R.J. Larson Quotes

Biting his lip, blinking against fresh tears, Kien smoothed Ela's dark tangled hair, then dared another look at her face. So serene. Beautiful beneath the dried trails of blood. What had she suffered? Brave little prophet.
He whispered, "I love you!" Always.

May I speak on behalf of your prison's commander, Axiyn Seir? He's most zealous for your cause and deserves a promotion." The king frowned. "Why should you petition for him? He's given you scars." Despite his pain, Nikaros actually grinned. "Sire, the Eosyths believe that a man who dies without scars has never lived." Josias managed a rueful chuckle. "I feel as if I've lived a lifetime already.

Why? I mean, if your Infinite is the Creator - the one true God - then why can't He simply say, 'Listen, mortals, everyone behave!' and have them be perfect? Why drag you into this mess?" Ela prayed to the Infinite for words, then spoke carefully. "Because He loves us. And love does not demand enslavement, but . . . love desires a partnership. Our Creator seeks true communication between us and Him. He won't force anyone to love Him. We decide for ourselves.

am returning to my residence. Why are you stopping

Kien exhaled his relief. Until he saw the welcoming committee.
Bryce and Prill rushed toward Ela and Kien, exultant. Followed by Lorteus, the royal fightmaster. An unpleasant grin widened in Lorteus' battered face, and his voice grated harsh in Kien's ears. "Welcome sir! I've been sent ahead by order of our king to direct your recovery-seeing's how you nearly died by failing to heed my lessons. Good of his majesty, isn't it?"
Oh yes. Killing good. Kien rested a hand on the Azurnite sword-just in case-and he managed to look stern. "Fine. But not now Lorteus!"
"Of course not, sir' Lorteus agreed flatly. "Tonight, I clean the weapons. At dawn, I'll fetch you for work-to overcome your failure. Be ready."
As Ela linked her arm in his, Kien hissed, "He's going to kill me!"
"Hmm." Ela smiled and hugged him while they crossed the courtyard. "We think he's already done some good, sir. You're walking faster now.

You believe you have failed. But you - created from dust - cannot see as I see.

I know the Infinite's voice because He tells me everything I don't want to hear, sends me where I don't want to go, and asks me to fulfill tasks I consider impossible. Above all, He is forever right.

I've never been without you, she realized aloud, her voice breaking. Never.

I've found a way to drive Scythe half insane. Where is he? Tzana, pretend to quarrel with me." "His name is Pet!" Tzana argued, so emphatic that Ela knew she meant it. Kien frowned. "No, he's Scythe!" On the other side of the clearing, the huge destroyer stopped eating and began to pace. Ela was certain she saw him sweating.

I give you my word, Prophet, I'll heed the warning. Don't worry-it's only one day."
"Yes, but this will be the longest separation we've faced since our wedding."
Kien chuckled. "Poor love. Again, don't worry. I'll think of you every other instant."
He sealed his pledge with kisses, coaxing Ela to set aside her fears and lose herself in his embrace.