It began early one morning while I was working in my shop, enjoying a quiet day of peace. That peace was banished as a very distressed young man burst through my front door and nearly collapsed onto the floor, breathing heavily. He had unremarkable features in my estimation, but at his side hung perhaps the most beautiful rapier I had ever seen in my life. The blade was thin and elegant, made from pure white metal I had never seen before and honed to perfection with a razor edge on both sides. The guard was exquisite, made with finely crafted golden wires that wrapped elegantly around the hilt. Speaking of the hilt, it was wrapped in leather and inscribed with intricate images of a man and woman embracing. On the pommel of the rapier was a flawless ruby that seemed to-no, it was not my imagination. The ruby did glow with a warm, passionate light.

I tore my eyes away from the man’s rapier. “What’s the matter?” I asked. His reply was slow in coming, as he was very out of breath. “Are you the brave adventurer? They say you’re a great hero. Please, will you help me? They took her. I have to get her back. I have to!” Before the words were finished coming out of his mouth, I was strapping on my own sword, a dull thing in comparison to his. “Who was taken? By whom? Where did they take her?” I barked. The young man looked relieved, but he answered quickly. “My betrothed. Armed men attacked our town last night. I don’t know why. They killed some, took others.” He looked down, clearly trying not to cry. “We… we were supposed to be married today.” I put a hand on his shoulder, searching for words that would comfort him. “We’ll get her back. Do you know where they took her?” The young man shook his head but placed his right hand on his magnificent rapier. “No, but True Love will lead me to her.” I frowned, not understanding this at first. Then it dawned on me. “That’s a Plotblade?” I asked in awe. Long had I searched for a Plotblade suitable for me, and never had I been able to claim one. Although I had to admit that I was quite happy with the way my adventure into Onyx’s realm had turned out. “Nevermind. That’s not important now. Time is of the essence!” With that, we both dashed out the door.

We sought the man’s beloved long into the day. Soon I found myself wishing for Moni’s ability to travel, but every time I thought about calling for a break, a glance at my companion’s face renewed my resolve to continue. Finally, we came to a stop atop a hill overlooking what looked like a small outpost guarded by a squad of men with halberds. “She’s inside. Beneath the outpost.” The young man moved as if to crest the hill, but I caught his arm. “No. We need to make a plan and rest for a bit. If we rush in there now, we’ll be more likely to get your betrothed killed than save her.” The man gripped his rapier hilt tightly but nodded. “What’s the plan?” He asked. I turned to consider the base. “I’m thinking about it.” Perhaps… yes, that should work. “What’s your name?” I asked as the gears in my brain spun as quickly as they could. The young man frowned. “Galbus.” I nodded. “A good name. Anyways, I’ve got a plan. I’ll go down there and distract all the guards while you sneak in and rescue your beloved. Sound good?” Galbus nodded slowly, but he looked confused. “You’ll distract them?” He said questioningly. “How?” In response, I drew my sword and charged down the hill.