Page 4 of Shadowbound

He shakes his head, his long white hair moving over his once-broad shoulders.

“Nay, lad! My head Seer had a vision just today. The Heart exists—it is in the keeping of one of the most wicked of the NightBorn. The Sorceress Sylvanna holds it in her tower.”

I frown—I’ve heard the name before. Who hasn’t? But I don’t like fighting women.

“There is little honor in killing a woman—even a witch,” I point out to the GodKing.

He glares at me.

“You think I’m sending you for honor’s sake, boy? The Heart of the Eclipse is said to have unspoken powers! There is a prophecy attached to it. It speaks of the final destruction of Nocturna! The supremacy of Solaris! And best of all, rebirth and renewal—possibly even youth eternal.”

For a moment I see an almost greedy light enter his faded blue eyes. The GodKing is ancient—he has ruled our lands—the kingdom of Solaris—for countless years. But he has no heir. Everyone expects him to name someone to take the throne when he passes but he never has. Maybe this is why. He thinks that the Heart of the Eclipse will bring him eternal life.

I have my doubts about the efficacy of such an artifact, but I can’t share them with my liege lord. It is not my place to question his judgment.

“Yes, my Lord,” I say instead. “And you wish me to find it for you?”

“Find it and lay it at my feet!” he demands. “You know the location of Sylvanna’s tower?”

“I can find it,” I tell him. “The Holy Fire inside me will guide me to her evil that I may purge it from the world.”

“Good lad.” He nods, apparently satisfied. But then he leans forward again. “Listen to me, Alaric—you’re my best knight—the only one gifted with the Celestial Fire. I value you highly.”

“Thank you, my Lord.” I bow my head in gratitude. “You honor me.”

“And I will honor you even more if you return with the Heart of the Eclipse,” he tells me. “But look at me…”

I look up, meeting his steely gaze.

“Yes, my Lord?” I ask.

“If you don’t get the Heart, don’t come back,” he says to me. “My halls will be closed to you. Do you understand?”

My heart feels like it’s freezing in my chest. My whole world is here in the GodKing’s holy Citadel. My entire life has been dedicated to defending it—to protecting and furthering the GodKing’s interests. But never has he given me such an ultimatum.

“I…understand, my Lord,” I said, my throat tight. Would he really refuse me entrance to the Citadel if I cannot complete this quest? It seems so. I have never seen him look so serious—so harsh.

“Good. Then go—and bring me The Heart,” he commands, sitting back in his golden throne. “Do not fail me, Sir Alaric.”

“I won’t, my Lord.” I rise, lifting my chin. I will bring back The Heart of the Eclipse if it kills me.

I have no other choice.

1

Sylvanna

SORCERESS OF NOCTURNA

I see the Paladin coming from quite a distance, thanks to the Mirror of Far-Seeing. It is a shallow silver basin filled to the rim with oily black liquid. Some say it is the blood of a dragon—some say the slime left behind from the thousand years frost. I don’t know—my mother, who was a great sorceress before me, left it to me along with many of the other artifacts in my tower.

I have added to her collection over the years, of course. Among my possessions I can count the fabled Veil of Nyx. When worn over the eyes, it grants the ability to see into the spirit world and read the true nature of souls. However, care must be taken when wearing it that the spirit which lurks within the veil doesn’t take over the wearer’s mind. I use is sparingly, if at all.

I am also the owner of the Thornheart Grimoire. It is a living book of spells that bleeds every time it is opened. I must feed it a drop of blood or a single tear each time I use it and the spells within grow more powerful in proportion to my distress and need. For obvious reasons, I only use it in times of great necessity.

In addition to these artifacts, I own the Lantern of Withered Stars, the Crown of Hollow Bone, the Ashen Chalice, and too many more to name. But for this particular visitor—the Paladin riding so bravely to best me—I think I will need the Jewel of Knowing.

I climb the long spiraling steps of my tower until I reach the very top—here, just above my bedchamber and living quarters—is where I keep my collection.

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