Trespan, war Chief

“Many generations ago the land was covered with beautiful plants and animals. All of the soil was fertile, there were no droughts, there was plenty of game, food and drink on every table and everyone lived happily. But, alas one day a dark, evil magic descended across the land, and corrupted all it touched. Haven is all that remains untainted by this great evil. Now the Cursed Ones have come from the great ruined cities in the east; they do not fear death and they have terrible magic capable of killing any man instantly. They hate us for evading the curse, and wish to destroy what we have built here. We must stop them, we must protect Haven!” -The Oracle

Trespan was a slender young man of 16; he kept his black hair short and out of his eyes in the tradition of his tribe’s bowmen. He wore simple hide moccasins and leggings, a knitted, cream-colored, long-sleeved shirt, and a crimson headband. His tanned, handsome face was painted with three black stripes under his right eye, the traditional paint of hunters. He stood atop a small grassy hill, his bow was at the ready, but his right hand hovered over his dagger just in case. His eyes were keenly aware of his surroundings. Suddenly, a deer burst through the bushes to his left, his mind instantly focused. In one swift movement he brought the bow up, drew an arrow and notched it. He pulled back his bowstring with incredible ease and almost mechanically tracked the deer as it crossed in front of him. He released his arrow smoothly and made a precise hit that dropped the deer immediately. Trespan relaxed and smiled at his accomplishment; not many archers could hit a running deer at that distance, especially not with his precision and confidence. Before he had a chance to react, another deer broke through the thicket of bushes. It was directly to his left and charging right at him! Trespan swung around, snatching his dagger from his belt. He didn’t have time to dodge the wild-eyed beast, so he bent low; the creature ran right over Trespan. Trespan cringed as its legs struck him in the gut, but as soon as the deer was directly over him, he sprung to his feet. He lifted the prey high in the air and slammed it down on its back; he deftly slit the deer’s throat with his dagger. Trespan quickly deduced that his own injuries were only minor cuts and bruises, and he set to work cleaning the deer. The other hunters caught up to him, carrying his first kill as well as one of their own. They stood back, astonished at the lean young man’s feats of skill and brute strength. Trespan continued gutting the deer, innocently unaware of the other hunter’s shock and amazement.

That night Trespan stirred in his grass bed; outside he could hear the front gate of the huge village walls swing open. He threw back his thick hide blanket, pulled on his moccasins, and peered out from the flap of his tent. Dar, the leader of the Footmen, had just come in the gates and was swiftly walking towards the Oracle’s tent. Trespan was about to return to bed when he heard the horn blow for a village gathering. Trespan sprang from his tent and ran towards the crux of the settlement where Haven’s dwellers were already gathering. Trespan pushed his way through the crowd. As Chieftain Nakor’s nephew and the only adult male from his family, Trespan was duty-bound to take his seat on the dais. Dar kneeled before the dais, the Chieftain stood, and the villagers hushed. Dar addressed the Chieftain, “I have distressing news from the edge.”

“Speak,” Chieftain Nakor commanded.

“Prince Kumare, the War Chief*, is dead,” Dar stated flatly. The crowd gasped and began murmuring.

“Quiet! Dar, how did this happen!” the Chieftain demanded.

“The Cursed hordes mounted their largest attack ever early this morning. We kept them back until high sun when they caught us unprepared with an attack at our flank. We fought bravely, and in the end, we held our ground, but we lost many, including Prince Kumare. They won’t attack again soon though; their army was weakened severely from the battle…” Trespan’s heart leaped into his throat. If this was true, and Chieftain Nakor’s only son Kumare was dead, then by birthright Trespan would be War Chief. Trespan was very scared; his father had died mysteriously at Haven’s edge and he did not want to follow a similar path.

“Then Prince Kumare is lost...” The Chieftain looked like a beaten man, his shoulders were slumped and his face had lost all emotion. Chieftain Nakor suddenly realized he had been standing in awkward silence for some time, “Trespan, rise, your birthright deems you the new War Chief.” Some of the villagers cheered, others merely looked stunned.

Trespan stood; he knew his duty well, and he was fully prepared to accept his destiny, “I...”

