Spear of Cortez

The Spear of Cortez is an ancient bronze Highgod artifact marked with bloody runes. After passing from Barnas to Linley as battle spoils, it became Delia's principal weapon and a focus for her wind-based attacks. (Chapters 425, 447–448, 471)

History

Barnas's weapon

Barnas first wielded the spear during the assault on Dragonblood Castle, where its aura distorted the surrounding space and its attacks threatened the defenders. In the Forest of Darkness, he used it for a final counterattack after Ojwin, Hanbritt, and Gatenby turned on him; the blow killed Gatenby even as Barnas died. (Chapters 425, 447)

Recovery and Delia's use

Linley recovered the spear from the Forest of Darkness battlefield and stored it among the captured Highgod artifacts. Before the Moon Lake Castle Fiend trial, he gave it to Delia, who fused with it and trained in its use. She subsequently wielded it through the Fiend trial, the Amethyst Mountains, the journey across the Starmist Sea, and the punishment of Odin. (Chapters 448, 471–472, 515, 529, 628)

Abilities and properties

As a Highgod artifact, the spear can deliver both material and spiritual damage; Barnas's final thrust demonstrated that combined threat. Under Delia, it could pierce a Highgod, wound an amethyst beast, and return to her hand after being thrown. The exceptional speed, Spatial Wind restraints, and Dimensional Attack effects shown in her battles came from Delia's wind-law techniques channeled through the weapon, rather than innate powers of the spear. (Chapters 447, 471–472, 515, 529)

Ownership and custody

Barnas held the spear until his death, after which it became part of the spoils Linley collected from the fallen combatants. Linley later transferred it to Delia for the Fiend trial, and her fusion with the artifact established her as its user. No cited chapter records a later transfer or loss; Delia still carried it when confronting Odin. (Chapters 447–448, 471, 628)