‘In life we do not always get what we want, my friend. I did not want a storm. I did not want my first wife to leave me – nor my second wife to stay. Such is life, eh?’
– Milus Bar, to Bodasen, The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend
All posts by Robbie Swale
‘Do not sneer at their faith. We all need something to have faith in.’
– Odysseus, to Helikaon, Fall of Kings
‘Harmony is balance, it is understanding the evil we carry, but holding it in stasis by the good we should desire. Harmony is achieved when we have the courage to accept that we are flawed.’
– Pendarric, to Ruth, Wolf in Shadow
‘A good craftsman can create a masterpiece in four or five years. A fool with a hammer can destroy it in a few heartbeats.’
– The Morrigu, to Banouin, Midnight Falcon
‘Wealth is a small thing, tiny like a grain of sand. It seems large only to those who do not possess it. You talk of my palace. It is not mine. I built it, I live within it. Yet one day I will die and the palace will have another owner. Then he will die. And so it goes on. A man owns nothing but his life. He holds items briefly in his hand. If they are made of metal or stone they will surely outlive him and be owned by someone else for a short time. If they are cloth he will – with luck – outlive them. Look around you, at the trees and the hills. According to law, they are mine. You think the trees care that they are mine? Or the hills? The same hills were bathed in sunlight when my earliest ancestor walked the earth. The same hills that will still be covered in grass when the last man turns to dust.’
– Waylander, to Keeva Taliana, Hero in the Shadows
‘I know Shane’s a film, darlin’. But somebody wrote it, didn’t they? And whoever he was, he knew. He bloody knew! He knew broken bones wasn’t so special. Somebody gives that to ya. But they’ll mend. But when they make you eat shit, they’re taking somethin’ away. And you don’t never get it back.’
– Bimbo Jardine, to Sue Cater, White Knight Black Swan
‘It has become fashionable to believe that all actions have a cynical base. That’s what comes of believing the lies of politicians. I have lived long, and I have seen much. There is among many people a desire to help others. Perhaps it is this which binds us all together.’
– Banelion, to Ulmenetha, Winter Warriors
‘Never violate a woman, nor harm a child. Do not lie, cheat or steal. These things are for lesser men. Protect the weak against the evil strong. And never allow thoughts of gain to lead you into the pursuit of evil.’
– Druss, to Sieben, The First Chronicles of Druss the Legend
‘There are people out there waiting to love you. It is not something you should turn down lightly.’
– Rayvan, to Decado, The King Beyond the Gate