The Trials of Empire Quotes

“Tyranny loves apathy, but it fears a sword in the hand of a good man.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“It is a curious thing, is it not, that you can be more like him than he is himself.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“When one is faced with such naked evil, there is a temptation to believe that the commonfolk will see it for what it is. In reality it is tenacious, like a weed. It alters perceptions and tolerances slowly, insidiously. It must be fought constantly, and cut out at the roots.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“Beware the tyrant – he clothes himself in the armour of ignorance’.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“von Osterlen was a pragmatic and intelligent woman. Such people rarely indulged in religious practice save what was required of them.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“You said just now; that for years you have defined yourself by what I think of you. “Well, perhaps I have come to define myself by what you think of me.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“What then was the purpose of imprisoning them? Was it a means to cause them to fixate on their crime, to ruminate on it and so elicit remorse and empathy? Or was it to punish? Or both? If they would eventually die in gaol, why not kill them from the off, and spare the state the expense of their custody?”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“the rape of my soul, ceased.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“War profits none save the devil.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“Human hands, human mistakes”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“No one is entitled to success. Sometimes the just fail and the unjust triumph. That is why complacency is the most unforgivable of sins.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“Nema’s fucking slit!” Sir Radomir exploded. “Are we in the fucking Philosopher’s Palace?” He gestured to Lady Frost. “Who the fuck are you? Where the fuck is the Sixteenth? Why is there a magickal tattoo on Helena’s breast? And why, the fuck, are we being tormented by fucking demons at every turn?! I am sick to my death of it. Let us have some answers, and not spar like pubescent law students.”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“Is it ever possible?” I asked. “To achieve good by doing only good?”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire

“The Imperial Guard had long been a corrupt institution”
― Richard Swan, The Trials of Empire