Howling Dark (Sun Eater)

Who must stand when those whose duty is standing have gone?

Those who can.

Women are ever the judges of men, our jury and, though their hands seldom grasp the knife, our executioners.

Most of this shrapnel is carried in the hearts and souls of those who visited that strange country we call battle.

Were I still the boy I’d been, I would have said she owed me for my mercy. But mercy that expects repayment is no mercy at all, nor is a friendship truly a friendship that stands on debt and gratitude.

There are two sorts of men. One hears an order from his better and obeys. The other sees order in himself and obeys that. All men obey something, even if it is only themselves

Sad is like a big ocean, and you can’t breathe deep down. You can float on it, you can swim a little, but be careful. Grief is
drowning. Grief is deep water.

At once sharp as new experience, my memories retreated from me like votive lanterns to the skies.