Heir of Novron (The Riyria Revelations, #5-6)

by Michael J. Sullivan

Over the years, he had given up caring if he lived or died, figuring that a quick demise spared him the pain of living in a world so miserly that it begrudged an orphan boy a life. He had always been ready for death, gambling with it, waging bets against it. Royce had been satisfied in the knowledge that his risks were sound because he had nothing of value to lose—nothing to fear.

“Hold on a second. When we first arrived, didn’t you mention that the palace was recruiting new guards?” “Yeah, they’re expecting huge crowds. Why?” Hadrian didn’t reply right away, staring into the single candle and massaging his callused palms. “I thought I might try my hand at being a man-at-arms again.” Albert smiled. “I think you’re a tad overqualified.” “Then I ought to get the job.”

“Happiness comes from moving toward something. When you run away, ofttimes you bring your misery with you.”