June 09, 2007

James Farton was 30 years old, a very rich and handsome man with his jet-black hair, his gleaming beetle-black eyes, his sun-tanned skin and his sturdy chin. He was very strong, muscular and well-built. He was very clever and knew nearly all the languages of the world.

He smoothed back his hair as he got into his large car, trying to avoid the heat of the sun. He turned on the air-conditioner and closed all the windows. Now he started the car and drove it out of the garage. He drove through the streets of the beautiful city of Hillside. He stopped his car in a street which had equipment shops on either side. He got out, locked the doors and walked up to a shop named ‘Security /Antique Equipment’, rubbing his sweating face with a white handkerchief.

James opened the glass door, stepped in and cool air brushed against his face from an air-conditioner. Large boxes were kept on the left side of the door and a counter on the right. In front of the glass door, in a transparent glass room, items of various types were on display. There was a large gun, a red alarm bell and many more security items but the thing that caught James’s eyes was a long sword with words inscribed on it. It was very sharp and silver with a long red cover which had gleaming jewels embedded in it. There was a tag attached to the cover on which was written ‘£2,000’.

At this moment there was a cough. “Do you want to buy something sir,” asked a youth from behind the counter. He was red-haired, about twenty-five years old, hook-nosed and very thin.

“Yes, that sword interests me very much. Where, when and how was it found?” asked James.

“Well, sir. It was found in the 13th century. Christopher Columbus, during his expedition, had just arrived at the equator when he found it in an unknown island. Do you want to hear more, sir?”

“Yes my dear, it seems very interesting,” said James. “When he saw that island in the distance he turned his ship around and signalled the other two ships to do the same. They were in front of him and crashed on the rocks surrounding the island. Columbus followed carefully and reached the island. On the island, Columbus saw a man holding this sword in his hands, battling a second man holding another sword. The second man’s sword broke into hundreds of pieces and he ran away. The man holding this sword fell to the ground, and died from exhaustion. The only clue to his existence was his name engraved on the sword, ‘Mr Hawkes Farton’. Columbus brought back his sword and it was passed on from one place to another and eventually it reached my shop. This was all kept a secret,” the youth said.

James frowned, “Hawkes Farton that was my great-great-great grandfather’s name. We never knew how he died. Please, can I purchase this sword?” he said taking out his wallet. The youth wrapped up the sword and gave it to James. He went back to his car, drove to his house and ran into his room, with the sword in his hands. He could understand the language on the sword. “Can be touched and used only by a Farton. Has amazing power.” James took off the cover and put it aside. He pointed the sword at a wastepaper basket. Red flames shot out of the end and burnt the paper. He replaced the cover and placed the sword beside his bed. Night had fallen and he fell asleep.

At midnight, he was awakened by the clicking of a lock. He picked up his sword and removed its cover. He pointed it at the door and the end glowed with a red light. A man was standing at the door. He had a pale face, blonde hair, green eyes and was very thin. He was holding a sword in his hands, “My name is Robert Flaring and I am here to take revenge upon you for my great-great-great grand father. Your grandfather defeated mine but died. When Columbus took the Farton sword away my ancestor returned and fixed his own sword. It was passed on in my family till it reached me. For years I tried to find you and tonight I have. Now I will finish the battle my grandfather was unable to finish,” said the man.

Green flames shot out of his sword and his bed sheets caught fire. James jumped forward and pointed his sword at the flames. Water splashed on the flames and they disappeared. He ran at the man and swung his sword but the man blocked it with his. The two swords clashed together with such force that both men were thrown backwards. James recovered first and swung his sword again. This time it hit its mark and Robert’s sword was knocked out of his hands. Robert then attacked with a karate chop but James blocked it with the sword. Robert’s hand was cut and he fell backwards in pain. He lunged for his sword but James pointed his sword at it and drew it to himself. Robert’s sword disappeared inside James’ own sword and wouldn’t come out. Metal chains emerged from his sword and bound Robert’s wrists and ankles. He struggled against them but couldn’t do anything. A siren sounded from James’s sword and in seconds, the police had arrived. James hid his sword under his bed and they arrested Robert.

After this, James always used the sword for good things. Legend has it that the sword was passed on to every family member for generations to come.