The Blade Itself (The First Law, #1)

by Joe Abercrombie

Say one thing for Logen Ninefingers, say that he’s happy.

If you say one thing for Logen Ninefingers, and one thing only, say he’s a killer.

“Pardon me,” said Glokta, wiping his running eye with a finger, “but I spent two years in the Emperor’s prisons. I daresay, if I had known I’d be there half that long at the start, I would have made a more concerted effort to kill myself. Seven hundred days, give or take, in the darkness. As close to hell, I would have thought, as a living man can go. My point is this—if you mean to upset me you’ll need more than harsh language.”

“Good,” said Glokta, “so we understand each other then. I see that you hurt your face.” She shrugged. “I fell. I’m a clumsy fool.” “I know how you feel. I’m such a fool I knocked half my teeth out and hacked my leg to useless pulp. Look at me now, a cripple. It’s amazing where a little foolishness can take you, if it goes unchecked. We clumsy types should stick together, don’t you think?”