Arnett and the Phantom Blade
Long ago, in the little bustling town of Mirabelle, there lived a humble blacksmith named Arnett. He was well-known for crafting the finest swords in all the land - enchanted swords that were lightweight and unbreakable. However, what made Arnett unique was his unique philosophy of never selling his swords.
'My swords are my children. How could I ever sell my children away?' he once told an irate customer, and from then on, the quote resonated throughout the town. However, it also sparked a fair degree of curiosity.
One autumn evening, while Arnett was busy perfecting an iridescent blade, a loud knock echoed at his door. It was Commander Aiken, the Royal Guard's leader. He was visiting Mirabelle to prepare a war against the neighboring Marauders who threatened their peace.
'I've heard much about your swords, Arnett' Aiken said, pulling out the Royal Warrants, 'I order you to forge a steady supply for my soldiers.' Arnett's heart fluttered with dread. He held out an unsteady hand refusing the offer. This infuriated Commander Aiken who left swearing revenge.
Days turned into weeks, and Arnett was subpoenaed into obeying the Royal orders. Seeing no other choice, he sought advice from his mentor, Reese, who was a master alchemist. Reese, after a deep thought, shared an old prophecy about a mighty sword infused with alchemical magic, which only a true and sincere blacksmith could forge.
Humbled and intrigued, Arnett plunged himself into combining alchemy with blacksmithing. Countless nights of work led to the birth of the most majestic sword Arnett had ever seen - 'The Phantom Blade'. It was an enchanted sword that could only be seen and touched by a person pure of heart.
The news of the Phantom Blade spread like wildfire across the kingdom, and the envious Commander Aiken demanded it for the battle. Arnett, reluctantly, presented him with the sword. But it remained invisible to the Commander and his men.
Outraged at what he thought was deceit, Aiken threatened Arnett's execution. The townsfolk, having heard the rumors about the Phantom Blade, pleaded Arnett to show it exists. With a heavy heart, Arnett reached out to the seemingly empty air and pulled out the magnificent Phantom Blade.
A gasp echoed through the crowd. The sword was beautiful. It shimmered in the ensuing silence, refracting the sun's rays as it seemed to sway gently in Arnett’s firm grip. The townsfolk stared in disbelief as Commander Aiken's face turned from rage to incredulity.
The Commander, bewildered by his situation, had no option but to accept the blade's existence and Arnett's innocence. However, he was grimly reminded of the significant stumbling block - the blade was of little use if his men couldn't wield it.
The day of the Marauder onslaught was near. The men moved onwards to battle with dread in their hearts, devoid of the morale-boosting strength of Arnett's swords. Suddenly, a cloaked figure appeared on the front lines. It was Arnett. He held the Phantom Blade aloft, casting a brilliant, harsh light - a beacon of hope that rejuvenated the spirits of the soldiers.
The Marauders were thwarted that day. But Arnett was not there to witness the victory - he had vanished shortly after the war began. His story, however, lived on, inspiring blacksmiths and warriors alike. Mirabelle became renowned not just for its enchanted swords, but also for the tale of a humble blacksmith who valued craftsmanship over commerce and stood against power with just his invisible sword.