Atherin of the Red Horn was a Wild Rider of Orion, and a tragic character of the Asrai.
Dedicated though the Wild Riders are to the needs of their noble king, they have no pretensions to incorruptibility; indeed, it would be laughable for any being to make such a claim in Athel Loren, where much is illusory, and the magics of enchantment are wielded by so many, and with such skill. It was to guard against subversion that Ariel placed the very first Wild Riders under an oath of secrecy that has since bound all who have worn the hunter's mantle.[1a]
Only one Wild Rider, in all the years since, has broken that geas. His name was Atherin of the Red Horn, and he did so not under duress, nor out of promise of wealth or godly favour, but to impress his beloved, Kalara, a princess of Wydrioth, by speaking of his hallowed secrets. Legend tells that Atherin was struck dumb in the moment of his betrayal and, sensing a greater change overtaking him, fled from his love's side and deep into the forest where no other would witness his shame. Kalara was distraught with her loss, but no amount of searching or sorcerous scrying would reveal Atherin to her.[1a]
A long and mournful year passed. Kalara resolves to appease Kurnous on her lover's behalf, and embarked upon a hunt in his name. For many months she roamed the glades and fields of Athel Loren, searching for a quarry worthy of the Hunter God. At last, on the windswept plains of Eldroth, she beheld a suitable prey, a mighty stag with a fully and glorious crown of antlers. In one smooth motion, Kalara nocked an arrow to her bow, and let fly. The princess did not miss her mark. The shot took the stag in his right eye, and the best fell dead in that same moment.[1a]
Eager to begin the rites that would dedicate the kill to Kurnous, Kalara spurred her steed forward through the long grass. Alas, she found no trace of the stag, but lying amongst the grasses she discovered the naked and lifeless body of her lost love, an arrow buried deep in his skull. Thus passed Atherin of the Red Horn, though his tale lives ever on as a warning to those who might be tempted to betray Kurnous' trust. As for Kalara, she wandered, broken-hearted and desolate, for many turnings of the world, unable to forgive herself for the part she had played in Atherin's death. Only in Athel Loren's darkest hour should she find redemption, but that is another story...[1a]