Freya attempt to use me for anything other than good, so I do not know.”
“I see. And do I have to find murderers and rapists? Couldn’t I just use you to divine the truth and leave the rest to the authorities?”
“Why ever would you want to do that?”
“It’s the way things are done now. It’s illegal to physically hurt or kill someone, even if they deserve it. We have a court system for justice and prisons for punishment.”
“I am familiar with courts. Several of my previous hosts were magistrates and barristers.”
“I’m thinking of going to school to be a lawyer myself.”
“A noble cause for a Daughter of Freya. Think of all the good you could do with me to help you.”
Jessie thought about the possibilities, knowing the truth could be very powerful, although proving it would be problematic at times. It wasn’t as though she could tell anyone she had a magic sword, everyone would think she was crazy. And what about the gelding and executions? “Vala, how do I know you aren’t lying to me now?”
“I am a Sword of Truth. I cannot lie to you.”
“But how do I know that?”
“Once you take me as your own, you will know I am forthright.”
“But then it would be too late for me if you are lying. How do I know you aren’t some . . . I don’t know, malevolent demon trying to trick me?”
“Do I seem like I am?”
“My ex didn’t seem like a jerk when I met him, and he promised to love me forever.”
“You seem stronger for the experience, in my humble opinion.”
“I probably am, but I don’t see how running around with a sword that may or may not compel me to execute murderers will be good for me.”
“And geld rapists, dear.”
“Yeah, that’s even less attractive.”
“I don’t see why it would be an issue. I have never punished anyone who was innocent. Would you have them running around with impunity?”
“Most of them do now.”
“That’s because I have been behind glass for nearly one hundred years.”
“That might be for the best. You do know that the population of the United States of America alone is well over 300 million, don’t you?”
“That doesn’t seem possible.”
“Well, it’s true. I mean, how many people can one sword judge?”
“I don’t really know. I’ve had over 200 hosts in my lifetime, and altogether we delivered thousands of judgments.”
“Wow, that’s . . . ” Jessie wasn’t sure what word to use—crazy, perhaps? “ . . . impressive.”
“Thank you.”
“Vala, I don’t want to upset you, but I have plans for my life. I want to finish school, have a career, make friends, travel, possibly have kids. I may even want to get married someday . . . and it doesn’t sound like I can do that if I choose you.”
“But . . . it’s your destiny.”
“If my destiny is to run around killing and mutilating people, then I don’t want it.”
Vala sighed. “But it’s lonely in here.”
“You have Jürg and Tessa to talk to. And you said you can hear what’s going on around you.”
“It’s not the same, I barely learn anything new . . . and it sounds like so much has changed. Please take me with you?”
“No Vala. I can’t do that.”
Vala started to cry, and it nearly broke Jessie’s heart. “I will come visit you, though.”
“You will?”
“Not every week, and not for more than thirty minutes or so at a time. I don’t want to get kicked out of the museum for talking to exhibits.”
“The guard does seem to be looking at us quite a bit.”
Jessie looked over her shoulder. He was staring at her, and she suppressed the urge to flip him off.
“I’m going to go before I cause trouble. I’ll see you next week.”
“Do you promise?”
“Yes. And thank you Vala, you’ve actually helped me more than you realize.”
“Thank you, Jessie. I’m quite flattered.”
And with that, Jessie gathered up her things. She still wasn’t one-hundred-percent sure that Vala was telling the truth, but she was fairly certain the sword couldn’t make her do anything as long as she didn’t claim her first.
It also made her think that perhaps she would go to law school. She wouldn’t be able to help everyone who needed her, but she could make a difference in some people’s lives.
On the other hand, art might be what she needed to maintain a firm grip on sanity. Talking swords? A haunted suit of armor? And a tiara that was probably from the poor doomed head of Anastasia?