Threats are the last resort of a man with no vocabulary.

Alanna didn't approve of lying, but in a pinch a lie was sometimes better than the truth.

She glared at him. "Why are you forever asking hard questions?" He smiled. "Sooner or later you'll have to be able to answer one." Daja shoved him, grinning.

Stefan spat. "Oh, aye, he fell. O' course, Master Ralon helped him fall, several times. Poor li'l tyke didn't have a chance.

If you've a story, make sure it's a whole one, with details close to hand. It's the difference between a good lie and getting caught.

Nestor beckoned to me and I dismounted with care.I handed the reins to the boy with thanks. I do not wish to see that hard-charging bag of bones again, unless it is in my soup.

It's harder to heal than it is to kill.