Zechariah departed to finish packing, leaving Justin alone in the rain. The sword hung heavy at his side, interfering with his center of balance. He looked down at the metal-woven basket-hilt on one side and the dirk's knobby handle on the other. Days ago, the thought of carrying a sword and a knife might have sounded exciting. Now, they just made him feel dirty.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a bright flash. Half a minute later, the rumble of thunder reached his ears. He ...