The Sword of the Well Lit Road

Week Two: The Sword With a Name

455 Words

The wizard could feel it calling to him, it wanted to be free. If he could get past that sentient lump of vegetation at the mouth of the cave, the Sword of the Well Lit Road would be his.

The plant guardian had proven impossible to pass. He had approached the first time unsure of what to do. He had tried to reason, but the guardian gave no sign it understood. He tried to push past it and had been thrown hard enough to bounce off of the trees in the surrounding woods.

It had taken a few months to heal, during which time he listened to the sound of the enchanting voice emanating from within the cave. 

The guardian never moved unless someone approached. The wizard saw only one other attempt to pass. A strong knight, probably for some noble purpose. The armor was still scattered by the cave’s entrance. Strength was not the answer, which was good because he had very little. He had one more trick up his sleeve.

He strode in front of the guardian, who rose as he drew near. The wizard did not slow his pace and raised his wand. As the plant creature lunged at him he released a shot of fire that buried itself within the guardian’s chest. He watched as the creature burned slowly, then went inside the cave.

To his surprise it was not large. The Sword of the Well Lit Road lay glowing on a moss covered stone in the center. As the wizard raised the sword a pulse of cool waves washed over him,

“I, Robense Maenard, name myself as the wielder of the Well Lit Road! May it guide my path, lead me true and serve me always!”

“Of all the, my stars how did you even get in here?” The wizard spun on his heel, looking for the owner of the voice that was ruining his moment.

“Not with your wits it seems. I am the Sword of the Well Lit Road. I exist to guide warriors to glory. And apparently now you.”

“Excuse me, I slew the guardian. And besides you are bound to serve me now.” He tried not to make that sound like a question. Of his myriad expectations, a sword with an opinion wasn’t one.

“With magic, you cheat. And yes, while you live I serve to protect you as best as I can and obey your command. Now let’s go, the sooner you die in battle the better.”

The wizard sighed and slung the thing on his hip. He needed its power, not his friendship. He left and began the journey home. Soon he would be with his brothers again, and their real quest would begin.