“The world changes. Now, one needs no army and no sword to conquer the world.”

“She could smell the sea in the air, but more than that, she could smell the scent of the grass as it awoke from its winter slumber. She could hear the sound of crickets as they sang to the emerging stars. It was springtime on the North Island. It was springtime for the world.”

“Brandon was a natural at whatever he put his mind to. It was one of the things that made him so attractive. That and his complete lack of pretense. He was brilliant, but didn't brag, popular, but not cliquish, comfortable in his skin, and utterly forthright about his needs and desires.”

“In every letter, in every line, she saw him. He hadn't changed - he'd only grown into the man he'd meant to be.”

“I think it's vital that we do not sleep together. You know, for the safety of the world." His eyes sparkled and there was just a hint of a smile at the corners of his mouth."Okay," I said, and smiled back at him. "But kissing is allowed, right?""Oh, definitely," he said, pulling me close. "After all, the warrior always wins the heart of the fair young...man.”

“Why the coy drama? I want him and he wants me; who needs subtext?”

“I don't need to see the trail to know you're at the end of it. My grandfather's compass may not work, but mine is still true.”