The rightful owner had arrived.
By the time Linley sat down, Bebe and Wangcai had already slipped out to play-Bebe had dragged Wangcai outside, off to wreak who knew what havoc in the hills behind them again. Loa picked up the wooden box he had set aside and placed it on the table.
George's and Reynolds's eyes were drawn to it.
They had noticed the box when Loa arrived. It was quite large, and he had carried it on his back the whole way, only setting it aside after reaching the dorm. They had assumed it held a weapon of his or something and had felt too awkward to ask.
"Is that your weapon in there, Loa?" Reynolds could no longer hold back.
"No." Loa smiled. "There's a saber in here. I use a sword."
"A saber?"
Linley was curious too. They had trained together since childhood; how could he not know that Loa used a sword? For him to suddenly bring out a saber, in such a large box at that-what was special about it?
Reynolds could no longer sit still. "Open it! Let us see!"
George said nothing, but his eyes were full of curiosity too.
Loa did not keep them guessing. He opened the lid.
The deep, dark hue of the Slaughter Blade came into view.
Linley had been sitting down.
The instant the blade was revealed, he stood straight up.
His movement was so abrupt that his chair toppled over, hitting the floor with a clatter.
"What's wrong, Third Brother?" George jumped.
Linley had always been steady and dependable in everyday life. George had never seen him like this. Could this saber have something to do with him?
Linley said nothing.
How could he possibly mistake it?
This saber was the Baruch Clan's heirloom treasure!