Wewerepatientlywaitingin the cave that I learned was Immeron’s forge a week later. Today was not only the day we’d receive our weapons but also the day Edmund would acquire a new arm and leg.
The days came and went between training, helping my people get situated, and aiding the family who lived up here as best I could, considering the people in Ames would be staying here for a while.
To my surprise, Roland didn’t try anything else with me, though he would occasionally catch me looking at him and would give me a smug smirk in response. The thought of actually trying anything with him was frightening and exhilarating all at the same time, but I suppose I was happy he hadn’t attempted anything more.
The Otacians had kept to themselves most days, and I hardly spoke to Silas, though our eyes met quite often. While I hadn’t said Oquerene was the destination of our journey, Nereida hopefully pointing us in the correct direction, I did mention south. Silas wished to make allies, so our first target on our journey was Forsmont.
Mage lights illuminated the cave, and a large anvil caught my eye, along with various pieces Immeron was working on—swords, knives, maces, and more. A rather spacious workbench was scattered with material, and Immeron finished tinkering with something before strolling over to us.
“Well, here it is.” Immeron walked with pride as he revealed Edmund’s new lower leg and foot. The thin black lines that it was made of almost resembled veins. It was rugged yet sleek and elegant at the same time. There were even toes.
“That seems rather flimsy, no?” Roland questioned, Edmund slapping him in the arm and Hendry giving them both a side-eye.
Immeron smirked. “It may appear that way, but this is made up of carbonado, the strongest form of natural diamond. I expect a decent payment, Your Highness.” he gave Silas a side glance, to which the Prince nodded.
Elowen and Hendry helped lower Edmund to the bench inside the cave, and Elowen lifted his pants sleeve over the stump.
“This may hurt for a moment,” Immeron mumbled, and he held it in place.
The wires then twirled, seemingly coming to life, before they shot up into his healed wound. He cried out, and Elowen quickly placed her hands on his temples and relieved the pain.
After a beat, Immeron spoke. “It shouldn’t hurt now. Try standing.”
Elowen slowly removed her hands, and Edmund blinked and then slowly stood, shock appearing shortly after.
“It…it feels like my leg.” He wiggled the toes, and I and the others gasped. Edmund and Elowen shared a grin.
“Now, here,” Immeron said, walking over and bringing back a forearm and hand with the same carbonado wires. It looked nearly identical to Ayla’s. Edmund bent down so El could numb his pain, and then the wires shot up again, inserting themselves inside of him. When it was over, he stood straight, rotating his new fingers.
“Part man, part machine,” Immeron said with pride, crossing his arms.
Edmund’s eyes teared up as he walked around. Roland cursed under his breath with a sideways smirk while Silas just stared wide-eyed. Edmund walked to Elowen, scooping her up and twirling her around as she giggled.
“It is just perfect,” he said, beaming at Elowen as he placed her down. He grasped her hand with his new one and kissed the top of it.
Merrick, next to me, went to move towards him, but I gripped his arm before he could, shaking my head to say,“Don’t ruin the moment.”He glared at me before crossing his arms and looking away.
Edmund wrapped his arm around El’s waist before turning to Immeron, and she blushed as she leaned into him. “This is truly the most fascinating thing I’ve ever seen. I never dreamed I’d walk again after the attack or have my arm back.” He grinned and bowed in respect. “Thank you.”
Immeron’s sons Ceren and Benor then began to reveal the weapons they created for us.
A bow for both Merrick and Hendry, a dagger for Elowen and Erabella, and swords for the rest of us. It was truly remarkable to see the custom-made weaponry.
I examined my blade. Its sheen was almost iridescent, and opals were in its hilt. I couldn’t help but gawk at its beauty.
“Each of your weapons has special properties,” Ceren said as he tucked his dark brown hair behind his pointed ear. “Your blade, Lena, can be infused with fire magic.”
My head shot up. “You’re kidding.”
He smiled softly, his eyes the same dark blue as his father’s. “Nope. You can utilize your magic to charge the weapon, making it so your strikes are even more deadly.”
I gaped at my piece, and then my eyes trailed over everyone else’s weapons, the most notable, other than mine, being Silas’s shining golden sword. It had a hilt that was flecked with purple-red metal, shaped to appear like feathers adorned it. A large topaz was embedded in its center. I could tell he was thoroughly impressed with the craftsmanship; it blew even his royal sword out of the water.
Each person’s weapon had different attributes. Because the Otacians didn’t have magic, their weapons were altered to have enhanced durability.
The weapons for us Mages were made to complement our strongest forms of magic. Merrick’s onyx bow was designed specifically for ice arrows, and so long as Merrick charged his weapon, regular arrows would turn to frozen ones simply by him firing it.
Viola’s blade was infused with illusion magic. Just as she could shift her body, she could shift her weapon to be anyone she desired.
