If I could change it all for you, if it were in my power to spare you, I would do so. If I could trade places with you, I would. But I can only be here with you, and I will tell you this: you are not broken, and every inch of you is dear to me and whole.

Child, use your brain. Think on your feet. Being polite and reserved is how we were raised, but we learned the hard way that the rest of the world isn’t that way. I’ve perceived from conversation that you comprehend such things, like that swordplay with whatsit... that Titmouse, or whatever his name was. In other words, child, propriety has its place, but don’t let your guard down. In real life, you never know who the plagers of Intrigue really are, or what they stand for.

One never really knew just how taxing pain was till one was free of it and could feel the difference.

Maybe, she thought with some perversity, it wasn’t the gods who controlled the universe, but cats. Cats who toyed with humans as a puppeteer would a marionette.

There is no better way to gain perspective on one’s life than by gazing upon the heavens.

Indeed, no one should see too much of their own history or future.

Often, just as when they were children, it was four against one when some argument came up. At least they no longer sat on him to force him to submit to their wishes.

When you aren’t committed to the outcome of the game, there is no way you can win.

But I wasn’t called,” Karigan said. “Are you so sure?” The captain smiled. “The valling to become a rider comes in a variety of ways. Perhaps you are right about iT being the situation: F’ryan’s dying, you being right there.” She shrugged. “Their qualities are peculiar. They seem to attract strange adventures and extraordinary people to the wearer. Some belive iT is just the nature of the job, of being a king’s Messenger, yet others believe iT is the magic.

Every moment of life mattered. Even the perfect snowflake that alighted on his palm and melted in seconds.