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This is part three of my paladin story. Part one can be found in entry [06/03/08], and part 2 can be found in entry [06/04/08], which is also located to the right. Might not have to if the link works.

I edited it a little bit so that it's easier to read. Double spacing is a must. Again, I apologize if there are any spelling or grammar errors. I wrote this five years ago, and have not edited it to be more professional looking.

Btw, this is the final part of the backstory.

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Minutes seemed like weeks to him as Bart laid down on his bed awaiting the outcome of his sentence. If he was lucky his father would only skewer him alive. Maybe if his mother calmed him down they'd let him off with a mere stoning. Either idea wasn't at all to his liking. And all of this just because of his family's stupid backwards traditions, and his love for a girl who wasn't a self-centered mage.

An hour later, there was a knock on his door. It was his uncle, Stephan.

"They've come to a decision," he started. "You have to come with me to meet with your father, and grandfather."

Not anxious to receive his new fate, he gradually got himself off the bed and past his uncle.

Along the way to the main room, Bart decided to have what was probably his last conversation with anyone.

"Tell me Uncle Stephan. Do you agree with what I did?"

Stephan looked over at his young nephew and thought about the answer for moment.

"Well if you mean do I agree with you lashing out at your father, no. But, if you mean choosing true love over your stupid destiny, yes. Actually, you had more courage than I did at your age. Maybe if I had stood up to your grandfather I'd still be a paladin instead of a cleric. Of course times were harsher back then and your grandfather would probably have skewered me alive for such an action. If I was your father I'd let you get off with a technicality. But again this isn't my decision kid. All I can do is give you my best wishes and hope you get out of this one alive."

"So you don't think I will either?"

"Kid, I've known your father since I've been born. While he is probably the greatest paladin that has ever lived, he has the worst temper in the history of mankind. The fact that you're still standing right now is amazing to even me."

The pains in the pit of Bart's stomach started to become more fierce. He wasn't even going to be able to say good-bye to Ellis. Why was this happening to him? If it was so bad why hadn't Heironeous stopped their getting together? It just didn't make any sense to him. Heironeous hadn't abandoned him as Bart could still feel the presence of his deity all around him.

As Bart began to walk towards the doors that the family butlers were opening before him, he could see that his father's face was still twisted from the anger that Bart had filled him with just over an hour ago. His mother was still to his left as she always did and his grandfather to his left. Stephan gestured to the opposite head of the table for Bart to sit. His uncle then walked towards the rest of the family and stood just between his father and grandfather. This left Bart completely by his lonesome.

His father was the first to speak. "We have come to a decision. You are to leave this household and not return until such time that you have finally learned of your misdeeds and return anew. This means that while you are away you have no such leverage with your name that which you once had nor will you be allowed to return here while you are still seeing the Chardinon warrior girl. If you leave her and bring back a respectful woman then it is possible that we may look past all of your past actions and we could one day be a family again. As well we don't need bad publicity so everything said in this room will stay here. Anything heard or said about this will be completely denied. We have enough rumors about us going around. We don't need to lose any more business just because my only child can't live up to this family's expectations and traditions. Until then, in this house I have no son. Now grab the possessions that you have and leave. You will not be able to come back for anything else once you walk out the main doors." Stopping to look over at Lana, he holds her hand and with a grimace on his face, he continues. "As a last request, your uncle and mother will see to your departure."

Bart's father and grandfather got up and without looking at him, left saying more. Bart's mother and uncle walked up to Bart and helped him out of his chair. They knew that the blow had been devastating but at least Bart was still alive.


The packing up was hard for Bart to do even with his mother and his uncle helping him. The silence between the three of them was very unnerving and uncomfortable. It was Bart's mother who finally broke the silence.

"I'm very happy for you Bartholomew. You were given the chance to stay with the one you love. Now don't get me wrong, I love your father very much but at first love was not exactly what brought us together as much as our lineage."

"Lamen terms kid, they settled for each other," Stephan yawned.

Without missing a beat Lana continued. "As far as you not being allowed to come back here, I don't completely agree with it. All children need their parents as much as parents need their children. As Lady of this house and with Stephan as my witness, you will be allowed here on the occasions that you father and grandfather are not here."

This snapped Stephan back awake. "What? Look kid, your mother and I will talk about this some more. Right now I have a friend in the barracks that will be able to set a place for you to stay but that's about it. As for going over your father's head... We'll look into that. I have to admit that he said you couldn't come back as long as you were seeing your lady friend so in technical terms you won't be seeing your girl when you come back here but don't abuse this."

"I promise I won't," Bart said smiling and grabbed his pack. "I guess I'm all set then. Give my best to father. That is if he even wants it."

With that all three of them walked out into the gardens one last time towards the main gate. Bart said his good-byes and gave his mother one last hug. As Bart walked through the large metal gates, he was unsure when the next time he'd ever be back to see them again. But first things were first. He had to tell Ellis the news and try to convince her that it wasn't her fault. This of course being easier said than done. But no matter what, they had made a solemn vow to always be together, and he promised himself that he would, even if he did have to give up his life as a Lockheart.