Стража! Стража!

           Ithadtocatchthelightinjusttherightway,leavingwatchersinnodoubtthatherewasDestiny’schosen.He’dtakenalongtimepreparingtheswordandshield.Ithadbeenveryexpensive.Theshieldshonelikeadollarinasweep’searholebutthesword,theswordwasmagnificent...

           Itwaslongandshiny.Itlookedlikesomethingsomegeniusofmetalwork-oneofthoselittleZenguyswhoworksonlybythelightofdawnandcanbeataclubsandwichoffoldedsteelsintosomethingwiththecuttingedgeofascalpelandthestopping-powerofasex-crazedrhinocerosonbadacid-hadmadeandthenretiredintearsbecausehe’dnever,ever,doanythingsogoodagain.Thereweresomanyjewelsonthehiltithadtobesheathedinvelvet,youhadtolookatitthroughsmokedglass.Justlayingahandonitpracticallyconferredkingship.

           Asforthelad...hewasadistantcousin,keenandvain,andstupidinapassablyaristocraticway.Currentlyhewasunderguardinadistantfarmhouse,withanadequatesupplyofdrinkandseveralyoungladies,althoughwhattheboyseemedmostinterestedinwasmirrors.Probablyheromaterial,theSupremeGrandMasterthoughtglumly.

           "Isuppose,"saidBrotherWatchtower,"thatheisn’ttherealairtothethrone?"

           "Whatdoyoumean?"saidtheSupremeGrandMaster.

           "Well,youknowhowitis.Fateplaysfunnytricks.Haha.It’dbealaugh,wouldn’tit,"saidBrotherWatchtower,"ifthisladturnedouttobetherealking.