Han spotted a child‟s homespun dolly in the ditch, pressed into the mud. He reined in, meaning to climb down and fetch it so he could clean it up for his little sister. Then he remembered that Mari was dead and had no need of dollies anymore. Grief was like that. It gradually faded into a dull ache, until some simple sight or sound or scent hit him like a hammer blow.

Both Averill and Bayar were like actors speaking lines for their audience and not to each other.

I continue to believe in miracles. But i know that miracles come to those who work very hard

Just a rat, she repeated to herself. After all, there were rats in the palace. Human and otherwise. Could be worse.

You touch me again, you arrogant Ardenine swine, and I swear on the blood of Hanalea the warrior, I will geld you. Do you understand?

He keeps this up, he's bound to be caught, she thought. And this time they'll dangle him for certain.

You do not respond to an attempt on your life with a slap on the hand. Or a joke.