"It's gorgeous; your grandpa had one like it before he went mountain man. This one's a real antique... must be a couple of hundred years old at least. You can tell by the blade and the quality of the metal."

"I forgot your knack for all things old," I said.

"Don't knock it; this one could be worth quite a bit. But it being a gift it would be tacky to sell it."

"Could be a family heirloom," I joked and she shook her head in agreement. "Night mom."

"Sleep well and good luck tomorrow."

Umbra woke me promptly at six in the morning. I found that someone, Mom, had...