The Spinning Top: From Nikki Little's "Not American McGee's Alice" Chapter 7
I rooted through the pile of toys and found an old, faded spinning top. It was obvious that it had once been a thing of stunning beauty, but its varnish was completely worn off and the wood had turned gray. Still, its shape was perfect, and its surface was smooth except for the expertly cut grooves for the string which was trailing from its tip.
"Do you know how to throw one of those things?" asked Cheshire.
"I had one of these as a small child. In fact, I think it was my first toy. I had a shiny, red laquered spinning top with a string. Much like this one." I wrapped the string around the top and gave it a throw. The top spun perfectly on a flat spot of dirt and kicked up a miniature dust devil as it spun.
"Alice," said Cheshire, "I do believe that you have found a new weapon."
I watched the top spin and wondered how long it would take to topple over. As long as the top spun, the miniature dust devil that enveloped it continued to spin, too.
"Cat, I do believe that it could be used to temporarily block a path, corridor, or tunnel."
The toy toppled over and reappeared in my hand in the style of my jacks. I carefully wrapped the string around it and placed it in my right pocket, which I resealed.
"A funny thing, Alice. Toys seem to like you. Especially toys that can be used as weapons."