Broken Blade: Chapter 1

Chapter I
Knight of Lies

I awoke on the dirty ground. A woman rested peacefully beside me. We both laid naked. My armor and sword stood a few feet away. Slowly rising off the ground, I reached my sword and turned to face the woman. She was already standing in the small light of dawn. Smiling, she put her hands on her hips.

“So, you’re one of the types to kill before breakfast?” she asked.

She was tall for a woman, yet shorter than myself. Long curly brown hair fell over her shoulders, barely covering her large breasts. Her skin was a dark olive color that nearly glowed in the dwindling daylight. But her eyes were her most distracting feature. Rather than the bright blue they’d been earlier, each iris was a deep blood red.

“Only if they pose a threat to my safety,” I grunted, my voice like gravel in my own ears. “And you pose quite a threat.” My short black hair was a mess from the restless night on the ground. Scars crisscrossed my tanned skin. A single brown eye stared at the woman. The other eye hid behind a black leather eyepatch.

“Oh, I do, do I?” the woman chuckled. Her nails began to grow into long black talons. Her hands and feet became a sickly shade of grey and every vein in her body began to softly glow green. “What’ll you do about it then?”

I grasped my sword with both hands. A long blade made of steel, my sword was just as tall as I was. The brown leather felt soft in my palms as the heavy weapon pointed to the sky. My eyes remained focused on the woman as a red glow burned around her.

“The same thing I do with every other one of your kind,” I growled.

I lifted the sword over my head as she raced forward. Simply bringing it down stopped her in her tracks, dead. The sword started in her shoulder but stopped at her stomach. Her red glow faded, and she slumped forward on the blade.

I yanked my sword free and turned to my armor. Plunging the weapon into the ground, I began to get dressed in the quiet forest. My armor was made of several battered pieces of iron, all mismatched pieces that bore nearly as many scars as my own body. Next, I strapped the sheath for my sword across my back and hung my cloak over my shoulder. The morning air was already biting cold. I lifted a black cloak off the ground and wrapped it about myself. Winter would be on me soon.

I scattered the remains of my fire and hid the woman’s body, taking care to fill a small skin with her blood. Finding this demon had been tiring enough. Killing her drained a large amount of my remaining energy. Sighing, I took a drink from my water skin and listened closely. A stream ran nearby, and where there were streams, there would be towns.



The next town was barely three miles from where I’d made camp, a place called Andaldo. It was a small hamlet with a few small huts for homes. An inn sat in the middle of town, across from an ancient church. My chest burned in the building’s presence, but that was easily ignored in favor of going to the inn.

Inside, a somewhat large crowd had gathered within. Townspeople were either arguing or drinking. A small bar was set up with a few rooms sitting on both sides of the inn. The people inside who chose argument over drink seemed to be in a heated debate about something. I strode up to the bartender, keeping an eye on the crowd, and took a seat.

“What’ll ya have?” the bartender questioned.

I reached into my coin pouch and produced a gold coin. Setting it on the table, my eyes met the bartender’s. “Strongest drink you’ve got and some information on what they’re arguing about.”

The bartender lifted the coin and bit onto it. When the coin didn’t bend, he smirked, turning to his drink supply. The man was short and fat with long black hair. Streaks of gray raced through the greasy mess. His skin was pale and ragged, bearing scars from what could only have been numerous bar fights. He wore some loose red shirt, black apron, and tan britches.

“Some creature’s been visiting local herds,” the bartender began. “Farmers demand guards take a thorough sweep of the woods nearby. Townspeople don’t want anything of the sort coming by while the guards are out.”

“Sounds like quite the problem,” I mumbled. The bartender set the drink down in front of me and leaned on the table.

“You know how to swing that thing?” the bartender asked, pointing to my sword.

“Just for decoration,” I replied dryly.

“We ain’t got much,” the bartender continued, not listening to my comment, “but I’m sure folk’d pay pretty nice to have someone take care of their problem.”

