Buroker Quotes & Sayings

You look concerned." Books turned the wheel to screw down the press. "It's my new normative state," Amaranthe said. — Lindsay Buroker

That this works, a woman leading five men, is a marvel. — Lindsay Buroker

Some men brought women flowers. Sicarius chose not to kill people. The latter seemed a tad more momentous. — Lindsay Buroker

My father used to say some families are made by shared blood and some families are made by spilled blood — Lindsay Buroker

licks donkey crotch, — Lindsay Buroker

Colonel Ridge Zirkander had walked the hall to General Ort's office so many times he suspected his boots were responsible for the threadbare state of the drab gray carpet runner. The two privates standing guard on either side of the door were too well trained to exchange knowing smirks, — Lindsay Buroker

Many people make devices that can be used for good or evil. You cannot blame the blacksmith when the swords he crafts are used to kill. — Lindsay Buroker

Follow, Sicarius said, letting an icy tone creep into his voice. He wondered if Amaranthe knew how much of his respect for her came from her ability to harness these lunkheads to a cart and get them all moving in the same direction. Basilard was the only one who might have lasted more than three days as a recruit in the army. — Lindsay Buroker

Technically speaking, Maldynado is the better fencer. Your man is the better killer. — Lindsay Buroker

One never knows when one might have to defend against ... " Bounty hunters? Soldiers? Enforcers? "Opossums. — Lindsay Buroker

She decided to forgo her ambitions of creating a cohesive unit. An occasionally functional one with tendencies towards violence seemed more within reach. — Lindsay Buroker

Only Sicarius would bring all his weapons to the smooching corner of the Imperial Gardens. — Lindsay Buroker

Somehow she could not see Sicarius cuddling to share body heat. He would probably suggest pushups to stay warm. — Lindsay Buroker

I didn't faint, I passed out in a manly way," Sespian muttered. — Lindsay Buroker

One probably should not form opinions about people based on the cleanliness of their workspace, but she promptly liked this Telnola more than Ms. Klume. Of — Lindsay Buroker

Asking isn't what I had in mind," Sicarius said.
"Yes, I can see that." Amaranthe planted a hand on his chest, fingers splayed. "Why don't you give Yara and me a few minutes alone to discuss this? I'll brief you on whatever we decide to do before we do it. And you can loiter nearby in case anything goes wrong."
His face didn't soften exactly - and he gave that hand a long look before meeting Amaranthe's eyes - but the hostility he'd been oozing did seem to lessen. "Assassins don't loiter," he said.
The comment startled Evrial, and she wondered if she'd heard it correctly. The man hadn't uttered much that could be classified as humor, not with her around anyway. Maybe he was simply feeling indignant.But Amaranthe smiled. "What do you call it?"
"Standing. Purposefully. — Lindsay Buroker

A realization came to Books in that moment, one that shook his beliefs even more than when he had learned magic existed: Sicarius cared. — Lindsay Buroker

The two men flashed edged smiles at each other, reminding Amaranthe of circling wolves, albeit extremely well-dressed wolves. — Lindsay Buroker

That must be why we get along so fabulously," Amaranthe said. "You being the less talkative sort and me being happy to fill in the awkward silences with ... awkward un-silences." Sicarius said nothing. "Yes, just like that. — Lindsay Buroker

What are you doing?" Sicarius's voice floated from his tree perch.
"The usual night-watch activities." She tried to keep her tone light. Neither the creepy forest nor the creepy wolves were going to make her nervous, thank you very much.
"Staying awake, counting trees, throwing fire at wolves with glowing eyes. — Lindsay Buroker

I wouldn't go for a swim without consulting you first. But, given your past history working for Hollowcrest and skulking around dark places, I wonder if you have any insight into these tunnels."
"Skulking?"
"Yes, is that not what assassins call it?"
"We call it working. — Lindsay Buroker

Basilard, can you cover our trail?
Basilard rubbed his head dubiously. Maldynado, Books, and Akstyr leave trail like marching army. — Lindsay Buroker

You never say what I wish you'd say, and you frequently say nothing at all when it's clear you should say something, so it's not entirely fantastical that you'd say a certain thing when you mean something else entirely." He opened his mouth, shut it, and considered the ground briefly before responding. "I remember studying Fleet Admiral Starcrest's Mathematical Probabilities Applied to Military Strategies as a young boy and finding that less confusing than what you just said." Now it was her turn for a stunned pause before answering. "Sicarius?" She laid a tentative hand on his shoulder. "Was that a joke?" "A statement of fact. — Lindsay Buroker

