He smiles then, and even though it is well past midnight, its as if the sun has just come out.

We are all of us, gods and mortals, made up of many pieces, some of them broken, some of them scarred, but none of them the total sum of who we are.

Good intentions are only lies the weak tell themselves.

I blew that clay pigeon to smithereens. I don't know why Mum got so upset. According to Uncle Andrew she's a crack shot herself. But she says I'm too young. What I'd like to know is how old does a person have to be before they get to do all the fun stuff?

Jewels can be replaced, cousin. Independence, once lost, cannot.

I will sit here but an hour or two, then leave." I yawn. "So very long as that?" When he answers, there is a wry note in his voice. "I do have my reputation to protect.

It is a good thing I no longer have a heart, because if I did, it would surely break.