Empire of Dirt (The Echoes Saga, #2)

by Philip C. Quaintrell

“You cannot take the blame for your ancestors failings any more than you can take the credit for their achievements.”

Theirs was not a life of sentiment, but action. Seeing Salim die, the ranger could only wonder if it was all worth it. Could they have had a life beyond this one, beyond the fighting and pain? The ranger knew the truth of that question and did the only thing he could in a moment such as this. “I’m sorry…” Asher offered, his words of little use now.

“You’re both young, so I understand that hope still plays a part in your thinking, but trust me, hoping doesn’t get it done. Sometimes you have to grit your teeth and keep fighting…”