A Tamia's Tale

Was it a summer day? I don't remember.

The cold was chilling.

The cicadas kept chirping.

The smell of an enticing meal.

An unforgettable memory

That I can't shake off,

Nor give up.

Tears echo in my ears.

My heart clenches, my heart clenches.

Nothing is clear.

An encounter.

My beginning.

Just when… 

When will my end come?

Strapping pouches to his belt, the young man inspected his modest luggage with care. A simple pouch held all he needed: clothes, provisions, and enough water to last a few days. He required little else. With his magic, starting a fire was effortless, and he'd grown accustomed to sleeping on the bare ground.

Running a hand through his silver hair, he paused to glance at his reflection in the mirror. It wouldn't do to appear unkempt before the priest assigned to accompany him on his journey.

"Lupus! Helen is waiting for you!" came a shout from the open doorway, the priest's voice urging him to hurry.

"Coming!" Lupus replied, giving his hair one last quick adjustment before stepping away.

It was his final day in the holy city. The day he finally became a full-fledged hero and embarked on his journey to save humankind. With a smile, he approached the altar from which he would receive the last benediction of the dragon god Eran.

In this pristine yet modest chapel, two persons were waiting for him. Grand Priest Johan, the highest authority of the church. His long gray beard cascaded down to his torso, and his face bore rune-like wrinkles, etched deeply like cracks in aged pottery. Despite his advanced years, his commanding presence made it clear he would continue to lead the city for years to come.

But Lupus's eyes locked immediately onto Helen. His childhood friend and now a high priest, she was well-versed in healing magic. Her long dark hair provided a striking contrast to his silver locks, and her youthful appearance mirrored his own age.

"You're late, Lupus," the young woman pouted. "We were supposed to leave at noon!"

"Now, now," the Grand Priest chuckled, giving a reassuring look to Helen. "There is no need to rush. You're not going to be late by a few hours."

Helen's dark eyes narrowed slightly, but she chose not to argue further. The flowing hem of her blue robe trailed gracefully as she moved, retrieving a golden cup filled with water. Approaching Lupus, she bowed lightly and held the cup out to him with a resigned sigh. "Let's get this ritual over with," 

Lupus accepted the cup with a gracious nod and drank the water within. As the cool liquid slid down his throat, he turned to the Grand Priest, his expression resolute. "I am ready."

The Grand Priest gave a solemn nod in return before turning to a long, ornate briefcase adorned with jewels and intricate inscriptions. Opening it carefully, he revealed a magnificent sword that gleamed brilliantly in the light streaming from above. The sword, Avaatam, glowed as if imbued with the light of the heavens. Its blade, long and razor-sharp, was etched with glowing runes that pulsed softly in rhythm, as though alive with ancient power. The guard, an elegant arc of polished steel, was set with a radiant crystal that vibrated faintly, exuding waves of magical energy. The weapon seemed almost too pristine, too sacred, to be wielded by mortal hands.

"Receive Avaatam, my child," the Grand Priest declared, his voice echoing with reverence as he held the sacred sword by its blade and hilt. With solemnity, he extended it toward the young hero. "May its power guide you to victory," he intoned, bowing his head as he placed the weapon into Lupus's hands.

Lupus nodded and examined the blade. It was the first time he had seen it but he could feel its immense power. All of his life he had been trained to be able to wield it, and now, finally, he could see it with his own eyes.

The legendary blade Avaatam, one of the three sacred treasures of the church. The ring having been lost by the previous hero, Andreas, now only this blade remained. Lupus received it with reverence and attached it to his belt.

His gaze returned to the Grand Priest, who stepped back, his hands folded before him.

"You have done well to come this far, young Edensveel," the Grand Priest said, his voice resonating through the chapel's walls. "Though the road ahead will test your spirit and your strength, remember that you carry not just the hopes of this city, but of all humankind."

Lupus nodded firmly, his resolve unshaken. "I will not falter."

Helen, standing quietly nearby, broke her silence. "And do not forget that you are not alone," she added while crossing her arms. "Even heroes need someone to patch them up now and then."

Lupus glanced at her, a faint smile breaking his otherwise serious demeanor. "I'll try not to keep you too busy."

With a soft chuckle, Helen adjusted her robes and gestured toward the chapel's exit. "Then let's get moving. The sooner we start, the sooner we'll be done."

The Grand Priest raised a hand in blessing as the two began their departure. "Go with the light that brings life, and may its guidance never leave your side."

As Lupus and Helen stepped out of the chapel into the bustling streets of the holy city, the atmosphere was electric. Townsfolk paused their daily routines to watch the young hero and his companion pass, murmurs of hope and admiration trailing in their wake. The weight of their gazes reminded Lupus of what was at stake, but it also steeled his determination.

When they reached the city gates, Helen stopped and turned to him, her expression serious. "This is where it all begins, Lupus."

He nodded, his hand brushing the hilt of Avaatam. "I know. Don't worry, I'm sure we can do it."

Helen hesitated, then reached out and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "If you're not okay, don't hesitate to tell me, understood?"

Lupus smiled softly and shook his head. "Don't worry I'm fine." With a final glance back at the city he had called home, he turned to face the open road. It was only a few days on a horse before they could reach Fyr, and it was his first step to stop the demon army. 

But first… He had something else to take care of.

I'm ready… Master. The thoughts resonated in his hand, his fists clenching as he visualized the face of the Bladeless. 

He would find the murderer of his master…

No matter what.