The place did have the feel of a mansion, but one thing that was conspicuously absent was the presence of medieval weaponry as decor. In its place, there were books. Lots of books. Then again, if this was Valkyrie's place, maybe it made sense: put all the weapons in one place where only you have the key. Don't leave them hanging around for somebody else to pick up and use against you. "Well," I said, "If we can't find anything on the walls, there's always the kitchen. Cutlery will do in a pinch."

Then I paused. "You and Valkyrie have been training with pool noodles?"

Safe. Sensible. But the image of Valkyrie waving a pool noodle around made me want to chuckle, though I tried to be polite about it.