‘There’s some would say what you did was foolish. They would tell you that it is better to live a long lifetime as a coward, rather than a short one as hero. They are wrong. The coward dies every day. Every time he runs away from danger, and leaves others to suffer in his place. Every time he watches an injustice and tells himself: “It is nothing to do with me.” Every time a man risks himself for another, and survives, he becomes more than he was before.‘
– Druss, to Rabalyn, White Wolf
‘One fact I learned in my life is that we should never regret love. In many ways it is what defines us. In that respect, I have been lucky. I have been loved, and I have loved. Ultimately that is all that counts. The dreams of men all come to dust.‘
– Skilgannon, to Askari, The Swords of Night and Day
‘I will not weep for the dead. I will hold them in my heart, and I will live my life to the full in honour of them.‘
– Odysseus, to Ganny, Shield of Thunder
‘Nothing of real worth can ever be bought. Love, friendship, honour, valour, respect. All these things have to be earned.‘
– Kalliades, to Kalliope, Shield of Thunder
‘There’s no shame in fear. But understand this – the coward is ruled by fear, while the hero rides it like a wild stallion.‘
– Necklen, to Gelan, Dark Moon
‘These seeds are from the foxglove flower. A tiny amount of them can give a dying heart fresh life. Like a miracle. But just a pinch too much and they become the deadliest poison. Pride is like that. Too little and a man has no sense of self-worth. The world will wear him down to dust. Too much and he becomes arrogant, vain and boastful. But just enough and he is a man to walk the mountains with.‘
– Vorna, to Connavar, Sword In The Storm
‘All roads lead to death. It is inescapable. Even so, there is a right path. If you cannot recognize it, then you must find a man already upon it and follow him. You will know. Let the heart-light shine. It will lead the way.‘
– Ironhand’s Ghost, to Obrin, Ironhand’s Daughter
‘Do not speak badly of yourself, for the warrior that is inside you hears your words and is lessened by them. You are strong and you are brave. There is a nobility of spirit within you. Let it grow – you will do well enough‘
– Chareos, to Kiall, Quest For Lost Heroes
‘Look around you more often: see the people as they touch and show their love. But don’t watch coldly, like an observer. Don’t hover outside life – take part in it. 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
‘What can I do, when I am small and weak? Why should I not steal a little, everyone else does? Why should I try to be pure, when it leaves me poor and disregarded? How can I change the world? Yet all ideas, for good or evil, start in the heart of a single man or woman. From there they spread, one to one, two to two, a hundred to a hundred.’
– Gwydion, to Làmfhada, Knights of Dark Renown
