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Arawn turns and looks at Delon, who’s coming back inside. With luck, he’s been scouting for ways to the baths.
“There is something not right about him.”
“He’s not a man. A Tick-Tock Man made him. He’s something like a familiar, only mostly machine.”
Arawn looks at me.
“And you let such a thing lead you?”
“I don’t have a choice. He knows the way and we don’t.”
He picks up his knife.
“With a blade in your hand there’s always a choice.”
“What do you say? Do you want to go home?”
He shakes his head slowly.
“No. We won’t return as paupers and fools. We came here as magicians and warriors, and that’s how we’ll return.”
“I don’t know what else I can give you.”
He looks over his shoulder.
“The lass, the one with the short hair in the hide jacket who stays so close to you . . .”
“What about her?”
“Before she turned into a beast—and an impressive one she was—she used an equally impressive knife. Black and sharp as a crow’s gaze. She said you had one just like it.”
I take the black blade from my coat. The weight in my hand feels so natural and perfect. Like it’s an extension of my arm. I’ve had it since the arena. It’s one of my favorite weapons and the key to every car and bike in L.A.
“You sure you want this old thing? I bet Paul has a lot of other toys in his bag.”
“If that’s what I asked for, that’s what I want. Or can’t you honor that request either?”
I hand Arawn the knife.
“It’s yours. It’ll cut through anything made in this world.”
“Will it, now?”
“You can start cars with it too. Do you have your learner’s permit?”
Arawn walks to a pile of rubble and swings the blade. Cuts a section of concrete taller than he is cleanly in half. He goes to the wall and slices a piece out of an I-beam. He holds up the blade to check it and nods at what he sees.
He comes back over and sits next to me on the blanket.
“Yes. This will do nicely.”
“We’re square, then?”
“This little blade for your life? What do you think?”
“I see your point. The offer still stands. Once I find what I’m after, I can take you home.”
“When we’re ready we’ll find you.”
