A Ring of Stars: The Temple of Pain.

 After eating the lunch which Toa had provided, Chris Alan returned indoors. When he reached the entrance, Toa shouted to him, “Young cub, pick one of those leaves on that nearby bush and bring it for me.” Doubling back outside, Chris Alan plucked the leaf which was about a hand breath in diameter. As he walked inside, he twirled the leaf, sensing that it would be important in his upcoming lesson. 

“Rafael, begin recording,” Chris Alan whispered as he walked in. A quiet tone like the A above middle C on a vibraphone affirmed that Rafael had begun doing so. 

Toa was sitting on the floor when Chris Alan came in. “Unsheath your Starblade, then come sit before me and lay it on the ground.” Quickly Chris Alan did so. When Toa held out his hand, Chris Alan gave him the leaf. 

“This lesson will be mental; I will be teaching you theory. You will listen, and I will ask some questions; you may ask questions as well if you wish.” Toa held the leaf aloft in the Light for a moment before speaking again. “Normally a lit Starblade can cut through anything, causing it to dissolve into the quantum vacuum. Even an unlit Starblade would easily destroy its intended target.” 

“That’s because the blade’s made of duringlass,” Chris Alan commented. 

“Indeed – as the hilt is made of durin. But can it cut this leaf in my hand?” Toa asked with a smile. 

“That’s just a leaf! This is a weapon made by the Lord of the Realms Himself.” Chris Alan felt totally silly pointing out such an obvious thing. 

“Well then, strike with your blade and cut it,” Toa challenged. 

Chris Alan looked at Toa suspiciously. He knew the old man was up to something, but what? Was Toa going to try to outmaneuver him? 

< That would be a good way to get his hand cut off, > he thought darkly. < Shalhevetyah’s an exact duplicate of Or ha-`Olam, the Lord’s own Master Blade. It practically guides itself, it’s so well-balanced. But apart from the White Hand, though I’m faster than Cody, I’m not as precise as he is. >