sword across his arm, hilt out, so the man could
take it. He saw the man's slender fingers close around the hilt.
Surprisingly, he handled the sword in a skillful manner, feeling its
weight as someone would getting ready to fence. Then, he took it by the
blade and examined the hilt, and, blade carving. "It is an ornamental
weapon, isn't it, meant more for show than actual combat?"
76 "It is a fighting sword," explained Screaming Hawk, "but it is also
my badge of authority, my symbol of command."
77 "It is an excellent piece of workmanship," the man marveled, "It
would make a treasured remembrance. But of course you would not part
with such a treasure." He handed the sword back.
78 Screaming Hawk put it back in its scabbard, unhooked the belt,
neatly wrapped it around the scabbard, and handed it to the man. The
man took it. "Your kindness," he said, "in parting with something so
valuable, will be long remembered. It will have a place of honor, and
the tale of the man that gave it will long be told. Until midnight, my
friend."
79 Screaming Hawk put his hands out in the gesture the man had used.
"Until midnight," he repeated.
80 The man bowed politely and walked off into the darkness. A few
moments later there was a whispering sound, and a small, dark shape
lifted into the sky and headed east.
81 The moment it was out of sight his guards stirred, suddenly sat up,
and looked terrified. "Lord," they said, "we don't know what happened!
We didn't mean to!"
82 "It's alright," comforted Screaming Hawk, "you won't be disciplined.
Go at once! Awake Little