Hemris of Wylderkeep.
The people learn and acknowledge him with this namesake. By 'people', he doesn't mean only the elves, but also the gnomes, fairies, and even some of the refugees.
He is merely a glorified gatekeeper, but he loves his job.
Defending the people must be his calling. While labeling him as a glorified gatekeeper might put him down, that's not the case for him.
He is not a meager gatekeeper after all, for he wields the princess's royal seal— a signet ring with a leaf and a rapier standing in the middle.
This is something that the members of the Makers Guild generally possess.
It is a symbol of honor and repute. Moreover, it has levels from bronze, silver, and gold that signify a certain level of implicit authority.
Most of the Makers only have bronze except the more exceptional Makers who have silver.
But it is not simply that. It means people who wield this ring have the 'influence' of the princess over them.
Hemris have a gold royal insignia which possesses a lot of power within the Makers' circle. The royal seal has been a successful help for him in maintaining order in Wylderkeep as most often, Makers travel here to barter goods.
In fact, Hemris is also under the princess's influence as none other than her Guardian Tree which is very weird.
Hemris can still recall the day he denounces the princess.
Princess Kara Glt Zorun.
The moment she peels off her nails is such an unforgettable moment for Hemris. It takes a lot of guts to inflict self-harm for the sake of self-punishment.
To some cruel twist, the same princess decides to put him in a position of power.
Hemris dreadfully reminds himself of the warning of Yirlung, a senior Guardian Tree.
"Betray the princess and I will kill you."
Such an old elf is impossibly scary Hemris is feeling his skin shiver.
"Sir, are you really heading to the frontlines?"
"No, I was tasked to defend the 'new' rear against the monsters."
Hemris calmly answers an ex-Einherjar who respectfully inquires about his leaving.
Carrying a sack of some of his items, Hemris is preparing to leave for the defensive line against monsters.
"I will follow you. I think the others would want to follow too!"
The ex-Einherjar's enthusiasm surprises him.
There is a reason why this elf is an 'ex-Einherjar', and it is not for a bad reason.
The Einherjars manage a system of changes in shifts. To the Einherjar, it is a form of vacation as duties in Wylderkeep are much easier.
However, few Einherjars choose to stay and volunteer on working for Wylderkeep.
It is not something as shameless as wanting to be lazy.
In a militaristic system that highly focuses on combat abilities, and demands a high amount of skills, it is inevitable that there will be inferiors.
Of course, they manage to pass the basic assessment to become an Einherjar, but the pressure of the battlefield against the monsters is an entirely different story.
It is not because they are scared.
Pain?
Death?
For those who swear to become Einherjars, this means nothing to them.
It is simply because they feel useless.
Perfection.
They are such a heavy word that the General requires from all of his soldiers.
Most often, the General undervalues the other units of Einherjar. In a pure attempt to maintain perfection and not risk the loss of life, the General takes it upon himself to carry the invisible burden of a pillar.
It is not necessary for him to do this.
In the same way, it is also not necessary for any elf to die.
That is why... plenty of the Einherjars feel useless.
However, when these Einherjars are in Wylderkeep, they feel different... they feel useful.
Under Hemris of Wylderkeep, they can become more.
Defense against spies, deterring wandering adventurers, cleaning out regular outlaws, and skirmishes with various human forces who try to encroach the Great Anisia River.
Realizing their worth, and being recognized for their contributions, a few Einherjars decide to resign and give up their current benefits setting up a loose militia in service of Wylderkeep.
They are the Wyldergard and their irrefutable leader is none other than Hemris.
"I..." Hemris takes a deep breath to calm his nerves as members of the Wyldergard surround him.
Wyldergard has been growing in numbers. Rather than a proper military organization, they are more of a vigilante group full of volunteers.
Other than the battle-hardened Einherjars, there are also a few gnomes, fairies, and even an orc that sorely stands out from the rest with its height.
