Currently, Mairon is in the "biding his time" phase. Sometimes you have to spend time earning trust before you have the pleasure of betraying it.

"Those are both possibilities. But an object of power can also develop its own will, after a fashion. Or some lingering remnant of a prior owner might affect its actions. There are many factors to consider." He's considered them all. "But this sword is free of such corruption."

Mairon nods. "I am sure. As I said, I am a spirit. I cannot be harmed in that way."