“Cowan son of Branieucc, you're the only one of my people that I know for sure still lives.”

“We lived like the only two people on the planet because we thought we were, I still need to know that... That you are still the only person in my world.”

“I know for a fact that many are in hiding. Until this moment my wife was in hiding, and my son still is."He stroked his wife's yellowed hand. "And I would kill an entire living army for one more moment with her.”

“You're Valentine's son. I'm sure you're the one the Queen really wants to see. Besides, you're charming. Maybe not at the moment.”

“How can I know for sure if it's my son speaking and not you?""You never can, my lord. Just as no man can ever be sure that he alone is a thinking and feeling creature and everyone else a machine that only pretends to feel and think.”

“Go back to bed, Cowan. I want no promises from you.”