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Born Sigfried von Valentine, Saint Sigfried lived and died by the code of chivalry. As a youth, the depth of his dedication to duty led to the young squire's inductance into the Order of the Shield**. Unlike the Order of the Lance** which is deployed for war and tends to attract those seeking glory, or the Order of the Scales** which exists to mete out justice and is often preoccupied with bureaucracy, the members of The Shield are relied upon for their selfless devotion and the trust they engender.
So it was that Sigfried's greatest honor was neither pride of arms, nor piety, nor justice, but rather to never fail those who depended upon him no matter the cost. So it was that by epitomizing that ideal that his skill at arms and sense of justice were honed, and that to this day his deeds inspire in others the faith to believe in causes greater than themselves.
Sir Sigfried's last official charge before he was martyred was to safeguard a young elven prodigy from the Court of Sylvauria**, a Sister of Silenya** named Vánaeara, on her pilgrimage to and from the Silver Sea**. More than that, it was also a diplomatic mission to the Commonwealth of Valehaven** to ascertain its safety due to reports of increased hobgoblin activity in Elsmyr Dale**.
Accompanying the young knight were the chronicler assigned to him by the Estorian** Court, Erebor Hith**, and her pixie companion Dink**. It was while returning that they were ambushed by hobgoblins and made the acquaintance of the minotaur ranger Buliwyf**, and his mute sidekick Din Hîn**.
Upon learning of the dire threat posed to Elsmyr Dale** by the amassing of the Horde of the Red Hand**, Sigfried and his companions made up their minds to ensure the safety of the region.
It was this very effort which ultimately cost Sigfried his life. Whilst traversing the dale, their group spied the approaching horde drawing near to the small town of Naaman's Gap** which was as yet unaware of the threat approaching behind the western hills. In an attempt to buy the townspeople enough time to escape, Sigfried and company made their stand against the hopeless odds.
After fighting off waves of flying spellcasters, manticores, monks, and worg-riders, a powerful red dragon took wing with the army's commander as his rider. The dragon demolished the town's shrine to Tuonwë**, crushing Buliwyf** beneath the rubble, and pinned Vánaeara** beneath its claws. Dink's** spells proved incapable of harming the beast, and the refugees' escape path was cut-off by outriders. It seemed certain that they were all doomed. Sigfried alone was still able to fight, and he engaged the powerful commander, Wyrmlord Kharne**, in single combat striking him so a grievous blow that the general threatened to have everyone else killed by his forces if the knight did not lay down his arms.
Using his skill at diplomacy, Sigfried convinced the Wyrmlord to allow his companions and the refugees to retreat in exchange for his own life. His head suddenly filled with hubris, Kharne** agreed thinking that the sight of their heroes' champion being beheaded would surely break the morale of Valehaven**. Yet what Kharne** could never have accounted for was that Sigfried's sacrifice would so move the gods that they would permit him to continue the pursuit of his duty even after death.
Thus did the young knight from Estoria** enter not only into legend, but into sainthood. Thus would Elsmyr Dale** be saved.
Two decades have passed since St. Sigfried was last seen riding off into the heavens atop his celestial charger, Thunderhorse**. When the town of Naaman's Gap** was rebuilt by those who had lived there, they decided to rename it Saint's Rest** in honor of the man who had died saving them. Further west, as Sawng's Way** heads north thru Westermarch**, a great stone statue of St. Sigfried stands to the south of Skull Gorge** bridge facing northward towards Estoria**.
Yet monuments are not all that remain of the stalwart knight. In the years since he was canonized, there have been many reports of people who were saved from attackers seeing only a flash of light, and hearing only the thunder of might hooves and the concussion of steel on steel. What exactly happened is often the cause of much gossip in the taverns, but those who were saved have often attributed such miracles to St. Sigfried swearing that he still looks out for those who need him.
Throughout the Commonwealth of Valehaven**, the day of Sigfried's martyrdom has become one synonymous with people going to great lengths to show the depth of their dedication to those whom they care about. The phrase, "The heart endures," was borne from those who witnessed the knight's death only to see in the coming days that he had such heart as to return from his heavenly reward to continue protecting those who needed him.
When he appears to those who can see him, he is clad in gleaming silver plate armor. His being is suffused with a golden glow making his hair and eyes take on a golden sheen.