Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Whisperwind Axes
Even as Eirik honed his skills with the World-Shaker, a new idea began to take root in his ever-active mind. While the bisento-axe was a formidable weapon for close and mid-range combat, he recognized the need for a more versatile option for engaging enemies from a distance. He often recalled the fluid, almost playful way some warriors he had heard tales of could wield throwing axes, making them dance through the air before returning to their hand. He envisioned something similar but imbued with his unique touch.
He began to gather suitable materials – lighter, more agile pieces of metal than those used for the World-Shaker, balanced pieces of wood for the handles. Working in his secluded workshop, Eirik applied the dwarven techniques he had learned, carefully shaping the metal into the heads of two identical axes. Their design was sleek and aerodynamic, with sharp, slightly curved blades reminiscent of a bird's wing. The handles were crafted to fit comfortably in his grip, with subtle grooves to ensure a secure hold even in the heat of battle.
This time, Eirik decided to imbue the axes with a unique enchantment, drawing upon Freya's teachings. He carefully etched runes of swiftness (Raidho) and return (Gebo) onto the handles, channeling his intent into the carvings. He then focused his inner energy, visualizing the axes as extensions of his will, bound to him by an invisible tether.
When the axes were complete, they felt light yet powerful in his hands. He ventured into a large clearing, the World-Shaker resting against a nearby tree. Taking one of the new axes, he hefted it, testing its balance. With a focused breath, he threw it with a powerful flick of his wrist. The axe spun through the air, a silver blur against the green backdrop, striking a distant tree with a satisfying thunk. Before it could fall to the ground, Eirik extended his hand, picturing the return in his mind. As if pulled by an unseen force, the axe wrenched itself free from the tree and hurtled back towards him, landing perfectly in his outstretched grasp.
A wide grin spread across his face. The enchantment worked flawlessly. He repeated the process with the second axe, throwing it at a different target. It too returned with speed and accuracy, almost eager to be thrown again. He named them the Whisperwind Axes, for the sound they made as they sliced through the air.
Then, Eirik began to experiment with their unique sharpening ability. He conjured training dummies, rough constructs of wood, and packed earth, and began to practice his throws. With each successful hit, he could feel a subtle change in the axes, a barely perceptible increase in their sharpness. The runes on the handles would glow faintly after each strike as if absorbing the impact and converting it into enhanced cutting power.
As he continued his practice, focusing on hitting specific points on the dummies, the axes became noticeably sharper. What was once clean thuds became cleaner slices. Soon, with several "kills" under their belt, the Whisperwind Axes could shear through the thick wooden frames of the dummies with ease, leaving clean, precise cuts. Eirik could feel the difference; the axes felt almost eager to bite into their targets.
He knew, instinctively, that this sharpening ability was tied to the life force of whatever they struck. The more formidable the foe, the greater the increase in sharpness. He also sensed a deeper potential within the Whisperwind Axes, a future where, with enough battles and enough fallen enemies, their edges might become so incredibly sharp that they could even slice through the very fabric of reality, creating rifts between dimensions. The thought sparked a familiar sense of playful curiosity within him, a tantalizing glimpse into possibilities yet to be explored. But for now, the Whisperwind Axes were a formidable addition to his arsenal, perfect for striking from afar, returning faithfully to his hand, and growing ever more deadly with each successful throw. His long-range combat capabilities had just taken a significant leap forward, adding another layer of unpredictability to the young godling's already impressive skillset.