Without my sword, I am useless. We will become part of each other. I master the sword and the sword helps me master life.“With the sword, I protect ...he Clan. I teach the art of the sword to the Clan.”Individually, George and Mark swore to me as Clanmaster, but simultaneously to the Clan itself.“I give you my mind, my body, and my spirit in the quest. We are family and beyond family.“My sword is your sword. Your battle is mine. Our joys and our sorrows are as one.” I didn’t know how Lois could. “I didn’t realize Margaret and Gemma were so close or that Abby had joined them,” she said contemplatively.“What are you thinking?” I asked when she didn’t go further and had a far-away look in her eyes.“I was just thinking about my best friend when I was their age and wishing her husband was a Baron. That way he could have two wives,” she sighed.“Why?” I asked densely.She smiled indulgently as she answered. “The only unmarried men in town over the age of eighteen are drunk, lazy, or abusive.. At first she moved herself up and down slowly. ‘God, I’ve missed this,’ she smiled down at me. But then just as she began to pick the pace up a little, in the back of my mind somewhere, I could hear a strange banging noise. Sheila’s smile turned into a mocking laugh as the vision of her began to fade from my mind. I was almost fully awake now, the dream or nightmare as it always turned into was gone. I realised the noise was someone banging on my front door. Struggling out of bed I grabbed my. "This last bit was aimed at me as she eyed my appearance carefully. "I'llbe back to pick you up at about quarter to six. That should give youenough time to get started." She told us to have a good time and droveoff smiling. Was I finally going to find out just why Darla thought itwas so important to be here this afternoon? Fred was waiting for us at the front door and held it open as we walkedin. "Good afternoon girls," he said politely. "Joan, are you ready toplay?" I almost asked him if the.