A Hard Day's Knight Read Free Page A

again.”
    She laughed and let go of me. She started towards the table, reached out to grasp the sword’s hilt, then stopped.
    “This sword fascinates me,” she said slowly. “It’s one of the greatest weapons in the world. But as much as I want to, I can’t bring myself to touch it. I don’t think it wants me to. As though ... I’m not worthy.”
    “Hell with that,” I said immediately, carefully keeping it light. “If I’m worthy, you’re worthy. No, I think it’s just ... we’re back to the destiny thing again. It wants me.”
    “So we’re back to the main question,” said Suzie, glaring at the sword with her arms folded firmly across her chest. “Why would anyone send Excalibur to you?”
    “I think it’s my turn to feel hurt,” I said. “Are you implying that I am not worthy?”
    She snorted briefly. “Don’t start getting ideas above your station.”
    “I am, let us not forget, the son of a Biblical Myth.”
    “And look how that turned out.”
    “Good point,” I said. It was my turn to look thoughtfully at the sword. “Maybe ... I’m supposed to hold on to the sword, guard and protect it, until its rightful owner turns up.”
    “You mean Arthur? King Arthur? The King Arthur?”
    “Why not?” I said reasonably. “We spent enough time in Merlin’s company ... Dead, but definitely not departed enough for my liking. A lot of people believe Arthur is still out there, somewhere, sleeping in state until the day shall come when he will be needed again, to lead us all in the Final Battle. I used to love all those books when I was a kid.”
    “This is sounding worse and worse,” said Suzie. “If Excalibur’s turned up, does that mean we’re on the verge of the Final Battle? I’ve already been through the Angel War and the Lilith War. I think I’m entitled to a little rest between Armageddons.”
    “I wish everyone would stop talking about those two wars as if they were my fault!”
    “Well, they were.”
    “Only indirectly!”
    “Don’t shout, or I’ll give you a headache,” said Suzie. “Still, it has been a little quiet of late. I could use some exercise. It’s been a while since I killed a whole bunch of people.”
    “I’m starting to get a really bad feeling about this,” I said.
    Suzie looked at me thoughtfully. “How did the sword feel when you handled it?”
    “Light,” I said. “Almost weightless. Good balance.”
    “No, John. How did it feel ...”
    I thought about it. “Like it could do anything. Like I could do anything. Like nothing in this world could stand against us as long as we fought in a noble cause.”
    On an impulse, I picked up the scabbard and slung it over my shoulder. Leather straps appeared out of nowhere, and I pulled them into place, securing the scabbard on my back. My hands moved expertly, knowing exactly what to do. I could feel the weight of the sword, hanging all the way down my back, almost to my heels. I could sense the hilt standing up behind my left shoulder, waiting to be drawn. I could feel Excalibur’s presence, like a shield at my back that no weapon could ever pierce. Like another pair of eyes, watching out for me. I was so taken up with all these new feelings that it took me a moment to notice that Suzie was looking at me very strangely.
    “What?” I said.
    Suzie walked round me in a tight circle, examining me from all angles. “The moment you strapped that sword into place, it vanished. Gone. Invisible. Are you sure it’s still there?”
    “Yes,” I said. “I can feel the weight of it, the pressure of its purpose. And it feels like it’s got my back.”
    “You used to feel that way about me,” said Suzie.
    “I still do!”
    “Shouting again ...”
    “I trust you with my life, Suzie. Which is more than I’ll say about Excalibur. I can’t help feeling that this sword has its own agenda.”
    “Yes, well, that’s magic swords for you,” said Suzie. “And destiny, for that matter. I suppose it’s too late to