The Last Unicorn Warrior

IX

"Pick a weapon," Hades asks me. I look at the different weapons laid out in front of me. The coolness of the knives feels foreign to me. My eyes search for the bow and arrows, but a twinkle from a silver sword catches my eyes. "Whatever weapon catches your eyes, that's the weapon you will have to stick with." I hear Hades say. My fingers lay on the sword that caught my eyes.

Unlike the knives, the coolness feels correct. As if I should always have it in my hands. I pick up the sword—at least I tried to. He walks up to me and lifts the sword effortlessly.

"Go change to normal clothing, and meet me at the front door." He states. I look at him, confused.

"Aren't we going to train?" I ask. We just ran, but we didn't fight.

He nods his head. "Of course, but you need a good weapon to fight like a warrior." He says.

"Okay, then," I say. Walking out, I take a quick shower and change into a white silk corset, and a mid-length white cotton skirt. I put on a sheer white cape and tie the drawstrings together. Putting on white heels, I pin half my wet hair up. Pulling the hood over my head, I walk outside. I see Hades waiting for me in dark brown trousers with a tan shirt. His brown shoes look new. "Where are we going?" I ask him. I notice the sword is in a strap behind him. "Why do you have the sword with you?"

"We are going into town to get the sword designed just for you." He states. "Come on." He stands up and walks. I run after him.

"What about Hazel?" I ask. "Doesn't she want to come?" Hades turns to look at me.

"No more questions, Ursula." He says. "Plus, she wouldn't wake up."

We walk in silence to town. In the busy market, I follow Hades through the crowds. I notice a play is playing in the center of the streets. I can hear the actors shout their lines and inviting others to watch.

"Come, Ursula," Hades says, pushing me. My eyes look around for the play. Hades leads me to a blacksmith who is welding iron.

"Henry!" Hades shouts happily. The older man looks up and smiles. His face is dripping in sweat. He takes off his black gloves and wipes his presumably sweaty hands on his black leathery apron.

"Why if it isn't Hades!" Henry says, opening his arms. Hades shakes his hand in a friendly gesture. "And who is this lovely little girl?" I hear the man ask. I see his small brown eyes looking at me with curiosity.

"This is Ursula. She's a friend of ours." Hades says, introducing me. I smile at the older man.

"What a lovely lady." He compliments. I silently thank him. "What can I do for you, Hades?" He asks, looking back to Hades. Hades takes out the sword.

"Can you wield this to fit Ursula." He asks. Henry's thin eyebrows raise.

"This little thing wants to be a knight?" He asks. "That is unheard of!"

"Will you do it or not?" Hades asks him, sounding irritated.

"I'll do it," Henry says, taking the sword. "It will take sixty-five silvers." He says as he inspects the sword.

"I'll give you the money when you're finished," Hades says. Henry nods.

"See you in a couple of hours." He says, putting the silver sword into the heat. I tug on Hades shirt to get his attention. He looks down at me.