Waiting for the right people isn't going to get us where we want; we need to go out and find ... " She groped for the right word. A mission? A project? A job?
"Trouble?" Sicarius suggested.
"An endeavor that will help the city and prove to the emperor that we're undeserving of the bounties on our heads and we're invaluable resources to his regime."
"Trouble," Sicarius said. — Lindsay Buroker

That doesn't mean they're not still angling for something. The most charitable people in the world are choosing altruism, not because it's a noble endeavor, but because being noble fulfills a need within them. — Lindsay Buroker

In his first week on the throne, he vowed to make peace with all the nations we've ever warred with, cut military spending in half, funnel the money to education, and ... oh, yes, and phase out the empire itself, instating some ridiculous people's republic with elected officials. — Lindsay Buroker

Heal her." Sicarius forced Akstyr to his knees at Amaranthe's side. Sicarius did not say "or else." He did not have to. The threat hung in the air, as dense as the fog. — Lindsay Buroker

Is that a page from the dastardly villain's diary?" Maldynado asked. "One carelessly dropped that conveniently reveals the secret to destroying these vile artifacts?" "It's an invoice." "Villains get bills? — Lindsay Buroker

You don't believe I'm cute enough to rescue? he asked, deadpan. — Lindsay Buroker

He studied her, as if she were some exotic specimen of fish he'd pulled up from the lake depths and he was deciding whether to keep her or throw her back. — Lindsay Buroker

Women like to make up rules to befuddle you ... it's part of living in their world. Get used to it. — Lindsay Buroker

Amaranthe cleared her throat. Enough girl talk. There are enemy cabins full of dastardly old ladiesthat we must infiltrate. — Lindsay Buroker

Utter foolery shouldn't be delegated — Lindsay Buroker

Of course, it'll be up to you to convince Ridgecrest that Sespian is the candidate he wants to side with," Amaranthe said.
"Me," Sicarius stated at the same time as Maldynado asked, "Him?"
"You three. As a group."
"That'll be a unique conversation," Yara said. — Lindsay Buroker

Sure, you want me to be able to heal you if wolves attack again, right?"
"Won't you find that hard to do if you're here, and I'm five miles up the trail, bleeding to death? — Lindsay Buroker

Enough girl talk. There are enemy cabins full of dastardly old ladies that we must infiltrate." "Unbelievable," Evrial murmured. "What is?" "That you can say things like that and still get those men to rally behind you." "Sometimes I also have to gaze into their eyes with youthful exuberance that they find impossible to resist." Evrial could imagine — Lindsay Buroker

Is there a reason we're taking the alley?" he asked. "The air is a tad ripe out here."
"Unfriendly eyes out front."
"Enforcers?"
"A ten-year-old boy."
"Oh, yes. Terrifying."
"He's someone's spy," she said. — Lindsay Buroker

You're inviting us to the rooftop populated with the people the gangs are after?" Deret hollered.
"Given that we're planning ways to collapse your rooftop onto the makarovi milling in the factory, we thought you'd find it a more appealing perch. — Lindsay Buroker

I reckon if you care for someone and you can't have their love, you can either be a spiteful bastard about it or you can try your damnedest to make sure they're going to find some happiness in the world. — Lindsay Buroker

It took Evrial a moment to catch on - she was too busy wondering where Amaranthe had heard anything, since she was supposedly staying out of sight in her cabin for the whole trip. "Maid service?Are you suggesting we dress up as servants and clean people's rooms?"
"
Why, that's an excellent idea. Thank you for suggesting it." Amaranthe beamed. Evrial crossed her arms over her chest and added her glower to the glare Sicarius was still sending across the room. She was beginning to see how Maldynado got blamed for so many things that may have not been his fault after all. — Lindsay Buroker

You're an awful conversationalist," Amaranthe said. "How is it possible I prefer spending time with you?"
"Most people don't want to talk to assassins."
"I'm a unique individual."
"Yes," he said, deadpan.
"I'm never quite sure if you're complimenting me ... or not."
His eyes glinted as they passed a streetlamp. "Good. — Lindsay Buroker

