Aegis of The Gods: Book 00 - The Shadowbearer by Terry C. Simpson Page A

armies carry thousands of them much like the one on my hip.” He indicated his sword. “What’s so different about this one?”
    “According to the Chronicles this is an Access Key to another, greater divya, ” Galiana said. “One able to unleash a power to rival the gods themselves. The tomes also state this is the way to ensure a remnant of the Setian will survive the coming times.”
    “Can it be used to defeat Nerian?”
    Galiana shrugged. “No one knows how powerful he is, not even me, and I trained against him on several occasions. I lost every session.”
    Stefan shook his head in resignation. “If a High Shin like yourself cannot defeat him, how do you expect me, a simple Dagodin, to succeed? The divya is useless to me. Nerian would kill me the moment he senses I’m a threat.”
    Galiana snorted. “I never understood why you Dagodin underestimate yourselves. You can do what we Ashishin or any other Forger cannot, yet, you complain.”
    “I think you overestimate us. Honestly, do you think wielding some weapon imbued with Mater is better than being able to Forge?”
    “Pwah.” Galiana’s eyes glittered angrily. “Has a Dagodin gone mad or died from the influence of the essences? For too long now you have allowed your fear of being a Matii and of Matii in general cloud your judgment. On some days, Stefan, we would trade our places with yours for some semblance of a normal life. The knowledge that our deaths will inevitably come because of our gift is a thing we struggle with every day. Imagine doing so while living to my age.”
    “Sometimes I wish I could live to your age,” Stefan retorted. “Many would give themselves for such a chance.”
    “Honey.” Thania’s supple fingers touched his shoulder. “She’s right. I dread the day when I won’t recognize any of the people I love. One moment I’ll be well … the next … I’ll be gone.”
    His wife’s pain resonated in her eyes. Truth be told, he wouldn’t trade his ability or his shorter life span for the longevity of any Shin. He couldn’t imagine not recognizing Thania’s beautiful face or her sweet voice. He was almost overwhelmed as he studied his children and thought of losing what he’d gained. “So how does the sword work?”
    “I’m not certain. The Chronicles were not specific about its use. There was a picture of a Dagodin wielding the weapon and the three elements of Mater flying off into a spire. I …” Galiana shook her head, “I think he was using the sword to Forge.”
    “Impossible,” Stefan whispered. The possibility of a Dagodin using a divya to Forge Mater in this fashion would change the scope of every war.
    “Normally, I would agree,” Galiana said with a slight nod, “but I’m inclined to believe the Chronicles.” She held out the sword to him.
    Gingerly, he took the weapon, turning the scabbard in his hands. The leather was of simple yet intricate craftsmanship. Nothing stood out at first, but upon closer inspection, he could not discern where one part of the material joined with the other. The pieces appeared seamless. He unsheathed the sword. Lamplight glittered off the blade’s edge. He was willing to bet the sword would cut metal if he tried. Runes and glyphs ran up and down the flat of the blade. A tingling sensation crept up his arm and through the rest of his body. He held the weapon out before him and frowned. The sword felt as if he’d wielded the thing for years, one with his arm, like an old lover’s tender caress.
    “One other thing about this,” Galiana said.
    “Hmm?”
    “It is said to be able to warn you if a shadeling is close.”
    Mouth dropping open, Stefan was at a loss for words. A weapon able to identify shadelings? A hand stroking his chin, he shook his head as he considered the sword. No wonder the Tribunal had kept such a thing hidden deep within the Iluminus. How many of these did they possess?
    “I can see your mind work, Stefan,” Galiana said. “I checked myself.