" We’ll get to your stance. But always bear in mind, if your sword’s drawn, you’ve already made at least one mistake.'
'Eh?' said Flick, squinting at Clover over the wobbling point of his blade.
'Unless you’re cleaning it, or sharpening it, or maybe selling it.'
'What if you’re in a battle?' 'Then you’ve made at least two mistakes, possibly a lot more. A battle’s no place for a self- respecting warrior. But if you must attend one, at least have the good taste to be where the fighting isn’t.'
'What if some bastard tries to kill you?'
'Ideally, you’d have worked that out a while back and done ’em first, preferably while they’re asleep. That’s what knives are for. "

― Joe Abercrombie , The Trouble with Peace (The Age of Madness, #2)