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"I know that the Black Falcons saved him from starvation, gave him purpose, then betrayed him. Do not judge him too harshly, Marcius." "You know far more about his past than I, but I wonder if we are guilty of not judging him harshly enough. He has a great deal of blood on his hands for the years he can claim. And he's learned his craft well: he makes it easy to forget that he's a trained spy and assassin. "And yet, I've seen him treat others with unfailing respect and kindness. That is not learned, Marcius--that comes from the soul. What amazes me is that, despite everything, he remains a decent man. I think your own kindness and your desire to see good in others have blinded you to his true nature. I suspect he can be utterly ruthless. He could not have survived this long, else. Do not be fooled, Kennyth, for he's a dangerous man," answered the knight bleakly. The friar answered, "None of which, in itself, makes him an evil man."

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Brother Orland said, "Though it may count for nothing with you, I believe every man's life has purpose. I've come to believe there are men who seem...who seem to have extraordinary events shape themselves around them. Who are, mayhap, chosen for a greater purpose. Not necessarily a higher or better one, for men's actions, both evil and good, play a role in shaping events according to the will of God. For such men have their destiny, and I believe you may be one such. For, surely, 'tis according to God's purpose that you survive, despite all." Donan felt a chill. It had been one thing for Niall to talk of Destiny, but to hear that word from Brother Orland made him uneasy. Donan shook his head in denial and gave Orland a faint, ironic smile. "Nay, I'm merely an orphan of the world, Orland, outcast by all. I've no destiny beyond a violent death."

From "The Blood of Kings"

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The men-at-arms were called to formation, and Sir Barnard himself came and informed them that King Arpyn was dead. The Earl of Tennryth had already left for Solium, despite the weather, and Sir Barnard instructed the captain to have men selected as outriders to leave the following morning. Once Sir Barnard was no longer within earshot, Captain Cristofer frowned and said acerbically to the room at large, "If the Earl of Tennryth saw fit to walk a furlong unshod over hot coals, then by God, Sir Barnard would hasten to follow."

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