The return of an Identity

[Aerius]

The man sat on a log staring into the woodlands, his scraggly beard waving in the gentle breeze, occasionally catching hold of a sailing leaf. Tomorrow he would set out on the road and resume his travels, with no particular destination but more of a roaming in the direction of where the road would literally take him.
The man had been working for two weeks on a small plot of land that was located on a clearing in the woods, whose owner hastily labeled it as a farm. Prior to the man coming to work for the farm owner, it was an infestation of weeds and brush from an invasion of the surrounding and encroaching woods. He had taken employment with this man, in the agreement that he would receive a one of his horses and a satchel of food for his journey.

The farmer emerged, from the element beaten barn like structure, leading a horse that probably hadn’t seen a decent meal since it was a colt feeding from its mother. “A deals a deal lad, here is all I could spare” the old farmer grumbled as he tossed a small dirty looking bag of morsels into the man’s lap and handed him the reigns to the horse’s bridal. “Oi know e’s not much ta look at, but e’ll take ya up the road a ways ya need to go.” The farmer shook the man’s hand, thanked him, and made back for the barn.

The man looked the old horse in the eyes, which were hollow, glossy, and tired; yet they showed a glimmer of young curiosity. “That old coot didn’t even give me your name, I suppose we’ll make a fine pair being as I do not even know my own.” The man said with a sigh. “Come on ol boy, let’s be on our way. I’ll walk you alongside me for some time to see how you fair before getting on your back.” He chuckled. “If I can’t ride you, at the very least I’ll have company with me.” As he said this he reached into his pack and fumbled his fingers on its contents.

It had been several days since he left the farm, with only intermittent periods of time that the horse could briefly sustain his weight for a ride and he could rest his sore ridden bare feet. Thunder sounded in the distance, and flickering lights could be seen thrown back and forth from cloud to cloud. The man and his horse could see a graveyard in the distance, where forms could be were skittering around and the sounds of moans were faintly heard over the now drizzling rain. “Come boy, I see a building through the woods off to the left. It would be good to get out of this weather, not to mention avoid the scourge that lies ahead.” He said with a grimace. They came upon the building, but no one was home, luckily there were more buildings in sight that were scattered throughout the woods a little further north. They made quick broken strides to each one until they found someone home, and the man knocked gently but vigorously on the door.

The door opened a crack, “who might you be?” the pale face’s eyes looked with piercing intent.

“Just a man seeking shelter from the storm, and my companion who could use a fresh drink and perhaps some grain if you could spare.” The man said with a shiver.

“I’m just a local healer, my name is Quilent, I have no room for the steed, but he can stand under the overhang there and get some shelter from the raid.” He opened the door and handed him a large cloth. “As for you, I can give you some dry clothes and tend to any wounds that you may have, it is my duty in these parts.”

“I very much appreciate it, and would take you up on your offer… my feet bear the story of my travels.” The man saw to it his four legged friend was as comfortable as he could be, before entering into the home.

Quilent tended to all the man’s wounds and fed him some broth from his warm fire. “Tell me traveler, what is your name, and where do you come from?”
Staring into the embers, “I do not know the answer to either of your questions sir, I have been wandering the woods for many months. The last thing I remember was waking up alongside a narrow pebbled road beaten and bloody with only a few, of what I can only assume were my, belongings.” He rubbed the now soothed sores on his feet. “I had some papers in the belongings with various names and signatures on them. However, I do not know which of them are mine so I do not dare claim any as myself.”

Quilent picked up some of the papers and sifted through them. “These are parchments from the Order of Law, they reside in Britain to the South East of here.” He smiled a bit as he set the parchments down. “You’re currently in the outskirts of the town of Yew, occupied by the Order of Nature, who are allies of the Order of Law. I’m sure if you head to their Temple and return these letters you might find some answers. Head due North of here, you’ll pass four buildings and the Abbey will be directly ahead of you.” The man rose quickly and opened the door. “Tell them Quilent sent you, and show the guard the papers and tell him you’ve important business at Law Temple and could use a fast steed and an escort. I will watch over that old horse of yours and see to it he roams free for the remainder of his days in these woods.”
The man shook Quilent’s hand and thanked him, “You’ve been very kind and helpful, and I will return the favor when I can.”

The man followed the healer’s directions and found a guard outside the Abbey. Before he could say anything, the guard nodded at him and gave him a greetings. “Ga’day M’lord, have you business with the Order today? We’ve not seen you around here in a long time.”
Eyes widened, the man responds. “You seem as if you know me, but I have no recollection of having been here before.”

“Yes sir, you’re Aerius, you were once a member of the Order of Law… in fact you were named Second in Command for a time. So we occasionally met when you had business in these parts.” The guard perked a brow and peered at him curiously. “I had heard you disappeared, without a word, are you ok?”

Aerius’ jaw quivered a bit, “Up until this point I have been wandering around without a clue as to who I am… I… I need your help. Quilent sent me here to seek a fast escort to the Temple of the Order of Law.”

“Well then, I’ll fetch a horse and we’ll leave this instant!” The guard said with a shout and turned heal and disappeared into the Temple.

The road blurred by, and they soon arrived at the Temple, once at the gate the escort saluted Aerius and made their return back to Yew. He walked into the Temple, and could feel a familiar power flow through him, instantly he knew he was home. For the first time in almost years, he felt at home, and memories slowly trickled into his body. Winchester was granting him the return of his memories now that he had arrived home.

Now… to find and officer that could help him make his return official and help to cleanse his body for the renewed service under Winchester.