Demon in White (The Sun Eater, #3)

by Christopher Ruocchio

And though the men who ruled her were terrible and venal and cruel, no city or empire was made great by its rulers. Or by merely its rulers. Rome of old was not loved for its greatness, so the poet wrote. Rome was great because men loved her, as I loved my Empire in that moment.

There are some arguments you can’t win without violence. Like I’m always telling you, reason has its limits.”

Tor Gibson took in a deep breath. “Do I think he thought his machines would enslave mankind and destroy it? No. I’m sure he thought he was a hero. I’m sure all these people thought they were heroes.” He gestured at the line of paintings and photographs depicting the high lords of the Mericanii. “But then, so few of us truly think themselves evil. They simply think good and evil matters of opinion, and seek to impose their opinion—which is evil—on good. Nothing is evil in its beginning, it only grows that way. The Mericanii thought they were bringing peace and freedom to the world, but they couldn’t control their machines.” I had nothing to say, and so let the silence stretch. Gibson broke it a moment later. “Do you know the difference, Hadrian, between magic and prayer?”

forgot philosophy in their pursuit of knowledge. They traded a love of wisdom for progress, and it destroyed them.”

A defeat because no victory—no change—comes without loss.

If what I have done disturbs you, Reader, I do not blame you. If you would read no further, I understand. You have the luxury of foresight. You know where this ends. I shall go on alone.