The Best of the Realms, Book I

VI

Orlando stepped back fromthe wall. He had returned Talon to its place and cocked his head left and rightto make sure it was positioned properly. He reached out and lifted the hilt animperceptible fraction of an inch.

"Don't worry," said Lelanda from the couchon which she lay. "You've got it right."

Orlando nodded and turnedback to the table behind him. With his right hand, he reached tentatively forthe great battle-axe Kesmarex, but something stopped his fingers just short ofits haft. His other hand slipped to his neck and touched the silver pendantthat hung from its recently repaired chain.

His thoughts drifted back to the battle in Jolind'sgarden. He remembered the great blade falling toward his head, the hollow soundof his voice as it filled the silent garden, and the flash of light that camewhen the holy symbol was presented. Somehow, the battle-axe recognizedthe amulet and knew that the silver symbol belonged to the same warrior whosehands had once wielded it. Knowing that anyone who wore that particular crossedbattle-axe medallion must be a friend of its owner, it had fallen inert. As faras Kesmarex was concerned, its mission was completed.

He returned to the present as a delicate hand touchedhis shoulder. He turned and found the emerald eyes of Lelanda scant inches awayfrom his own. The gold band on her finger reflected a greatly distorted imageof his own countenance.

"You shouldn't be up," he said, urging hergently back to the couch.

"I'll be all right," she said, "thewound's almost healed. Hang up the axe and come to bed."

Orlando nodded and liftedthe magical weapon from its resting place. He turned and elevated it to a placeof honor above the hearth. Next to it, he hung the amulet that had saved hislife.

"Rest quietly, old friend," said thecrimson-haired witch.

Orlando said nothing, butin his heart he knew that Lelanda's wish had been granted.