The Dark Path by James M. Bowers, Stacy Larae Bowers

place of origin."
    "I never hear you speak of those times, Gen. Was it that bad?"
    "I would rather not think about it, Master."
    "Very well. Come over here and teach me then," Master Ambern said with a chuckle, though his eyes held a sadness. What had Gen gone through there? Why did his manner change from cocky and joking to serious and servile when Shingami was around? Perhaps he would speak to the elder about it later.
    Master Shingami reappeared with the aforementioned materials and they began to work. An hour passed and Meeka entered. She started when she saw Master Shingami there but quickly hid the fact and bowed deeply.
    "Master, I did not know you were here."
    "It is okay, Meeka. I did not let you know I was here. Please make us some tea while you wait." Master Shingami didn't even turn to face her as he replied. Meeka walked over and fixed the tea. She was a bit nervous and put in a bit much. Her hands shook slightly as she poured the four glasses and carried it over to the work table. She served Master Shingami first and then Master Ambern and lastly Gen and herself. The masters and Gen stopped working and sat down to enjoy the tea. Master Shingami sipped his and nodded to Meeka.
    "It is very good. Strong," Master Shingami said between sips.
    "Thank you, Master," Meeka replied, blushing. They drank their tea in silence, then the three men went back to work. Meeka cleaned up and made ready to leave but Shingami stopped her. "Wait till we are finished please," was all the Master said. So she returned and sat by the fire where she lost herself into the flames. Two more hours passed until she heard Master Ambern sigh. "It is done!" He picked up the scabbard and handed it to Gen. "Try it out." Gen held the scabbard up to the light and examined it. It was straight and the mahogany had been stained to such a dark red that it looked black, almost the color of dried blood. The bottom cap was made of silver and was done in the form of a great black dragon that wrapped about the scabbard almost eating its own tail. The metal at the top of the scabbard matched the motif, though this dragon was a bit kinder looking. He took the curved blade and slowly slid it into the scabbard. It fit, though the sight of doing it boggled the mind a bit. It looked almost as though the blade straightened as it entered the scabbard, though Gen knew that was mere illusion. He turned to Master Shingami and bowed to him deeply. Then he turned to Master Ambern and bowed to him as well. He then walked over and handed the sword to Meeka.
    "What do you think of it?"
    Meeka took the blade and examined it as well. The handle was wrapped in black cord over ray-skin that was as well somehow black. There was no tsuba and when the blade was in the scabbard it looked like an expensive walking stick. She placed her hand upon it and the cording bit into her hand slightly. She gently pressed her thumb against the scabbard and pushed it open. Slowly she drew the blade that magically appeared to re-curve itself. It was very light. Much lighter than she anticipated. She made a single slash in the air with it and it seemed to cut through the air. It moved quicker than she had intended and it swung back and hit Gen in the leg. She drew the blade back at once. And turned to Gen. "I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" Gen looked down at the fine cut in his robes over his leg and reached out his hand for the sword. Meeka handed it to him quickly. He pulled up his gray robes and held the blade down under where Meeka had bumped him with it and pressed the spot a bit. The cut opened itself up and blood poured out of it onto the blade. Gen grimaced then chanted a quick spell that sealed up the wound. The blood on the blade stayed there for a bit then was oddly drawn into it. Meeka looked away from it, disturbed.
    "It has tasted your blood now. It will no longer thirst for it. Just make sure you don't give it any more," Master Shingami said softly. Gen nodded in reply and placed the