Caden of Ravenstone

**Caden of Aurindy**, originally known as **Caden of Ravenstone**, was the first duke of Aurindy in Northwestern Beladore. Caden was the only known son of Cade IV of Northgard, born to his mistress Alruna, along with a twin sister Mathilde of Ravenstone.

Caden took on an active role on the side of Northgard during the conquest of Northgard in 1113 by Tharkild, King of Thellan. His father, the newly crowned Cade IV, allegedly wished for Caden to succeed him as king and named him Prince of Wolfstone, though the authenticity of this is debated. Upon the death of his father in 1120 and the subjucation of Northgard under Tharkild, Caden and his sister were kept as political hostages while their extended family was expelled from the realm. Mathilde was married to Tharkild's son Harthrald.

In 1124, Tharkild set his sights on Beladore, claiming the throne of the kindom through his wife Emma of Auvergne. Caden took part in the initial raids for the year, until in early 1125, Caden and the king of Beladore Lucien II struck an agreement which gifted Caden the newly-formed duchy of Aurindy in northwestern Beladore to protect the capital city of Lune from Tharkild's raids. Caden was also married to Lucien's daughter, Isobel. Tensions were high between Caden and the natives of Aurindy due to him being both illegitimate and a foreigner, as well as Caden being branded a traitor by the Northgardians. As part of the agreement between Lucien II and Caden, the latter converted from Nordling beliefs to the Church of the Light, though Caden's brother-in-law Philip, later Philip III, heavily doubted Caden ever truly converted.

Caden was succeeded by his son, William, as Duke of Aurindy.

## Biography

### Early life

Caden and his twin sister Mathilde were born on the 1st of September, 1094 AL, to Alruna, the mistress of Prince Harthacade Wolf. Caden and his sister were born during the reign of Cade III, Harthacade's father. The twins were brought up in Thorvik, the largest town in the jarldom of Ravenstone, and were visited in 1099 by their grandparents Cade III and Hilda during their progress of that year.

### Conflicts with Philip III and the North Sea Empire

"I finally have a purpose, and that is here in Aurindy. You only saw a bastard. A pawn you could use and prop up when it was suitable. William saw me as more"

"He saw you as a means to an end. Why do you think he gave you this barren landscape? You're nothing but a buffer between lands."- Caden to his uncle Harold,
Philip became King of Beladore in 1130 upon the death of William II, becoming Philip IV. At the coronation, Philip and Caden got into an argument over the taxation of Aurindy, with Philip arguing that William had been far too lenient and questioned whether or not Caden truly converted to the Light.

In 1131, Caden's uncle Harold attempted to claim the throne of Northgard and tried to enlist Caden's help, but the duke refused, citing that he was part of Beladore now. Harold and Caden argued, with Harold branding him a traitor and dishonoring his father. Caden requested that the exiled prince be removed from his domains, to which Harold remarked that bastards are inherently treacherous.

In correspondence with his cousin, jarl Lydia Erlandsdottir of Odensgard, Caden suggested a marriage between her nephew Cade Thelynsson and his daughter Adelhilda. This never came through, however, as Cade was betrothed to a Northgardian noble. Upon the death of Tharkild II, Caden was pressured by his wife to press his claim to the Northgardian throne, though Caden declined, instead giving his support to Lydia. In 1140 AL, a year after her coronation, Lydia wrote a letter to Caden expressing her gratitude. Caden remained on traditionally good terms with Northgard until his death.

## Magna Encyclopedia

- Henry von Atten, *Magna Encyclopedia, Volume III*
## Marriage and children

As part of their agreement and Caden obtaining Aurindy, Caden married princess Isobel Lunevin, Lucien's daughter. The two had five children:

* William I, Duke of Aurindy (1126 - 1165), second duke of Aurindy. Succeeded his father in 1154. Married Edith Benn of Angria and had issue.
* Elisabeth of Aurindy (1128 - 1191), married Edmund II of Angria and had issue.
* Robert of Aurindy (1130 - 1151), married Henrietta de Launfal. Participated in the Battle of Kelgata in 1156, where he fell in battle. Had one daughter, named Helisende de Launfal.
* Adelhilda of Aurindy (1132 - 1172), married Emperor Arnulf II of Velania. Had issue.
* Alais, Countess of Vendôme (1133 - 1170), married Reginald, Count of Vendôme.