SOLVED. Help! Post-apocalyptic book (probably) - Guy brings gun to a sword fight. [s]

[Harry]

Hi everyone. Have posted here before with great success so gonna give it another go. Once again memory is very vague and could well be mixing books, but here goes..

I think the book in question was post-apocalyptic. One plot arc has a protagonist train night and day with a sword in order to challenge another to a duel. He is probably the second best in the world, but is told repeatedly he still isn't good enough and will lose. Nonetheless the duel goes ahead, and goes something like this.

Protagonist: "Do you know why I have trained so hard to face you?"
Bad guy: Shrugs, draws sword, "So you would last a few moments longer?"
Protagonist: "No. So you would *think* I thought I had a chance."
He then pulls out an ancient revolver - which no one recognizes - and shoots him.

[Ashley]

King of Thorns?

[Harry]

I think this is indeed it. Solved! Thank you very much, quick work.

[Ashley]

You’re welcome =)