What should I say? That I like him so much it hurts?

As a general rule, writing is very inconvenient.

Razo was sorely tempted to assert that all was true and he'd lost his horns and tail in a tragic childhood accident

Yes, we'll yell, 'Help, help us, goose girl, and bring the terrifying legion of warrior geese'.

I cannot write to anyone outside myself--if I tried, it would be a horrible story, flat and lifeless. I write to myself. That's the only person I'm trying to please.

But in a country where you hang your dead up on walls and pride whether or not a man bears a javelin more than his character, how am I to persuade you out of a war? It would be suicide for Kildenree to war on Bayern and butchery for Bayern to attack Kildenree. If you don't believe me, then send me back. Or if you don't trust me to leave, I'll return to my little room on the west wall and tend your geese, and you can be sure that on my watch no thieves will touch my flock.

I’m sorry, my lady,” said Geric, rubbing his arm. “But I failed to force an apology out of the offending goose.