Will of the Subtle Knife
Inspired by Philip Pullman's novel: The Subtle Knife
In the bustling city of Cittàgazze, a place between worlds, there was a boy named Will Parry. Will had come to possess the Subtle Knife, a sleek, silver blade that could slice windows into other realms.
One day, marauders from another world had invaded Cittàgazze. Will, with the Subtle Knife in hand, began his journey to protect his city.
In the chaos, Will came across an alleyway where a young girl and her daemon-cougar were surrounded by marauders. Swiftly, he carved open a window with the Subtle Knife and stepped out into their path.
'Who are you?' called out one marauder as Will had appeared before them. His Subtle Knife gleamed ominously under the sun. 'A friend,' he responded, his voice carrying an air of quiet confidence.
Fighting ensued - the clash of swords, the growls of the daemon-cougar. Will's skill with the Subtle Knife was unmatched. It was not just a blade, but a tool capable of shifting the fabric of reality itself. Gradually, the marauders were overwhelmed, forced to retreat back into the window from whence they came.
His task done, Will turned towards the young girl, 'Are you okay?' he asked. She nodded, her eyes wide with awe. 'Can you not control where those windows lead?' she asked, curiously. Will shook his head, 'The Knife has a will of its own sometimes, it's called the Subtle Knife for a reason.'
With this, they parted ways, the young girl and her daemon, grateful for his intervention, and Will, continuing his journey to protect his city. Cittàgazze was his home, his sanctuary, and he would fight till his last breath to keep it safe. The Subtle Knife was more than a weapon for him, it was a symbol, a responsibility that he carried with honor and vigilance. There was something subtle about him too, something that hinted at power and wisdom beyond his age.
As he walked the deserted streets, the Subtle Knife tucked safely away, he could feel the city breathing around him. He was more than a boy with a blade, he was a guardian, a protector of worlds, the bearer of the Subtle Knife.