Valor (The Faithful and the Fallen, #2)

by John Gwynne

‘Because Corban is the Bright Star, the Seren Disglair, avatar of Elyon.’ There was a long silence, then Dath laughed.

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

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.

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

‘Sometimes it’s not about the winning, Con. It’s about how you lose.’ ‘It’s always about the winning,’ Conall said. ‘That’s always been your mistake,’ the old man said, shaking his head sadly.

‘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.’

‘Kingship changes people, my lady. Responsibility, pressure, it does things to a man. And Nathair will soon have far more on his mind than who his mother shares a bed with. I don’t think you’ll recognize your son when he returns.’