An explanation." Sicarius regarded her intently. "Clarify the situation with the emperor. I could not understand the incoherent jumble you spit out before falling unconscious. — Lindsay Buroker

Then I guess Sicarius will have to follow you around all night, hovering over your shoulder while you eat. Breathing down your neck. Sharing your salad. Hogging your croutons. — Lindsay Buroker

He doesn't take anything seriously, and he has the work ethic of a ... a ... well, an indolent son of the privileged caste. I've worked my entire life, and I ... " "Take everything seriously?" Amaranthe suggested. Evrial crossed her arms. "Maybe. So, what? Life isn't a joke." "No, but it's easier to enjoy if you can find the humor in even the grim moments. Perhaps it'd be healthy for you to let someone bring a little levity into your life. — Lindsay Buroker

One who has a personality that grates like glass paper should probably choose footwear sufficient for fleeing from irritated people. — Lindsay Buroker

Er, she hated it when she was trying to be morally superior and someone pointed out that her idea was only slightly less sketchy. — Lindsay Buroker

Trust me, I never underestimate my charm or any of my other magnificent attributes. They work great on women. Alas, men tend to see me as an unwelcome rival. You, he might listen to. You're good at talking people into things."
"What makes you say that?"
"Because I'm perched in the rafters of a cannery, at risk from a man-slaying magical creature, and spending time with a drunk, a gangster, and an assassin at ... what time is it? — Lindsay Buroker

Besides, how would she have gotten him to fall in? Throw a carpet over it and stand on the other side? That only worked in the old fables and to animals with the brightness of inebriated sloths. — Lindsay Buroker

Friendship is as selfish as any other relationship, perhaps more so because it masquerades as something noble. I am more comfortable with those who approach me with blades drawn. — Lindsay Buroker

Sicarius wore his usual guess-my-thoughts-if-you-can-mask, though she sensed he did not approve. — Lindsay Buroker

You can only fight one man at a time with a sword, but, with a pen, you can compose a lecture to bore legions of enemy troops to death. — Lindsay Buroker

My husband," Amaranthe said.
"Really! I would have guessed bodyguard."
Yes, even without visible weapons, he had that aura. — Lindsay Buroker

Just so I'm clear ... you thought a brothel would be a suitable place to host a birthday party for a woman? — Lindsay Buroker

You're not - " "Fast enough? Strong enough? Agile enough?" She did not necessarily disagree, but she wanted him to have faith she could do this. "Expendable," Sicarius said. — Lindsay Buroker

He was a cyborg. Oh, he looked fully human, with icy blue eyes, a strong jaw in need of shaving, and black hair even more in need of cutting, but humans didn't jump thirty feet from the top of a spaceship, land on their feet next to a person, and proceed to attack so quickly that an Alliance officer with combat training didn't have time to react. — Lindsay Buroker

Don't question luck," Amaranthe muttered. "It might get offended by your lack of appreciation and leave you behind. — Lindsay Buroker

Boss, it's not right to joke around about a man's ... Did you call it a peeper? — Lindsay Buroker

If trailing along with me is boring you," she said, "you could go check on Books and Maldynado in the real estate office."
He did not speak at first, and she thought he might be considering it, but then he said, "My presence unnerves Books."
"Your presence unnerves everyone."
Amaranthe grinned over her shoulder to soften the comment. "Not you," Sicarius said.
"No, but I'm told my sanity is questionable." She wriggled her eyebrows at him. — Lindsay Buroker

An equally shaggy tuft of hair dangled from his chin, the classification somewhere between beard, goatee, and flower gone to seed. — Lindsay Buroker

Someone's coming," Sicarius said. "They heard we have raccoon vomit for breakfast," Akstyr muttered. — Lindsay Buroker

Victory!? There is no victory in war! War takes everything and gives nothing! I only wish my words were as destructive as you would have me believe! — Lindsay Buroker

Amaranthe decided not to explain that it hadn't been a guess, that Sicarius reserved his ultra icy glare for those who threatened him, those who spoke disrespectfully about his son, and those who dared invite Amaranthe to picnic dinners in the park. — Lindsay Buroker

No self-respecting snoop sneaks in before midnight anyway. — Lindsay Buroker

Well, I'm freezing. Either one of us is going to have to check or we'll have to start cuddling."
Sicarius climbed the ladder.
"There's something wrong with a man who chooses to face death over cuddling with a woman. — Lindsay Buroker

