The Olympian Affair (The Cinder Spires, #2)

by Jim Butcher

“the reward for a job well done is generally to be given a more difficult job.

“Why, thank you,” Bridget replied. “That was hardly insulting at all.”

“And I am interfering in your preparations?” Abigail asked. “Only in the most charming and doubtlessly benevolent way,” Grimm replied.

But may I assume your purpose here is not to enumerate and elaborate upon the ways in which you are not fond of me?” She gave him a faint smile. “I am glad you do not find me quite that malicious.” “Yet,” Grimm said amiably.

“Bayard is a born hero, which is the larval form of a dead hero.

“Perhaps it is my fault,” Bridget suggested. Experience told her that this reasoning would generally satisfy the cat.

“Humans are mostly helpless,” Rowl said calmly. “We do what can be done.” “He says, ‘You’re welcome,’ ” Bridget translated smoothly.

“Fate is simply the accumulation of choices, Hamish, and choice is a matter of will.

“It was important that you know, Your Grace.” “Know what?” The old man looked at her, his eyes wrinkling at their edges. “Why, the most important thing any of us can know. The only thing any of us truly have.” He leaned forward and winked at her. “You are not alone.”

Moreover, madame, while I am sure your opinion of yourself is very high, I cannot help but think that such an opinion can only be the result of an intense denial of reality so severe that you actually believe that you rise to the level of the most debased humanity.

You would do me and the rest of the world a great kindness, madame, if you should exit your disgusting, stinking, venomous tank, proceed to the main deck, and hurl yourself over the side of the ship.”

“Keep friends,” Ferus said, his voice fading. “Keep them close. Treasure them. Friends are all the difference between a life of joy and a life of madness. Between you and your mother.”

“You strike me as a person who is unused to being proven wrong,” Gwen said. “Please be assured that your assumption is entirely inaccurate.”