“And the Earth had no name. The gods know themselves and have no need of names. It is man who names all things, even gods.”

“Irene-""Don't call me that.""You were the princess Irene the first time we met.""It means 'peace'," Attolia said. "What name could be more inappropriate?""That I be named Helen?" Eddis suggested.The hard lines in Attolia's face eased, and she smiled. Eddis was a far cry from the woman whose beauty had started a war.”

“Treachery," said the Mede."Diplomacy," said Attolia, "in my own name.”

“...I asked Ochto what in the name of all that was sacred he thought he was doing."Helping you," said Dirnes."Why?"They put the soldier down, and Ochto straightened to look me in the eye. "Because I know nothing about kings and princes, but I know men.”

“It might have been preferable," Eddis admitted, dryly, "if you had thrown off your chains of bondage solely for love of me. It would certainly have been more flattering." Standing so near to him, she was looking up into his face and watching it closely. "I am willing to accept, however, that we are real people, not characters in a play. We do not, all of us, need to be throwing inkwells. If we are compatible with one another, is that not sufficient?""Were I a king in more than just name, it would be all, all I dreamed of," said Sounis, and it was Eddis who blushed."You wish to wait, then, until you are confirmed as Sounis?""If...""When," said Eddis, firmly."Yes," said Sounis, "then.”

“If I am the pawn of the gods, it is because they know me so well, not because they make my mind up for me.”

“Then come out," said the king, helping him, "knowing you'll never die of a fall unless the god himself drops you.”