Chapter 89

It wasn't until the next morning after a long night's rest that Zenas revealed the sword to Cleopoda. She reached out to touch the sword, its gilded handle, and the encrusted jewels then frowned.

"It's the royal sword- an impressive replica of it," she said. "Garius had one that was less impressive but this one." She stroked the blade. "Reminds me of father's and Uncle Angus'."

Zenas thrust the sword carefully at her. She took it from him and held it from the handle, testing its weight. It was quite heavy but she was used to lifting heavy swords to fight with so she barely strained under the weight of the sword.

"You carry it well," Zenas commented.

She swung it in the air around her and her shoulders, handling it with such expertise that uncommon to someone of her age.