In a place filled with strife and war. A place where the tribes of humanity have yet to band together. Here the whispers of the first kingdom are spread far and wide, bolstered by the strength of Arttu, who has spent countless months on a campaign to unite the scattered tribes of man.

Arttu from a young age had seen the darkness, his tribe was always on the edge of the world, keeping the creatures from the shadows at bay. He was raised as a true warrior of his people until a new creature stepped from the dark. One stronger than them all. It stood on two legs, waiting on the edge, between his world and there. It’s dark hair slipping down like smoke, eyes glowing red, and a face all too perfect. A face all who saw could feel something wrong, with her.

The entirety of the tribe stood in shock, weapons at the ready, but she only stood and waited; with just a sharp-toothed smile. The tribe had told her to get back to the forest, yelling, and threatening, some of the people even trying to console her or ask if she was alright. Thinking that this might be someone lost, for the tribes of men were many and vast. None truly knew what to do, especially when they tried to approach. No one could. When they tried, suddenly the person would find themselves twenty feet going away from her. With no memory of how. The people watching were just as confused, to them the person would begin walking toward the creature and then turn away.

They had never seen any of the creatures look even remotely like a human. Not to say there weren’t many that were similar, just with animal heads or-and human bodies, but always a grotesque mockery of humanity. Yet, each of the humanoid creatures was the deadliest of the shadow creatures.

For three days the woman stood smiling not responding to anything or anyone. For three days the tribe deliberated. Three days of peace from the shadows. Three days were all it took, for when the sun set on the third day, she began to laugh. A high-pitched, cackle, sending dread down into the souls of any who heard it. That was all it took, the tribe unleashed everything at it, spears and arrows raining down on her, only for them to bounce off the air in front of her. It was then she finally spoke, in a voice that whispered into men's minds and souls, “Thank you for waiting.” As an army of creatures began to move from the darkness, completely overwhelming the tribe. Only for the army of shadows to fade in the sun. The only evidence they had been there, were the dead and injured.

Arttu was one of the few survivors. He had seen the true enemy of man. The other tribes did not believe him, thinking him a coward, or a young man prone to boasting. They couldn’t see that the shadows were growing, amassing. Everywhere he went, every tribe, people were disappearing in the darkness, more and more. He was forced to face the truth, if he wanted to protect not just his people, but all men, Arttu would have to unite them. Then make them see that this was no squabble for hunting rights. No slight, that needs to be rectified. He must show them, and teach them how to fight back against the shadows.

That had been years ago, his long campaign was succeeding as tribe after tribe began to fight at his side. Each one he taught, each one learned to protect themselves. His dream of uniting the people was coming true. Yet, in every battle, he lost people, and the shadows only seemed to grow longer, and darker. He was losing too many of his people to the dark.

Now Arttu, rides, following the pull. What was pulling him he didn't know, he just knew in his soul he must follow. Dragging him across plains and forests all along the water, it was like it was guiding him to where he needed to be. This was how he found himself moving down through the winding glen, following the water's flow. The sound pulled him ever onward, and as day turned to night he followed. As worry filled him for his people. He had been gone for too long. Something in his heart told him to turn back would be folly, and would forever lose his chance to save his people. The night turned darker, beyond the point of sight, as one by one the stars above seemed to wink out of existence.

His heart sped up, fear attempting to seep in. Arttu would have none of that, his faith never wavered as he moved through the unnatural black trusting the water to guide him. Though his faith was strong, his footing was not, as he found himself stumbling more often than not. It was after a rather near fall over a root that he found himself stumbling into knee-high water when light returned to Arttu’s world. It was like the darkness concealed more than just light, for the sounds of nature returned, the smell of mud was strong, and all around him was a lake covered in dense fog. Artur hadn’t even realized the lack until it all returned in force.

There was something about his journey that felt holy to the man. Like his god had guided him there. Basking in the sense of life once more, a silver glint caught his eye. The moon reflected upon the water, yet behind it, He could see a more solid silver.

What is this?

The moonlight shimmered, as a sword broke the surface of the water, more beautiful than he had ever seen. He had seen copper and bronze weapons, but this was a new metal. Something that glowed beckoning him to take it. That's when he noticed the soft smooth hand holding the weapon aloft.

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

Is it offering me the sword? He wondered. Staring at the weapon, and its magnificence. Arttu reached out to take it, and as he did an indescribable feeling of longing passed through him. And suddenly the weapon was flying towards him. Yet, he felt no fear. As he reached out with his hand, the sword gently landed inside.

A wave of power, exhalation, and purpose flowed through him. He knew with this he could save his people.

