Navola

by Paolo Bacigalupi

I know you like the legends of the old gods. Are they true? Does it matter if they are true? Or does it only matter that they inspire a true feeling in you?”

I think it is hard for us to know a person in their heart.

Erostheia, beauteous and at ease, was more lovely than any woman in the world for she was free of men’s gazes, and thought her nakedness for herself alone.

“Take these bones and remember that if you are not feared, you will always be tested.”

This is what I lost when assassins came at me with swords. They did not take my life. They took my trust and decency. Nai. If I am honest before Leggus, I discarded trust and decency myself, for fear that they would kill me.

I think that those who take pleasure from hurting others are never pretty, even when their features are even and their skin is clear; their ratty piggy natures shine through.