Shadow Slave

The ringing of steel was still echoing across the desolate ruin when Sunny shifted slightly and looked in the direction where the sound had come from.

There was a tall tower rising into the broken sky some distance away. Its walls were covered by a net of deep cracks, but the crumbling tower still stood straight and proud, much higher than any other structure in the vast ruin. Outlined against the pale radiance of the shattered moon, its dark shape was like a battered sword thrust into the ground by the hand of a celestial giant.

The tower was dark, but at the very top of it, a fiery glow escaped from the arching windows. It was as if a sea or vermilion flame was burning inside.

That was where the ringing sound had come from.

A moment later, another strike resounded, and then another. They rolled across the restless lake, forceful and methodical, filling the night with the sound of clashing metal. Suddenly, Sunny felt as if he was on a battlefield, and his heart started to beat faster.

He froze for a moment, looking at the dark tower with a somber expression.

«What is that?»

Cassie turned to face the tower, as well. She remained silent for a few moments, then said evenly:

«It's the King. He is forging.»

Sunny couldn't help but frown.

He had just asked about Anvil's whereabouts, and a moment later, the King of Sword announced his presence. Sunny did not really fear him… but that was not because the steel Sovereign was not worthy of being feared. It was simply because Sunny had developed an unwise tolerance for fear after a decade of being constantly exposed to all kinds of unimaginable horror.

Still, it would be a lie to say that he wasn't apprehensive.

«Spooky bastard.»

He hesitated for a moment, then asked quietly:

«What is he forging?»

Cassie smiled.

«What else? He is forging a sword. The King must have created a million of them already, but he never stops for long. The swords that the Knights of Valor wield are merely some that he discarded… the ones Paladins wield are, as well.»

probably. Sunny could not really imagine how a human being could have created so many of

He sighed.

here I was thinking myself an accomplished

tilted her head

You create

smile appeared on

With everything else, I

inscribe a functional enchantment. Instead, they made the pebble a part of a much larger one without comprehending the entire array, he wouldn't be able to comprehend the runes carved

Sunny was allowed into the castle. It was warm to the touch. But where did the essence that nourished the pebble come from? He didn't feel it consuming his own, and there was no nexus inside

are a skilled sorceress yourself,

Cassie nodded lightly.

I guess. I've been taught a little by a man named Noctis, in my Second Nightmare. After that, I learned from the enchanters of

for a while, then answered

«I am self-taught.»

were the Nightmare Spell and necessity, Neither could take

turn, heading for a more damaged section of the wall,

not something I can do. The same goes for enchanters of Valor — they are only capable of forging Memories because of the kind of Aspects the members of the main family and its branches tend to

stared at her silently for a

She was.

it might look that way. A mysterious man who can create Memories, lives in Bastion, and is somehow a

from exploding with laughter. If he hadn't covered his mouth with both hands, sentries all across

son? Gods, no… although I must admit, it would have been very funny

He shook his head.

of Madee, or any other member

silent for a

do not look like anything to

awkwardly, prompting

met, we were alone. So, I could only borrow your sight, which meant staring at myself for the entire conversation. Well, I won't lie. I did steal a peek through the eyes of the knights we've met today. I was

She shrugged.

maybe it's just because of the confidence that comes with being

shook his head with a crooked smile, not