Jom-ar the orc shouts a warcry. "WE ATTACK!"
The half-elf Corun standing beside Jom-ar nervously starts sweating. He prays in his heart that Jom-ar lives a long life for his pureness.
"I cannot! I cannot bring you there. This place needs you. So, I am sorry..." Hemris glumly answers to them.
He sees the depressed look of his people and feels saddened by this.
"Do not look down! You are the proud Wyldergard! This place might not seem much, but it is growing!"
Hemris exclaims raising his fist above his shoulder emphasizing his vigor.
"More gnomes, fairies, and refugees come to our gates every day! Before, it will take years, and months until we see action, but now, the Wylderkeep will only continue to prosper!"
Hemris speaks of the truth.
The Valkyries are doing their jobs splendidly not to mention the contribution of the Pilgrims who once for a while returns to the Dark Forest through the Wylderkeep.
As a gate for the purpose of receiving enemies and guests, Wylderkeep is growing to become a place worth protecting not for its sole purpose of defending the elven kingdom, but also for the people that live in it.
"Plenty of the gnomes make their settlements past our gates and walls. Fairies hang out at Wylderkeep on almost a daily basis for gawking at new and interesting things. Refugees lost on their way come here to find... us... We will be leaving Wylderkeep with no one to protect its gates. So, stay."
The Wyldergard is quiet and has no response to Hemris's words. But clearly, the message comes across as successful.
"WE PROTECC!" Jom-ar the orc shouts with a suppressed cry clearly finding the idea of defending the gates not as interesting as clobbering monster species for a change of pace.
The Wyldergard echoes Jom-ar's words and shouts as one— "WE HONOR!"
The commotion they bring with them causes the passersby to flinch in surprise.
Wyldergard has no proper building or facility except the makeshift training ground outside Hemris's tree.
Hemris smiles at his comrades' spiritedness.
"I will leave it to you, Corun..."
"Eh?" Corun perks up as he jumps up from where he stands. "Hey, why me? Are you sure? Don't you know I am an opportunistic bastard who only joined this posse to earn favors and socialize?"
The others admonish Corun's complaining.
"Just accept!" Elf.
"Uhhh... what a crybaby..." Fairy
"This bastard has no delicacy as always." Gnome.
Corun awkwardly laughs as he scratches the back of his head.
"No, I trust you, Corun... Go and make yourself rich... and provide assistance to Wylderkeep." Hemris throws something at Corun which Corun hastily picks up midair rather clumsily almost falling down on his bum only to find a familiar signet on his palm.
It is the seal of the royal princess.
"This serious. Hey, hey... you sure about this?"
"Yes, I am dam sure of it."
Corun nervously gulps at Hemris words.
"Fine," At first, Corun is thinking of tossing the signet back to Hemris, but that will be too foolish. The signet ring will be a great help to Wyldergard, and more so a great boon personally for himself. "I will accept this but I have one condition. Take one of us with you. At least that way you will have an aide and a bodyguard."
"What are you talking about? I should be going now." Hemris fixes the sac of his belongings on his shoulder, soothing the little ache forming on his back.
Corun deflects Hemris's assertion to leave by bringing the others' opinions. "Fellow members of Wyldergard! It is only right that our dear Hemris have a guardian, right? Chant with me– Hem-ris, Hem-ris..."
Strangely, Corun's childish provocation works. The members chant Hemris's name putting pressure on their shouting.
"Sigh..." Hemris massages his hurting forehead. "What do you want?"
With a victorious smile, Corun gives his suggestion. "Take Giana with you. She is also a member of the Wyldergard but she rarely interacts with others and simply goes on her own way— on her own personal missions. She is uncooperative, but she is helping. I hope she can be more open and be a part of the Elven Kingdom. So, please take her with you."
Hemris nods and simply walks away. "I will do as you suggest. I will go find Giana myself."
"The Wyldergard will be always with you," Corun adds, as the other members echo his words.