In The The Shadow of a Blade

[Aedon Durreah]

(A page from Aedon's Journal)

After cleaning up in Trinsic I turned my path towards home. I did not wish to spend another night on the road so I traveled to the Moongate, and made my way to Yew. Arriving home, I found the house quiet and in order. Llyr was working in the smithy, so I stopped in and handed him the twin I had woven for the daggers handle. He looked my work over, and grunted his approval. Laughing at the gruffness of my brother, I went inside and put my pack to the side of the door.

I called out a few times for Izznet, but when no answer came I assumed she was still at Shadowmoore. Heading there I listened to the sounds of the house and from the silence concluded that either all were out, or that Izznet still rested on the roof. Not wishing to go to where she was lying, I poured myself a hot cup of coffee and sat at one of the tables.

It was then that I heard a knock on the door. Going to answer I was a bit surprise to find Skylar standing there. She said she needed to have words with me, and so I invited her inside to sit. I figured the chat had something to do with the markings on Avalon’s body, but I was very wrong.

The first thing she asked about was the sword and the book. She wanted to know all about them. I explained that I had long ago given the book to Penrose and the history of the book and the cult of Charnadis. She then focused in on Ahoun, asking where and what the blade was. I explained that Ahoun would be of no use to any other seeing that the blade and I were created for one another.

When I think back, perhaps it was unwise to mention the fragment of the demon still held within the blade. Or that I could in fact, recall the blade to me if need were present.

She wants me to hand her Ahoun and I am tempted to do so. To be rid of the thing fully for the first time in hundreds of years could perhaps being me some measure of peace. But at what cost would my freedom be bought?

No other can wield the blade; none may touch the hilt without risking great harm or perhaps death. And the pain that goes with grasping the blade is something I do not wish to experience again. With the book and Ahoun under the proper settings it is possible to summon forth the Priest or priestess of Charnadis and through him summon the demon himself.

The last piece of the puzzle, the final bit of a creature so vile resides within that cursed blade. And I have but a few days to decide if I will hand Ahoun over to another, or take the blade and flee to other lands.

I have come to trust Skylar. She has been more than honest with me and shown great kindness to Izznet. Perhaps she is the right one to deal with in this matter.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

I have spent most of the night sitting on the porch at Connemara. I went to Skara for a time, and though there were many others sitting around chatting, I felt odd and out of place.

For the most part the time went by peacefully until Penrose came in and tried to make an arrest. Mylar was there and stood her ground against Penrose and Skylar, and the event ended with some bloodshed, and Penrose and Skylar being escorted to the moongate.

I did not stay long after that. Dramora was sitting at a table with some of the rangers and Piper and she was going on about some odd tome she had found. She was asking people about the name Lurothor. Now what she would wish to dig up information on that one is beyond me. But she will have her way in things if it kills fifteen people in the process.

I had found within the library of Istas a tome which mentions his involvement in an order of mages connected to the Temple of Bone, an Ossuary cared for by his order. His actions within in the temple were against the beliefs and directions of the Grand Mage, and knowing that actions were about to be taken against him, the dark necromancer sped up the research he was doing on the remains of those resting in the temple. Not the sort of thing one wishes to poke into without proper knowledge, but hey, perhaps it will be an adventure. It was good to see her free and safe, let us hope she stays that way and does not lead too many others to some dark end.

When I left Skara I returned home. I had much to consider and did not wish to waste what time I have. Izznet remained in her chambers at Shadowmoore, and I chose to allow her all the time she might need. There will be time to discuss all with her tomorrow over coffee. I am sure she will not be pleased with me, but I must consider all possibilities and act in a way that may prove most advantageous and safe.

And so I sit here and scan the western skies calling upon the wind, and hoping that should I need her, she will answer.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

It was nice to have a chance to go to town with Izzy and sit for a quiet meal. I was rather pleased to find the Skara Tavern empty again as this lessened the chance of having to listen to the inane prattle of others. We sat at our usual table and chatted as I enjoyed a meal of bread, cheese and wine.

After we had been there a short time Kanaye showed up. I did not mind at all because I enjoy the company of the kitsune and am delighted at watching Izznet squirm trying to understand a well placed yip or wide eyed stare.

