Neat Trick

Lone was still using the Blade Dance... but he was using forms that Tycondrius absolutely did not impart to him. He had a sinking feeling that the young man had an even higher proficiency with the sword art than former Sol Invictus leader, Quay. 

...Tycon could not be certain of it, though. The sword art was known for its subtlety, as the highest level of practitioners used natural, flowing movements that seemed no more threatening than a dancer's stage performance. 

Lone leapt forward, smashing the pommels of his sword hilt onto a large male pirate's shoulders, then powered a knee into his solar plexus. The pirate opened his mouth to scream... but the strike to below the lungs left him stunned and unable to convey his agony. 

Then, Lone... with yet another spin and a flourish, cleanly decapitated the fellow. He was showered in blood as he turned to the remaining pirates-- still another half-dozen left.