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Patricia Reding
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Science Fiction & Fantasy
Author Insight
Overkill
As the twins pack for their adventure, they review the items they've collected. Included with all the practical bits they'll need to live on the road for a time, are the weapons they'll require if they're to be appropriately armed. Here readers will quickly deduce that Reigna is the more "warlike" of the two, while Eden's preference is to avoid conflict. Even so, they both have a sense of humor, witnessed here when Reigna sarcastically comments about the unlikelihood of one's defending herself against a sword with a simple knife. I'm with Reigna on this one. How about you?
Book Excerpt
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Eden grabbed a bag, then emptied its contents on the floor. She counted the knives it had held. “Twenty.” Her eyes flashed upward. “Twenty? Doesn’t that seem like a bit of overkill?”
Reigna shrugged, then picked up another bag. From it she pulled out a small pouch that held gold coins and another with some of the Oathtakers’ crystals. She emptied yet another that held soap, twine, hooks, and first aid items. Next, she dumped out the contents of a sack that had been filled with salt and packets of various dried herbs.
When through, the twins glanced down at the three bows and the half dozen full quivers they’d pilfered. Finally, Reigna pulled out an item she’d concealed against the wall.
“A sword?” Eden asked.
Reigna grinned. “Not just any sword.”
Her sister took a closer look. “The sword?”
“The very one.”
“The sword, Reigna? What are you thinking?”
“I’m thinking it was the only one I could get my hands on. I saw Lucy store it one day in the secret place she keeps it.”
Her twin’s mouth dropped open. “But there are numerous swords in the training huts.”
“Yes, but they’re just for practice. The balance isn’t right on any of them and their edges are dull. What was I to do? Ask someone to sharpen one for me? And then be left with a sharp but inferior blade anyway?”
“Reigna, there are other weapons in the armory.”
“They all belong to someone. And they’d all be found missing.”
Her sister held her gaze. “Reigna. The great sword? Why not just take the scepter and the crown as well?”
“Well, I had thought of that . . .”
“You’re joking!” Eden’s eyes opened wide in surprise.
Her twin broke out a great smile.
“Reigna, no. What if something happened to it?” Eden shook her head. “No. We should leave it here for safekeeping. We don’t need a sword.”
“Oh, really?” Reigna ran her fingers over the intricate carvings on the weapon’s hilt before turning her gaze back to her sister. “Have you ever tried to defend yourself against one of these,” she shook the weapon, “with a six inch blade?” She scowled. “Of course we need a sword.”
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