This is such a great piece. I think right now the values are just too close together and everything is fighting for attention. I would try and put focus on the character. By darkening the background with a multiply level this automatically puts more focus on the character. Also intensifying the highlights will also make it stand out as the focal point. Then intensifying the lights from the Sabre/sword can also draw attention and believability. Hope this helps spark some ideas and again, really nice piece here.