No matter how far diverged by their singular histories, every human culture in the Thousand Suns resonates to its tragic echoes.
May I ask you a personal question?She looked up in query and made the graceful little gesture that I had learned was an invitation.Isn’t Shevraeth a friend of yours?Yes, she said cautiously.Then why t...
I’m exactly as unlikely to blab our secrets to an anonymous flunky as I am to a Court decoration with a reputation as a gambler and a fop, I said finally.’Court decoration’? he repeated, with a faint...
It was well past sunset before we got away. All the details that couldn’t be settled had to be delegated, which meant explanations and alternative orders. But at last we were on the road, riding flat...
It is time,' he said, 'to collect on my wager.'He moved slowly. First, his hands sliding round me and cool light-colored hair drifting against my cheek, and then softly, so softly, the brush of lips a...
Is politics just another word for injustice?
If you want information, he said in his low tones, I am willing to take up my old connections and provide it. You need write to no one or speak to no one. It’s common enough for people to summon their...
If everyone who compromised with Galdran out of fear, or greed, or even indifference, were to be penalized, Shevraeth went on, Athanarel would soon be empty and a lot of people sent home with little t...
I wished that I had Nee to talk to, or better, Oria. Except what would be the use? Neither of them had ever caused someone to initiate a courtship by letter.I sighed, glad for the gentle rain, and for...
I wanted your experience of Court to be as easy as possible. Your brother just shrugged off the initial barbs and affronts, but I knew they’d slay you. We did our best to protect you from them, though...
I looked up--for he was half a head taller than I--into his gold-colored eyes, and though their expression was merely contemplative, and his manner mild, I felt my neck go hot. Turning away from that...
I had no conscious plan in mind, but it turned out I did not need one; when I reached the other side of the house, I glimpsed through a wall of vines a splendid terrace, and seated at a table on it wa...
I guess I am trying to tell you what you already seem to know--that the Merindars are going on the attack, with hired mercenaries from Denlieff. But--why do you want me to tell you when you already k...
Flauvic was standing by the middle window, one slim hand resting on a golden latch. I realized that one window panel was, in fact, a door, and that a person could step through onto the rocks that just...
Fall in lovewith heart, not head,to trouble you’re led.Fall in lovewith heart and mind,then true love you’ll find.
Branaric filled his glass again. So, what exactly is it you want from us?Alliance, Shevraeth said. How that will translate into practical terms is this: You withdraw to your home, to all appearances w...
Beyond those to another hall, with four doors--not woven doors, but real colorwood ones--redwood, bluewood, goldwood, greenwood--beautifully carved and obviously ancient.The servants opened one and bo...
Are you Countless of Tlanth? she asked as I dismounted.I nodded, and she bustled over to a friend, handed off the horse, then beckoned me inside. I’m to show you to the south parlor, my lady.Muddy to...
You will like Court life, I promise, she said, smiling sweetly as we went out of the parlor.I took care to walk behind her so she could not see my face.
Where are we going? I asked as he helped me down the stairs.Stable. One chance of getting out is there--if we’re fast.Neither of us wasted any more breath. He had to look around constantly while beari...