The Shadowed Blade: A Keeper's Tale

by J.A. Andrews

A Keeper's Tale Short Story
Keeper Chesavia's vow of healing any in need leads her to a remote part of the moors where the dictates of warlords rule every aspect of life.

When she approaches Naj, a notorious warlord, to offer healing for his dying son, Naj allows her to stay, but watches her closely.

Finding Naj to be more interesting than she'd expected, Chesavia comes to understand that his fearsome reputation stems from his two swords, weapons that sow death and destruction to those they touch—and utterly corrupt the one who wields them.

Frightened by the growing darkness in Naj, and unwilling to leave the blades in his possession, Chesavia plans to steal them when she leaves.

Until Naj decrees that her place is with him.

Forever.

Genres: Audiobook

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 13, 2026

Reviews

[Lana]

I really love tales about the Keepers, and this tale is all about Keeper Chesavia who was also a healer. She had taken a vow to heal whoever was in need of healing, and in this book she travels to the desolate moors run by warlords, to save the son of the most notorious one. Naj is feared by everyone, as he brings death to all who cross him, however he allows Chesavia to tend to his son. Many think his powers come from a cuff he wears on his wrist, however she discovers that his powers came from his twin blades. These were evil blades, which stole the victims life source, and gave this to the wielder whilst corrupting him in the process. Chesavia knew she had to steal these swords, but Naj caught her and forced her to become his 12th wife. A dire future indeed, however in this tale we see the wisdom of the keepers, also that patience pays out, and that even the sun can be obliterated by the moon sometimes. This is another beautiful and magical tale which though a very short story packs a real punch! I particularly loved the fact that a woman came to the healer's aid, even when she herself was so oppressed.

[MGB]

“‘The day is shaped not by the violence of the storm, but by the fall of the light and the voice of the rain.’”

That is the moral and the play of the story. Chesavia comes in peace as a healer. However the forces bringing her to the moors have a different end for her. She must outwait the storm. She must apply patience - light and rain. This will bring an end to the violence and evil that possesses man.

A well written story that fits perfectly into the Keeper's world. All who love a fantasy should read it. The story will motivate you to read the rest of the Keeper's Tales - that is an endeavor you will most certainly enjoy.

[Manie]

It is one thing to be a healer but something completely different when you have to deal with a war chief intent on conquering the world with two ensorcelled blades. More so when that chief is equally intent on make you another of his wifes. This is what Keeper Chesavia encountered when she was originally simply aiming to heal the warrior chief's seriously injured son.
Though a short story, this plot is quite intriguing as we follow the machinations of Chesavia trying to manage completely opposite goals while still staying true to her own character.
Enjoy

[Stacey Markle]

My rating is 4.25
Another story in the Keeper world. The author takes no prisoners in this dark tale.
Chesavia's experience with the shadowed blades, the Warlords and Naj isn't a happy story but necessary. The blades corrupt those that wield them.
This filled in some blanks for me and like all the Keeper stories, just made me happy to read.

Great narration done by Gareth Davies!

[Bill Hesters]

short but solid addition to the Keepers series

The Shadowed Blade is as smooth and fluid as any author has ever penned. It won’t take you long to read it but you should read it now.
You won’t regret it.
It’s only short coming is,well, it’s just too short! It fills a gap in the keepers series and leaves me wanting more….. hopefully, there will be more.

[Karen]

A bittersweet story of Keeper Chesavia who offers healing for a warlord’s son and finds more than she bargained for. Naj has two sorcerous blades that are corrupting him and Chesavia can’t let him keep them.

It was wonderful to have another story in the rich world Andrews has created and the audiobook narrator is terrific. He adds a really sinister tone.

[Judy Macneil]

The shadowed blade: A keeper's tale. JA andrews

J a Andrews always delivers a gripping tale. Het characters are well written, her worlds believable. If you haven't read the other keeper stories , I highly recommend.

[Mike Reynolds]

Always a pleasure to read a story by J A Andrews and The Shadowed Blade was no exception. Chesavia is one of my favorite sub characters and it was a pleasure to have her show up as a main interest in a story. I am somewhat disappointed that Chesavia has not yet earned a full trilogy.

[Miriam Michalak]

Perfect keepers tale, loved it!

[Phi]

This was another really great short story by this author! I love how deep and meaningful even such a short story can be. This was a quick read, but is likely to stick with me for a while!

[Sharon Hughson]

This quick read is perfect for lovers of the Keepers Chronicles.

I found the story interesting and the characters relatable and engaging. It was easy to fall into the story world even though it’s been awhile since I visited this fictional universe.

The resolution seemed a little quick and too easy. More groundwork could have been laid beforehand to make me buy it.

[Debbie]

This short tale follows Keeper Chesavia, whose sacred vow to heal anyone in need draws her deep into the harsh moors, a land ruled by ruthless warlords. When she offers aid to Naj, a feared warlord whose son is dying, he allows her to stay, though he watches her with suspicion.
As Chesavia works, she discovers that Naj’s terrifying reputation isn’t born from cruelty alone, but from the two cursed swords he carries, blades that bring death to anyone they touch and slowly corrupt the one who wields them. The longer she remains, the more she senses the darkness creeping into him. Unwilling to leave such weapons in the hands of a man being consumed by them, Chesavia resolves to steal the blades before she departs, even if doing so puts her directly in their shadow.