And Tempus thought then that nothing was more worthwhile than what was growing in this whitewashed barracks, where he has come to build a force such as men or gods have never seen - a force worth reckoning with, if you were of a mind. And something was of that mind. And something else opposed it. He should have expected that. Battle in the heavens, battle on the earth.

Some nights, one wants to tell beloveds everything that's been waiting to be said. Some nights, a man needs flesh and blood and warm breath and a loving heart.

Strife brings all things into being on her battlefield. This I know. I have been there many times," says Vashanka, lord of sack and pillage. "I have died before.

For the gift of life, the only true thanks was in living fully, and facing death with honor.

Honorable battle sustains a Sacred Band.

There is no mercy in trading life for life. And certainly no righteousness. Mercy, once given, cannot be taken back.

Death's easy to find. If She wants you, you'll meet Her here as well as anywhere.