Academ's Fury (Codex Alera, #2)

by Jim Butcher

“There’s risk in everything.” Gaelle arched an eyebrow, and said, “Yet one so seldom hears of some fool drowning, starving, or falling to his death in a library or at the baker’s.”

“But if it comes to that, we’ve probably failed so badly that my own personal legion wouldn’t help.”

“Do not thank me. Not until you see what we must do to enter this tower.”

“Don’t thank me until you see how we’re going to leave.”

this is a place of learning where very few learn anything of value.

I have seen men who labor as long as the sun is up go home to wives who hold them in contempt for never being there. I have seen men beat and use those whom they should protect, even their own children. I have seen your kind place others of their own in slavery. I have seen them fighting to be free of the same. I have seen men of the law betray it, men who hate the law be kind. I have seen gentle defenders, sadistic healers, creators of beauty scorned while craftsmen of destruction are worshiped.”

“Tears of The One, why? Is the world not dangerous enough?”