Okay---so he could defend himself that way. But he needed to hurry! Billy yelped and was driven back, the tendril registering as a sharp pressure on his chest. Thank you, suit.

He hurriedly broke his lance in two and spun both halves, slicing at the tendrils to give himself an opening. When he was up, he dove back in with another stab, arms ready to guard if need be.

A shorter, two-handed style was in.