holy force, acting in the name of Aed before Ontaré. That is what unifies us, and why we are able to bring our nation together."

Tarn stood before the doors to the temple, the crumbs of bread slowly dropping through his fingers. Umbra waited patiently, they always took a bit to figure this part out. "You're... conscripting me?" He said uncertainly. Umbra nodded. "In a manner of speaking. You stole from one of our merchants. I paid for what you stole. And I, like the rest of Ontaran military, are part of the church. Therefore, you owe the church a debt. You will repay this debt by working in the temple and learning about Aedak. When the time comes, you may be invited to join us. This part is not optional, but you will have a choice once your debt is paid. Regardless, you will be fed and well cared-for. Now, isn't that better than losing your hands?" Tarn took another hard swallow, steadied himself, and walked through the temple doors.