When in battle they used the lighter, Unthank-silver that all the best Anakim blades were made of; it was almost miraculously easy to wield. The echoing clang of the blades made the training hall sound like a foundry. The guardsman closest to Roper was another face he had memorised: Gosta, one of Uvoren’s war council. Most of the rest of the Guard fought with tight, economical movements; disciplined and fit. Gosta was more like a rabid dog, slashing harvestman-style at his evidently intimidated opponent and spitting vile curses as he forced the man back. Suddenly, Gosta lunged and beat aside
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