The Devils (The Devils, #1)

by Joe Abercrombie

The cardinal’s brow wrinkled. “We are at war for our very existence against merciless enemies. To win a war, one must, sometimes, make use of the weapons of one’s enemies. To fight fire, one must be prepared to use fire.” Brother Diaz’s wince grew even more twisted. “But wouldn’t it follow, Your Eminence, that to fight devils … one must be prepared … to use devils?” Jakob of Thorn rocked his weight forwards, bared his teeth, and stiffly stood. “You see it,” he said. “This is an enormous opportunity. For your own advancement. For the advancement of the interests of the Church. But most importantly…” Cardinal Zizka rose, plucking her chain from the back of her chair and slinging it skewed around her shoulders, the jewelled circle swinging back and forth. “To do good.” And she jammed her hat on, indicating beyond doubt or hope that the interview was concluded and its outcome irreversible. “Isn’t that why we all join the Church?” Brother Diaz’s mother had made him join the Church to spare his family further embarrassment. But he somehow doubted that was what the Head of the Earthly Curia wanted to hear. And if there was one thing that was within Brother Diaz’s experience, it was telling people what they wanted to hear. “Of course,” he said, managing a watery smile. “To do good.” Whatever the hell that meant.