Stonewielder (Novels of the Malazan Empire, #3)

by Ian C. Esslemont

True pure evil, Assessor, is waste. It is the blunting of potential, the cutting off of a person’s or a people’s promise, or options, for development. It is, emblematically, the death of a child.’ The old woman’s head sank. ‘Look then, Assessor, to the children.’

‘Those who do not gamble do so betting that terrible things will eventually happen to those who do.’

Looking back is a flame in the eyes. Best not to linger like flies on the refuse we have made. No, I know nothing of what came before. Nor do I care. It is much easier to worship the future that will never come.