Nod was born in the bustling port city of Fairgate, the unwanted child of a struggling dockworker and a tavern wench. From his earliest days, Nod was bigger than other children, a trait that would define much of his life. His parents, unable to cope with the demands of raising a child in their poverty-stricken circumstances, abandoned him on the docks when he was just five years old.
Left to fend for himself, young Nod quickly learned the harsh realities of life on the waterfront. He slept in empty crates, scavenged for food, and avoided the attention of those who might exploit or harm him. His size, even as a child, made him a target for unscrupulous individuals looking for cheap labor.
By age ten, Nod had become a fixture on the docks, known for his strength and silence. He rarely spoke, learning early on that words often led to trouble. Instead, he communicated through nods, grunts, and the occasional soft-spoken word when necessary. This earned him the nickname "Nod," as no one knew his real name, and he never offered it.
“Nod, release the gentleman.”
The woman’s voice was a whisper barely heard. Nod certainly hadn’t, or at least he pretended not to as he grabbed Jacob by the front of his frock and heaved him straight up into the air.
A petite, gloved hand touched the giant’s arm. “Nod, please let go of him,” the woman said, louder this time. “The gentleman meant no harm.”
“That’s right, Nod,” Jacob said, gasping. “The gentleman meant no harm at all.”
Still, the giant wouldn’t let go.
“Nod!”
This time, the woman balled her fist and punched Nod in the side. The blow was nothing to the giant, but it got her message across as he finally released Jacob.
- THE NULLIFICATION ENGINE
Nod's strength became legendary among the dockworkers as he grew into adolescence. He could lift loads that took two men to handle, and his endurance was unmatched. Despite his imposing presence, Nod avoided violence whenever possible, preferring to use his size as a deterrent rather than a weapon.
However, survival on the docks often required compromises. Nod found himself involved in the shadier aspects of port life, including helping to move contraband, standing guard for illegal transactions, and occasionally using his strength to "persuade" those who owed debts to local criminals. These actions weighed heavily on his conscience, but he saw them as necessary evils in a world that had shown him little kindness.
Nod's reputation grew, and whispers of the silent giant of Fairgate's docks reached the ears of Thorvid Kelm, Brighton's notorious criminal overlord. Thorvid, always looking for useful assets, saw potential in Nod that went beyond mere muscle. He recognized a loyalty and integrity in the young man that, if harnessed, could be invaluable.
At the age of twenty, Nod was approached by Thorvid's agents. They offered him a chance at a better life. Steady work, a roof over his head, and most importantly, a purpose. Nod, weary of the constant struggle for survival and its moral compromises, accepted.
Thorvid took Nod under his wing, treating him with kindness and respect that Nod had never experienced before. He assigned Nod to protect his adopted human daughter, Bella Kelm, a task that gave Nod's life new meaning. For the first time, Nod felt a sense of belonging and importance.
Over the years, Nod's loyalty to the Kelm family has become unshakeable. He sees Bella as the little sister he never had and Thorvid as the father figure he'd always longed for. While he's still involved in criminal activities through his association with Thorvid, Nod now has a moral compass. He will do whatever is necessary to protect Bella and serve Thorvid, but he tries to minimize harm to innocents whenever possible.
Nod's past has left him with deep-seated emotional scars. He struggles with trust, preferring Bella's company and a select few others. His silence is not just a habit but a defense mechanism, born from years of learning that words can be weapons. Despite his fearsome appearance and reputation, Nod's gentleness occasionally shines through, especially in his interactions with Bella.
FIRST APPEARANCE
Nod first appears in The Nullification Engine (The Alchemancer Book Two).
