Cai ap Bradwen
Nobleman
Played by: Dana
Name: Cai ap Bradwen
Age: 22
Height: 1.76m
weight: 160 lbs
Background:
Cai pronounced Cay was second born to the count of Rhudwyn. Not being the eldest gave Cai the chance to follow his own path without the pressure of family bearing down upon him. Though it was with its downside as well with Bradwen not paying a great deal of attention to his second born, though not intentionally it created a rift between Cai and his father that would last for years. The carefree life ended when he was sent to become the squire of the adventurous young prince, Gwenwynwyn. From the capital of Alban he learned much from his mentor and the two formed a bond of friendship and absolute trust.
It was Cai who always stuck by his lord no matter what the situation was. During several instances of possible scandals he was always there to support him. Over the years up to his knighthood, Cai built a reputation of absolute trust and loyalty to the royal family. Few ever doubted him and fewer questioned him. By the time of his knighthood he married a wealthy countess and soon fathered a son and daughter.
Called back to home, Cai witness his father’s death at the hands of his brother who intended to take the family holdings sooner than intended. Cai intent on avenging a father he never knew struck down his brother in a duel before the eyes of King Wyn. Elevated to the position of Count he traveled with the king, his new squire and a large retinue to Arrlech for the joining of an alliance. It was Cai who first suspected the king was having an affair with Queen Sienna, and it was he who found out first that she was pregnant with Wyn’s child. While he did his best to keep the pregnancy a secret, Wyn found out the truth and Cai was left with no choice but to keep his promise not to tell anyone else.
Being the link between Sienna and Wyn after the king had returned to Abertawe. Cai witnessed the birth of the child named Andrea and saw to it no one would know the truth about who the father was. When Arron found out the truth, Cai stuck by his king telling him he would not let the truth be known to anyone outside of those involved. Wyn didn’t want to leave Sienna but Cai convinced him to when the state of war was threatened as the consequence. So Arron, Cai, Sienna and Wyn made a blood oath to never tell anyone the truth until the time was right.
The ageing King Wyn soon found himself fighting another war. Cai at his side with the intent to support him. When the king went to fight a battle needing Cai’s men to support him, Cai refused to go to the king’s side when his own lands had been attacked and his family threatened. Reaching his home he found his wife and son dead, his daughter was in Alban and the time so survived. Returning to the capital a month later he was arrested for the battle that he was ordered to go to was a loss, it would have been a victory if Cai had chosen to support his king over his family. Many wanted Cai executed for betraying the king in his hour of need including Wyn’s brother. Unable to dismiss the charges Wyn was forced to do the next worse thing to execution, he banished Cai from Abertawe and warned that his return would mean instant death with a further punishment sending his daughter to a foster home and giving his lands to the loyal Jon Sanglet. Cai with nothing left was given one final request from the king. To watch over Andrea. Cai taking a medallion from Wyn agreed and left
Travelling to Arllech he took up a position as an advisor to the King secretly watching over Princess Andrea from the shadows.
Many years later he attempted to warn Arron of a coup against him but the news came too late. Leaving while he could, Cai spent almost a month traveling the land before news most urgent sent him back to Abertawe.
Personality Profile:
Those that have known him know his word is unquestionable as is his loyalty. However his apparent betrayal of the king in his most dire hour tarnished his reputation, yet he maintains he kept his loyalty to his family though in the end it did him no good. Cunning and intelligent Cai is a thinker and can see through the most cleverest of schemes. Dedicated to the rules of knighthood his sense of glory does not outshine his sense of duty even though his title was taken from him.
Physical Profile: Of average height and weight. Cai has not been an active warrior for some time and so his fitness is not near what it once was, still however he is able to hold his own in combat. His hair is short and he wears a mild beard. The long years of hardship and shame have come to show on his face and his broken spirit clearly seen by a keen eye. He has but one scar on his arm he made when swearing a blood oath to not reveal the truth about Wyn’s secret daughter.
Skills and Abilities:
Amongst the finest of swordsman, Cai is not one to wield heavy weapons in battle or carry a shield relying on his speed and skill only. Horsemanship, being literate and etiquette are among the things he learned as a squire. A proficient tactician as well as a master of deception and cunning Cai can sometimes be reffered to as offering peace in his left hand while his right hand delivers a knife to the back. A thinker who sits in the shadows until the time is right, Cai’s voice is spoken as one of experience and wisdom.
Special Notes:
It is only the knights, nobles and generals of the late King Wyn and of King Gwalchmai that are aware of Cai’s betrayal to the late king. Most of the ordinary people either do not know who he is or only know half of the tale.