"You could've hired every contractor in the state and had this done in two weeks," she protested.

"Think, Natalie," he replied. "If I did that, then everyone would've been asking where I got the money."

"What about claiming a loan or inheritance from your grandparents?"

"There would have to be paperwork on file for all of that. Since this mortgage debacle, banks have gotten really tight on who can take out loans. As for grandparents, not only would I have to come up with my own backstory, I'd have to think up three generations of stories as well? No, thanks."

"What do you have to hide?"

Lance gave her a very stern glare. "Everything, Natalie. I have made enemies over the span of my years, and some are still around. They would love to get another crack at my head."

"You mentioned something about a game earlier."

"That's right. It's been going on since well before I showed up. Immortals challenge each other to single combat. The one who keeps their head, wins."

"That's insane! Why would they do that?"

"For the Quickening."

"The what?"

"It's an energy storm triggered by an Immortal beheading. It imparts all the knowledge your opponent has amassed over their lifetime, including what they've learned through other Quickenings. It's one helluva high. There's also rumored to be a prize, most likely the sum of all Immortal knowledge which is why so many who play The Game believe there can be only one."

"But how is that possible? I mean, if it's been going on for eons, and I'm just now an Immortal, how can there be only one?"

"That's a question we would all like answered."

Natalie sat back in her chair and thought for a long moment. "So, are you telling me that eventually, someone will come after my head?"

"Very probably," Lance answered honestly. "Which is why I'd like to take you up to Scotland when you're ready."

"You mean to see her, that woman you were talking about."

"That's right," he replied. "She can help you better than I can. Immortality is different for women. They think about things differently from men. Sure, I can teach you how to fight, but she can teach you how to live."

"What's her name?"

Lance took a deep breath before replying. "Guinevere."

Natalie stared at him, dumbfounded. "So, 'Lance' is really short for 'Lancelot'?"

He nodded.

"And 'Arturo' is another form of Arthur?"

"Yes," he answered.

Natalie buried her face in her hands. "So, not only are you an ex-Legionnaire, but a Knight of the Round Table, and God knows what else..."

"That's right," he replied.

Natalie rubbed her forehead, as though trying to get rid of a headache. "Y'know, all in all, I feel fine, but this damned hangover buzz just won't go away."