Helen Scheuerer

true man won’t cut you down as you fight your battles, nor will he fight them for you. A true man will help sharpen your sword, guard your back and fight at your side, in the face of whatever darkness comes.’

In the shadow of a fallen kingdom, in the eye of the storm

A daughter of darkness will wield a blade in one hand

And rule death with the other

When the skies are blackened, in the end of days

The Veil will fall.

The tide will turn when her blade is drawn.

A dawn of fire and blood

A true man will help sharpen your sword, guard your back and fight at your side, in the face of whatever darkness comes.

‘To know when you die, is to know how to live, sister.’

‘You will come to learn that most things to be feared exist in life, not in death.’

If you seek power in a world of men and monsters, there is nothing more powerful than knowledge and the ability to wield it.

The smallest blade can make the biggest difference.’

‘If you want to achieve anything in these realms, do it yourself. Rely on no one.’

‘Althea.’ Her name sounded like a melody and he leaned across the gap between their horses, his gaze dropping to her lips, his voice low. ‘There is nothing more attractive than a woman who knows what she wants.’

‘You do not become a legend overnight,’ he told her quietly. ‘A legend is forged with blood and steel. It takes time.’