In Avengers of Gor, John Norman offers further insight into the methods, training, and tools associated with the Caste of Assassins. The passages highlight the crossbow as a weapon suited to the Assassin’s patient and deliberate approach, emphasizing the value of a single, well-timed strike rather than repeated attacks.

The novel also refers to the Nine Steps of Blood, describing a novice whose lack of training is revealed through the sounds of his movement. This passage illustrates the importance of silence, careful preparation, and attention to detail for those seeking membership in the Black Caste.

Finally, the comparison between the Assassin and his dagger presents the weapon as an essential instrument of his profession, much as other craftsmen and warriors depend upon their own tools. Together, these references portray the Assassin as a practitioner whose effectiveness depends upon the appropriate use of weapons, disciplined movement, and the skills required to carry out his work.

“Yes,” said Thurnock, satisfied. Then he added, “I do not care for crossbows.”

“It is an ideal assassin’s weapon,” I said. “It is patient. It can wait, and then strike when it wishes.”

“I still do not like it,” said Thurnock.

“I know one who is a master of such a bow,” I said.

“Its rate of fire is far inferior to that of the true bow, the great bow,” said Thurnock.

“He of whom I think,” I said, “would not expect to fire more than once.”

I recalled a grayish cast of features, and eyes like glass.
Pages 29

This time I had detected sounds, soft, tiny encroachments on the silence, cautious, careful, almost inaudible sounds. I smiled to myself. He with whom I was now alone in the room was clearly untrained. The sounds were resultant from the movement of sandals on the wooden floor. Even a novice, climbing the third of the nine steps of blood, aspiring to membership in the Black Caste, would not wear sandals in such a business, but would go barefoot or wrap his feet in rags, his sandals tied about his neck or to his belt.
Page 287

“Serve me well,” says the assassin to his dagger, the woodsman to his ax, the fisherman to his net and trident, the scribe to his pen, the warrior to his sword.
Page 307

The Crossbow and the Assassin’s Craft

The crossbow is described as an ideal Assassin’s weapon because it can wait patiently for the right moment to strike. Although its rate of fire is inferior to that of the great bow, the passage emphasizes that an Assassin may need only one shot. The weapon’s value lies not in repeated attacks, but in the opportunity to deliver a single, deliberate strike.

The Nine Steps of Blood and Silent Movement

The reference to a novice attempting the third of the Nine Steps of Blood highlights the importance of silence and careful movement in the training of an Assassin. The sound of sandals against a wooden floor reveals the novice’s lack of experience. Even the choice of footwear becomes significant, illustrating the attention to detail required of someone aspiring to membership in the Black Caste.

The Assassin and His Dagger

The comparison between the Assassin and his dagger, the woodsman and his axe, and the Warrior and his sword presents each weapon as an essential instrument of its wielder’s craft. For the Assassin, the dagger is not merely a weapon, but a tool upon which his work depends.