A Practical Guide to Conquering the World (The Siege, #3)

by K.J. Parker

The Dejauzida worship the Great-Great, the Hus are fire-worshippers, like the Echmen (though I gather it’s sort of a different fire).

I could tell you loads more about it if I wanted to – the smoothness of its draw, the complete absence of stack, its superior cast, which I attribute to the ear geometry – but I won’t. Why should I? You’ve never done me any harm.

The rest of my stuff was nowhere to be seen, but you can’t have everything. Having just one thing is enough, if it’s something perfect.

It’s cold scientific fact that the universe is composed of two basic elements, Us and Them, always opposed in fundamental, irreconcilable conflict. The fact that we may like individual Them loads more than we like any of Us is neither here nor there. When it turns into an Us-against-Them issue, we can no more side with Them than water can flow uphill.

Properly speaking, the bonfire should be made of the desiccated bones of your vanquished enemy, or at least generously garnished therewith. In which case, the Luzir Soleth had just pulled off a spectacular victory against the king of the thorn bushes

The truth is utterly selfish and doesn’t give a damn about anyone else. Serving the truth is like serving the empire. Nobody thanks you for it and you die poor.

you need three major miracles to qualify as a recognised prophet. Two only makes you especially blessed of God. One miracle and you’re just another smartarse.