1
I was a slave, but never a fool. This empire is vast beyond imagining and we have killed only a fraction of the force they will bring against us. They will kill us, all of us, for we are slaves and we cannot be allowed even the barest hope of freedom. Without us, they have no empire.Anthony Ryan
2
If you believe our cause so hopeless, why join us?"" Because you offered something I had forgotten could be offered, a choice. And I choose to die free.Anthony Ryan
3
I cannot believe the path to victory lies in staining our souls so black we become indistinguishable from those we fight.Anthony Ryan
4
Power comes at a price, love, " Veliss replied through bared teeth, maintaining the smile she offered to the townsfolk lining the square." What power?"" All power. The power to rule, to kill, or, in your case this fine morning, the power to incite the lust of the old goat you're about to meet."" Lust? I have no desire to incite lust in anyone." Veliss turned to her with a quizzical expression, her smile suddenly genuine. "Then I'm afraid you're in for a lifetime of disappointment.Anthony Ryan
5
Thirty-four, still undecided on a name, sat practicing his Realm tongue with Draker, although much of the lesson seemed to consist of the correct use of profanity. "No, " the big man shook his shaggy head. "Pig-fucker not fuck-pigger.Anthony Ryan
6
What do you think the world is if not just an endless parade of madness? To make war is madness. To seek power is madness." She laughed louder, throwing her arms wide. "And madness is glorious!Anthony Ryan
7
Only in war does the madman become sane.Anthony Ryan
8
War is ever the folly of the ignorant. But I have seen much to convince me some wars must be fought, to the bitterest end if need be.Anthony Ryan
9
Have we freed this man or cursed him?" he wondered aloud." Freedom is never a curse, brother, " Thirty-four insisted. "But it is often a hard road.Anthony Ryan
10
It's a rare man who can guard against beauty.Anthony Ryan
11
The price of stability is unpreparedness.Anthony Ryan
12
I saw cities, and roads of marvelous construction. I saw cruelty and greed, but I've seen them here too. I saw a people live a life that was strange in many ways, but also much the same as anywhere else."" Then why are they so cruel?" There was an earnestness to the girl's face, an honest desire to know. "Cruelty is in all of us, " he said. "But they made it a virtue.Anthony Ryan
13
Courage?" I gave a very soft laugh. "I find courage is just another of life's illusions. In the end, we all do what we must.Anthony Ryan
14
Lust? I have no desire to incite lust in anyone." Veliss turned to her with a quizzical expression, her smile suddenly genuine. "Then I'm afraid you're in for a lifetime of disappointment.Anthony Ryan
15
Face after face contorted in hate, men, women, children. Whatever lies had been voiced against me had clearly gained near-universal acceptance. I knew then that, regardless of what transpired here, my home was now lost to me. It wasn’t just that these people would never accept me, more that I would never forgive their gullibility.Anthony Ryan