Each killing steals a bit of humanity until a murderer is nothing more than an animal. A hunger replaces the spirit. A want for what was lost, but as with innocence, the soul can never be replaced. Joy, love, and peace flee such a vessel and in their stead blooms a desire for blood and death.
Michael J. SullivanRoyce looked back down at the stream below. "She doesn't even know me. What if she doesn't like me? Few people do." "She might not at first. Maribor knows I didn't. But you have a way of growing on a person." He smiled. "You know, like lichen or mold.
Michael J. SullivanAnd you? Did you find the doorknob?โ Hadrian picked up a jug and downed several swallows, drinking so quickly some of the water dripped down his chin. He poured some in his palm and rinsed his face, running his fingers through his hair. โI didnโt even get close enough to see a door.โ โWell, look on the bright sideโโHadrian smiledโโat least you werenโt captured and condemned to death this time.โ โThatโs the bright side?โ โWhat can I say? Iโm a glass-half-full kinda guy.
Michael J. SullivanBeen meddling, have you?โ Royce asked, looking around at the hive of activity. โYou must admit they didnโt have much in the way of a defense plan,โ Hadrian said, pausing to wipe the sweat from his forehead. Royce smiled at him. โYou just canโt help yourself, can you?
Michael J. SullivanWill nodded toward Hadrian. โLook at the swords heโs carrying. A man wearing oneโmaybe he knows how to use it, maybe not. A man carries twoโhe probably donโt know nothing about swords, but he wants you to think he does. But a man carrying three swordsโthatโs a lot of weight. No oneโs gonna haul that much steel around unless he makes a living using them.
Michael J. SullivanRoyce cast a harsh and anxious look at the prince. โWhat?โ Alric asked. โI thought we discussed the importance of keeping a low profile.โ โOh, please.โ The prince waved a hand at the thief. โI donโt think it will get me killed if this monk knows Iโm the king. Look at him. Iโve seen drowned rats more formidable.
Michael J. Sullivan