The light mood of the night was not to remain though, and I felt intense discomfort as the door opened and Cas walked in followed by her minion Sean. Izznet stood, looking towards them as I stood and greeted the two pleasantly telling them that the Tavern was and the food good this night. Remaking that we were just on our way out, I motioned to Izzy to follow and took a couple of steps towards the door.

It was then that Cas told me she wanted to speak to me and suggested we find a spot to do so. I told her the tavern was wine, but she insisted it was not suitable. I then said that we could go to Connemara if it was a private matter. She agreed to this and to my surprised, opened a gate to my home. They had noticed that Kanaye who had vanished as they entered had followed us through, and started casting poison around in an attempt to his the kitsune. I asked that they not harm Kanaye as he was the manager of the Rest. Cas reluctantly agreed and we headed up the stairs.

I could sense Izznet’s discomfort as they followed us through and we entered into the building. I asked that they have a seat, which was declined. I asked how I could be of service this night, and Cas opened by asking if I had reread our agreement. I told her I had and that the statement I had agreed on would be posted at the Abbey by the next day. I was hoping that this would end our meeting, but it was just not going to be my night.

She then moved on to asking about the Book I had given Merek. I told her all I could recall about the tome and the cult of Charnadis. When I had spoken what must have been an uncomfortable amount of words even by my standards she then remarked that the book would be useless since I had destroyed the sword. It was then I let my pride in ownership get in the way of good sense saying;

“Ahoun cannot be destroyed, I sent her away.”

What followed was her asking that I give the sword over to her for safe keeping, followed by me trying to explain that Ahoun serves one master only and that the blade could severely damage any other than the one she was created for. Now in retrospect letting her know that the only way to separate the blade from me would be through my death. But though stating that was something that could be done, they did for the time make no move to either kill or take me prisoner again.

Had I been alone at the time I am sure I would have been a bit more snarky. But I had Izzy and Kanaye there, and James had also walked in. So I held my mouth in check to help assure their safety. Stating that she knew I did not like her, Cas asked once more to be given Ahoun to be locked away some place safe. But I told her that while it was true I did not like her, that I did respect her. It was just that her request was something I could not grant as the sword was beyond my reach and that should I die, it would remain forever buried.

Now, realizing that I had just offered a possible solution to her sword dilemma, I immediately stated that there was only one other who knew the location of the sword. When she asked who this was, not wishing to give another name I said Nemira. Not quite a lie, seeing that she always knows what goes on in my life. But not quite the full truth either.

When she asked where to find this Nemira I suggested that perhaps Dramora could tell her seeing that the lady also knew the one I spoke of. A minor deflection I know. Dramora will be angry and tell Cas who Nemira is, and then both she and Cas will be out for my skin. So, it was just another day in Yew.

As things seemed to calm a bit I told Cas that I would do this. I would take a few days to consult with my brother Llyr. After all he is the elder and head of the family. Cas did not seem at first to wish to involve many more people in this but I assured her that for generations my family line and Ahoun had been connected. She agreed to this and she and Sean left the house and the four of us in peace.

I detest lying to others, even if it is for the greater good. And right now I am a bit uneasy that I have two women who have in the past proved of violent nature seeking a sword of such enmity as Ahoun. But a few days time would give me space to think, and enjoy being home again before moving on to whatever may happen next.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

The night moved on and yet sleep eluded him. Rising, he walked downstairs, poured a cup of coffee and sat quietly in a darkened corner of the room. Bring the cup to his lips, Aedon enjoyed the steam from the hot drink and inhaled deeply the aroma.

It was a very pleasant drink, and one he had come to relish, especially in the hours of restlessness which plagued him. There was an honesty to be found in that cup that seemed to be lacking in many of the things which filled his waking hours. But though sipping it did provide certain stimulation for his mind, it did little to bring the clarity of thought he so desperately needed.

He knew well it was not one thing which haunted his nights, but a steady march of problems and issues which seemed to seek him out. It had been many years since he had felt utterly unable to gain control of matters and find that which could keep at bay the dark specter of the past.

The Cult of Charnadis had done more than slaughter animals, people and plants in the woods around Yew. They had stripped the peace of mind that many had long held through plague and invasions. For many long years the northern forests had been a refuge to those seeking to leave behind the turmoil of city life.

