We know. We've seen it all before.
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.
Wars don't bring lasting peace, only lasting death.
Something is going on everywhere, most of which no one understands.
We fouled up. I did. He got hurt. Badly, maybe. And the god...is not helping him today.
Niko's angular face caught a flicker of firelight and Tempus saw his future there: sharp purpose, discipline, and power in perfect balance; love of man and gods, and mercy transcending all. If war ever wore a more humane face, this one would make it so.