Marked

I am marked. The brand warns others not to associate with me. I am outcast. I do not hide it. I deserve the mark. Though, I could not conceal it if I wanted to as it covers my left cheek. Like a brightly colored wasp, I signal to all who cross my path to stay away.

I wander the wilderness, scavenging for food. If I am lucky, I may hunt a raccoon or rat for meat. Everything I own I carry on my back. A jug for water. A small pot for boiling. A shoulder bag for my rations. Flint and steel. A knife. A spoon. A small crossbow with three quarrels. I will need to make more soon.

One day I passed a fortress. Its stone walls were tall and crops grew along the battlements so the sun would reach them. People tended to the plants and sang joyful songs as they worked. I saw no fighters among them and found this foolish. I turned to leave this ludicrous haven, it was doomed to be pillaged and I am marked after all – when I saw a single warrior at the gate.

He stood taller than the doorway he guarded and he was muscled like a buffalo. He was armored in hardened leather and a great sword hung at his hip. He beckoned to me, Traveler come and rest. I turned my branded cheek to him, I am marked and do not deserve such kindness. The warrior shook his head with its long wild hair. This is mine, He said indicating the fortress, And it is open to all I choose. Reflexively I said, I cannot, and I left.

I could not forget the fortress. I dreamed of the plenty which grew on the walls, the gardeners’ songs of gratitude echoed in my ears, and the warrior’s words would not leave my mind.

I crept back in the night. I slipped in the gate which was unlocked and unguarded. I padded down dark halls where the singing laborers slept peacefully until I found a room with a warm glow. The warrior sat by a fire and he was waiting for me. I said, I am outcast. He nodded, I know this. Do you know the reason, I asked. He became grave, I know this too. Even so, there is rest for you here. What was this warrior’s aim? I was suspicious. Fearful. Yet I sat down by the fire and said, I will stay the night. The corners of the warrior’s eyes crinkled warmly, I am glad.