“Wait!” The Oracle, a very old woman, grasped Chieftain Nakor’s cloak and pulled herself upright. The Oracle was said to be a visionary, and was the Chieftain’s advisor, but many in the tribe were distrustful of her. “The boy isn’t fit to be War Chief. Why, he is barely a man,” the Oracle proclaimed. Trespan was hot with anger and embarrassment. “Dar should be War Chief, he is the leader of the Footman, he should be War Chief until the boy matures.”

“Trespan is of hunting age**, it is his birthright.”

The Oracle pulled the Chieftain close and whispered something in his ear, “However, I will take this matter into consideration.”

The horn blew again and the villagers slowly dispersed. Dar stood and shot a cold glare at Trespan. Dar was a stocky, dark man with long black hair and a deep, diagonal scar across his face, but he was a great warrior and was well respected among the tribe and soldiers.

Trespan walked slowly back to his tent; he was shocked and confused. He didn’t know whether to be happy or mad that the Oracle had stopped him from claiming his birthright and becoming War Chief. Trespan always thought that by the time Kumare became too old to be War Chief*** he would have a son to take his place; Trespan was happy as a hunter. He never expected Kumare, the mighty warrior and strongest of men, to fall in battle. Trespan curled up in his bed and tried to sleep, but he could not relax. He wished he was still young, and he could ask his father for advice.

Trespan was unable to sleep so he decided to take a walk. The moon was full and the cloudless night was bitterly cold; he wrapped his blue, wool shawl around himself tightly and he carried his bow and dagger for safety. He cut through a small outcropping of trees, when he heard the Footmen practicing with staffs in the distance. As soon as he got to the other side of the trees, he saw Dar leaning against a fence and decided to sneak on past. As he crept past Dar, he overheard him talking to one of his men, “That damned old man and his ideals.”

“You mean Chieftain Nakor?” questioned the footman.

“Yes,” Dar replied, “if it weren’t for him I would be War Chief, and right now I’d be at the edge gathering the soldiers.”

“You’re serious about this then?”

“Of course, do you not see the error of his ways? The Chieftain is weak; strength is the only true law! The weak only slow our tribe down, they drain our food and supplies and offer us nothing.” Dar barked harshly.

“Yes, of course Dar, but they are members of the tribe.”

“Not if I had anything to say about it, and believe me I will. I will become War Chief; the Oracle is with me, and then I will march my army into the city and take control. This tribe is slowly dying because that decrepit old man refuses to leave the weak behind.” Trespan hurried on before anyone noticed him.

Trespan was utterly shocked at what he had just heard. Dar planned to use the army to kill Chieftain Nakor and gain control of the tribe. Besides that, he planned to exile the old and the weak. Trespan stopped to rest and eat; as he did, he thought over the village’s future. He realized that the old and weak burdened the tribe, but Dar was wrong, the village wasn’t going to die out because of its sympathy for the old and the weak. Dar probably only wanted to become Chieftain and really didn’t care about anyone but his soldiers. Trespan knew he could trust one soldier, Acero, the leader of the bowmen and his closest friend. Trespan moved quickly and met Acero at the edge before the sun came up. Trespan quickly informed Acero of Dar’s plans.

“I knew Dar couldn’t be trusted, during the fight when Prince Kumare fell I never saw him near the front; perhaps Dar had a hand in that as well.”

“I wouldn’t doubt that, but what can I do to save the village Acero?” asked Trespan.

“I know the bowmen are loyal to me, and Dar’s footmen will follow him blindly. It’s only the horsemen that I am not sure of. Trespan, you must return to the village before anyone notices your absence. I will gather your followers and prepare them to battle Dar,” Acero declared.

“No Acero, I don’t want our soldiers to die fighting each other. Secretly gather the men loyal to Chieftain Nakor and me. Have them pretend to join Dar and his men when he returns. If Dar attacks the village, then you must fight, but I have to try to find another way.”

“Good luck to you my friend,” said Acero, and the two parted ways. Acero found that many of the horsemen were in agreement with Trespan. Acero informed them and the bowmen of Trespan’s ideas. Meanwhile Trespan sprinted back to the village. Trespan went to Chieftain Nakor to inform him. When he arrived the Oracle was already inside talking with the Chieftain, surely convincing him of Dar’s qualities and Trespan’s own shortcomings. As Trespan entered, the Oracle excused herself. They passed each other at the tent’s entrance and Trespan warned her, “I know what Dar is up to, and he will not succeed.”

“I assure you, child, I do not know what you are referring to.”

