107
" One might almost say our approach has made matters worse,” observed Orso. A memory of Malmer drifted up, legs dangling from his cage as it swung with the breeze. “Perhaps we could make some gesture. A minimum wage? Improved working conditions? I heard a recent fire in a mill led to the deaths of fifteen child workers—” “It would be folly,” said Bayaz, his attention already back on the gardens, “to obstruct the free operation of the market.” “The market serves the interests of all,” offered the lord chancellor. “Unprecedented,” agreed the high justice. “Prosperity.” “No doubt the child workers would applaud it,” said Orso. “No doubt,” agreed Lord Hoff. “Had they not been burned to death.” “A ladder is of no use if all the rungs are at the top,” said Bayaz. "
― Joe Abercrombie , The Trouble with Peace (The Age of Madness, #2)
109
" 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)