The Last Shadow (Ender's Saga, #6)

by Orson Scott Card

“I came to tell you stories,” Ruqyaq finally said. “But you have told me of a wonder that I cannot help but believe, because of the small size of the young boy who told it to me.” “I thought you might be more willing to tell me how you became as you are, if I first told you how I became as I am,” said Sprout. “Not only truth,” said Royal Son, “but fairness.” “Do you believe in fairness?” asked Ruqyaq. “I believe that fairness is always worth striving for,” said Sprout, “even though it can’t always be achieved.” “And why can’t it always be achieved?” asked Ruqyaq. “Because sometimes there is no fair course of action,” said Sprout, “and sometimes because no one can think of a fair course. But most often because one side or the other, or both, have no desire for fairness. They seek only their own advantage, no matter what it costs the other, and so fairness remains out of reach for them, because they are not reaching for it.”