The Ragpicker King (The Chronicles of Castellane, #2)

by Cassandra Clare

All That Is Good Comes from the Gods. All That Is Evil Comes from Men.

Montfaucon, in purple moiré silk, was moving through the crowd, clearly in his element: greeting some, snubbing others. Since it was his own guest list, Kel could only assume Montfaucon had invited them in order to snub them, which did seem like something he would enjoy.

“I must take myself off across the room to inquire of Sieur Marchbolt about his health.” Gremont looked puzzled. “Isn’t he dead?” “All the more reason to be solicitous,” said Conor, and walked away.

Always look to who benefits from a crime when seeking the culprit.”

In a quiet voice, Lin says, “I had never thought this destruction was brought on by love.”

Anjelica’s beauty had won them over, Lin thought with a pang, without a word or gesture needed. Beauty had that power. Even in the Story-Spinner tales in which Conor was a murderer or a tyrant or a coldhearted lonely king, he was a handsome murderer or tyrant. Beauty imbued every action with a sort of glamour and made it easy to forgive.

“They are naming the ship after Anjelica,” he said. “They never named a ship after me.” “Well, she is prettier.” “Debatable,” said Conor.

An, as usual, looked as if she were busy thinking about all the people and things that she disliked.

Lin was struck by the awkwardness with which he moved. As if his own skin were a suit of ill-fitting clothes.

They know of the prophecy of the Goddess. It is why they will wipe every Ashkar off the face of the earth, if they have their way. Should the Goddess be reborn, she could destroy them forever.

Your purpose is to help mend the world by protecting the Goddess when she returns. And if you fail here, you will render purposeless not only your own life, but also the life of every Exilarch who comes after you.”

“It is one thing to wish for a Goddess to return; it is another to look upon holy fire. People are terrified of the Gods,

For what happens to those who come too close to the Gods? Only ruination.”

Anger was better than despair—even anger against someone you loved. Anger was fire, and despair was darkness.