“Sometimes you can be very stupid!”

“The line between confidence and arrogance is very fine, Josh,” Flamel said quietly. “And the line between arrogance and stupidity even finer. Sophie,” he added, without looking at her.”

“John,be reasonable," Virginia said. "I've known Billy a very long time, and we have had some great adventures together. He's as close as I have to a friend.When he dies, which he will,sooner or later,because he can be so stupid," she added, glaring at the American immortal, "it should be with a degree of dignity,rather than being fed to this...this thing.""Thanks," Billy wheezed."You're welcome.And you owe me.""I'll remember."Virginia turned back to Dee. "I'll make a deal.""For what?" he demanded."For Billy's life," she said evenly."Do you forget who you're dealing with?" Dee snarled."Do you?" she asked softly.”

“And that was you?" Dee breathed, looking from Marethyu to Abraham. "I thought I was working for Isis and Osiris."Death's blue eyes crinkled. "You are, but sometimes you-and they-are working for me.”

“Don’t be creative. Don’t be stupid.”“That’s what Machiavelli said. You guys really have a lot of faith in me, don’t you?”“Neither one of us wants to lose you. Just be careful, Billy. Careful is my middle name.”Black Hawk rolled his eyes. “You told me it was Henry.”

“Master the rules of the game until you can play it better they can.”

“We do not always get what we want. Sometimes life presents us with surprises.”