The abbot told me once that lying was a betrayal to one's self. It's evidence of self-loathing. You see, when you are so ashamed of your actions, thoughts, or intentions, you lie to hide it rather than accept yourself for who you really are. The idea of how others see you becomes more important than the reality of you. It's like when a man would rather die than be thought of as a coward. His life is not as important to him as his reputation. In the end, who is the braver? The man who dies rather than be thought of as a coward or the man who lives willing to face who he really is?
Michael J. SullivanYouโre too visible, Albert,โ Hadrian explained. โCanโt afford to have our favorite noble hauled to some dungeon where they cut off your eyelids or pull off your fingernails until you tell them what weโre up to.โ โBut if they torture me, and I donโt know the plan, how will I save myself?โ โIโm sure theyโll believe you after the fourth nail or so,โ Royce said with a wicked grin.
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. SullivanStealing swords,โ Royce muttered mostly to himself. โOkay, letโs take a look at this tower. The sooner I see it, the sooner I can start cursing.
Michael J. SullivanHave you ever been in love, Hadrian?โ โIโm not sure. How do you tell?โ โLove? Why, itโs like coming home.โ Hadrian considered the comment. โWhat are you thinking?โ Bulard asked. Hadrian shook his head. โNothing.โ โYes, you were. What? You can tell me. Iโm an excellent repository for secrets. Iโll likely forget, but if I donโt, well, Iโm an old man in a remote jungle. Iโm sure to die before I can repeat anything.โ Hadrian smiled, then shrugged. โI was just thinking about the rain.
Michael J. SullivanHadrian drew two swords from his sides in a single elegant motion. He flipped one around letting it spin against his palm once. โNeed to get a new grip on this one. Itโs starting to fray again.โ He looked at Will. โShall we get on with this? I believe you were about to rob us.
Michael J. Sullivan