Well, hey, how come you never gave me a sword?" I asked, trying to lighten things up. "I get stuck with a lousy stick with sparkles, and the boys get the fancy swords?" I held up the gooey nubbin, all that was left of my bedazzled wooden stake. "Not. Fair."

"I can get you one, too, kid." Talbot smirked. "I just always thought you preferred the feel of wood in your hand.

Author: Bree Despain