Seven Deaths of an Empire Quotes

“Information is a weapon as much as a sword.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“An axe rising into the air, the sun’s light scattering from its chipped edge. A whisper of air and a cry of effort as a shield met the blow and shattered. Splinters pinwheeling through the air and sudden lack of weight on his arm. Gladius stabbing forward, driven by training and instinct.A gap opening in the line ahead. A soldier falling and stumbling over the injured man, desperate to keep his shield high and sword in tight. Moving into the gap and slamming the shield forward to create room, peering over the top, wary of an attack. Heavy armour and biting pain at the base of your neck where the helmet’s rim met flesh. Sweat pouring down your face, under the cheek guards, and hot breath burning lungs as each precious gasp powered you forward.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“I applaud your bravery,” Astenius said, “but your stupidity astounds me.”
“Life is disappointment,” the man said.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“Corruption in plain sight is often a distraction, or a sign that you have acted too late. It is the hidden decay that rots from the inside which we miss and hold more danger.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“His conjured shield above their heads their only protection. Every mote of magic he could draw to him, he added to the shield, and knew it would not be enough. His mind sped along the lines of his construct, strengthening bonds, twisting complicated knots which could resist the falling blocks, and knew he would fail.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“But I must set that aside for now,” she said, her tone turning as cold as the ache in his chest and as practical as the dagger on his hip. She smoothed her dress. “Where is the Amulet of the Empire?”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“Call out to the soldiers, order them to save him, and they would. Enough would, he knew, but some would not, and the war would begin. Hundreds would die. Cities and towns would burn. The Empire would tear itself to pieces. All that he worked for, all that service and duty, would be ground into dust beneath his feet.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“Anger had its place in battle. It blanketed your fears, overcame your nerves, and drove many a soldier to a feat of bravery or sacrifice which could turn the tide. In the front line, controlled, contained, and well-utilised anger was as much a weapon as a spear or sword.
In a leader, it was nothing but a hindrance. Anger clouded thoughts, narrowed vision, and blinded you to the truth by overwhelming you with lies and your greatest fears.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“When you fight for money, you know your life's exact worth.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“Change should be slow,” Emlyn replied, glancing at him. “It should allow those who live through it to change alongside. That is the natural way of things. Trees change by the seasons, adapting to the weather, to the rain, sun and snow. Plants bloom, flower, and the bees come to carry pollen from one to another. A sudden, late frost will kill the plants and the bees lose their source of food, dying days later. On and on the ripples of that are felt throughout the land and forest. The Empire was, and still is, that frost.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire

“Bordan’s heart beat a quick march while snakes coiled around in his stomach. He took a deep breath, forcing his heart to slow and the snakes to hibernate. It was like this before a battle. The waiting and the knowing that very soon your life blood could be spilled upon the earth. That amongst the press of bodies, the stench of sweat mingled with urine, blood and fear, the screams of dying and roars of the frightened, you would be scrabbling just to stay alive.”
― G.R. Matthews, Seven Deaths of an Empire