Dark Rise

I think what people were is less important than what they are. And what people are is less important than what they could be.

My whole life, all anyone's ever wanted was to possess me," said James. "The only one who ever set me free was you.

Kindness is never a mistake," said the Elder Steward. "Somewhere in the heart it is always remembered.

When the past is forgotten, then it can return. Only those who remember have the chance to stave it off. For the dark is never truly gone; it only waits for the world to forget, so that it may rise again.

The bright star holds, even as the darkness rises.

He'd never forget the moment James's eyes had met his—the sensation of coming home, as though they knew each other.

But which of us is ready for what life asks us to face? We don't choose the moment. The moment comes whether we will it or no, and we must make ourselves ready.

I may not carry his brand, but he... He's burned into me." James's eyes were very dark. "He branded himself on my soul. They called him the Dark King, but he was a bright flame, and everyone else, everything else is just his pale shadow. I was Reborn, but I lived a half life. It's like this world was a blur. No one else was in focus. Until you.

Kindness is never a mistake. Somewhere in the heart it is always remembered.

I’m here to follow you.' His eyes were bright, his lips smiling, his hair gold in the shifting light from the fire. Will said, 'Of course you are.

I think he wants you because you were the jewel in another man's crown." The answer wound out of Will in the flickering light from the torch. "I think he has no idea of what you really are, or who he's trying to summon. If he did, he'd never dare plunder the grave of a king.

You could run from your enemies. You couldn't run from yourself.

I beg you," said Marcus. He said the words like there was a system of honor in the world, like all you had to do was appeal to a person's better nature and goodness would prevail. The self-righteousness of it stuck in James's throat. "Beg me, then. Beg me on your knees to kill you. Do it.

I will find you. I will always find you. Try to run.

Not all that is written has passed,” said Justice, “and not all that has passed is written

If you stay with us, you will find the answers you seek... though you will have much to learn, and you may come to wish you had never sought the truth. Dark times lie ahead." And then, after another long look, her eyes warmed. "But even in the darkest night, there is a star.

The last time a slaughter had taken his home from him, he'd been the one stupid with emotion, stumbling through it, making mistakes that had gotten others killed. Now he knew: Don't grieve. Move. One foot after another, that's how you survive.

No,” said Will. “I sent her a Lion.

We don’t choose the moment. The moment comes whether we will it or no, and we must make ourselves ready.

Even those who think themselves powerless can fight with small acts. Kindness. Compassion." "The Stewards fight with swords," said Will. "But our swords are not what make us strong," said the Elder Steward. "The true power of the Stewards is not our weapons. It is not even our physical strength. It is that we remember." And something in her eyes seemed ancient. "When the past is forgotten, then it can return. Only those who remember have the chance to stave it off. For the dark is never truly gone; it only waits for the world to forget, so that it may rise again.

The light will shine for you in the Hall,” said the Elder Steward. “The janissaries will tend to the fire, the Final Flame that has never gone out. For there will always be a light in the darkness, while a Steward lives to defend it.

That's right. Show me. Earn my attention.

Will said, 'Of course you are.

Her first instinct had been to save her brother. Will's had been to save everyone.

The power to stop the Dark lies within you, Will. If I didn’t believe that, I would not have brought you into this Hall. I hope you will remember that, when you make your choice. I hope you remember me.” Her hand briefly squeezed his.

That’s it, boy. Take it well.

James, with his face like a sigh

What is this place?" said Violet, her voice hushed. Will said, "This is what's left.