I took a drink and sighed. “Got a room available?”

“You gonna speak up for them?” the bartender responded.

“You gonna make the room free if I do?” I took another drink.

He sized me up for a moment before nodding. “It’s yours for a day. Longer if you decide to help.”

I groaned and stood up. The bartender smiled. My feet wearily carried me to the crowd. No one really paid much attention. All focus was on a pair of men yelling at each other while sitting at a long table. A third sat between the two looking as if he’d rather be anywhere but here.

“Do you see how many people pray not to send the guards out!” one man, a tall fair-skinned person of about thirty years barked. “Whatever monstrosity is taking the damn cattle is simply waiting for when it can feast on human flesh!”

“Even more reason to send the guards out!” the other man, an older fellow with leathery and wrinkled skin protested. “If we let this beast eat all the cattle without killing it, who’s to say it doesn’t turn on us and start killing everyone!”

“Well it’d start with the farming folk and not too many of us would be saddened by that, old man!” the first said.

“Enough!” the man in the middle, aged closer to the former than the latter, declared. He had long brown hair tied back into a ponytail with a bright shade of green eyes. A silver cross hung over his white shirt and blue vest. Clumps of hair that likely passed for a beard in this village hid his chin. “What if we were to bring outside assistance to solve this nuisance?” The tavern fell silent. I took a step forward when the man in the middle continued speaking. “I’m sure the Vatican could spare a few Holy Knights to come and rid us of our problem.”

The mention of the religious knights chilled my blood. A burning sensation arced through my chest again. For a short while some quite talk flitted through the crowd. Finally, the bartender loudly cleared his throat.

“We’ve got a volunteer, milord!” he barked at the center man. The bartender tried to push me forward. Thoughts of the Templars still bounced around in my head. These were God fearing folk. They would listen to a man of the church. “He seems to know how to swing this big ol’ brute.” He tapped the pommel of my greatsword. “Why not let ‘im have a go at it?”

The villagers all took a long time to examine me. We all stood in silence while my thoughts continued to rocket back and forth. “He seems a bit quiet,” the younger man complained, taking a seat, and crossing his arms.

“Probably doesn’t want to speak with the likes of you!” the farmer spat.

“Could you give us a name, sir…?” the man in the middle questioned.

My focus snapped into place in an instant. “My name is Sir Arc Ed Sift, of the Holy Knights, Exorcist,” I quickly said. Only part of it was a lie. Everything in my head returned to its natural state. “I’ve been sent on a quest to rid the countryside of any demonic presence. Do you believe this creature to be a Demon?”

Hushed whispers rippled through the crowd. This was likely the first time many of them had seen an actual Exorcist. At least they believed it was. The man in the middle stood and bowed deeply. His cross fell forward too, sending another ache through my chest.

“We are deeply honored to have you here, Lord Sift,” he began, slowly rising. I nodded my approval. “My name is Jacob Masters, the mayor of this town. While I cannot speak of any demonic presence in the town or concerning our monster, I must plead your assistance. A reward will be prepared upon killing this beast, should you choose to accept the task.”

“I need only shelter and food,” I murmured. “Where was the beast last sighted?”

“My farm, milord!” the old man piped up again. “It’s been making off with my cattle and produce for the last week, sir.”

“Take me there and keep your guards stationed here. If this thing is a Demon, it will likely catch the scent of an Exorcist and try to run here to get its fill,” I explained.

“Right away, Sir Sift,” Jacob replied.

I returned to my table and lifted my drink, taking several big gulps. It’d been a few weeks since the last time I had to be an Exorcist. The first job I’d done was still fresh in my mind, even if it had been five years ago now. A simple hunt for a necromancer was what we’d been told. Everything was to be easy, but everything went wrong in an instant.



By the time, we arrived at the old man’s farm, dusk was on us. Night approached rapidly as the old man, Hector, gave me bread and dried meat. I ate ravenously and surveyed the area. He kept his animals in an old, large barn. An even larger pasture sat against the back end of the barn, giving a large field of maneuvering.

