Nettle
From bread-knife wielder to forge-master, Nettle holds the valley's heart while others roam.
As the fierce eldest of the original orphan band, Nettle begins her journey at age thirteen in Book 1, initially armed only with a bread-knife. Her path transforms dramatically as she becomes an apprentice under Sable, evolving from a scrappy survivor into a skilled young smith dedicated to the craft.
By Book 9, aged roughly fifteen, Nettle makes a pivotal choice to stay behind and build the forge for the doubled town while her friend Coll ventures north. This commitment solidifies her role as a pillar of the community, leading to her status by Book 11 as a key figure in the grown orphan band returning to defend their valley.
- Age (Book 1)
- 13
- Age (Book 9)
- ~15
- Initial Weapon
- Bread-knife
- Apprentice Under
- Sable
- Role in Book 9
- Forge Builder/Guardian
- Status in Book 11
- Valley Defender
Lore & Background
Nettle's evolution mirrors the growth of her community, shifting from a tool of survival to an instrument of creation. Her transition from wielding a bread-knife to mastering the smithy under Sable represents the orphan band's journey from desperate flight to established strength.
Her decision in Book 9 to remain and hold the forge while Coll travels north highlights her deepening ties to the town's infrastructure. This sacrifice ensures the valley has a strong foundation, preparing the way for the grown band's return in Book 11 to face new threats with the resilience she helped forge.
Did You Know?
- Nettle started her life as an orphan wielding nothing more than a bread-knife.
- She is the eldest girl of the original orphan band featured in Book 1.
- By Book 9, she chose to stay and build the forge while Coll went north.
- In Book 11, she is recognized as a key part of the grown band defending the valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weapon did Nettle use when she was first introduced?
She wielded a bread-knife in Book 1.
Who trained Nettle to become a smith?
She became an apprentice under Sable.
What did Nettle do while Coll went north in Book 9?
She stayed behind to build and hold the forge for the doubled town.
How old is Nettle during the events of Book 1?
She is aged 13 in Book 1.