Eluvia’s Blade: Volume 2 Shattered Psyche

Chapter 1

“There is nothing more dangerous than wounded cornered animals. If you see one, you’re better off not going near it.” 

-Isaac, Professional Tracker and Huntsmen

“Vander, are you alright?” I was leaning up against the cart River’s employer had gotten for us doing my best to keep my head from spinning and my vision from doubling. It’s been like this for a couple days now. No one could tell me what was wrong, but it likely had to do with my injuries. Looking up from staring at the ground, I saw Eliza staring at me with a mixture of concern and fear. Eliza had watched me these past couple of days, hovering like a worried hen, but it was endearing. I didn’t want to worry her. 

“I’m fine.” I stood up slowly, using the cart to support me. There was no way I was going to pass out this time. “How are the preparations coming?” 

“Fine.” Muun tossed a few packs into the back of the cart shaking it due to the sudden change in weight. This had been a gift from someone River, our mercenary friend, knew. Chances are it was whoever he was here to protect. The cart was made from solid oak, it had a distinct scent to it, and rubbed down with duck fat to protect it from the weather. “We should be ready to leave in a few minutes. Just waiting on your horse.” 

My grandfather, Charles, was supposed to bring Brutus but he was later. Wonder what was taking him so long? Not that I minded too much. It gave me time to stop my head from spinning and Alice some time to say goodbye to her kids. Their grandmother was watching from far, I could feel her eyes burning into the back of my head. Like I didn’t have enough problems. I pulled away from the cart heading towards the back where there was a small little step I could get up onto and sit down. It made me feel a lot better. 

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Eliza slipped her hand into mine as she stood in front of me. 

“He will be fine.” Alice walked over to us with her kids running around her. How they did that without tripping their mother was beyond me. Maybe with her help, I’d be able to do something similar too. “Losing one eye is a bit disorienting at first, especially when it’s bright outside.” Alice explained. “With time, it will go away.” 

The kids untangled themselves from their mouth to haul their little bodies up into the cart. I heard Shea let out a yip as one of them stepped on her tail. The two of them jumped from the back of the cart, nailing me in the process, as Shea tore after them. The shadow-beast wouldn’t harm them, but she would make them think twice about stepping on her tail again. 

“They are so lively,” Alice sat down next to me. “I’m going to miss them.” A pang of guilt stabbed my heart. “We made this decision knowing what it would cost us.” Alice turned to me and smiled. “This is important, the kids understand.” That didn’t make me feel any better. Before anything else could be said, I heard Brutus and my father come down the road heading towards us. There were some other sounds with him. To my surprise, when I went to look, I saw that Rooster and the others were with him. 

Based on my limited vision, I could see that the four of them had changed since I had seen them last. They were a little more gaunt in the face, but the clothes no longer hung loose on their frame. The four of them had filled out since the castle went on lockdown. There was a troubled expression on my father’s face. Most people wouldn’t notice it, but as someone who had grown up around him, it was as clear as day. 

Dad got down from his horse and brought Brutus over towards me. Eliza stepped away just before Brutus knocked her over to check me out. He blew big bursts of air as he sniffed me over. Once he was certain I was alright, he pushed his nose into me looking for some scritches. While I rubbed his nose I turned to my father, shooting him a questioning look. 

“Please leave us.” The recruits didn’t put up much of a fight. They spread out stopping a considerable distance around us. They were out of ear shot, but close enough to come to our aid if there were any issues. Alice and Muun however dug in their heels. They refused to leave. I couldn’t blame them, but they should know better than to get into a pissing contest with my father. 

“Please.” I turned towards Alice. There was no lost love between Alice, Muun and my father. He fought to keep them from getting the money they were expecting for retiring. His reasoning was that they were full Blades when they left. If it wasn’t for me, they would have received nothing. Muun helped his wife down from the cart. They collected the children who were still playing with Shea then brought them back to their grandmother. 

“I’m staying.” Eliza squeezed my hand. “We are to be married soon after all. What you have to say to him, you can say to me as well.” 

“Fair enough,” Dad smiled. Then his smile disappeared. “I’m not sure about your plan, Vander. A lot can go wrong.” 

“Is that why you brought those four along?” I motioned towards Rooster, Forest, Briar and Eve. “We’re supposed to be inconspicuous, not traveling with a huge group.” 

“I understand.” Dad nodded. “But this will keep me from worrying. At least until you return to Pendrag and are safe within its walls. After that, you can send ‘em back or take ‘em with you. Your choice.” 

“Won’t they be missed here?” 

