Dragon Skin by G. L. Snodgrass Read Free Book Online

going make it. You only had fire and primitive rock tools, but he knew what you could become.”  The Angel smiled and sighed and grew quiet as he remembered. “We fought for three days. It was a truly epic battle.”
    “The sword has reappeared throughout your history. It is imbued with a special power. Each of those engravings is there for a reason.”
    “Alexander used it to cut the Gordian knot.  Romulus yielded it when he beat the Etruscan tribes on a hill top in central Italy. Mohammed called is Zulfiqar and used it when he took Mecca and Medina. Emperor Qin carried it into battle on his way to starting the Chinese empire. Gengis Khan charged across the steps with this very sword raise above his head. Every Empire, every great kingdom.  It has a way of making its way to that vital juncture of events that impact history. It was even pulled out of a stone and used by a young boy to defend a kingdom against an invading Germanic horde.”
    “Excalibur!” Amy whispered breathlessly.
    “Yes, Your mythical Excalibur. And more, much more. I have used it myself, each time I have met the evil one in battle. It is a part of me, the closest thing I have to a soul,” Michael said, looking longingly at the weapon in her lap.
    Amy’s hands began to shake and she quickly placed the sword back on the table next to the black scabbard. Excalibur! It was too much. The sword of dreams, what stories it could tell. No one would ever believe it. How could she prove it? She looked back at the two men. Her stomach hurt and she had to swallow to stop herself from throwing up. Excalibur! She couldn’t let it out of her sight, couldn’t give it to these men. It might disappear, lost to history. The scientist in her shivered at the mere idea.
    “I will give you the sword on one condition,” she said, looking at them both in turn.
    “What would that be my dear,” Michael asked.
    “I go with it. You take me. And I get it back when you are done. I will not let it out of my sight unless I can be part of its next story.”
    “No!” bad boy, Landon snapped, “You can’t let her get mixed up in this, like you said, those guys the other night weren’t playing tidily winks.”
    Michael cocked his head as he studied the woman. She held her breath waiting for his judgment. She didn’t know if she could deny them the sword, but it was worth a try.
    “Actually Ms. Woods will be of great assistance in the next few projects we need to complete. Her expertise will be exceptionally beneficial. It’s almost like it was planned or something,” Michael said, looking towards the ceiling.
    Amy let out a deep breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. Being careful not to touch the wickedly sharp edge, she retrieved the sword, holding it by both the handle and the flat of the blade with her gloved hands. “Very well, I willingly give you the sword Michael,” She said presenting it at arm’s length.
    Michael started to reach for it then blanched, shook himself and stepped back. “No, you must give it to Landon; I may not possess it yet. No matter how much it calls to me,” Michael said gazing on it like a lost love. He smiled at her and said, “I may not touch it until we are fully ready.” Amy nodded as if she understood but her look of confusion belied the point.
    Amy hesitated then turned to Landon. “Do you accept the conditions?” She asked, shifting her head and narrowing her eyes in doubt.
     
     
    A Demon's Nightmare is available at most Ebook retailers.
     
     

 
     
     
     
      Author's Note
    Thank you for reading my story. I would enjoy hearing from you. What did you think, would you like to see more of these type of stories. I can be contacted at [email protected]. Or feel free to visit my blog at GLSnodgrass.blogspot.com
    A special thanks to my Critique Partners. Kristi Rose, Eryn Carpenter, Anya Monroe, and John Pelkey. This story would not exist without their wonderful insights and support. They are the