My Sword

I sit at the end of the long-bench in a dingy old

sodahouse. The sound of rowdy people yelling, singing,

and fighting in Galtsech. I’m far from the crowd. They

welcomed me with open arms as i find Galtsyns are

prone to do, but i respectfully shooed them away and

found a place to drink my sugarcup alone.

Before long i find myself looking at the sword.

It’s been haunting me for months. A spiteful gift, it must

be. I don’t know its name, or if the Lamdhelts even

name their blades. “Yhandhiwha-iw” that’s what the

dying man called it as he pressed it into my bloodsoaked

hands. I don’t know what it means, i don’t know if i

want to know what it means… but i’m still journeying

to Lamdhelqua. I often think i’m possessed, that the

sword has taken control of my form and

making sure its legacy isn’t forgotten, like in the

stories i grew up hearing, that i told my little siblings to

make sure they respected the knives we use to eat.

As i turn to face them they’ve already ran

towards me. They speak to me in their language; i can’t

understand a word they say but can hear the excitement

in their voice.

“I don’t… speak Lamdheltish” I say.

They pull back upon hearing my voice, before leaning

back in to inspect me. “You’re a Ninten?” It almost

seems like they want me to say no.

“Yes…”

“...” They shrug their shoulders “He always was a weird

one.”

“He?”

“Oh right!” They hold their hand out to me. “My name

is Quatiana. I’m Isathok’s cousin.”

The sword feels heavy in my hand.

“So how’d he pick you?” They continue.

I can’t let them know. I don’t know why but i can’t let

them know. Half a year ago i would’ve cut them down

where they stand for the safety of my people, but i can’t

let them know. They can’t know what i did… “It was

kind of sudden.”

“Oh…” They sit there for a while thinking before

saying. “I guess i’ll need to guide you then.”

I stare at them. I shouldn’t let them close. They could

find out. They could kill me. I should kill them. But

there’s a hunger in me. It must be the sword’s

possession, this feeling i can’t stop. I must know.

“What does Yhandhiwha-iw mean?” I say.

They raise their eyebrow. “Why do you ask?”

I hold up the blade. “I want to know what its name

means.”

They begin to laugh, a bouncing giggle that takes

over their whole body. “It means my sword.”

I look at them dumfounded, and then stare back at the

blade. I am so much further from knowing it’s secrets

than i thought.

“Now then come with me, i have a room nearby

and can get you caught up.” They say while standing up.

“I know your folk don’t know much about our customs.

Normally Isa would teach you but…”

They frown for a second before plastering their

smile back on. I look at them inquisitively but stand up

to follow them.

“It’s a good thing you ran into me. We’re a long

way out from Nnita”

I look back at them and nod. They begin walking

towards the door, and i follow. Towards a journey that

will change everything i thought i knew.