Age of Legend (The Legends of the First Empire, #4)

by Michael J. Sullivan

Persephone had come to realize that a good ruler needed more than a firm hand. They should be wise, compassionate, strong, self-sacrificing, and creative—less a father and more a mother.

Pain, fear, drudgery, boredom—lots of boredom—these are the things that build character. And you need to experience loss and remorse because falling down gives you the opportunity to rise once more. Overcoming challenges turns a self-centered infant into a caring adult. Empathy—the ability to understand and appreciate the feelings of others—is the cornerstone of civilization and the foundation of our relationships. Lack of it . . . well, lack of empathy is as close to a definition of evil that I can come up with.”

Sleep was a pleasant thing, a wonderful satisfying end to a well-lived day. She had passed out. At