I've learned that reputation is a truth others concoct to serve their own needs. Genuine truth is revealed in one's actions, actions performed under duress without the time to calculate how they'll make one appear in the world's eyes. — Lindsay Buroker

A hint of annoyance hardened Sicarius's dark eyes, and Books imagined him thinking, I can't leave for five minutes without you getting into trouble ... — Lindsay Buroker

You didn't think you'd find a Science-savvy mercenary team in the empire without a few eccentricities, did you? Amaranthe asked. — Lindsay Buroker

Captain, your fecal aroma is disturbing our meditation." "I — Lindsay Buroker

No, no." Amaranthe lifted a hand. "You needn't let me know you think my idea has promise. It's been nearly three months since the last time I almost got myself killed, so I'm brimming with self-confidence. I don't need bolstering. — Lindsay Buroker

You were married; don't you know how this is supposed to go? The woman doesn't want you to argue or try to solve the problem with logic. The woman wants you to commiserate with her. You don't have to fix anything. Just stand there and nod and say 'uh huh' and 'I understand.' That's all you're supposed to do. — Lindsay Buroker

his movements had a frantic edge to them. He must have felt challenged - if not overwhelmed - as he struggled to attack and defend at the same time against so many. She — Lindsay Buroker

I don't know why you'd want to kill Maldynado, when it's clear you'd make fabulous hat-shopping buddies. — Lindsay Buroker

Oh, they'll be punished." Amaranthe smiled and pointed at the heretofore silent Sicarius.
"Pa here, he's the farm dis-ci-pli-nar-i-an. He was a soldier and he knows how to lay into a man an' make him wish he'd never thunk of running off. Ain't that right, Pa?" She smiled up at Sicarius.
"Yes," he said flatly. "Ma. — Lindsay Buroker

I should have said no, but if the tech half of the business got himself killed, who would update the website? — Lindsay Buroker

You better not be dead. This team is already overflowing with ankle spankers. I was looking forward to having more women around."
Yara's eyelids fluttered open. She blinked a few times, focused on him, and frowned.
"Ankle spanker? The only thing you've got that'll reach that far is your ego. — Lindsay Buroker

Cas focused on the shooting — Lindsay Buroker

Asking someone to help you commit a crime and then leaving him alive to point you out to the enforcers is foolish. — Lindsay Buroker

Why, I'm going to infiltrate Forge, of course. Amaranthe smiled and waited for a response. It seemed she hadn't lost her knack for stunning groups of men when announcing her schemes. — Lindsay Buroker

Who sent you?" Sicarius asked.
Amaranthe considered carefully before answering. If he simply meant to scare her into providing information, he could have started with a knife against her throat. No, he had almost broken her neck. He had intended to kill her but stopped mid-motion. Why? And would he continue where he had left off if she answered incorrectly?
"Commander of the Armies Hollowcrest."
Given the previous demonstration of how he could see through lies, the truth seemed a safer choice. Besides, she found herself reluctant to die to protect Hollowcrest's anonymity.
"Why?"
"To kill you."
"That I gathered. Why did he send you? What did you do to anger him?"
"I ... Uhm, what?"
"It was a suicide mission. You must have suspected. — Lindsay Buroker

His hair stuck up more than usual, but he was otherwise neat in his typical black. If they lived through the mission, she decided to buy him an obnoxiously cheerful shirt. Something in sunflower yellow, perhaps. — Lindsay Buroker

Sicarius padded toward the exit, his soft black boots silent on the tile floor. He paused in the doorway and glanced at the backs of the two older men.
The emperor emitted a nervous chuckle. "You trained him too well, Hollow. The man bothers me."
"He is loyal."
"I know. You did a good job. I ought to give you Sespian to work with. The boy is disappointing."
"He does seem soft," Hollowcrest said.
"Did you hear that scream? I would've been fascinated by severed heads at that age."
"You're fascinated with them now, Sire."
"True enough."
They shared a laugh and headed for the door. Sicarius slipped away before they noticed him. — Lindsay Buroker

