Juices ran down the sides of the piglet, to spit in the fire below. Jen basted while Dorum sharpened his sword. The hilt of the emerald sword gleamed on Jen’s hip.

Dorum tossed his blade carelessly into the pile he had already sharpened. In three strides and a smile Dorum was at Jen’s side.

“Smells good!â€?
“You’re always hungry.â€?

Dorum’s grin split the night. He’d always had a good smile even when they were children. She recalled her mother’s words.

“Look after the emerald sword, Jen. The village depends on it.â€?
“But…â€?
“No pets or boys for you, dear. You have greater responsibilities.â€?

So her childhood ended. Almost. Dorum leaned towards dinner and suddenly snatched the emerald sword from her hip. Dorum pulled the sword over his head and slashed the air diagonally in front of him.

The mighty sword was now only ten inches long, and his face fell.

“What…â€?

Jen shrugged and poured the contents of one pouch onto a flat stone. Six small emeralds fell out. From another pouch, she poured some white powder.