“Caladfwlch is ‘hard lightning’ in Welsh. The silly French dubbed the blade Excalibur.”

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Thaddeus Osbert, son of Kenelm Osbert, protector of the House of Kane.”

“Dragons appear to those who believe, and only then if we wish.”

“Be careful with that bloody great knife. Last time it was around, some oaf stuck me in the arse.”

“As a wee two hundred-year-old, I decided the south of England was much to my liking. A wee bit warmer and I prefer barbecuing my English sheep.”

“Raylene bit her bottom lip, but she couldn’t break the connection, not that she wanted to. “Do you really have to keep addressing me as Miss Capri, even out here?” He nodded, but didn’t hesitate to add, “The only place I can call you by your first name is in the privacy of a cabin.” Raylene’s eyes widened considerably, as she considered what her heart and mind collided to reply. With a nervous swallow, her voice became little. “Then I think we should proceed to your cabin, First Officer John Drake.”

“No tugs, Number One?” the Captain inquired with a definite inflection to his voice. “You’re well aware that I shall receive a complaint upon our return?”Drake shook his head. “I think not, sir. Even the Port Authority will have to admit that Princess Carla was merely showing her best. She has a fine backside and we owe it to her to show it off, now and again.”