An average height skinny young man comes walking very nervously up to the table.  He looked at the captain and then over his shoulder.  It was clear the boy wanted to run.  Really had not wish to be here or join the army.  But something kept him going.  Something he feared more than men in uniform.

I, I am Paul Goodfellow.  I have come to join the Black Company.
The look on the captain's face a told clear story.  This boy was never going to be up to the job.  It would take to much time just to get him to swing a blade well.  He should go back to the village he came from and work the land.  He was no soldier.
Seeing this the boy paniced a bit.
Out of his hand he dropped a silver symbol.  The one of the Church of the healer and helper.
As he dropped it it glowed.  A simple light spell the object always seemed to have on it once it left Paul's hands.  The boy did not realize it was he that cast the spell by instinct so he could find it.  The old priest had given it to Paul to look after and Paul did his best to do so.
The, the local priest says I am good with this.  Very good.  He is old and tired.  Said he did not have the energy to train me now.  That I should join you.  You will teach me and I will serve the Black Company well.  Then, then.
The boy really felt bad about this but he was doing what he was told to do.
Then when my training is done, When I have served you a full term.  The priest said his bones will be to old to move I will be able to return to my old home.  The temple.  Go back home.
So please sir can I join the Black Company.   It is what the old priest told me I must do before I can return home again.

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Paul Goodfellow stands about 5'6 tall.  He has dark hair and light skin.
He looks to all the world like street urchin.  Skinny, under fed and very nerves of anybody and everything.  His face looks has worried look on it.  If no them it has move to outright panic.  He holds a small silver object in his hands and it seem to be only thing that keeps him together.