One of the things I strive for is realism. I need to be as real as possible in the dilemmas my characters face.
A sudden thought shocked him to the bone. I could leave Carthak when I’m a master. I’d never have to think about the games again.
Boys worry just as much about their looks as girls do. We only hide it better.
The Gentle Mother.” In Ramasu’s soft voice it sounded like a curse. “They took a goddess with a scythe in her hand, striding the rows of grain, and turned her to present the self of a housebound creature.
If you’ve a story, make sure it’s a whole one, with details close to hand. It’s the difference between a successful lie and getting caught. – From A Workbook for a Young Spy, written and illustrated by Aly’s father and given to her on her sixth birthday.
Me,” she said at last. “You should pick me.” “But you’re a girl.” It was impossible to tell what he was thinking. “So?” she demanded. “Even Captain Sklaw says I’ll be a swordsman yet. I’m as good an archer as Alex, and he’s a boy and a squire. I’m a better tracker than Raoul. And have I ever failed you? Back there, or when you had the Fever – ” “I’m glad you agree.
You pay attention just to words, not how they’re said. Briar’s like you – he talks meaner than he is, and people fall for it. You should know better.
You choose tools for a task by their crafting, not their look,” a crow said crisply from a nearby tree. He flapped over to land on a barrel in front of the cottage. “A smith’s finest hammer will be streaked with soot.
We are what we’re made to be.
Few people are wise enough to know they might not be ready for such a venture. Too many rush to wed, only to discover they know little about what they’re getting into.
Someday I must read this scholar everyone.
You do not take your place in your father’s tent, letting men make your decisions. You ride as a man, you fight as a man, and you think as a man – ” “I think as a human being,” she retorted hotly. “Men don’t think any differently from women – they just make more noise about being able to.
Numair smiled. “Their society is ruled by females. Each pack is led by sisters.” “Sensible of them,” Daine said, grinning up at him.
On the outside, the pony insisted. Not inside. Inside you’re People.
Magelet, one thing I have learned is that humans cling to their first knowledge of you, particularly if they have no experience of you once you’ve changed.
My wondrous book says you’re a feline, and a carnivore, and a vertebrate, and a mammal. I wish them that wrote it could smell around here right now and maybe they wouldn’t call you all those pretty names.
Maybe it takes a coward more courage – not less – to do and not do things. Perhaps cowards understand the world so much better than brave folk.
He was a god, the greatest of those who ruled two-leggers, but he was no Chaos queen. Her supply of awed terror was used up for today.
People with a good life would defend it more vigorously than people who were beaten down by their masters and their fates.
I respect you heaps, lady knight. I’d’ve thrown myself off a bridge, getting this assignment. You, you’re there with lists and plans. You listen to every flap-mouthed bumpkin who thinks he can do your task better, and you answer with a smile and thanks. Why, you’ve inspired me to be a blessing to my fellow bumpkin, just like you.
At last the King’s Champion straightened with a groan, her free hand going to her lower back. “Nobody ever says that, even with healers, your body still adds up your breaks and bruises, then gives you the bill in your mid-thirties,” she said wryly.