CHAPTER 13: LIGHT'S REACH

As Norrin felt his strength return, he and Nassima restarted the journey, rounding several more corners until a faint glow appeared at the end of the hallway. Norrin had been in the darkness so long that the faintest glimmer of light gave him untold joy.

“I see something!” He said as they began to move towards the light. But, after a few steps he felt another weird depression underneath his left foot, which caused a large block from the ceiling to come crashing down. On instinct, Norrin dashed forward easily avoiding the crushing blow.

“Whoa!” He said in surprise, realizing the dash had become second nature to him.

“Great move!” Nassima exclaimed acknowledging Norrin’s mastery of the skill. Norrin recognized the approval and returned her expression with a smile. His confidence was boosted now, and he felt a resurgence of energy in his body.

Norrin and Nassima passed through the remainder of the corridor into a circular room which seemed to sit inside the heart of the labyrinth. Like the grand hall where Norrin first encountered Nassima, the walls of this room were also covered in runes and detailed murals, this time of great wars between armies of combatants, their bodies and faces contorting with the struggle of battle.

In the middle of the room sat a small podium, shaped like a topless pyramid. It generated a large globe of energy, holding a tempest of translucent rolling storm clouds. At the center of the storm stood Nassima’s spear, glowing and sparking with small bolts of electrical current as if it was alive with power and seemed to be fighting against its imprisonment. The long sleek shaft was engraved to match the intricate designs of Nassima’s armor. Attached to its top, was a medium length and razor-sharp double-edged blade, made of silver polished so bright, it almost appeared as pure white. On the bottom of the shaft was a small solid orb of white crystal, which pulsed with light. It was a beautiful and unique weapon crafted by a master’s hand. A weapon only fit for someone who earned the title of Goddess of Battle.

“This is Light’s Reach. It is with this weapon I have defeated many enemies that stood against me,” Nassima said with reverence. “The spear is not just a weapon to me, it is a conduit of my power, and thus a part of my being. You do not understand what it means for me to see it again.”

She moved closer to the globe of power, but as she did, it began to vibrate and emitted an invisible force that pushed back against Nassima’s spirit form.

“You must retrieve it; it is essential that I have it with me. With Light’s Reach we will be protected. You will be able to face any foe with its might,” she declared to Norrin.

Norrin marveled at Light’s Reach; for it was a truly magnificent piece of weaponry. However, he had doubts about his ability to wield such a weapon. He had combat training from his years in service of the Firstview Army, which was supplemented by studying the art of Lhet Aeshia. So, he was able to handle himself in a fight if need be. But his work as a Chaser made him focus more on defensive techniques which avoided direct confrontations with enemies.

“I am not a warrior like you, Nassima. I wouldn’t know how to wield this kind of weapon in battle,” he admitted with his head down. He did not want to disappoint this great warrior and taint the reputation of her fabled weapon.

Nassima moved towards Norrin, and he let out an audible gulp. The two of them shared an awkward few seconds of staring at each other.

Finally, Nassima broke the silence. “I know you are not a warrior,” she stated with a look of understanding, “what you are is a survivor, and you are stronger than you believe. Once you take Light’s Reach in your hand, I will be able to help you command it, and it will all make sense.”

The goddess of battle is trying to comfort me. That's not in the stories. He thought as he realized that he needed to start rethinking his image of her.

Norrin hesitated again but stepped up towards the globe regardless. Nassima needed Light’s Reach and he was going to reclaim it for her. To his surprise he was able to enter the globe of energy without resistance and take hold of the shaft of the spear. The bubble of energy burst as he collected the weapon from its resting place and he took the weapon by both hands and studied its build.
Norrin was at once enthralled by the Light’s Reach. It was solid and strong, but featherlight and balanced to perfection. It hummed with energy that circulated from the orb at the bottom, to the tip of the blade. But, a disconcerted feeling came over Norrin when the electricity the weapon generated started to flow into his arms and body. Instinctively, he tried to release the spear, but his grip held fast and he was unable to will his hands to let it go. A searing pain shot through his spine and his hands went numb, but his arms burned and his head was pounding. Slowly the pain seceded, and in a few moments later, he felt he was able to control the stream of electricity flowing though him. The loud hum he heard was replaced with a different sound, akin to a sweet melodic aria. He turned towards Nassima to show his prize, but with a small spark, Light’s Reach disappeared from his grip. Norrin looked at his hands confused, because he still felt the energy coming from the spear. His puzzled expression was not missed by Nassima.

