"A classic ploy," Gene says, frowning. "We ought to have seen it coming." At the mention of his armor, he does his best not to look uneasy. "I imagine it will. But I prefer not to rely on just one weapon." Anymore, he amends, silently. Back in his world, nobody could dream of fighting the rings at full power if he really applied himself. But here, he's hedging his bets.

When talk turns to his sword, though, he looks interested. "It's one of the interesting things about this place; a lot of the style is similar to the environment in which I was raised." Sometimes, enough to make him homesick. "This sword was a gift from Eshai. It's very similar to the type of sword called a jian that I learned how to use."