“Man tames not vengeance; vengeance breaks the man.”

“That was one of the inherent flaws of faith. Belief without knowing. But worse yet: belief without action. It could be good in its own right. Beautiful, even, when embraced, but that had to be measured. Checked. Too many surrendered themselves to it. What they did not see was simple fact. Religion did not bring peace. It merely offered a means. It was up to man to create peace.”

“That was magic, sweetest.” The witch flexed her fingers, wriggled them in front of her. “Did she think it a wave of the hands? A slip of the tongue?” A kiss upon her skin. She could see the woman reaching out and taking her in hand, kissing each finger as though they were her possessions. Then it was gone. Charlotte blinked. The woman had not stirred. “Not all things are so simple. I was he and he was me and I took your poison into myself, and made it his. All things join beneath the earth. I burned, then so did he. More will burn. Come hair or wool, more will burn.”

“Logic kills. Faith burns. Better to be the one with the torch than the one on the pyre.”

“This is why the gypsies keep to themselves...no one else has the sense to age properly. You could drive a man to drink...I think I shall...”

“Will you ever let me go, Estin?” she asked eventually.Estin snorted and closed the book.“I let you go a little every time you mention his name. I let you go every time you left because of him. Even now, you won’t be near me because of him. I have let you go as much as I am able while I draw breath. I will never push you...but if you want me to leave you completely alone, please send me away. If I’m with you…I am who I am, Feanne.”

“Bah!” Yoska snorted, reaching for his flask. “Will be cold in a few weeks. You, sir, are not invited to share my bed for warmth, no matter how much you beg. Do not argue...it is done and I will not change my mind.”