The Eastern Imperial Sword—the object insignificant, its authority anything but. The blade is three feet long, composed of thousands of microscopic layers of a chromium-antimony alloy whose color suggests it is simply brass. The haft is an aluminum-silicon compound the color of pewter. Set in the pommel is a large diamond, perching uncomfortably on a blade and haft that devalue it. Embedded in the haft beneath the diamond are electrical circuits for storing and amplifying psychic power, circuits that protect both wielder and Sword. In addition, the circuits generate a psychic link between the Imperial Sword and the Heir Sword. Emperors rarely employ the link; in fact, whole reigns might pass without Emperors ever using it. Occasionally an Emperor does need to reclaim the Heir Sword from a
