Veldorthan was a noble knight of the ancient Kingdom of Garathar, who lived in the 12th Century. One day, traveling in a dark wood, he came upon a beautiful youth beset by a dozen brigands who had routed his escort. Outraged at the injustice, and smitten by the youth’s beauty and bravery, Veldorthan challenged the brigands and defeated them all in fair combat. The youth thanked his champion and gave him a green and gray checkered kerchief, which he tied about his neck.

Veldorthan swore to see the young man to his destination, and the youth accepted his offer, though he warned the knight that great peril would pursue them. Veldorthan nonetheless stood by his oath, and as he escorted the young lord to his destination, they were attacked seven more times, each time by more fearsome foes. The final encounter was with eight demons. Each time, Veldorthan steadfastly repelled his opponents without thought of retreat and never complaining of his many bleeding wounds.

Eventually, they came to a hill overlooking the youth’s destination, a castle of unnatural fairness. Veldorthan collapsed and could go no further. As he lay, he saw the youth transformed into the Immortal Cael. He told him that the castle below was his, Atalvinar, but that it was not his destiny to enter it, although he must ever strive to do so. Veldorthan heard the god map out his future as his champion. Although he knew his inadequacy for the tasks he set him, he accepted the challenge.

Veldorthan lay long recovering from his wounds. When he awoke the castle and the god were gone. In their place were a brooding dark fortress and five mendicant mortal cantors who said they were sent to aid him. Their first task would be to take the dark castle below from its evil warlord. One of the mendicants blew a hom which was answered by the appearance of a small band of warriors who called themselves the Knights of Kemlor. Veldorthan led the knights to the gate of the castle and challenged the occupants. Veldorthan and his band won the day, although they were outnumbered five to one; then the Knights of Kemlor departed.

The dark fortress was converted into a temple and chapter house for worthy knights, and named Keminar. The tiny priesthood trained acolytes who were sent abroad to spread the word, and Veldorthan entertained and converted warriors to the cause of the Paladin of the Gods. For twenty years Keminar stood. Then the Knights of Kemlor returned and bade Veldorthan send everyone away. After he did this, a mighty army swept down upon Keminar, and although Veldorthan and the Knights fought bravely, the castle was destroyed and all were slain.