The Saga of the Wind Warrior: I

As you step onto the springy green turf beneath the tree, gold and silver light filters through its branches. The tree is huge, old, and tall. There are a number of knobbly places on its bark, and it looks as though it's about to sprout a face and speak to you.
Before you know it, you're standing next to it, and as you look up into its branches, you hear strains of old stories and songs. Entranced, you press your ear to the rough bark. You sit in wonder as you listen to a golden tale of old. And this is the tale you hear.

One day Rilthnad was walking in the woods, in a part he had not explored before, when suddenly, through some brambles, he caught sight of a lady. She was clad in white, with a silver circlet on her head. He called out to her, and she turned and saw him. She waved cheerfully.
"Ah, I've been wondering when you would turn up," she said. "It's a long time I've been waiting for you, Rilthnad." There was a soft quality to her voice, and she had a strong accent.
He bowed awkwardly. "I do not know you, ma'am," he said, puzzled.
"Of course not, and I don't know you, either, but it's you I've been waiting for all the same," she replied, walking around the bramble patch so that she might speak to him face to face. "I've been given a message for you, and it's been keeping it I have."
"I do not know who would send me a message," he said, very much surprised.
"It doesn't matter at all who sent - at least not to you, for I'm not permitted to tell you. But do you wish to hear it?"
"I - yes, if you please," Rilthnad said, trying to use proper manners before such a dignified lady.
She bobbed her head, making the circlet glint and sparkle, then folded her hands behind her back like a child and began to recite, " 'To Rilthnad son of Nagor, greetings and blessings on your journey!' Don't interrupt," she added, stopping him from saying that he wasn't on a journey and had none planned and hoped to never plan any. He restrained himself somewhat sulkily, and she went on. " 'You have a job to do when you are grown, and who knows? perhaps even before then. There is confidence that you will do this job well, and that you will ever be a defender of that which is good, right, and true. We know you have a job to do, and there are those who will seek you out to kill you, and others who will seek you out for help, but do not be afraid. You will be instructed in the things you must learn.
" 'You will be given a sword, and you will be taught how to use it. You will be taught caution, wisdom, and many other useful things, for after the messenger will come to you a teacher, and we hope that you will be taught all you need to know before the world becomes a battleground.
" 'But you must not be forced into any this, lest you resent us for it. Therefore, you must choose whether to help us. If you refuse, you will not be taught, and we will not trouble you again.
" ' If you do not accept this responsibility, others will try, but there is no guarantee that anyone, even you, will succeed, or survive the attempt. This is your choice.' "
The lady finished reciting and clasped her hands in front of her. All was silent. Very far away, a bird chirped.
At last, Rilthnad spoke slowly. "And what is the job?"
"To fight evil," she answered gravely.
"I see," he said hesitantly, which of course meant he didn't see.
The lady smiled. "There isn't much time I have, but you may ask me three questions."
"How do you know I have a job to do, or why was I chosen?"
"There was a test several years ago. Your father, I believe, allowed you to take it, as many other children did. You did well."
"But are you sure it's me who is best for this - this - responsibility?"
"No." She looked at him carefully. He seemed completely staggered by the series of events, but he gathered himself to ask his last question.
"When...will my teacher come? Who is he?"
Which one shall I answer?" she laughed. "Nay I cannot tell you who your teacher is, for I do not know."
"But when -"
"Soon."
Rilthnad frowned at her, frustrated. "That's not an answer."
"Ah, but it is."
"But I -"
"You must decide," she interrupted. "I must return with your answer as soon as may be. So you must decide now... I am sorry," she added apologetically. "But whatever your decision, this belongs to you." She unhooked a sword from her belt that had previously been hidden in the folds of her white dress. She held it out to him, laid flat on her hands.
Thoughts flowed through Rilthnad's mind as he stood looking at the sword. The whole thing was so new and strange. Could he do it? What if he quailed in the face of danger? Danger! Suddenly the idea of it did not seem so bad; in fact, it sounded like an adventure. Ah, nothing else sounded so refreshing and different. And he would be the center of attention... He reached out for the sword and, taking it, drew it out of the sheath. He weighed it in his hand. Though he knew nothing of swords, he knew he liked the feel of it. And while he was holding it, he felt powerful.
"I'll do it," he said.
The lady nodded. "you might regret it - but I think not." She smiled. "I must carry your answer back. But I am glad to have met you. I am only a messenger, but I think one day you will be great, though you must go through much before you are worthy. May you be blessed as long as you do what is right." Then she turned and walked carelessly through the deep layer of leaves, and the hem of her white dress was not soiled by them at all.
Rilthnad watched her disappear among the trees, and then, dazed, he went home and put the sword under his bed and pretended none of it had happened, for such is the way of some. One day we shall see if he can continue pretending.


You pull your slightly sore ear away from the bark. You cannot hear the whole tale today, but one day soon you will return. You walk away from the tree and go back to your duties.