Success and failure are two edges of the same blade, two sides of the same coin. To fear one is to forever deny the possibility of the other.

The truth was only another mask, even if it was the best fit, the closest to skin and all that lay beneath

What humans do when they're desperate is just an expression of fear. What they do when they feel safe is a better indication of whether or not you can trust them.

If life were fair, we would never have suffered what we suffered at all; having suffered it and survived, we're still reacting to things that don't exist anymore.

Generally, I like to appear smart. I don't admit being stupid when there's any hope I'm not.

i'm never going to understand the Barrani." "You needn't sound so morose, Lord Kaylin. They are unlikely to understand you either." "Yes, but I'm unlikely to try to kill them for fun.

Kaylin is not known for her punctuality. She is known, in fact, for her lack--even by those outside of the Hawklord's command.