“Do not worry, Light’s Reach is always with you, like I am, and will be there when you call for it,” she explained. “Go ahead and give it a try.”

Norrin did not fully understand what was happening but did as he was instructed by the spirit. He steadied his stance and thrust his hands forward as if he was attacking with the spear. Sure enough, Light’s Reach appeared in a flash of electricity, and a small bolt of lightning shot forward from its sharpened blade. He whirled around and performed another thrusting move which again ended with a bolt of electricity. He twirled and swung Light’s Reach through air, throwing shots of lightning around the room. He was amazed at how effortless and smooth his movements were, like he had been training with Light’s Reach his entire life. It was as if he had acquired a complete lesson in spear fighting techniques in a scant few seconds. He even began to question if he was controlling the spear, or if it was controlling his movements.
“Is this what Nassima meant about the spear being an extension of her power?” he thought to himself. Wondering if his connection to Nassima, allowed her experience and skills to transfer to him. He felt a wave of excitement learning he may be able to fight on the same level as the greatest warrior of myth and legends.

When he finished his sequence of movements, Norrin turned to Nassima. He was again breathless but possessed an extreme feeling of euphoria. His heart beat with a steady pace but he felt his veins flowing with energy. His mind burst with color and the world seemed brighter. The power of the spear delighted him and given him a high he had never felt before.

“Thank you for this! I will wield this weapon with honor,” he said as bowed his head in gratefulness to Nassima.

“No need to thank me,” she replied as she moved towards Norrin. She reached out to Light’s Reach, wanting to feel its weight in her hands again, and gave a slight pout when her fingers phased through the weapon. “I know Light’s Reach will serve us well on this journey, and when I have my body back, I will use it to dole out the punishment my betrayers deserve.”

Norrin felt a slight twinge of selfishness when Nassima spoke of wielding the spear with her own hands again. The power of Light’s Reach turned out to be intoxicating. But at the same second he pushed those selfish thoughts out of his head. He made Nassima promise, and he must keep his word. He made sure to remind himself that the spear and these powers he had were borrowed and belonged to Nassima.

Light’s Reach sparked and disappeared into the air again.

“That’s a handy trick that will help us stay inconspicuous on our quest. I don’t want to alert whoever trapped you in your prison that you are now free. It will be easier knowing that I don't have to walk around carrying around your giant glowing spear.” Norrin said with a laugh, even though he was completely serious.

Nassima’s brow furrowed. “With Light’s Reach you have no one to fear. My enemies will not be your concern.”

“Yes, I know, it’s the ultimate weapon and everything, but that doesn’t mean I want to show everyone I have it. I’m not looking for a fight.” Norrin replied.

Nassima’s look seemed like she was slightly taken aback by Norrin’s statement. “I understand if it helps our mission we should stay discreet, but know if a threat is nearby Light’s Reach will reappear at the time of need. I am not looking for a fight either. I am searching for justice.”

Norrin felt Nassima’s annoyance, and he realized he had unknowingly insulted the goddess.

“I don’t want any misunderstandings between us. I didn’t mean to imply you are looking for a fight. I should’ve been more careful with my words.”

“I am not so easily offended, Norrin Shai. But I appreciate what you have said,” Nassima grinned. “I understand your point. I am just letting you know Light’s Reach is more than a weapon. It’s true power is unexplainable, and that power is something that is now a part of your entire being. It will help us on our journey more than you know.”

“That’s amazing,” Norrin said, eyes wide and still feeling high from the energy of Light’s Reach. With this renewed sense of vigor, he was itching to go. He searched the room for an exit; it was time to continue on.