“Do not pretend to be innocent, old woman, I know you have a hand in everything that happens in this village.”

“Of course I do silly child, I am the Oracle.”

“You are nothing but a cynical old miser who manipulates the Chieftain. Excuse me.”

“Do you dare assume that I am not a visionary?”

“I think you know more than you let people believe; let’s leave it at that.”

“Like what, child?”

“My name is Trespan, I am the son of Chieftain Nakor’s brother, and I am the rightful war chief, you at least owe me the respect to acknowledge my manhood! As for your question, I believe you know of outside Haven. I think you also know more about the Cursed then you tell us.”

The Oracle smiled slightly, “And how did you come to this conclusion, Trespan?”

“It only makes sense, I don’t believe in ‘seers’ and yet you knew of the ruined cities to the east and you knew of the Cursed Ones.”

“If I am not a ‘seer’ then how did I know of these things?”

“Well, you are the oldest in the tribe, you’re the only one left who was alive during Chieftain Grail’s time. Maybe you have lied to us about the past, and maybe there’s more to Haven’s history that you hide from us.”

“After the turmoil ahead of us is resolved, I want to speak with you again, but don’t bother trying to speak with the Chieftain. While you were out running around, you missed the announcement that he wasn’t going to see you or Dar before the announcement.”

Trespan was taken back a little that the Oracle knew he had left; he wondered how much of his plan she knew. Trespan wondered whether he was being mislead or not, but he decided he couldn’t gain much with Chieftain Nakor, anyway so he went back to his tent. Trespan focused his thoughts on the coming evening. He determined that Dar’s pride would be the key; Trespan planned on calling Dar out for a one-on-one battle. He knew whatever Chieftain Nakor’s decision was, it would eventually boil down to a fight, and he didn’t want to risk the future of the tribe by allowing a massive battle between all the soldiers. Soon it was nightfall, and Trespan knew the meeting would be called soon. He cut his way through the edge of the woods until he saw Dar approaching with the full force of the army behind him; he could tell Acero and his men were among the group. It was unavoidable now; Trespan would have to face Dar. Trespan ran quickly back to his tent. He used the final minutes before the meeting to clear his mind and concentrate on his objectives and strategy, then he pulled back his fur blankets and uncovered a roll of tightly tied hide. Opening it he revealed a short sword; it had been his father’s. Trespan cut the tips of his fingers and drew three stripes of blood under each eye, a style of war paint used only for the greatest of battles. Trespan had accepted his fate; he no longer feared the edge, he would bravely face Dar and the Cursed. Trespan tucked the sword under his belt, pulled the hood of his shall low over his eyes, and stepped out of his tent. He spent a long while gazing at the moon, hanging over the forest. Then the gathering horn was blown, and Trespan strode off purposefully to meet his destiny.

Trespan got to the axis before anyone else and took a kneeling position before the dais. Soon the other villagers filled the half-circle around the dais. Dar took his position next to Trespan, “Don’t worry, there’s no dishonor in being a child. I’ll just be War Chief until you can fill Kumare’s shoes.” Dar laughed. Then Chieftain Nakor entered.

“I have made my decision. Our laws are clear and I will not break them. It is Trespan’s birthright to be war chief; however, if he so chooses, Dar may hold the position for sometime before Trespan feels ready.” The Chieftain exhaled deeply; it was clear that this matter had been weighing heavily on him.

“No!” Dar stood quickly and leapt to the dais, “I proclaim myself War Chief by right of power!” Suddenly the entire army filed in behind the meeting grounds.

“Stop this!” Trespan flung his hood back exposing the war paint, “Dar, you coward! Does it take the entire army to defeat me? Am I not just a ‘boy,’ can’t you take me on yourself?”

“Fool! How dare you question my bravery, I’ll kill you here and now!” With that Dar dove at Trespan, but Trespan grabbed Dar’s throat and stomach and used Dar’s momentum to toss him hard to the ground. Trespan drew his sword and dagger.

