p-Mayard looked at Rhiann, who nodded a tad. Mayard’s doppelganger had heard real-Mayard speak of the stone many times, used this knowledge to his advantage, and said, “I’ve no objections to any of my friends holding the weapon. I studied the reddish ore in Gnome-town. The alchemists and I tried to determine the nature of the ore. None understood it. We couldn’t scratch the rock.”
Longbeard Nineteen-names eagerly accepted the weapon and carefully moved it through the air. “It’s fantastic! Wait! If a red diamond doesn’t scratch it, how’d you melt it in the forge?”
Roswell smiled wryly and said, “I’ve some secrets. The ore wanted to be transformed. Mayard had altered it somewhat. Once in its finished form, the firmness returned. Has she spoken to you, Longbeard?”
Longbeard said, “Say what?”
Roswell said, “As I said, Mayard brought me an ore that had changed since I had last seen it. I believe you said, Sorcerer Mayard, that the rock was now whole and requested I forge it into the blade.”
p-Mayard said, “I believe that’s what I said. You’ve created a masterpiece.”
Longbeard Nineteen-names held the sword up to his thick beard and said, “Tell me something, beautiful weapon.”
Abruptly the stout Gnome lowered the sword and gasped, “I’ll be a Kobold’s uncle! It talks!”
Cecelia quizzically remarked, “What do you mean? We heard nothing!”
Roswell Kirkey asked, “What did she say?”
Longbeard twisted the sword’s hilt in his strong left hand and replied, “She said, ‘Thanks, noble warrior. I like having your hand gripping me. Flattery will get you everything. You are without enemies in this place, though things aren’t always as they appear.’ It was the most pleasing voice I’ve ever heard. Didn’t you people hear it?”
A small symphony of “No’s” rang out.
Roswell said, “She only talks to the one that holds her.”
benjamintowe 