Valor (The Faithful and the Fallen, #2)

by John Gwynne

Walk away, the voice whispered in his mind. Not today. Then he released his arrow.

‘Talk can accomplish much, but all it will accomplish here is our deaths,’

‘A man with revenge in his heart should dig two graves, my old mam used to say to me.’

Nothing is ever as you imagine it; even consorting with a god.

Come then, Death, take me across your bridge of swords, but know this: I won’t be coming alone.

‘All men feel fear,’ Corban said. ‘Gar told me that. It’s what you do about it–stand or run, fight or give up–that’s what makes you a coward or hero.

Without fear there is no courage.’

You humans are all the same. Willing to live a lie, any lie, as long as it is prettier than the truth.

Let my heart be true and my sword be sharp.

‘I know you,’ Corban said. ‘Who are you?’ ‘A friend in a dark place,’ the man said, and smiled.

This world may be full of greed and tragedy and darkness, but I am fortunate beyond measure to have such people about me.

‘Memory is a double-edged sword, Uthas. It can keep you strong through dark times, but it can also cripple you, keep you locked in a moment that no longer exists.’