Booktalking Colorado - Full Booktalk Record

Booktalking Colorado Full Record:

	Title:	At the Crossing Places
	Author:	Holland, Kevin Crossley
	Date Published:	2002
	Genre:	Fantasy
	Grade Level:	6 - 8
	Booktalker:	Sam Marsh

Booktalk:
"Merlin," says Arthur-in-the-stone, "I have no sword." "You have the sword in the stone." "I can't quest with that, its far too heavy." "I know of a sword fit for a King," says Merlin. They ride up a valley and come to a lake like a silver mirror. A hand rises from the lake grasping a sword. "Ah! There's the sword I was thinking of." A beautiful woman glides towards them across the water. "The Lady of this lake," Merlin informs Arthur-in-the-stone. "When she arrives, ask her to give you the sword." Arthur asks. The lady responds that he may have the sword if he will give her whatever she asks for. Arthur agrees and Merlin rows him out to the arm and hand. Arthur grasps the sword and scabbard, and the arm and hand vanish into the water. "The name of your sword is Excalibur," says Merlin. "Which do you prefer, the sword or the scabbard?" "The sword, of course," answers Arthur. "That shows how much you have left to learn," replies Merlin. "Wear the scabbard wherever you go and you'll never shed a drop of blood, even when wounded.