Nettle & Bone

by T. Kingfisher

the history of the world was written in women’s wombs and women’s blood and she would never be allowed to change it.

“There’s a long list of people I’d like to bite,” said Marra, a bit dryly.

“How did you get a demon in your chicken?” “The usual way. Couldn’t put it in the rooster. That’s how you get basilisks.”

“You, sir! Do you know where I might find a place selling live fowls?” “You sure you don’t want a pickle instead?

“You cannot help people who do not want help,” rumbled Fenris. “You can’t force someone to do what you think is best for them.” He paused, then added, somewhat reluctantly, “Well, you can. But they don’t appreciate it and most of the time it turns out that you were wrong.”