Furies of Calderon (Codex Alera, #1)

by Jim Butcher

The course of history is determined not by battles, by sieges, or usurpations, but by the actions of the individual.

“Marat stronger than Tavi,” Fade said. “Faster.” “Thank you,” Tavi said, testily. “I needed that kind of encouragement.” Fade’s eyes glittered with something like good humor, and he ruffled Tavi’s hair with one hand. “Tavi smart. There. Bag of tricks. Be smart, Tavi. Important.”

“Sometimes,” Bernard rumbled, “the only smart thing to do is nothing. Sometimes you just have to be still and see how events begin to unfold before you move. Be patient.”