Chapter 8: The Sword of Shadow
(2023-11-05 Raw Unedited Version)
The following morning, after a hearty breakfast of pancakes doused in blackberry preserves and tea, they packed their belongings and made their way to the wizard's spire, ready for the teleportation journey back to Riversmeet. Upon arrival, they headed straight to their house, and Eldric wasted no time in taking Vespera to his workshop to continue working on the bracers.
As Eldric focused on his work, Vespera couldn't help but study the room, her eyes drawn to the numerous magical artifacts stored within. The collection was truly astounding, and she recognized several items from the lore of her homeland.
Her gaze settles on the Whispering Locket, a circular pendant made of black obsidian that glinted in the rooms light, it was rumored to have the power to store the final words of a dying person.
Not too far away, she catches sight of the Blade of Twilight. It has an arched blade with a handle crafted from deep blue sapphire. Rumors say that it has the power to manipulate shadows and a Shadow caster’s abilities would be significantly amplified when wielding it. It was made by one of her distant relatives from long ago, the first Knight and founder of House Skugga.
As Vespera continued to admire the artifacts, her mind couldn't help but race with questions. How had Eldric managed to obtain such rare and unique items? Are they real or props to trick me? What was his true purpose in keeping them? Did it have anything to do with her lost memories?
After a couple of hours, Eldric looked up from his work, visibly tired. He decided it was time for a break and escorted Vespera upstairs for a simple dinner. They shared a quiet meal, both lost in their own thoughts. Vespera's mind was still plagued by doubts and questions, while Eldric seemed to be focused on the progress of the bracers and the challenges that lay ahead.
During dinner, Vespera's curiosity finally got the better of her. She decided to inquire about the items in the workshop so she could confirm if they are real or not, particularly the shadow sword. "Eldric," she began, her voice hesitant, "I couldn't help but notice the Blade of Twilight in your workshop. It' was lost to my clan in a war with the demons 900 years ago. how did you obtain it?"
Eldric looked up from his plate, his eyes meeting Vespera's. "Ah, the Blade of Twilight," he said thoughtfully. "That's actually your primary weapon, Vespera."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "My weapon?" she echoed, finding it hard to believe.
"Yes," he replied, nodding. "You're incredibly skilled with it, and it complements your magic perfectly."
Vespera considered this, her mind racing with questions. Eldric continued, "As for the other items in the workshop, they have been collected over many adventures. We both seem to keep anything we think might be useful or too dangerous for someone else to possess. It's important to ensure that such artifacts don't fall into the wrong hands."
He looked at her intently, trying to gauge her reaction. Vespera's expression was a mixture of wonder and disbelief. She felt a combination of awe at the power that was supposedly hers and uncertainty about the man sitting across from her. Was he telling the truth, or was this just another part of some elaborate scheme?
Vespera hesitated for a moment before she finally asked, "Eldric, do you think I could… touch the sword? I know I'm not strong enough to hold it yet, but maybe touching it could help with my memories."
Eldric considered her request for a moment before nodding. "Of course, I'll bring it to you."
He carefully retrieved the Blade of Twilight from the workshop and returned to Vespera. Kneeling on one knee, he held the sword low enough for her to touch it without straining her weakened arms.
Vespera's eyes focused on the sword, her heart racing with anticipation. Secretly, she hoped that touching the weapon would not only help her remember something but also confirm if Eldric was telling the truth, as she always left a small shadow mark on her belongings and doubts that she would have given up that habit.
As her fingers made contact with the hilt of the sword, she felt a surge of energy. The Blade of Twilight was indeed marked with her shadow signature, and its power was undeniable. She was both astounded and relieved, wishing she could remember how she had acquired such an incredible artifact. At least she now knew Eldric wasn't lying about this part of her story.
Vespera looked up at Eldric, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and bewilderment. "Thank you," she whispered, trying to convey her appreciation despite her lingering doubts.
Eldric couldn't help but let his mind wander as he observed Vespera. He thought back to the few missions they had been on together when he was young. They were usually large-scale hunts that required the expertise of many skilled fighters and mages. While he never interacted with her much, he couldn't deny that she was both incredibly skilled and strikingly beautiful. However, the Vespera he remembered from back then had always seemed calculating, focused solely on her mission.
The mission to obtain the Blade of Twilight., in particular, stood out in his memory. It was a mission Vespera had commissioned herself. It was an arduous task that required the cooperation and skill of 25 individuals. Remarkably, no one had died during that mission, though there were numerous serious injuries.
Eldric recalled the first direct interaction he had with Vespera was during that mission. She had complemented him and given him specific instructions on when and how to use his spells. Her words of complement soothed his nervousness and encouraged him despite this being his third mission as a mercenary.
Vespera, for her part, seemed lost in her thoughts as well.
"Do you want to hear the story of how you got that sword?" Eldric asked.
Vespera's eyes light up and she nods furiously.
Eldric leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. It was about 16 years ago or so and the first time you every talked to me, and one of the first missions I went on after leaving the Conclave. You approached me the evening before the final battle as I stood watch. I was stunned by your beauty, and very nervous. You came up to me giving me specific instructions on how and when you wanted me to use various spells during the battle. I was impressed by how meticulously you planned every detail. I asked you why me and you told me that I seemed the most capable mage despite being so young, and that you only judge people on their talent, not rank or age. Your words both surprised and encouraged me.
