Legend of the Swords: War Read Online Free Page B

blade.”
    “Her work is masterful.” He held the sword up in front of his face, examining the indecipherable writing. “I would not believe that this blade had ever been used before, much less that it was in the state that you said she found it in…what did she say?”
    Matthew smiled, and raised his eyebrows while quoting her words: “That it was ‘as if it were entirely made of rust’. But Sister Joan in an exceptional blacksmith.” He chuckled. “And perhaps she exaggerated the condition a bit, as well. I didn’t see the blade when you came in, I was occupied with your body.”
    “That she must be a master, to have done this.” He shook his head, picked up the newly made sheath, and put the sword away.
    For some reason, he suddenly felt warmer.
    Matthew cleared his throat. The Awakened looked up at him, eyebrows raised again.
    “Have you chosen a new name, Awakened?”
    “I have.” He looked downward. “I believe that I would like to be called Renek.“
    Matthew frowned. He thought for a moment before responding. “After the old king of Lerona, west of here?” The Awakened nodded, and Matthew continued. “He is mentioned in the third chapter of the book, I think. He is referred to as the ‘ breaker of worlds ,’ is he not?” The Awakened nodded again.
    “That is why I thought it was fitting,” the Awakened said. “Haven’t I had my world broken?” He smiled gently. “Be it a disease or an angry man with a sword, death can come easily to all of us. Both the original Renek and I have survived at least a kind of world-breaking.”
    Matthew shook his head. “But he caused the world-breaking wars that he survived. He was the father of death itself … he sent myriads of souls to hell, leaving their bodies unburied, where they became food for birds and dogs.” His voice grew serious as he looked away from the Awakened. “According to the text, the soil was unable to grow crops normally for three generations after Renek’s eventual death—there had been too much blood spilled!
    He paused, shrugging. “I just do not think that this is a wise choice.”
    “I can see that you don’t like it,” Renek said. “But for some reason, it feels right. The name does not feel evil to me, but rather feels good.” He looked at Matthew’s eyes, resting beneath a furrowed brow. “Perhaps I am here to make the name carry honor once again?”
    Matthew considered for a moment, eyes narrowed. Finally, he smiled again, though weakly. “Perhaps that is the case. I hope you have chosen well, Renek.” He paused. “You should eat, and then rest well tonight. Tomorrow you can begin ‘the long walk,’ as we call it—the nearest village is many miles away, and you will want to leave at dawn.”
     
    *   *   *
     
    The dawn brought warmth to the abbey’s cold walls. Renek was already awake and ready to greet the Sun as it crested the horizon. There was snow under the dense firs that lined the pathway leading to the stone walls of the abbey, but the path itself was clear.
    Matthew was there to see him off.
    “It snowed a few days ago. It’s spring, so the armies will be on the move soon. If they aren’t already, that is.” Matthew shook his head and frowned that frown that still seemed to belong to someone else’s face. “I hope that there are not too many killed, this year.”
    “Was last year bad?” He furrowed his brow in concern.
    “Oh, yes, there were thousands dead,” Matthew said, nodding. “We had many wounded seek us out. It was difficult for all of us, but of course we were glad to be able to help people.”
    “Isn’t it difficult, healing people who are just likely to go get themselves hurt again?” He put his hand on Matthew’s shoulder.
    Matthew looked out at the valley, and was quiet for a while. Finally, he spoke. “Yes, it can be a heavy burden.” He turned to look at Renek. “That is why it is important that you remember: you should repay any debt you have with us by giving