Wrath (The Faithful and the Fallen, #4)

by John Gwynne

We are all capable of good and evil, kindness and cruelty.”

Doing nothing does not absolve you of choice. Doing nothing puts you firmly on Asroth’s side and makes you a coward, as well, for not having the stones to admit it.”

“In the end, it’s all the same,” Varan said. “We all face death alone.” Corban nodded. “To my thinking, though, it’s what happens before death that’s important. All of us die. How many really live?”

Sometimes caution is wisdom, but sometimes it is fear, and fear is not wise.

But if we manage those rarest of things, both to win and to survive, then I would have you know that to me at least, this, us, is for always. Not just now, or while this war lasts, but for as long as I draw breath.” She had held his gaze throughout every word. “You are precious to me,” she finished, her courage fading at the last, her eyes dropping away. A silence settled on them. The chattering of the stream, the sounds of Veradis’ warband making ready for their expedition, all faded around her. Maquin moved, suddenly close to her, a handspan between them, and her heart was racing. He leaned closer and kissed her lips, a soft caress. “I came back from death for you,” he said, his voice a whispered tremor. “For me it was always forever, however long that may be. And those words you just spoke, they are the greatest gift I’ve ever been given. They are written upon my heart and soul.”

You speak of truth and courage. Forgiveness can be the greatest act of courage.”