Reaper's Gale (Malazan Book of the Fallen, #7)

by Steven Erikson

After all, tyranny has no sense of humour. Too thin-skinned, too thoroughly full of its own self-importance.

‘You have lied to me.’ ‘You have lied to yourself. You all do, and call it faith. I am your god. I am what you made me. You all decry my indifference, but I assure you, you would greater decry my attention.

Shurq Elalle glared across at her first mate, but like most men he was impervious to such non-verbal warnings.

I was wasted, was I? Or of necessity kept under firm heel. Too many people like me on the loose and no ruler, tyrant or otherwise, could sit assured on a throne. We would stir things up, again and again. We would challenge, we would protest, we would defy. By being enlightened, we would cause utter mayhem. So, Fear, kick another basket of fish over here, it’s better for everyone.’