“He liked the idea that if either of them ever fell from grace, the other might be there to offer support.”

“Nodding, Cery strode to the door and stepped through. Though the burly guards eyes him suspiciously, Cery smiled back. Never make enemies of someone's lackeys, his father had taught him. Better still, make them like you a lot.”

“Achati chuckled. "You may be surprised. Some might come in the hopes of being snatched away to a secret place ruled by exotic women.”

“He had given her too much. He had given her everything.”

“Suddenly she was all too aware how different she was. A woman among all these man. A natural from a humble background among rich young men chosen from powerful families. A beginner among the well trained.”

“Mortals did not need gods to order them to kill eachother. They were quite capable of finding reasons to do so themselves.”

“How am I going to make friends with these people if all I can think of is how easy it would be to rob them?”