“There's an old saying in Avenia that goes, "Just because it's calmer than a hailstorm doesn't mean it's calm.”

“Carthya's not my country," I said, reaching for the doors to leave. "Frankly, I hope Avenia Destroys it”

“I thought you were from a civilized country," he said. "How have you come to look more like Carthya's whipping boy than its king?""I have a habit of irritating some of our less civilized people," I answered. "But you seem like a civilized...pirate. I'd much prefer it if you didn't have me whipped.""And why shouldn't I?"With some effort, I forced a smile to my face. "Because it will hurt.”

“Everyone gets scared at times. It's only the fools who won't admit it.”

“This is for you." i pressed the stone in Kerwyn's hand.Kerwyn turned it over in his hands, unimpressed. "imatator's gold? It's worthless.""No, it's real gold. I am real Kerwyn."... He pulled a creased and worn paper from his pocket and unfolded it. His hands shook increasingly as he read it. Then he turned to the audience and said,"This note was given to me by King Eckbert ... to read it only if someone ever came forward claiming to be the prince. This is what it says." He read aloud,"'Many may one day claim to be the lost prince of Carthya. ...You will know the Prince Jaron by one sign alone. He will give you the humblest of rocks and tell you it's gold.'"..."Lords and ladies of Carthya, I present to you the son of King Eckbert and Queen Erin. He is the lost royal of Carthya, who lives and stands before you. Hail, Prince Jaron.”

“Above all else, I think that you are a compulsive liar."My laughter was tense, but sincere. "Hardly. In fact, I consider myself a compulsive truth teller. It's only that everyone else seems compelled to misunderstand me.”

“You're such a young king. I barely remember being your age.""Then clearly we're talking about how old you are, not how young I am.”