And while times in the small town had not been easy, most who moved there relished the nearness of nature and the quiet hush of wooded paths.

The first killings were attributed to solves or other predators passing through in the late hours. It had been assumed that orcs had made their way out of the darker places of the world and descended on Yew taking any they found astray and alone. But once the markings were noticed on a few of the corpses or scrawled across farm and shack, all such speculations were laid to rest.

People then recalled the books found on the ground and in taverns in Yew and Trinsic calling all to join the cult, and help usher in a new world ruled over by the demon Charnadis. Many of lesser minds, or those disenfranchised fell under a spell cast on the book which caused them to seek out the cult, and perform killings in His name in order to retrieve what was lost, and give rise to new power.

It was said that long ago, Charnadis was defeated and that through the machinations of a conclave of mages, his body was shattered into countless fragments which rained down on Yew. He became a small part of all that lived and walked the woods.

The Knights of Yew and the Guardians of Trinsic set out to protect their people from the curse, but the full force of the cults drive was hardest dealt through Aegis and Yew. I can still recall the faces of those found slaughtered inside their own homes. Men women and children, the cult cared not for sex of age –only the driving need to kill and gather pieces of their master.

With uneasiness Aedon could recall the attack on him by Aravis, one of the main people within the cult. Taking a tainted blade she carved the name Charnadis deep into his arm. The wound festered as dark thought wove their way into his mind. To this day he can recall well the faces of those he killed and hear their agony as Ahoun stripped their souls, dragging them within.

He was certain that had Beleg not run him down, and tied him to the floor in the temple of Corellon that he would have continued to gather pieces of the demon to be passed over to the Priest of Charnadis.

For many nights Beleg sat in the temple offering prayers to his deity and asking that he give him some sign as to what should now be done. Near madness, Aedon spat and cursed Beleg for his interference in his task. Days turned to weeks and still Beleg remained at his side as slowly calm seemed to replace the madness. Beleg became to notice that over the name Charnadis, a bluish symbol seemed to be fighting for dominance. In the end the demons name faded from Aedon’s arm to be replaced by the mark of Corellon. Convinced that his friend was now free of the curse, Beleg released him and together they pursued the cult members.

The Demon watched ever from the shadow of a night mare world as the forces of Yew and Trinsic beat back the cult, laying waste to all they had achieved. Ahoun was used time and again to rip from those he fell, the fragments of Charnadis. It was on the dreaming plain that Aedon confronted his tormentor at last. Standing before the demon, blade drawn every muscle in his body tensed. As Charnadis charged, Aedon dodged the blow of the demon’s weapon, and pivoting behind, ran the soul reaper to its hilt deep in to the foul creatures body.

Setting down his cup Aedon stood and paced the floor nervously. He had been dealing with demands that he hand Ahoun over to them for safe keeping. But in the furthest reaches of his mind, a shadow of a threat formed whisperings of warnings of the one that might return.

Standing, he took the passage way which led him from Aerlinnbar, to the comforting warmth of Connemara. He did not stop within his office, but headed to the roof. Walking to the edge, Aedon looked out into the western skies, and closing his eyes, whispered a call to Nemira.

 

[Aedon Durreah]

I have spoken to Skylar again, and though Izznet does not approve of the course I have chosen, all has been settled. There are a few preparations which must first be made, and then I will allow Skylar to proceed with her suggestions.

I am not sure of the steps which are needed to bind one soul to another, nor am I fully confident that summoning Ahoun to me will not end in my death.

I have always known that my life was tied to the sword, and that as the years of my life played out, Ahoun would slowly consume me. It is the nature of such a blade and in truth a fate I have long been resigned to. But if there is a way to be rid of the blasted thing and walk away with my life, then I must give it a try.

Skylar says she only wants to see good come of this, and claims to wish to keep Charnadis sealed away. And though it seems odd and I cannot explain why, I trust her and her intentions.

Izznet is not happy with the prospect of my being bound to another, but Skylar tried to calm her concerns by telling her the effect would not be the same at all. And though I do place weight in the concerns voiced by Izzy, and hope she can be assured, I must admit that I would go through with this even if she protested loudly.

A chance to walk through life without the shadow of the blade close behind is compelling to me. And I am willing to place my trust in Skylar and my life on the line to at last be free.