Beltrin was born as the only son of the commander of the Palace Guard. His mother had suffered two miscarriages prior to his birth and has had no success bearing children after him. Therefore, the expectations on his shoulders, especially from his father, Sarthin, were very high. Sarthin has been commander of the Palace guard for 21 years, ascending to his current position shortly before the assassination of King Edmund.
Growing up, Beltrin was groomed to succeed his father, learning the arts of combat as well as the intricacies of life in the royal palace. Although he proved apt at his studies, Beltrin was a rebellious pupil, often trying new techniques on the training ground and ignoring orders if he thought he had a better plan. His curiosity also tempted him to sneak out of the castle and roam the docks with local boys or visit portions of the castle off-limits to a simple guardsman (i.e. the library, dungeons, etc.)
On one of these excursions, he was caught in the laboratory of the castle wizards. His captor, an elderly but not high-ranking wizard, was impressed that when he came upon Beltrin, he was half-way through solving a complex riddle that had stumped most of the apprentice wizards. The wizard, Allethor, decided not to punish Beltrin too harshly and took a special interest in nurturing his talents. Although often exasperating with his impetuousness, Beltrin proved a quick study in the arcane arts. His father did not approve of these lessons and they were conducted in secret. Beltrin was delighted when he discovered how to blend the mystical arts into his combat training, although it earned him some severe punishment from the master of arms after he used it to win a sparring tournament over the other trainees.
Recently, as he approached his official induction into the guard, his relatively sheltered existence has been troubled by the rumors that he has heard about his father. In a tavern one night, he overheard a few of the older guardsmen implying that his father was complicit in the murder of King Edmund and that the Queen had promised him great rewards in return.
Although he has no proof, these rumors seem to make sense with some of Beltrin's early memories and he has become suspicious of his father and wonders just what purpose he is really being groomed for. Although he has considered leaving the city, a combination of curiosity and fear of his father has kept him ensconced in his current position as a guardsman trainee. He will be inducted as a full guardsman on his eighteenth birthday next month.
With these doubts and impending responsibilities, it was with great glee that he was selected to be part of the escort of the caravan to Tesserin. The vineyards near Tesserin produce some the finest wine in Orensden and the Queen's steward always makes sure to keep a good stock. As a boon to his servants, he always schedules the re-supply caravan to coincide with the end of summer festival.