He began to recount the tale of the battle for the Blade of Twilight. It all started when you brought a group of twenty-plus mercenaries together for a mission to slay a horde of demons. You were determined to retrieve the Blade of Twilight from the clutches of an arch demon who had claimed it as its own. I remember the sense of urgency and excitement among the group when we gathered to discuss our strategy."
Vespera listened intently, her eyes wide with curiosity as Eldric continued. "The demon had made its lair deep within the Durabiwood Forest, a place where few dared to venture. But you, Vespera, had a plan. You assembled a diverse team of skilled fighters and mages, each with their unique abilities, to ensure our success."
"The journey through the forest was treacherous, with dangerous creatures lurking around every corner. But you led us with unwavering confidence and determination. I remember I couldn't help but notice your beauty and the air of authority that surrounded you."
Eldric's voice took on an excited tone as he delved into the details of the battle itself. "The demon was a fearsome creature, towering above us with massive wings and razor-sharp claws. Its eyes burned with malice as it sensed our presence, and it wasted no time in unleashing its fury upon us."
He described how the group had worked together seamlessly, each member contributing to the battle in their own way. "The warriors charged forward, their blades clashing against the demon's hide, while the archers rained down a hail of arrows from a safe distance. The mages, including myself, supported the frontline by casting powerful spells to hinder the demon's movements and protect our allies."
"But it was you, Vespera, who truly shone that day. Your shadow magic was awe-inspiring, weaving darkness around the demon, restricting its movements. You were like a dancer in the midst of chaos, gracefully dodging its attacks while relentlessly striking at it with a blessed blade."
Eldric's eyes sparkled as he reached the climax of the story. "And finally, as the demon staggered, weakened from our relentless assault, you delivered the final blow. With a powerful swing of your own blade, you severed the demon's head, claiming the Blade of Twilight as your prize. I remember thinking that I had never seen anyone so skilled and beautiful in my entire life."
As Eldric finished his tale, Vespera found herself both in disbelief and awe by her past self's alleged prowess. She looked at Eldric with newfound appreciation, grateful for the glimpse into her forgotten past.
Vespera's eyes widened as fragments of memories began to surface in her mind. She could vaguely recall killing the demon Eldric had described and the sensation of prying the Blade of Twilight from its lifeless hand. However, the rest of the events surrounding that day remained a blur.
"Wait, I think... I think I can remember that demon," she said excitedly, her eyes shining with hope. "I can see myself grasping the Blade of Twilight from its hand, but everything else is still so fuzzy. Sorry, I can’t remember you or anyone else who helped."
Eldric smiled warmly, "It's okay, Vespera. The fact that you can remember even a small part of that day is a good sign. And don't worry about not remembering me. I was just one of many on that mission, and my role was relatively insignificant. Besides, that was years before we really got to know each other."
Vespera looked at him apologetically, thank you for telling me the story. It helped me to piece together bits of my past."
Eldric reached out and gently squeezed her hand, offering her reassurance. "In time I'm sure you regain your memories."
As Vespera pondered over the events of the day, her thoughts raced, and she found herself reevaluating everything she had believed so far. She was torn between trusting Eldric and the nagging suspicion that something was off.
'He's told me at least two truths today – about the battle and the sword,' she thought, her brow furrowed. 'If he was trying to deceive me, why would he reveal those things risking my memories returning? It makes no sense for him to do so. Is this not all just an elaborate ruse? What could he hope to gain from all of this?' It doesn’t look like he needs money, Magic items, or books. Have I been cold and distrusting to my actual husband?
Vespera's confusion intensified, her emotions swirling like a tempest. She recognized that Eldric had indeed taken care of her, no matter how tedious it had been for him. She also noted his occasional anger, especially when she mentioned commoners and peasant life. Yet, even during those moments, he still tried to treat her well despite his apparent displeasure.
'I just don't understand,' she mused, her heart aching with uncertainty. 'There are so many things he claims that seem so impossible. Yes, he is incredibly skilled at manipulating enchantments – far better than I would expect – but that doesn't necessarily prove anything. Maybe that's his primary school.'
She sighed deeply, her thoughts weighing heavily on her. As much as she wanted to trust Eldric, the lingering doubts kept her from fully embracing the idea that he was her husband. The mixture of truth and improbabilities that seem like lies just makes her feel more lost than ever.
'I wish I could just remember everything,' she silently pleaded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. 'I need to know the truth, living in this state of confusion just adds to my exhaustion.'
Eventually, Vespera's eyelids grew heavy, and she found herself nodding off to sleep. As her body relaxed into the warmth of the bed, and her mind cleared of all its worries, a dream began to take shape. She was in a rustic hotel bath with Eldric standing before her. Before she could think twice about it, he reached out and lifted her up into his lap. His hands roved over her body pleasure coursing through her veins as he caressed her softly without hesitation or restraint. The gentle rhythm of his touches filled the air like a beautiful melody that seemed to wash away all of Vespera's doubts and stress.
Time melted away as Vespera felt herself becoming more and more aroused by Eldric's touch. His lips found hers in an intense kiss that left both their hearts pounding in anticipation as they explored each other with passion and intensity. Eventually, they sank
into the warm water, their bodies entwined in a sensual embrace. For Vespera, it was as if all her doubts and worries had vanished, replaced by a feeling of complete and utter surrender to Eldric's touch.
It wasn't until Vespera woke up, only feeling the chill of the night against her skin, that she realized that it had all been a dream. But the overwhelming feeling of desire remained, leaving her aching for more.
