‘War is the enemy of civilization. We cannot grow through war. It drags us down, filling our hearts with hatred and thoughts of revenge. Trade is the key. Every race has something to offer, and something they need to buy. And, as we trade, we learn new skills from one another.‘
– Odysseus, to Xander, Lord of the Silver Bow
‘But for all people, life is like a river. One man steps into it and finds it is cool and sweet and gentle. Another enters and finds it shallow and cold and unwelcoming. Still another finds it a rushing torrent that bears him on to many perils; this last man cannot easily change his course.‘
– Jon Shannow, to Beth McAdam, The Last Guardian
‘You can’t change the world, son. There’ll always be serpents. All you can do is live your own life in the way you feel is right.‘
– Clem Steiner, to Nestor, Bloodstone
‘We make choices every day, some of them good, some of them bad. And – if we are strong enough – we live with the consequences.‘
– Helikaon, to Phaedra, Lord of the Silver Bow
‘Nothing wrong with fear. It is how we deal with it that counts.‘
– Stavut, to Shakul, The Swords of Night and Day
‘Give me your best and I will reward you, whether what you do is successful or not. All I ask of men who serve me is that they put their hearts into it. No more can be demanded.‘
– Helikaon, to Khalkeus, Lord of the Silver Bow
‘No regrets. Not ever. We win, we lose. The mountains do not care.‘
– Sigarni, to Caswollon, The Hawk Eternal
‘Arguing with women offers no reward. They are always right.‘
– Prasamaccus, to Thuro, Ghost King
‘The truth is a many-costumed whore. Seems to me she will offer a man valid reasons for any deed, no matter how ghastly.‘
– Odysseus, to Helikaon, Lord of the Silver Bow
‘I wonder at accidents in life. I wonder how many are caused by our own secret desires.‘
– Bowman, to Rek, Legend
