Heavy mist draped over Blackstone Vale ‒ like the land itself grew weary of sharing secrets. Old woods around the vale murmured with hidden creatures moving, their twisted branches reaching for the sky. Nobody came here by choice ‒ not even very brave hunters or very desperate runaways. People said the vale was cursed and those who entered almost never left unharmed. But Kael had to go in.
A Journey of Desperation
His boots crunched over the frosty ground as he walked deeper into the valley ‒ his breath visible in the cold air. His leather armor looked old and scarred, much like him. As a mercenary Kael had experienced many battles and bloodshed but nothing prepared him for the terror of the Northern Scourge. His last group scattered everywhere ‒ their flags crushed under creatures that defied nature. He survived alone escaping south until his money vanished and hunger weakened his determination.
Even in Midhold’s taverns ‒ whispers about Blackstone Vale spread over cheap ale. People said treasures older than kingdoms hid in its dark depths ‒ protected by a lone Watcher. Gold and silver mattered little to Kael now ‒ but thoughts of a legendary weapon capable of killing the Scourge filled his mind. If this Watcher truly lived ‒ he would find it ‒ or die trying.
The Revealed Watcher
Old temple ruins stood in the mist ‒ black stones cracked with age and covered in ivy. Strange carvings decorated arches and pillars ‒ symbols that seemed to move in the dim light. Kael felt unseen eyes watching him as he walked through the broken entrance.
A voice came from the shadows, low and old, “I wondered when one of your kind would come.”
Kael turned quickly his hand reaching for his sword ‒ but a figure stopped him. The Watcher was neither man nor beast. It was tall and thin wearing a cloak of feathers that shimmered like oil on water ‒ a hood hid its face except for two faintly glowing eyes like dying embers.
“You want the Blade of Shardlight,” said the Watcher ‒ its voice both mocking and tired. “Do you even know what you ask for?”
The Test
Kael stood tall ‒ hiding his worry with fake confidence. “I want a weapon to stop the Northern Scourge. If tales are right you have it.”
The Watcher laughed ‒ a dry, scratchy sound bouncing off stone walls. “The Blade is not just a weapon traveler. It’s a heavy load ‒ a curse. Those who use it carry its power and follow its goal.”
“I’ll risk it,” Kael said ‒ his voice strong though cold crept into his bones.
The Watcher tilted its head like judging him. “Alright then ‒ but the Blade isn’t given freely ‒ it’s earned through effort. Face your own shadow ‒ and maybe you will be found worthy.”
Before Kael could ask what this meant ‒ the ground moved under him ‒ darkness spun like something alive ‒ and from it rose someone he knew too well ‒ himself ‒ in blood stained armor from his past ‒ with eyes full of anger and regret. His shadow stepped forward ‒ with blade ready ‒ and Kael understood the real nature of the test.
Inside Battle
Steel clanged loudly in the broken temple ‒ Kael fought against his own mirror image. Each sword swing from the shadow matched his moves exactly, each fake attack met with perfect timing. But this fight wasn’t just about strength and skill ‒ the shadow’s words hurt more than its sword.
“You let them die,” it whispered, its voice a poisonous copy of Kael’s own. “You left your brothers behind. You escaped.”
Kael clenched his jaw ‒ his muscles screamed with pain and effort. “I couldn’t help them! Nobody could stop it!”
The shadow chuckled ‒ a harsh, empty noise. “But here you are ‒ trying to ease your guilt. Do you think the Blade will forgive you?”
Redemption or Ruin
Kael’s sword arm shook ‒ his own shame felt heavy enough to crush him. He noticed it ‒ a spark of truth hidden in the Watcher’s challenge. The Blade wasn’t merely a weapon; it was a choice and a duty. To use it he had to accept both his strengths and failures.
“I cannot change the past,” Kael said lowering his sword. “But I will fight for tomorrow.”
The shadow stopped ‒ its form flickered. It lowered its weapon and stepped back ‒ vanishing into the darkness. Kael turned ‒ the Watcher looked at him with ember like eyes glowing softly.
“You succeeded,” it said offering a hand. From its cloak the Watcher pulled out the Blade of Shardlight ‒ a weapon that seemed alive with light; runes on its surface pulsed like a heartbeat. Kael reached out ‒ his fingers touched the hilt ‒ and felt its power’s weight settle deeply within him.
A Fresh Start
When Kael departed from Blackstone Vale ‒ Blade on his back ‒ he felt a very new sense of purpose. The path ahead seemed unclear and the Scourge still threatened greatly. For the first time, he carried not only a weapon but also a chance ‒ a small hope for a land on the edge.
Behind him the Watcher slipped back into shadows ‒ waiting for another person bold ‒ or maybe reckless ‒ enough to pursue the Blade.
