Contents
Book Four: The Trap — 12.
Overview
Guided by Svangur, the group reaches a bone-strewn cavern holding a tomb with relics: a saint’s vial, a fireproof hair robe, and the Sword of Strange Hangings. Arthur draws the blade, affirmed by its grace. Colin then reveals his allegiance to King Sorrow and fatally stabs Arthur, upending the quest’s leadership and aims.
Summary
Recovering from the deadly dance, Colin, Arthur, and Svangur enter a vast cavern lit by glowworm specks. Among heaps of bones and Svangur’s tawdry hoard, Arthur compels the troll to indicate the “cabinet of curiosities,” a stone tomb marked by a Celtic cross.
They open the sarcophagus, releasing a sweet, grassy scent. Inside lie a silk-sheathed sword with a golden cross hilt, a brown‑gray robe woven of human hair, and a glass vial sealed with wax. Arthur, believing intent is the measure, grasps the Sword of Strange Hangings; it answers him like “a first kiss.”
Colin briefly holds the sword, feeling a painful, repellent charge. Arthur identifies the relics’ powers—blade that cuts anything, robe resisting dragon fire, saint’s blood for restoration—and proposes regrouping at the Briars to plan.
Before Arthur can act, Colin thrusts the sword through Arthur’s abdomen. As Arthur collapses, bewildered, Colin admits he could never have drawn the blade and declares Arthur was the obstacle, not King Sorrow. Cradling Arthur’s head, Colin claims the role of “hero” for himself, revealing his betrayal and leaving Arthur bleeding out beside the opened tomb.
Who Appears
- ColinBetrays Arthur, seizes the sacred sword to stab him, declares allegiance to King Sorrow.
- ArthurDraws the Sword of Strange Hangings, affirmed by its grace; mortally wounded by Colin.
- Svangur (Stuart Finger)Troll guide; leads them to his bone-strewn hoard and the tomb containing the relics.