The Story Enigma

Link The Ruination 1.

AUTHORS NOTE:  This short story was originally going to be a full novel, like most of these writings. I could not continue though. I had no plan for it and it somehow works better has a short story with no explanations.

What is in a name? I faintly remember literature that spoke of the words I seem to lose every day. My memory worsens not only by age but by my own refusal to accept. With the deterioration of moments I push to the back of my mind, I often let the times I hold close pass away as well. Perhaps, if my name was different, I wouldn't have too. I could find the time to understand my thoughts and the actions of my past. However, since time is waning and life has always worked in mysterious, fucking stupid ways, I will not have the privilege of thinking longer, living longer. Not that I feel like I should be allowed. For all the sins I have committed this is my punishment.

As of now I am sitting alone in a bar praying for God to have mercy on the blacken heart that felt cold in my chest. God never seemed to answer but then again, why should he?

He does indeed have a sense of humor though. With a raised brow I take in the man who sat beside me. He was a lanky man that had uneven hair, wide shoulders but skinny everywhere else. His dirty hair and greasy face told me the only thing I ever needed to know.

Peasant.

Chances are he heard about my god forsaken name and thought he could take my title. It would be so easy to let this silly man take my life. I had some honor left though. Me? Defeated by someone so unworthy? Ridiculous.

"I've heard about you, the town speaks of you all the time." He started the conversation on such a dry note I was willing to reach over the bar and kill myself.

However, I knew that months ago I was a coward and now was no different.

"The towns seem to never have anything else to speak of. Don't they get bored with the same stories told around a fire? Hear the same tales of heroic heroes and horrible monsters?" I replied, motioning to the bartender to pour me another round.

I have had many conversations just like this one. They all wanted the same things for me. Either people wanted to fight me or speak of stupid mundane things.

Tell them my secret. Inform them of how I was able to so brave. Unleash the powers they have only ever heard about.

"Surely you could teach me something about magic I have grown up-"

"Listen, boy. I don't have time for this. Can't you see I'm wallowing away? Leave a woman be with her drink and thoughts."

He looked stunned and the amount of sadness that clouded his face made me turn away.

It was in relief that he understood that I didn't teach, that's why I turned. Even though I tried to keep sensitive thoughts away from me, they seemed to creep in. Denial only worked for so long.

"What a hurtful thing to say to someone so young, Link?"

Groaning out loud, I rested my head on the bar. That voice always brought so many battles. That voice caused painful memories and horrible truths. That voice gave me my title.

"What are you doing here Holden? Shouldn't you be swore off to some king that gives no shit about anyone but himself?"

Holden was an old friend. Many battles and adventures have been lived through with him by my side. His dark hair was unruly and heavy build made him perfect for jobs that required a tank. His eyes were a light brown that changed shades depending on his actions. When he was happy, his eyes were open and light brown, when he was angry or any other emotion they were dark and unforgiving. Holden was my greatest ally but, with our last battle I had fallen off the map. Hide myself away from everyone. It was a wonder he found me. Then again, Holden always had a knack for finding the lost.

"I don't remember you being this bitter and don't give me excuses that bitterness comes with age, you're younger than me." I heard him speak quietly to the young man and then he sat down beside me.

"Holden, get to the fucking point. Why did you find me? There must have been a reason to come to this shit pile of a town. I don't have time for this." I lifted my head and took another hearty drink of my alcohol.

"Always so blunt." He laughed and quickly ushered the bartender to bring him a round. "Do you remember Kiin?"

I was silenced for a moment, distracting my wavering thoughts by taking in the bar. There were few people seated here but all were dressed in light armor. Chuckles and stories of battles were passed around as a fire crackled in the corner of the room. A bear skin hung on the wall and since it was dark outside there was an orange glow casted on the people of the bar.

"Sometimes I forget that Kiin wasn't the best place for you." He joined in on my silence as likely his thoughts drifted to another time and place as well. "What happened in Kiin has however, made a return. Do you remember King Brumer's son, Ares?"

A humorless dry laugh escaped me, "I was too preoccupied to take names."

Holden grimaced before continuing. "Have you held anything about the Great War?"

The Great War was taking place now, though I didn't know much I knew that this war would be talked about for ages. It was started because of some reason that escaped my mind. I never cared for war or keeping up with it.

Weird to think since I have been a part of so many.

"Well, with the death of King Brumer, Ares has been appointed King. Lots are mad about this, saying he isn't ready and such. Jumier, which is King of the Fornet Realm is the leader of the rebellion of the new king. It-"

"I've always hated that guy. It's saddening he became king since he does not deserve the title."

"Anyways, thanks for that side note. The 5 realms are in war currently since they all have different opinions on who should rule Kiin. That is The Great War, everyone is talking about."

"So where do I come into this? Who do you support Holden? You always seem to like to pledge yourself to some baffling fool."

"I promised I would be able to get you to fight for Ares."

Swishing the liquid in my glass I laughed. Me fighting for a king? Though I have done it before I have never sided so early nor have I found a king worthy of winning.

"Is this some joke, Holden? Didn't know you had such a strange type of humour."

Holden continued to stare at me and didn't deter when I laughed. His face was as serious as it was when he was about to kill someone. Placid, stone like, and eerie to mine.

"Why would I fight for Ares?" I asked, finally sobering up and setting my drink down to face Holden head on. "His name is based on a God of war."

"Trust me. At least come with me and then you can decide whether you want to fight or not."

"Ares must be incredibly desperate to ask me to help. Everyone knows I do not fight for kings."

"Yet, here you are considering it."

It was true, I was curious of this new king. Holden knew me quite well and had been a loyal friend. He had never led me wrong. Also, he must have really believed Ares to be a good King if he was willingly to get me involved. Holden often wanted me to stay out of everything, stay safe, be a girl and hide. Though I was never good at hiding. Seemed to enjoy action at all times.

Well, at least I used too.

"Alright, let's meet this King. He better be a fucking amazing one since the journey from here to Kiin is unbearable."

"Such a lady."

Shifting so the amour I wore was more comfortable I grinned at Holden. "I sense sarcasm."

"Me? I would never..." He trailed off, returning my smile and walking to the door of the pub.