The Inner Circle Society - The quest for Excalibur (2)

The lady of the lake, by Okmer

(Text sample)

"I won't even go into the whole 'time travel' notion," Lothian said.  "I've  seen strange things aplenty in this life, so I'll just take that one at face value.  However, I strongly recommend that you set that notion -- and any like it -- aside.  You don't toy with key artifacts in such a way.  Destiny has marked it, and anyone who plays with it in a cavalier manner will surely wind up dead.  Destiny doesn't tolerate fools."

"Careful, pops," Jesse warned as he began cracking his knuckles.  "You  don't like my plan that's fine, but you start calling me a fool and you'll find yourself eating a knuckle sandwich."

Lothian smiled a wide, bright smile.  Being six-foot-eleven and built like a stone wall, it was the rare individual who dared threaten him aloud.

Usually a fool.

"Nonsense," he replied.  "You make a trifle with lady fingers."

 

"He's right," came the harshly accented English from L. Severus  Draco, who had let the use of his praenomen slide.  Only friends and companions-at-arms were permitted the use, and of course his wife, whose syrupy "Looshus" was music to his ears every time.  "This is  not an artefact to trifle with.  And I must insist that you speak respectfully to your colleagues, for we do not have time for childish strife." The last was directed to the knuckle-cracking fellow who'd called the big bloke 'Pops', which wasn't a compliment.  He really should have read the memo for this meeting, but he was busy with the baby last night, and hadn't gotten enough sleep. And you could take the decurio out of the armour, but not out of the man.  He'd spent too much time getting his alae into order, and stopping the foolish bravado talk had been the first thing on his list.

"Let us proceed with the discussion.  Where was this blade last seen ?"  Time to get them back on track. 

He did not add anything about the time travel; once people found out when he was actually from, it produced a host of preconceptions about his character and ideals.  It seemed that Romans weren't painted in the best light, because history favours the victors.  At the moment, Rome didn't have a lot of wins under her belt, not like in his day, when she was the centre and the glory of the world. 

Dr Cline took the information onboard, as any good researcher would. This was a quality of being a Guardian. However, he noted with some interest that a couple of the Guardians could clearly give them a run for their money. This went against the hard-hitting and presumptuous behaviour he had expected. They would all proceed in good time, but only on an informed decision.

“I agree. What harm did talking ever do?” His bushy eyebrows danced in good humour. “Jesse,” he called, seeing the guy was screaming for a distraction. “I don’t suppose you could do me a favour? There was a rather cute housemaid who brought me here. She kindly offered to be of service and I fancy a coffee. It might give you a break from this... rigmarole.” The elderly gentleman gave a mischievous grin, showing a couple of gaps in his teeth. He had been young once.

 Jesse glared at Greene a moment longer his consternation over whether to be insulted or not over the curious "lady finger" comment apparent  on his face.  Finally after a tense moment he shrugged looking for all the world as if nothing had happened.

"You got it gramps.  I'll see if I can't rustle up some joe for everyone." With that Jesse sauntered to the door a smile glinting in his eyes.

(...)