The mental sciences? A strange synonym for magic. — Lindsay Buroker

Sicarius stood behind them, not bothering to hide his face as the breeze rifled through his short blond hair. He hadn't drawn a weapon yet, and Amaranthe hurried to catch up, to keep him from doing so.
First one security man glanced over his shoulder and jumped, then the second emulated the move.
Sespian lifted a hand. "Don't hurt - "One of the men pointed to the side of Sicarius, cried, "Look, enforcers!" and hurled himself past Sespian and into the river. The second man squeaked, scuttled backward until his shoulders rammed against the railing, then grabbed it and also propelled himself into the water. His lantern caught and dropped to the deck instead of falling overboard. It clanked and highlighted a dubious puddle before tipping over and winking out. Amaranthe had forgotten how much Sicarius's reputation affected the average person. — Lindsay Buroker

Sitting in the shadows, with a killer, in an empty building, gazing at the corpse of another killer. When had her life grown so strange? — Lindsay Buroker

It's a shame you prefer to wallow in a mire of ignorance when knowledge floats by within reach," Books said. "Isn't it? — Lindsay Buroker

Sespian opened his mouth, paused, closed it, then shook his head ruefully. "It's very easy to be drawn into what you're saying, and I catch myself wanting to nod and agree. Maybe I should take notes on your technique."
Amaranthe blushed and felt like she should stutter an apology, but she hadn't done anything to be embarrassed about, had she?
"It's her eyes", Sicarius said, startling her..
Yara glanced over her shoulder at him, apparently, surprised to hear him speak, but soon turned her attention back to the tracks. She seemed to be believe she should remain silent for the discussion.
Sespian scratched his jaw. "Yes, maybe so. They're like a doe's. Warm and earnest and ... "
"Wholesome. Sicarius's eyes glinted, and Amaranthe scowled at him. — Lindsay Buroker

Are you sure you're not looking for an excuse to stay in the smokestack with me?"
"If we attempt to check on the weapons now, in daylight, we may be spotted."
"Don't worry. You don't have to say it. I know." Amarante patted him on the chest. "It was good for me too. — Lindsay Buroker

A soft knock sounded. Amaranthe feared Sicarius had come to collect her for another round of training, but he didn't usually bother knocking. Or being constrained by door locks. — Lindsay Buroker

Here's the plan: I'll go in and palaver while you surround them."
"Surround them," he said. "By myself. — Lindsay Buroker

Like most of the others, she'd been wearing the same clothing for a week - in her case, a long-sleeved wool shirt and sturdy green trousers with numerous pockets - but, unlike the others, her garb appeared clean and freshly ironed. Even Maldynado rarely looked so crisp - apparently his love of fashion didn't extend to a love of doing laundry. — Lindsay Buroker

The Wharf Street part stood out for a different reason. She — Lindsay Buroker

In every crisis lies opportunity. — Lindsay Buroker

A normal man would be more solicitous if he got a pretty young woman in a private cabin with him. — Lindsay Buroker

Well?" she asked.
"Well, what?"
"You're not going to answer?"
"You didn't ask a question."
"I did too."
"A question is denoted by a higher pitched tone at the end of the sentence. Your voice never did that."
Curse him, his eyes glinted with amusement. "Sicarius! This isn't the time for you to practice being whimsical. — Lindsay Buroker

Sicarius, are you ready for a hike?"
She faced him only to find he had armed himself - more so than usual. In addition to his daggers and throwing knives, he held two rifles, two pistols, two cargo belts laden with ammo pouches, and a bag of his smoke grenades.
"Or a single-handed all-out assault on the forest? — Lindsay Buroker

You know..." Amaranthe dumped her dust pile outside and returned to face him. "It's hard for me to maintain my vigor and enthusiasm for leading you when you do nothing but stand there and ooze disapproval at me. — Lindsay Buroker

She let Sicarius lead since he had that knack for getting people to move out of his way without doing anything. Amaranthe, on the other hand, received elbows in the ribs or suggestive jostles from drunken men. Maybe she should try wearing all black and glaring more often. — Lindsay Buroker

Yes," Sicarius said. "We must act alone. And soon. You may be dead by morning."
"Have I mentioned how endearing your bluntness is? — Lindsay Buroker

Why, Sicarius, is it possible you have a playful side beneath your razor-edged knives, severe black clothing and humourless glares? — Lindsay Buroker

Though a rational part of her mind said they needed her and would not seriously damage her, pain and terror pumped uncertainty through her heart. — Lindsay Buroker