Bow of Ancient Kings
The Bow of Ancient Kings is a legendary magical artifact and a weapon of immense power. Gifted to Arra (Alleria) by the Aiqua people, it functions essentially as the Tree Ring Staff in bow form, providing its wielder with an inexhaustible source of prime magic.
Appearance and Construction
The bow is described as sinuous and graceful, with a length that falls somewhere between Arra's shorter combat recurve and the massive longbow she wielded in her youth. The ends of the bow are curled and highly ornamental, giving the weapon a gorgeous, regal appearance.
Its true power lies in its grip: rather than being carved from a single piece of wood, the bow has seven different types of primewood embedded closely together near the handle. This design allows the wielder's fingers to easily touch and draw upon any of the seven magical Aspects during combat.
History and Acquisition
For over five thousand years, the artifact was safeguarded by the Aiqua, a group of survivors living in the harsh Valaraldan wasteland known as The Desolation. The Aiqua had carried the bow with them since before the catastrophic magical event that destroyed their homeland.
During the events of The Splinter Soul, Arra and Trey assist the Aiqua village. Out of deep gratitude for Arra's help in healing their people, the Aiqua sister-leaders Denaca and Lenoqua present the Bow of Ancient Kings to her. The gift brings Arra to tears, finally providing her with a magical weapon that matches the legendary status of Trey's Tree Ring Staff.
Functionality and Notable Uses
Because it contains all seven primewoods, the bow serves as a limitless magical conduit for a Prime Mage. Arra no longer needs to carry a pouch of wood chips; she can simply channel her Will into the grip of the bow to activate her powers.
- The Final Battle: Arra wields the bow during the chaotic final conflicts in Lusvunub. By touching the elm and poplar segments embedded in the bow, she successfully combines shockstriking and bladedancing magic. She uses the bow to fire devastating, magically-guided "shockarrows" at the newly unbalanced Twins, Trey and Quynn, managing to strike Quynn squarely in the face.
- The Standoff: In the climactic confrontation outside the ruined rickhouse where Orym died, Arra stands resolutely at the center of the Prime Mages, the Bow of Ancient Kings drawn and taut against her former husband.