The Nameless One

Below is the beginning of a short story, which hopefully I will finish and share with you all over the next week or so.

The sun’s last rays were losing the fight against the coming dark. Connor stood on the edge of the hill, looking down at the forest below. Twilight had already fallen there; it was going to be a cold night. The trees naked branches waved in the crisp breeze, which ruffled Connor’s hair and made him shiver. He was tired and sore. He was sure that tomorrow he would be worse, after sleeping on the cold ground. Although he was tired and hungry, Conor stood watching the last rays of the day, hoping for a few moments to think.

Behind him the men were making food and unrolling their bed rolls. He was the youngest of the group and unlucky enough to be the leader. He didn’t feel like a leader. He had been told since his youth that he was born to be king. The men behind believed fully in the idea that he would be their King. Conor watched his breath form like a cloud and wished that he could disappear in the same way. He felt the sword which hung at his side. He had been taught how to fight, however, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was better had handling a plow.

“Seek ye the one who is cursed
To walk under sun and moon
Neither old nor young, yet both
A guide to blood’s sword
And kingship of old”

An old travelling sage had spoken these words to him. Connor hadn’t wanted to leave the farm, but Mathis had insisted. So they had come on this wondering quest, searching for the sword of the king’s. It was said only blood of the king could wield it. They had travelled two weeks to get to the highlands, and here they were on the edge of them. Still the men expected Connor to know the way, Connor had no idea what to look for. He wasn’t even sure how to find the guide.

Connor felt the weight of the expectations of the men who were readying camp behind him. The sun finally sunk behind the hills to the west, leaving the sky bright red. Connor sighed; he should return to the men and do his part. Just as he was about to turn away, something caught his eye in the wooded valley below. At first he could not tell what it was, perhaps a deer, it was walking slowly. As he watched it he realized that it was coming in his direction. At first he thought it was a large cat, its movement seemed so soft and careful. However as if came closer, weaving its way through the trees, he realized that it was a hooded figure. The color was that of a pale grey or blue and shown out against the night with a soft candle type light.

“Mathis” Connor said waving his adoptive father to him. The group fell silent. Connor wondered if he was being foolish, but he felt this figure was dangerous. Although whether the person was a danger to himself he could not tell.

“What is it Connor?” Mathis asked. He was the only one that treated Connor like a child and Connor hated it. Connor silently pointed to the figure below. The figure seemed to be moving faster and had almost reached the end of the trees at the bottom of the hill. Connor saw the fear flash across Mathis’ face as he put his hand on his sword.

“We should treat our guest with honor.” Connor said simply. Mathis nodded slowly, his eyes still on the figure below. “Tell the men to be on guard but to be gracious.”

Below the figure started to slowly climb the hill. As it got closer Connor was struck by the fact that it was an older person, leaning heavily on a staff. The figure paused half way up the hill and looked up at Connor. Connor couldn’t see the face, the hood was pulled down to far over the face, but he felt sudden comfort. Somehow he knew that he could trust this person. Connor bowed his head in respect. The figure bobbed its head back and continued up the hill.

“Well met” Connor said putting his hand over his heart.

“Well met” replied a voice that was neither young nor old, but was most definitely that of a woman.

“Would you like to join us at the fire?” Connor asked trying to be polite. The woman nodded and still leaning heavily on her staff made her way to the fire, Mathis offered her the best seat near the fire. “My name is Connor, and this is my father Mathis.”

“You are very trusting sharing your names.” The woman said slowly. Connor still felt unsure as to her age. “I have no name to give you, since none know what it is. Thus I am often called the Nameless One. You can call my Nameless if you wish.”

“Nameless” Connor said slowly with thought. Mathis looked uncomfortable. “Well, you are welcome to stay here by our fire if you wish and share with us in our dinner. Although I am afraid that we have little to share.”

“You are kind” The women looked at him long from underneath her hood. The shadow it cast made it impossible to tell what she looked like. “Long have the star’s told of your coming. You doubt your birth and your abilities, you should not. You are born of Kings.”

“I still have much to learn” Connor said wondering how this woman could possibly know who he was. Mathis was more nervous than before. Was this a wandering sage? An oracle? Or perhaps a witch come to steal Connor’s power.

“Where are you travelling?” Mathis asked after the silence became too much for him. The woman laughed.

“I walk a long path, who can say where it will end?” Again she laughed. “But for a time I would travel with you, if you will accept my company.”

“You do not know where we travel.” Mathis said in defense. Connor smiled to himself. Mathis was always trying to protect him.

“Not exactly, but I know what you are searching for.”

“And why would you wish to join us?” Connor asked gently. “We can offer little protection. We have little supplies and less money. Our journey will not take a standard path.”

“I have my reasons” the woman said simply.

“But you haven’t given me one for why I should accept your offer. I have my men to worry about and as much as I would like to be able to accept every offer of service, I cannot. Nor can I promise to take care of someone, when I am not sure if I can care for those already under me.” Connor paused. He felt very unlike the speech he had given. Mathis was glowing with pride. “Also as much as I feel you do not mean me harm, I have no reason to trust you.”

“Why don’t you trust me?” The woman asked as if hurt. She sounded far older as well.

“I have trusted you farther then I should have.” Connor said softly. “You have more power in you then any of us here. If you wanted to, you could kill us all.”

“Yes, I am dangerous as an enemy. But that doesn’t mean that you are in danger.”

“I might not be, but I am not thinking of myself.” Connor answered. He no longer looked at Mathis to see what he thought of the conversation.

“You would risk my anger then?”

“Would you risk mine?” Connor asked boldly. He wasn’t sure what power was inside of him, but he felt it grow suddenly with his words. The woman shrunk back as if struck.

“Forgive me” She said softly, she seemed powerless now. “I had to be certain you were the one the Star foretold. You are very good at hiding your power.”

There was silence; the men collectively released their breath. Connor felt that he had just won a battle, a long tiring battle. The woman sat unmoving staring into the fire, waiting on him. Connor felt unsure what his next move should be.

“Why the test?” He asked gently. “Why have you come?”

“You search for something, but do not know where to look. I would be your guide, if you would have me.” She said softly. It was a young voice now. Behind her the moon rose. Connor was silent.

“What am I searching for?” Connor asked. Mathis looked confused, the boy he had raised had finally shown a part of what he would be come. Connor felt different somehow, but wasn’t sure what had changed. He was still his 17 year old self, but he felt older.

“You are searching for your father’s sword, the sword of Kings, the sword that only someone with your blood can hold.” Nameless answered. “It is the only way you can take the thrown.”

“You are the cursed one, neither young nor old?” Connor asked, remembering the words of the sage. In answer Nameless removed her hood. The men gasped, they had not expected this. Before them sat a young woman. She was beautiful, long dark raven colored hair and bright green eyes. There was a tattoo that ran across her face, but it added to her beauty.

“When the moon is in the sky I am young as I was before the curse. However, when it sets I am an old woman.” Nameless said sadly. “And so it will be till one comes who knows my true name.”

“I was told that one would come who would lead me. If in the morning when the moon sets you are old as you say you will be. Then you can guide me.” Connor said.

“Agreed” Nameless said with a smile. Mathis looked unsure, but didn’t debate Connor’s decision.

“Shall we eat?” Mathis asked. Connor nodded.