Edmund Phinney

Born on a Shadow Earth not too different from our own, on the North American continent in the state of Maine during the early 1800s. He was raised by a loving mother and a step-father who treated him well enough but was always more interested in his own children. Edmund was an average student. He attended to his studies but was a restless sort. He much preferred wandering through the woods near his town or watching the farmers work their fields, or pestering the fishermen with questions. Some would say he was searching for his missing father, his real father, but he would deny such a notion. One time, in his youth, a sudden snow storm hit the region and he was trapped outside, lost in the woods. A mysterious preacher man who was visiting the family found him before he died. Edmund remembered that night well as he felt an odd connection to the man who talked about a unicorn as he carried him home. He never saw the man again and his mother refused to say much about him.

As he grew older Edmund became even more restless. He began to wonder time and again "is this all there is?" He tried his hand at various jobs. Fishing took a couple years to run it's course. Being a lumberjack and a sawyer took three. He was strong, stronger than most men, and worked harder too. He was offered promotions and took them, but was never satisfied. Despite his love for the Maine woods and his tolerance for the cold he wanted to see more of the country.

His opportunity came when war broke out. The Southern half of the nation attempted to break away and form it's own political entity. Volunteers for the army were called for and he joined up. Already proficient with the long gun he quickly learned about army life and new styles of fighting. Wrestling, knife fighting, bayonet, rifle, cavalry, he took to it all as a natural. He couldn't see why others had trouble with the easy concepts of strategy and tactics. Promotions came and he traveled far and wide. For the first time in his life he was truly satisfied with life. His men admired his prowess and loved his care for them. Due to his tactics his unit had one of the lowest death rates in the entire army. When the war came to an end there was almost a disappointment in his heart. He could have stayed in longer but yearned to see home again.

Within a couple years of living at home the restlessness returned. The Maine woods had their appeal, but he still needed more. Edmund signed up for the US Marshal service and headed for the western frontier. This too brought satisfaction as he traveled and saw the expanse of the nation. As in the war, he had a peculiar habit of carrying a large axe with him. He claimed it was something he learned from his lumberjack days, that it was always useful to have for chopping wood. And indeed it was useful. More than once though he was seen swinging it at enemy soldiers. As a marshal he relied more on his rifle and pistol, rarely having to use either of those. Still, he carried an axe on his horse. Sometimes two.

His years as a marshal were successful ones. He performed his duties with diligence and care and honor. He enjoyed serving a cause greater than himself or a company. He enjoyed making a difference in how others lived.

Then one day, a large man appeared and called him "son." He claimed his name was Julian and he had an unbelievable story to tell. But there was also a feeling...