“No.” Dad shook his head. “We have enough Blades here that a few recruits won’t be missed. With the Warden’s returning soon, I’d rather make sure you are protected. Allow me this, Vander, since I can’t go with you. I’d rather sleep at night without worrying about you.” If my father was being this upfront with me about being vulnerable, this was likely the King’s idea. But it still warmed my heart to hear my father’s concern. 

“Fine.” I relented. The four of them were dressed as Nightjar’s, which would draw some unwanted attention. Something would have to be done about that, but not right now. “I know you didn’t come here just for this. Was there something else?” My father nodded his head. He reached into his pocket and removed a small silver chain with a sapphire inlay inside a silver heart. 

“This was your mother’s.” Dad looked down at the pendant with warmth in his eyes. “I bought it for her when we first got married. Now, I’d like to give this to you.” He turned towards Eliza who brought her hand up to her mouth. 

“I can’t accept this.” 

“It’s not every day Charles Pendrake accepts someone into the family.” I smiled. Much to my disappointment, I wasn’t able to put the necklace around her neck myself due to my missing arm, so my father had to do it. The silver was bright against her tanned skin while the sapphire shone under the light of the sun. It truly was an exceptional piece making her beauty stand out even more than it already had. 

“As for you.” My father turned back to his horse to remove some sort of clothing. Something was wrapped inside of it. When he placed it on my lap, I noticed that this cloth was my raven feathered cape that I had left at the castle. It was part of my uniform as Commander, so I thought Sasha would wear it along with my sword. That seemed not to be the case. “Open it.” 

“Hold on.” I had to balance the cloak on my lap to unwrap it. Inside was a small short sword. Much smaller than the sword I was used to, but since I was missing an arm, this was probably the best I could wield. It was made with care and love. The sheath was black inlaid with gold in a floral pattern. The blade itself was steel with the white pommel shaped like a wolf’s mouth with rubies for eyes. It reminded me of Shea. 

Underneath was another item from my father. This one was made from leather and dyed black. What was interesting about this piece was that the entire right side was wrapped in leather. It would work as extra protection in case of a fight. It seemed my father put a lot of thought into these gifts for the two of us. 

“Thank you.” I wiped my eye. My father helped me down from the cart to help me put the leather cuirass on. To my surprise, and his, it fit perfectly. It was slightly heavier on the right side, which made sense, and it would take quite a bit of time for me to get used to it. There was also a hidden sheathe on the right side that the blade he had given to me slipped right into. However, nothing felt quite right until the cloak was placed back onto my shoulder. For the first time in weeks, I felt whole. 

“Take care of yourself, son.” Dad pulled me into an embrace. “If you need anything, I’m a letter away.” 

“There might be a point in time where I can’t reach you.” I explained. “Don’t be worried, I will be okay.” 

“I know you will be.” My father cupped my face and stared at me. “You remind me so much of your mother.” This was the first time he’s ever said something like that. Honestly, it left me a little confused. “When you see your grandfather ask him for your mother’s things I kept in the lockbox. I have a feeling it will help you.” 

“You had things from her this whole time?” I asked. 

“She made me promise to keep it from you until you needed it.” He sighed. “It was the last thing she asked me before she died, so please don’t be too angry with me.” I had to clamp down my rage. If Eliza had asked for the same thing, I would do it in a heartbeat. I couldn’t blame him even if I wanted to. 

My father didn’t stay too long after giving me the advice. There were matters that needed his attention back at the castle. Sasha needed to be trained and guards needed to put on rotations. Since the Wardens would be visiting, he also needed to work with Viggo Visc and Peyton Cranton to shore up defenses inside the city. Some of the Warden’s men were notorious for getting into trouble with the populace. While it was a little bittersweet, our paths diverging, but it wouldn’t be for long. I had every faith that I would see him again. 

While everyone said their goodbyes, Eliza helped me strap Brutus to the front of the cart. Since he was large, and stronger, than the others, he would be able to pull it with no problem. The recruits nodded at me, we would catch up later, and Eliza crawled up into the back. She helped me up so I could sit next to her. Muun pushed the back up so the bags wouldn’t go anywhere then he went to the front to sit next to his wife. The reins cracked then we were off.

I blocked out the kids' tears as they waved their parents goodbye. Shea, forgetting we were leaving, ran next to the cart then jumped up into my lap squishing my tender regions causing me to push her off. Shea left out a small bark of laughter before curling up next to my feet. I lowered my head onto Eliza’s shoulders then felt myself drift off to sleep.