“Do you have the remains of any slaughtered cow?” I asked, chewing thoughtfully on the meat.

“Bit of leather from a heifer two days ago. Lots of blood,” Hector mused.

“Bring it all to me,” I ordered. Hector hesitated but nodded and went off to fetch the items.

I removed my cloak and most of equipment, keeping only my armor, sword, and a couple of daggers. Taking the water skin filled with blood, I began to sip at the bitter contents. Exhaustion and nausea had started overtaking me. With each gulp of Demon’s blood, my strength came back, and my senses cleared. The burning in my chest increased as I drank but the pain was easy to ignore.

Hector returned with a few bones and a sizable piece of leather. The bones kept a fair cluster of flies around the area. I took the items and set them beside the rest of my gear. The farmer stood patiently waiting. His eyes watched me, as if expecting another task.

“Night will be here soon,” I murmured, setting my weapons aside. “You’ll want to be inside before it arrives.”

Hector hesitated but nodded. As soon as he’d departed I took everything into the barn. Carefully, I covered myself in the blood and then created a trail with the leftovers. Several of Hectors cows seemed disturbed by my presence, mostly young ones. The older cattle simply viewed me with uninterested gazes.

I drew my great sword and lay it across my lap, wrapping the leather around me. My seat was in an empty pen far off from the rest. One by one, the cows drifted off to sleep. The moon was high in the sky before my own drowsiness overtook me.



I dreamt of a large ballroom. The room was familiar. Giant banners of golden crosses hung everywhere. Five thrones of pure ivory sat against one side of the room. Banners of a crown, a tiara, a girl, a sword, and a book hangover the thrones. My heart froze in my throat as the room made more sense.

I reached for my sword but found it wasn’t on my back. Instead, a beautifully crafted one-handed longsword hung off my hip. Cautiously drawing the weapon, I scanned the room, waiting for something to appear. In an instant, five spirits filled all thrones. Each gave off a malicious aura.

“Knight of Lies, you would dare enter this room after all you’ve done,” one spirit began. It occupied the throne with the banner of a crown hovering overhead.

“It wasn’t my fault they died, High Father,” I murmured, steeling myself against them.

“And it wasn’t your fault my daughter, the princess’, honor was sullied in my own house?” the spirit spoke again. “Knight of Lies, you have no place in my court. Be gone with you, lest you incur the true pain of my wrath.”

I gripped the sword in my hand tighter. Though I’d left the High Father in disgrace, he would never speak to anyone in such a manner. The only conclusion I could come to was the High Father no longer occupied his own body.



A deep hiss brought me out of my dream. Glancing around, I found no sign of hellish creature. Only an old barn cat that had stumbled upon a strange man. I stretched my arms while remaining on the ground. My stomach rumbled, and I simply shook my head.

Someone groaned outside the barn. As my eyes took in the surroundings again, I noticed a trail of bloody footprints leading outside. My sword was missing too. I jumped to my feet and rushed outside. Deep in my gut, regret began to form. As I rushed out of the barn a flutter of wings confirmed my fears.

Hector was impaled by my own blade. His body was stuck into the ground, a single hand wrapped around the blade. As I approached, I could make out several deep gashes all over the old farmer’s body. He trembled upon seeing me. I knelt beside him and studied each cut. Relief flooded through me. The wounds were too shallow to be my handiwork.

“Hurry,” Hector rasped, grabbing my arm. “To the village…Knight of Lies.”

His eyes showed anger and resentment. I could feel my title burn straight through my own armor. Slowly standing, I tore the greatsword from his gut.

“You know?” I questioned, sheathing the weapon.

“Your…Shade…” Hector wheezed. “You…will…burn in…”

“Save it gramps,” I grunted, staring down at him with cold eyes. “The High Father already gave me his two cents on the matter.”

