An image popped into Oliver's mind. The way Dominus had thrown his strikes, as if they were the most casual thing in the world. The effort that was put behind their immense strength seemed to be stored elsewhere. He never made it look like it was a significant challenge. Was that simply the strength of the Fifth and Sixth Boundary or was it something else entirely?
Was it that which he was aiming for? Was it Dominus Patrick's blade? He did not even know the answer to that question himself. He only knew that lately, when he picked up his sword, he felt a burning sense of inadequacy. A grating, and an impurity. It was lacking in some realm, and he knew not what it was.
