Shattered

???

"So many people here, so many tragedies...", he thought as he surveyed the room.

He tightened his grip on his cane and made his way though the sea of cocktail dresses and suits. Some people would offer to shake his hand, others offer their thanks, a few women even kissed his cheek. He of course would thank them for attending this little soiree, before continuing his journey across the room.

He spotted George in the corner of the room, ever the social butterfly. Their eyes briefly made contact, and George gave him a half-hearted salute. George was a great asset, but a pitiful man. Then again who wouldn't be? How many people know the horrors of war and losing a child? Perhaps when all this was over, George could find some kind of peace.

A nice young waiter tapped his shoulder and offered him his choice of champagne or water. As much he would love to indulge, he wasn't the young man he had been, and it was a long drive home. The waiter handed him a bottle of water, Fiji, according to the label. He held the bottle in his hand and chuckled, folks would believe anything.

His lips pursed, that was the heart of the problem, wasn't it?

He brushed aside the troubling thought. Tonight was a rare chance to celebrate, and his people needed to see him in a good mood.

He continued his way across the floor, only to see the young scholar, Percival, err Brian, trying, and failing to flirt with some attractive young women. The boy was unparalleled in any subject he put his mind to, except when it came to people. Apparently the young scholar said something to offend the ladies, as they threw their drinks into the boy's face, before they stormed off. He cracked a smile, maybe someday the kid would learn to control his ego.

By the look of things, Morgan, wearing what he would consider a scandalous open backed dress, was chatting with Galahad and Tristan. No doubt comparing notes on the Asgardians and Olympians. He looked around for any sign of Mordred, surely his Egyptian expert would want to join in.

Alas, Mordred was engaged in conversation with Kay. He supposed they could all compare notes at a later date.

Finally, he reached his destination, a leather arm chair that over looked the New York skyline. He slowly sat down, his joints creaking as he went. When he was settled he gazed out the window the same way he did since he first came to America, many years ago.

The old city had changed profoundly in seventy years. Buildings climbed ever higher into the heavens, the night sky was being pushed back by artificial light, and where once there had been silence, now hummed around the clock with life.

Its beauty took his breath away.

But like all good things, it had a dark side, and he was staring right at it. The Empire State Building, home to some of mankind's greatest sins.

"Hey you're that guy in the funny hat my mom talks to on the computer!" cried a little blonde haired, blue-eyed girl, bringing him back down to earth. "Where's your hat mister?"

He smiled at the little girl. She was adorable, she had a big red bow in her golden hair, and had on a white dress, making her look like a little princess. "Oh, I didn't feel like wearing it today."

"How come?"

"I was afraid a big old bird was going to swoop down and take it right off my head!" he laughed. "They do that you know!"

The little girl laughed, "No they don't!"

"They most certainly do young lady," he lied, unable to keep the smile off his face. "And if you're not careful a bird might come and steal your bow!"