Protector
While the Brown Council works well for matters where debating for days to
find the right solution is not a danger, the Protector serves to make
decisions that need a quick answer. While every command the Protector gives
can later be reviewed and changed, that is still more power than any other
single Forester possesses.
Justus Trueguide
| | As a young man Justus avoided the position of responsibility his father tried to place him in by becoming a Chronicler. Like most Foresters at the time, Justus believed the Chronicler’s life was merely to make up grand stories to amuse. However, Justus’ instructor, Honor, taught him that the Chronicler’s actually preserved the history of the Foresters’ in tales that would be told (and so remembered) for generations. After learning the importance of being a Chronicler Justus did not try to escape duty, as he had in the past, but listened attentively to Honor to learn the true history of the Foresters.
As the home of the Foresters was attacked by an unknown evil, only Justus knew the stories that told the safe way to return to the Wild Forest. Justus had to struggle not only with losing his family, but also leading all of the Foresters through the treacherous forests to safety. He might have given in to despair if not for the friendship of the resilient Healer Glory. Glory’s wise advice and unwillingness to give in was most likely the reason that the Foresters even survived the first difficult year of traveling.
It was Glory’s sacrifice of her life to give the Foresters the Illuminar that allowed them to finish the last part of the journey. After Glory’s death, Justus adopted her daughter, Valora Rosewood. Justus and Valora, who had been but slightly friendly before, began to become devoted to one another during the last part of the journey.
After reaching the Wild Forest, the Foresters worked to reestablish their way of life. Due to his wise leading, Justus was chosen to be Protector, making him one of the most powerful leaders of his people. He accepted the position without argument. While Justus is still not thrilled with the idea of being responsible for the lives of his people, he has come to acknowledge the necessity of having such a position.
As Protector Justus represented the Foresters in all trade agreements while Auren was represented by their Councilor of Trade, Lady Melantha. Justus and Melantha’s collaboration had a rough beginning, but soon they were easily resolving each contract to the satisfaction and advantage of both groups. Eventually, mutual admiration became close friendship, and that friendship became love. Justus and Melantha have been engaged for two years now and wait contentedly for the time their hectic lives will permit them to marry.
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