Squire (Protector of the Small, #3)

by Tamora Pierce

“Beware the women of the warrior class, for all they touch is both decorative and deadly.”

Lord Raoul asked me to tell you that if you get yourself killed, he will never speak to you again.” “So helpful,” Kel replied.

“The last fall I got from any man was from him, ten years ago.” “You’ve beaten him since?” Kel asked, thinking he might share his secret. “Mithros, no—I just don’t joust with him anymore. I have my pride,” Raoul said.

So long as there are nobles and commoners, the wealthy and the poor, those with power will be heard, and those without ignored.

“It’s the only bad thing about animals,” she told Cleon. “Most don’t live as long as we do.” “I know, sweet,” Cleon said, kissing first one of her eyelids, then the other. “But think how bleak life would be without them.”

“I had the magic, don’t you see, and the hand of the Goddess on me. Everyone could and did say I was a freak, one of those once-a-century people. No one else needs to strive for what I did, because they couldn’t reach it.” Alanna smiled crookedly. “But you, bless you, you are real.