Curse of The Knowing

Chapter 1

 I bit my lip hard enough that it drew blood. The taste was hot and metallic in my mouth. It was all I could do to stop from screaming my brother's name. Theodore. Theo. My baby brother. It had been mere days since he passed. Time stopped the day he died. All I could do was manage day-to-day without him. Death surrounded me like a cloak. It filled my chest, my brain, my lungs. I gave up on gasping for clear air long ago. It followed me wherever I went, taunting me and calling my name. I knew it was stalking me. It started following me long before Theo.

I longed for a sense of balance that Theo gifted me. I did not know how to appreciate it while he was alive. He is an anchor to my ship prone to drifting off at nights. He was an anchor. He is now dead. He is now buried loosely in the dirt without a casket. The only tombstone is a small tree I planted to commemorate him. A deplorable way to rest.

I searched for home like I had in my naivety with Theodore. I walked miles each day, even if my path ended in a circle. Deep down, I knew I would never return home. Home died with Theo.

To pass the time, I took to maintaining the sacred state of the woods. I studied each tree and bush for imperfections. I cut down rotted trees and planted new ones in their place. The work kept my mind off of reality. I lived in a harsh reality. My brother was dead. I didn't have a home. These were thoughts a man with time to idle would have. I was above such narrow ways of thinking. As long as there was work to be done, I was at peace.

The Knowing made sure I had work to do. He kept me occupied. He saved me. I needed directions. He had the compass. The only things that made sense in the haze following Theo's death were the sage commands of The Knowing. He spoke to me to warn me of danger. He taught me how to sustain myself in the formerly inscrutable woods. I owed my life to him. Such was the nature of The Knowing. A kind, helpful soul to those in desperate need.

On a day like every other, I leaned against a tree. A thick oak in the eastern range of the forest. I often worked myself to exhaustion. Today was no different. The sun was low in the sky. Birds chirped in the trees. Theo was dead. Theo was dead. A normal evening for my life at the time.

"Julian," said the deep voice of The Knowing.

I sighed. "Yes?"

"I have a task for you."

A chill ran down my spine. Although I trusted his judgment, the tasks he prompted were often unpleasant. I grabbed my axe.

"There is a man near Theodore's tree. He intends to harm it. I want him dead," he commanded.

My grip on the axe turned my knuckles white. "Of course."

Killing was never pleasant. It was messy. I never considered myself guilty. As long as it was the will of The Knowing, I would do it. Without a complaint, I stood up. I weaved my way through the trees. I stepped on many branches and leaves. Stealth was not my goal. I needed to make myself present. I was the predator.

I broke into a run. It was dark by the time I reached Theo's tree in the western area. There stood a man studying his tree. I crept up behind him. I raised the axe, prepared to swing. Without warning, he turned around.

"Did The Knowing put you up to this?" He asked calmly.

I dropped the weapon in shock. "You know him, too?"

The man smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "I know him all too well, kid. You're less insane than you think."