فصل 75

CHAPTER 75

THE SWORD FROM THE SKY

HERE IT IS,” said Patrick, handing the sword to Peter. Peter shivered, remembering the last time he’d touched it—when he’d plunged it into the living corpse that Ombra had become.

“And here’s the tip,” said Patrick. Peter stuck it into his pocket.

“Do you know where the Tower is?” said Ted.

“I think I remember,” said Peter. He and Molly had spent an unpleasant night there once, fleeing from Ombra. “Tink will get me there.” Tink, thrilled that she was once again the lone female presence around Peter, beamed from her perch in his hair.

“And you’re sure you don’t want us to …” began Ted.

“Yes,” said Peter. They’d been through this several times. “I’m sure.”

“All right, then,” said Ted. He wanted to hug his old friend, but settled for a manly clap on the back. “Off you go,” he said.

And off Peter went.

The two bored Beefeaters stood guard outside the Jewel House. There was nobody to guard against; the tourists were gone for the day. But it was the Jewel House and their job was to guard it, so guard it they did.

The sword landed in between them. It fell with a hissing sound and plunged into the grass, its blade going more than a foot into the earth. For a moment the two Beefeaters stood still, stunned. Then one ran to the sword.

“Will you look at this,” he said.

The other was staring at the sky.

“Did you see …” he said. “I mean, was that…”

The first Beefeater looked up; he saw only gray. “What?” he said. “Did you see something?”

“I don’t know,” said the other.