“Don’t…you dare…speak his name…” Hector scolded. “Protect the…town. Maybe…you can…be saved.” The light left Hector’s eyes.

“Yeah,” I sighed turning back to the barn. “And maybe I can’t.”  Screams echoed from the nearby town. I cracked my neck and started walking towards the cries of terror. “Time to go to work.”



A massive bonfire raged in the middle of town. I strolled in with my sword resting on my shoulder. People ran back and forth. Finally, I caught sight of a massive beast running down a dirt road. A small child was clamped firmly in the giant jaws of the monster.

It stopped chasing the townsfolk for a moment and sniffed the air. The monster tossed the still wailing child in the air before swallowing it whole. In the light of the fire, I could see the beast was like a massive wolf. Long arms and legs, crawling on all fours. Hair black as night and falling out in great clumps. Blood red eyes found me as the beast stopped smelling the wind.

I spun my sword and pointed the tip at the monster. “You’re the one that’s been eating all the cows?” I called. The beast roared back at me and charged. “All right then.”

I jumped to the side as the beast came bounding after me. A foul stench filled my nostrils as the beast ran by. It spun around and rushed back after me. My blade slammed into the beast’s jaw, knocking it aside. The impact sent vibrations down the blade, jarring my arm.

The beast reeled away, blood running from a deep cut along its jaw. It turned and roared at me again, leaping forward. My sword connected with the beast’s side, throwing it aside again. This time, the beast struggled to rise. I smirked at the monster’s hard time.

“Had enough?” I questioned. The beast fixed its gaze on me and roared with all its might. My smirk turned to a full smile. “Finally fighting for real now?”

The beast reared onto its hind legs and howled again. I rested the sword on my shoulder again and watched the rest of the beast’s hair fall from its body. Its claws grew out another six inches. My smile faded as the beast hunched over and I heaved the sword off my shoulder.

“All right,” I whispered.

I took a quick step forward, slashing at the monster. It dove to the side and swung at my side. The claws glanced off my armor, however. My next strike cut through the beast’s right arm at the elbow. A quick pivot put the sword through the beast’s stomach.

“More. More!” I cackled.

The beast roared defiantly and smacked me away. My greatsword remained lodged in the monster. It jumped at me. I rolled to the side, narrowly missing the beast slamming into the ground. It turned and snapped at me. Teeth closed shut just in front of my nose.

I kicked the monster in the jaw and jumped to my feet. The beast charged forward, slamming into me. It flung me towards the bonfire.

I hit the ground just before the great fire, quickly drawing my dagger. The beast ran forward once again. Putting my knees under myself and pushing myself to my feet, I sprang up and buried the dagger in the monster’s throat. It froze midstride, but its momentum made it easy for me to throw the monster over my head and into the giant fire.

I pulled my sword free and took a step back. Only after my heart beat returned to a normal pace did I realize my face was bleeding. The beast howled in agony within the bonfire. I sheathed the blade on my back and put the dagger back in its place. Townspeople started gathering closer to the fire. Immediately, the started muttering amongst themselves as I pushed towards the inn.

“He killed it,” a few people were murmuring.

“But how’d he know it was here?” others were asking.

“What happened to Hector?” more questioned. “Surely he’d be here too.”

“Where’s the innkeeper?” I asked, raising my voice so everyone could hear me over the beast’s final dying howls.

“Sh-should be in the tavern,” one man responded.

I turned and headed towards the tavern. Voices still floated from the fire. As I passed the church, my chest ached once more. Inside the inn, the innkeeper sat behind his bar. He glanced up and looked at me knowingly.

“Your room is last one on the left,” he muttered. I nodded and started walking over to the room.

“Thank you much. You likely won’t see me leave,” I muttered, stomping towards the room he indicated.

I went into my room without listening to the innkeeper’s response. There was a small bed set into one corner with a table, chair, and a small chest in another. After locking the door, I lay back on my bed and closed my eyes for a brief period. Tomorrow would start early, and this day was already ending late.