Sir Urgay
the Thief That Stole Our Heart
his arms had burst into flames
but still he held on to the door
probably thinking about the dames
his mind screaming in pain
but still he wouldn't touch the floor
going on about dancing in the rain
his soul leaving his body like a slaw
but still he stood and just swore
probably cursing his lack of the draw
Summary
There is a legend, regarding one of Nathan Whytelaw's companions, a member of the Grand Five, a man instrumental in sealing the portal where the Djakolehn and the Crellians emerged from to invade Aell.
According to the story, when Nathan and his armies pushed back against their enemies, gaining ground, eventually they arrived in the ruins of the city of Hora. With the enemy still having more numbers as they were getting reinforced through the portal, it was deemed necessary that a small band of warriors would need to go and hold the portal closed until the mages, under the leadership of Jokaster Ermenred, could finish casting their spell to seal it. Urgay, a young thief who had been enlisted against his will, but had since then become an ardent protector of Aell, ventured behind enemy lines leading a small group of elite soldiers.
While the armies were fighting inside the ruined Hora, Urgay's squad defeated the guards and held the portal, waiting for the sealing. A betrayal from King Tirlas, a supporter of Nathan Whytelaw up to that point, as well as various other happenstances caused the spell to backfire, meaning that Urgay and his squad were left alone, behind enemy lines. What happened after, is only told in stories as there were no survivors, with only Urgay's medallion found at the scene, on a charred skeleton. The legend claims that Urgay and his squad of heroes fought a horde of enemies while holding the portal for two days, until Jokaster and the mages were able to finally finish the spell.
Urgay's actions effectively blocked any path back to their homeland for the invading army, who became trapped in Aell with no means of escaping. Aell's forces were able to win the battle and end the war, a war which plagued Aell for years.
Historical Basis
Urgay's existence has been verified by drafting documents found in various archives, which show that he was a recruit in the army, albeit a reluctant one as he was conscripted instead of sent to prison for theft. Despite his initial reservedness, he rose to the rank of captain, and became popular among his companions. He quickly became a trusted lieutenant to Nathan Whytelaw himself, and was leading a squad of elite soldiers.
Many historians and scholars have debated the legend but without any proof other than the texts, it is hard to say whether there is any merit to the stories of legend or not.
Spread
Urgay's story has been spread throughout Aell over the years following the Invasion Wars. It has been documented by scholars, distributed orally by bards and minstres or told as a bedtime story to children.
No matter the means of communication, it can be argued that Urgay's name is on par with that of Nathan Whytelaw's and will never be forgotten, as long as the people of Aell remain alive and the realm stands.
Variations & Mutation
A variation of the legend claims, that Urgay led an entire battalion and held the portal for five days against enemy attacks. It is also claimed that the survivors from this battalion became the first Inquisitors of the Order. Whether that is true and why would the Order keep it a secret, no one has been able to explain. In this version of the story, the defenders are known as Urgay's Braves.
Cultural Reception
Following the defeat of the Djakolehn, the Demise of the Gods and the events that led to the rise of The Order and the subsequent growth of The Empire of Illion, Urgay's sacrifice is universally accepted by all and viewed fondly. He has been accepted as part of every knighthood order and was given a knight's title posthumously.
Historians argue about all aspects of the legend, like the necessity of the sacrifice or if Urgay was abandoned to his fate. None of that matters to the common people though, as to them Urgay is their savior, the one who closed the gates on Evil and brought hope back across the realms.
It has been also been theorized, that after the rise of Nathan Whytelaw as the Imperator of The Order, a need to find another hero was adamant and the story of Urgay came to light. No matter the origin or authenticity of the story though, now after thousands of years, Urgay is an important figure in Aell's troubled history.
In Literature
Numerous tales and songs have been raised in Urgay's praise and name, however one stands above all: The Thief That Stole Our Heart. An epic poem, written by an unknown bard and added to by others over time, is probably the most famous piece of music.
In Art
Urgay is the most celebrated hero of the war in Aell, his fame shadowed only by Nathan Whytelaw and Jokaster Ermenred. Statues or other depictions of his likeness can be found in many cities and villages, celebrating his sacrifice.
The most famous one can be seen where the portal stood, by most accounts. It depicts Urgay leading a small band of soldiers and can be found in the square of the town of Agon.
Date of First Recording
811
Date of Setting
761
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