"I was cutting through those jerks like tissue paper. This is no ordinary sword," I say as the elevator doors close. Thankfully, the door man didn't seem to care too much about the bizarre package I was lugging.
"Excalibur is imbued with white magick," says Eve. "We might even be able to take out Poseidon with it if we're lucky."
We unwrap Excalibur as soon as we're back in our room and set it on the table. I get my first good look at the relic in bright light. The weapon is striking, filling me with same intense mix of dread and purpose I felt when gazing in Nymue's eyes. "This is much cooler than a Glock 19."
Eve traces the leather straps on the hilt with her fingertips.
"There drew he forth the brand Excalibur,
And o'er him, drawing it, the winter moon,
Brightening the skirts of a long cloud, ran forth
And sparkled keen with frost against the hilt:
For all the haft twinkled with diamond sparks,
Myriads of topaz-lights, and jacinth-work
Of subtlest jewelry."
"You knew that by heart?" I say, impressed.
Eve smiles. "I'm a big Tennyson fan." She turns from the sword and peeks inside her sling bag. "When the time comes, I'll cover you with the semi-autos while you cut a swathe through those bastards on the way to Poseidon. Do you think you're ready? "
"I don't think I'll ever be ready...but this feels right." I pick up the sword and feel another burst of energy, as if I've just mainlined a pot of coffee. "We can do this."
"There you are," says Eve, smiling as she looks in my eyes. "Finally."
"What?"
"Never mind."
YOU ARE READING
The Secret Sea - (Chaptered Version)
FantasiaNovella / short story - fantasy / adventure THIS VERSION HAS CHAPTERS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. Otherwise, there's no difference. After Tim's apartment burns to the ground, his best friend and woman he secretly loves, Eve, invites him to stay behind her...
