Does your ma know you're this silly?" she demanded tartly. He nodded, comically sad. "The few gray hairs she has on her head are my doing. But" — with an exaggerated change of mood — "I send her plenty of money, so she can pay to have them dyed!" "I hope she beat you as a child," Onua grumbled.

You are the Protector of the Small. You see real people in the humans and animals overlooked by your peers. There will always be work for you.

I swear the sparrows called us ten kinds of idiot when we did it.

Once she was certain, she didn't waiver. I had to make her stop for water or a bite to eat. She obeyed, but she was restless. As clear as if she spoke to me, she was saying, "Very well, I know you want to keep my strength up, but scent fades, you know!" And I'd say, "I know, girl, buy you're what I have and I'm going to take care of you.

What trouble have you brought to my doorstep, Beka" she asked. "I don't see where blaming me for things that began months ago will be useful," I replied.

If we just allowed women and men more leeway in our culture and more acceptance, I think they would be able to make better compromises.

When people say a knight's job is all glory, I laugh and laugh and laugh. Often I can stop laughing before they edge away and talk about soothing drinks.