The Hexblade
Fallen leaves crunched beneath the soles of Amelia's boots as she moved through the dense forest of Drustvar, her eyes diligently scanning her surroundings. Miles away from any road or settlement, at the foot of the mountains that divided the providence. Trees loomed tall overhead, casting a dappled shade on the forest floor. She could hear the sound of a babbling brook nearby, and the rustle of leaves as small animals scurried about.
As she approached an old, dilapidated cabin, she couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. The roof was caved in, and the windows were boarded up. The wood of the cabin was rotting away, and vines had grown up the sides, wrapping around the structure like a snake.
The old, weather-worn structure looked like it had been abandoned for years. She carefully pushed open the creaky door and stepped inside, her free hand hoving just above the few potions strapped to her satchel. The interior was musty and dark, with cobwebs clinging to the corners. An eerie atmosphere that did little to sway Amelia from exploring what was left of the single-room cabin.
Her boot nudged a broken and charred wicker idol on the ground, one crafted not from Heartsbane but older, one Levana Addington. Amelia had chased rumors and folktales of this ancient woman, a practitioner of Drust witchcraft during the Order of Ember's absence and long before The Mother had formed the Heartsbane Coven. After three years of searching and countless wrong cabins and ruins, she had finally found what remained of the Grand Witches' hideaway.
Uncorking a vial no bigger than her pinky, Amelia drank the bright orange fluid. Her eyes burned for several minutes as she winced in pain, forcing them shut and pressing her palms into the sockets. She doubled over just as the pain subsided, and blinked rapidly as the pink hue of her eyes shifted into a feline-like shape. The cabin appeared blurry but things that were once hidden could now be seen. Despite the decades that passed there was still magic in the wards, weakened over time but still a threat to a trespasser's life if one carelessly walked upon the runes. A faded shimmer of an illusionary spell lingered beneath a window across the room, a spot in the floorboard where something had been hidden.
With utmost caution, Amelia proceeded towards her destination, ensuring that her every step was both calculated and precise. Her ultimate goal was to uncover a cache of ancient knowledge, a tome of spells and hexes believed to have been lost to the ravages of time. As she approached the location, she planted her boots firmly on either side of the illusioned floorboard and drew her wand, her long skirt pulled to one side. With a flick of her wrist and a muttered incantation in a language unknown to most, Amelia cast a simple but effective dispel. The fake board shattered and dispersed into nothingness, revealing a small wooden box that had been hidden away amidst the dirt and cobwebs.
As she confidently sheathed her wand, a smug smirk crept upon her face. She knelt down with an air of authority and claimed her prize. Gently blowing away the thick layer of dust that had collected on the wooden lid, she opened the box with trembling hands. Her heart pounded with anticipation as she peered inside, eager to see the treasure that awaited her. However, instead of a tome or a grimoire, she found a large, silver needle that had been transformed into a dagger. The blade was adorned with an ominous skull at the guard, sending chills down her spine. Disappointment washed over her as she inspected the blade, her lips flattening with frustration. She muttered under her breath as she continued to examine the weapon before finally noticing the folded parchment tucked away inside the box.
With gentle care, she delicately unfolded the note, wary not to damage the brittle and aged parchment. Her initial disappointment was quickly replaced by intrigue as she poured over the sketches of the dagger's intricate design and meticulously detailed notes regarding its forging process. Amelia scolded herself for hastily judging the Hexblade; it was evident that this weapon held more power than met the eye and could even prove to be a more valuable bounty than an old hag's grimoire. Despite the noticeable absence of the three bone-carved charms that typically adorned the pommel, the instructions for creating them appeared relatively straightforward and could be replicated using modern-day methods.
With a sense of satisfaction, Amelia firmly clasped the lid shut, ensuring that the precious artifact was securely stored within. She held it carefully under her arm, mindful of its age, and made her way methodically out of the crumbling cabin. After years of fruitless searches and chasing rumors and legends, it was a thrill to finally have something tangible to show for her efforts. The excitement within her grew as she pictured herself back in the comfort of her own home, delving into the intricacies of the ancient weapon she had just acquired. With a determination to unlock its secrets and harness its full potential, Amelia couldn't wait to get started.
(The Hexblade was designed by Magical Kaleidoscope on Twitter)
