“One should learn the lessons of history. The mistakes of the past need only be made once. Unless there are no other choices. ~ Bayaz”

“I have learned all kinds of things from my many mistakes. The one thing I never learn is to stop making them.”

“Knives,’ muttered Calder, ‘and threats, and bribes, and war?’Bayaz’ eyes shone with the lamplight. ‘Yes?’‘What kind of a fucking wizard are you?’‘The kind you obey.”

“I must admit that you fascinate me, Superior. Your life would seem to be entirely unbearable. And yet you fight so very, very hard to stay alive. With every weapon and stratagem. You simply refuse to die.”“I am ready to die.” Glokta returned his gaze, like for like. “But I refuse to lose.” ~Bayaz and Glokta”

“A set of huge marble busts stared smugly down from on high: great merchants and financiers of Styrian history, by the look of them. Criminals made heroes by colossal success.”

“Weapons,' hissed Dow. 'Weapons, it has to be.'For once, Tul agreed with him. 'Weapons, chief. Let's give 'em a lesson.'Not even Forley spoke up for staying out of a fight this time, but Threetrees thought it out for a bit still, taking his moment, not to be hurried. Then he nodded. 'Weapons it is.”

“The lowly have small ambitions, and are satisfied with small indulgences. They need not get fair treatment. They need only think that they do... ”