Firenze knew that Astor was not to be dissuaded, even as he raised doubts on his ability to kill an immortal, so he said no more on the matter, keeping silent instead of warning the hopeful challenger of the prodigious strength of Lord Albus, his ability to read his opponents intentions, and the scales that covered his body in a grotesque but impenetrable armour. Astor had no notion of all these impediments to his victory, though he was aware of the sword of Gryffindor that Lord Albus kept permanently sheathed by his side. The sword was legendary as it had been rumoured that it had been used by Lord Albus to tame the dragons. While Astor was doubtful of the existence of these creatures and thus doubtful of the myth of the sword of the Gryffindor, he was in no doubt that it would be a perilous blade, light as a feather but sharp enough to cut through bone.