#

Somewhere in an office, a man holds out his arm through a dark doorway. He wasn’t sure what kind of place it was, just that it was wet, muddy, and cold. Nicki hadn’t had time to think, or contextualize everything that was going on as his mind was inundated with the story of a man, and what he had to go through to get there. What was even stranger was, the sword. He could feel all its emotions tunneling through the handle. It wanted to help the man, to dance with him. It was all he could do to just hold the weapon when he suddenly felt an overwhelming pull on his arm moving, yet not, as water shifted around his hand, then opened air.

When he felt cool air on his skin he was confused until he felt a sudden wave of longing so strong he nearly fell over through the door. Instead of being pulled through, he let go. Tears fell down his face. He held his hand there covered in mud stunned. Whatever connection had been there, was now gone. He didn’t know anything else about the world, what would happen to it. The connection cut, except there, was something still there.

Nicki fell on his back feeling drained, “That was intense.”

Ge scratched her head looking at the door surprised, “Gotta say. That was an interesting first delivery.”

“Was it? All I did was hold my hand in the door.” Nicki replied, wincing as he remembered the feeling of a wheel spinning through his mind. There was so much information, he had been overwhelmed, only able to follow his instincts. Apparently, his instincts immediately went to legends and myths.

“Yes, but you came up with a plan.” She placated.

“Plan what plan? There was too much information to even think about. First the Saber’s story, then that man's.” Nicki shook his head his voice growing tired. “I couldn’t even open the door.” With every word the magnitude of doing this over and over grew.

“Baby steps,” Ge said calmly while looking pleased. “Besides that was probably better than what I would have done.”

“Oh?” That caught his attention. Would her idea have been better? “And what would the protocols be for sentient swords with souls?” His voice was filled with sarcasm and real curiosity.

Ge shrugged, “Reincarnation, turn them human or partner them with another Hero. Though, there are no protocols. That's your job.”

“Am I still human?” The question just fell out of his mouth. There was no reason to ask. No hint he wasn’t. Just a random question blurted out.

“Let's finish up some paperwork, then get you home. We’ll do a bit more tomorrow.”

He wasn’t expecting her to completely ignore his question. But he was able to latch onto one thing she had said a couple times. “I can go home?”

#

Nicki found himself in a strange dreamlike state in his bedroom. At his parent's house. In complete disbelief. He was actually able to go to and from the office, all he had to do was open a door. No stuck on another planet for him. That wasn’t even the most shocking thing to him. He was actually going to get paid, and a lot. When Ge had asked him how much he wanted he threw out a stupidly high number as a joke, and she had agreed. Not to mention the benefits package.

The entire day had been a dream, a nightmare, nothing but pure insanity. Yet. In his hands was proof that at least some of it was real. A black card signifying him as one of the elite of the world, at least for medical. Apparently, he was permanently in some system, and the card wasn't even needed. It was just for if he wanted to help someone else out.

Now. Nicki just sat there, wondering what he should do now. Should I still move to that apartment? If what she said was true I could afford a penthouse in a nice part of the city. Do I want that? It was all to much.

“Nick, when did you get home?” A woman’s voice snapped Nicki out of his musing as he looked out into the hall to see his mother. A middle-aged woman with salt and pepper hair, aging gracefully.

Tiredly he answered, “Hey Mom. Not too long ago.”

“Sneaking in?” She looked Nick up and down, as her eyes narrowed. “You get fired?”

“Yeah.” His voice was somber. “But I already got a new one lined up.” One he still didn’t know how he felt about.

She raised her eyebrows, “That's kind of fast. Did you have it already lined up?”

Letting out a laugh, “You might be surprised. I go it today.”

“Nothing sketchy, right?”

Extremely sketchy. Just not the way your thinking. Instead of saying that he answered, “No. It's a bit weird, but it's all straight.”

“Not one of those multilevel marketing things. Cause there all scams. Your aunt Carol got big into one of those and is still paying for it. Though I have to say the shredder is very handy.” She just loved bringing that up every time anything tangential related to anything off. Especially, since she had warned his Aunt Carol it was a scam.

“No, it's not an MLM. But it does pay, and I’ll even still be able to move out.” He added. He was sure she would ask about it.

“That’s great! But are you going to be able to afford your loans and a new apartment? Don’t forget you’ll have to buy all the new furniture. Your sister Rae took all the extras from your uncle.”

He had not known that. In fact, he had originally been promised that he could take his old furniture when he got a new place. Doesn’t matter now.

“I think I’ll be fine.”

“Sure sure.” Skepticism was thick in her voice. “Dinner will be ready soon. Then you can tell us all about this new job of yours.”