You learn something new everyday." "What are you learning?" Sophos asked. "To keep my mouth shut, I hope.

He looked at their shabby clothes in puzzlement. “We were traveling anonymously for safety—” explained the magus. “But surely—” “—and then we were robbed on the road.” “Ah,” said the king, “the danger in being anonymous.

He couldn't offend the gods with a pointed stick.

What he brought out was a wooden gag they put in someone's mouth before doing something drastic, like cutting off a leg.

No man can choose to serve only himself when he has something to offer his state. No one can put his own wishes above the needs of so many.

All my life they had made choices for me, and I had resented it. Now the choice was mine, and once it was made, I would have no right to blame anyone else for the consequences. Loss of that privilege, to blame others, unexpectedly stung.

Staring at the wall opposite him he presented the queen with a view of his ear and awaited her orders.