Asil left Bran alone with his thoughts then, because if he stayed, Bran would argue with him. This way, Bran would have no one to argue with but himself. And Asil had always credited Bran with the ability to be persuasive.

But that was the trouble with ancient artifacts - no one really knew what they did.

My foster mother always laughed and said it was his reputation for knowing everything that allowed for him to appear infallible: all he had to do was walk through the room and see who looked guiltiest when they saw him. Maybe she was right, but I tried looking innocent the next time, and it didn't work.

He loved her beyond all reason and didn't expect her to love him back. He was just waiting for her to wise up.

The best way for me to protect you is to encourage you to be able to protect yourself.

Obstreperous, ‘huh,” said Tad. “I see you’ve been using that Big Word of the Day calendar I got you last Christmas.” “That is irrefragable,” I told him solemnly.

It was complicated. I understood it, mostly, but I had to think a little sideways to do it.