Amadeus glanced to the blade in her hand, and offered his tongue forward. I tensed on his behalf, my digital weapons prickling, my terminus-eye itching, wanting to ignite in my master's defence. For the first time since making planetfall, I felt the nakedness of a combat deployment without my armour or weapons.

The witch stroked downwards with the blade, swift and shallow, a surprisingly elegant flick. Amadeus didn't even blink. He kept his eyes on her as his blood trickled into her palm. The slice sealed within ten heartbeats, but it was enough.


Spear of the Emperor pg. 87