I have always regarded historical fiction and fantasy as sisters under the skin, two genres separated at birth.

The intelligent and efficient politician is a species virtually unknown in the galaxy. Perhaps I might secure a scraping [for my] cell library.

I've never been quite sure what the point of a eunuch is, if truth be told. It seems to me they're only men with the useful bits cut off.

Everything's better with some wine in the belly.

Men are mad and gods are madder, she told the grass, and the grass murmured its agreement.

Just where do you think you are going, Arya?' the septa demanded. Arya glared at her. 'I have to go shoe a horse,' she said sweetly taking a brief satisfaction in the shock on the septa's face.

Wine makes all things possible.