“Come on Dar, you aren’t a great fighter, you’ve always hid behind superior numbers!” Dar was furious; he drew a long curved sword and slashed at Trespan. Trespan blocked with his sword and plunged at Dar with his dagger, but Dar caught Trespan by the wrist. Trespan kicked Dar in the stomach with all his might. Dar stumbled back and fell to his knees. Trespan charged; he took an overhead strike with his sword, which Dar blocked. Trespan stabbed his dagger at Dar’s heart, but Dar brought his foot up and caught Trespan in the chest and sent Trespan sprawling past him. Trespan jumped quickly to his feet as Dar’s blade sunk into the ground where his head had been only a fraction of a second before. Trespan stepped on Dar’s blade, pinning it down. Trespan slashed, but Dar released his sword and jumped back. Trespan’s attack only cut him slightly across his chest.

Dar roared with laughter, “Boy, you fight as poorly as your father!” Trespan yelled with anger and jabbed at Dar with his dagger, following it up with a sword slash, but Dar ducked low and kicked Trespan’s feet out from under him. Trespan hit hard and lost his sword behind him. Dar stepped on Trespan’s chest, “Now die like your father did! Sniveling like a coward at my feet!”

Trespan was filled with righteous anger; he gripped Dar’s ankle with both hands and pushed him off with incredible strength. Dar nearly fell over backwards; Trespan snapped to his feet and ran at Dar screaming with fury and rage. A single tear rolled down Trespan’s cheek as he charged. Trespan tackled Dar, slamming him to the ground and piercing deep into Dar’s chest with his dagger.

Dar coughed and sputtered out blood, “You know Dar, you said the weak are slowly killing our village, but you’re wrong, our village remains strong because we vigilantly protect our weak.” Trespan gritted his teeth and twisted the dagger in Dar’s chest. Dar screamed in agony; he lifted his head to talk only to collapse back to the ground. Dar’s head fell limply to the side. Dar was dead. Trespan stood; silently he walked onto the dais.

“Soldiers! Dar has deceived you! He did not want to put power in the hands of the army, he wanted to rule over everyone. If you still stand against me, step forward now, but be forewarned, half the men with you are loyal to me.” Not a single soldier moved; they were all staggered by the turn of events.

Then Acero yelled, “Trespan! War Chief!” all the other soldiers suddenly came to life and cheered loudly for Trespan. All those that had stood with Dar now saw Trespan and realized he was the not only the better warrior, but truly courageous. Trespan felt mentally and physically exhausted, he knew he had saved the village from total war. Everyone retired for the night, and the warriors began the journey back to Haven’s eastern edge. Trespan was going to join them in the morning.

Trespan slept deeply that night, and in the morning he went to the Oracle’s tent. “Hello War Chief,” the Oracle spoke in a relaxed tone, clearly and softly, unlike she ever had before, “You are right, I know more than I have told you. My great grandparents lived in the ruined cities to the east. The Cursed Ones aren’t really cursed; there was no evil magic. It was an invention of man’s, a terrible weapon capable of killing billions and polluting everything it touched. That is what corrupted the world outside Haven’s edge. The Cursed Ones ‘magic’ is also weapons from before Haven. The reason we fight to keep them out of Haven is not only to protect ourselves from the curse they carry, but so that we may retain our beautiful, simple lives. In the days before Haven, people did not live like we do, there was constant fear among the people, fear of the horrible things man had created. Death and war were everywhere; people died everyday because of man’s hate and greed. Haven is a safe place for us to be free of man’s downfalls.”

“But we have war and death.”

“Yes, but soon the Cursed Ones will be gone; the curse may prolong their life but it prevents them from ever reproducing.”

“But what about Dar, why did you support him?”

“What do you think would have happened if I supported you? You would have become War Chief at the first meeting, but soon after that Dar would have had his followers attack the village and then where would we be?”

“I understand everything now except, how did your great grandparents avoid the curse?”

“They were lucky, they were traveling within Haven right before the curse came.”

“Thank you, Oracle. I think I’m ready now, I’ll do my best to protect our village.”

“That’s all anyone can ever do; you have a great responsibility now, but as long as you try your best you will see your way through anything, just as you proved these last few days.” With that, Trespan left; he knew there was a great weight on his shoulders, but he felt confidant that he could handle all of the tasks ahead of him.

End Notes:
*War chief—The oldest heir to the Chieftain who is physically able to fight, the war chief leads Haven’s armies against the Cursed Ones.

**Hunting age -- When a boy in Haven reaches 16 he is a man; he then moves to his own tent and becomes a hunter for the tribe.

* * * When a war chief becomes unable to fight or becomes the Chieftain, his heir replaces him as war chief.