He reminds Gideon of the Second House as they fight. The technique of someone who has practiced as long as he's walked. The experience of someone who's fought outside dueling tournaments. Aiglamene would approve of the parries. Not simply blocking. The branch vibrates up her arm each time they connect. The daylight gets hazy. Their movements seem to slow as Gideon observes, adjusts, and attacks again.

She doesn't slow down, doesn't get more labored breathing. Gideon continues as though the sword--the branch--is part of her own body. He looks Eighth. Could be Colum's height. He should have gotten to die fighting. She knows that one wasn't her fault. She still fights the nearly colorless man the way Colum the Eighth deserved.