"The soldier's path is worn smooth by the tread of many feet—all in one direction, none returning."

—Oracle *en*-Vec

These spirits of the air are winsome and wild and cannot be truly contained. Only marginally intelligent, they often substitute whimsy for strategy, delighting in mischief and mayhem.

If only every message were as perfect as its bearer.

Rainclouds don't last long in Shiv, but that doesn't stop the lightning.

Sharpen your ears

—Elvish expression meaning "grow wiser"

"I always charge a little extra to take on a pegasus. They fly like eagles, kick like mules, and hide like hermits."

—Tahli *en*-Dal, bounty hunter

Little dreamt could seem so cruel

As waiting for the wings outspread,

The jagged teeth, the burning eyes,

And dagger-claws that clench to nerves.

"Don't look at it! Maybe it'll go away!"

—Ib Halfheart, goblin tactician

"I think I used up all my good luck and all my bad luck in the same fall."

—Gerrard of the *Weatherlight*

Its windpipe is only the first to amplify its maddening laughter.

Radiant's eyes flashed. "Go, then," the angel spat at Serra, "and leave this world to those who truly care."

They are Phyrexia's couriers; the messages they carry are inscribed on their slick hides.

". . . But I'm not tired!"

Few of Rath's rivers follow a steady course, so many new channels are carved for them.

"I implore you not to forget the horrors of the past. You would have us start the Brothers' War anew!"

—Sorine Relicbane, Soldevi heretic

"Teferi is a problem student. Always late for class. No appreciation for constructive use of time."

—Barrin, progress report

Bring the spear of ancient briar;

Bring the torch to light the pyre.

Bring the one who trod our ground;

Bring the spade to dig his mound.

"Death—an outmoded concept. We sleep, and we change."

—Sitrik, birth priest

Life is eternal. A lifetime is ephemeral.

The forest was too lush for the brothers to despoil—almost.

Visitors to Shiv fear the dragons, the goblins, or the viashino. Natives fear the ants.

"A dash of cool water does wonders to clear a cluttered battlefield."

—Vibekke Ragnild, *Witches and War*

They were formidable even before they learned the use of weapons.

It's not known whether the Thran built the device to forge their wonders or to defend them.

"The true dishonor for a soldier is surviving the war."

—Telim'Tor

"Ach! Hans, run! It's the lhurgoyf!"

—Saffi Eriksdotter, last words

A lightning elemental once killed an entire tribe of merfolk—simply by going for a swim.

One bone broken for every twig snapped underfoot.

—Llanowar penalty for trespassing

"Beauty to the eye does not always translate to the touch."

—Naimah, Femeref philosopher

"The fatal flaw in every plan is the assumption that you know more than your enemy."

—Volrath

Only by sacrificing any semblance of defense could Gerrard best Greven.

"Water is firmament to the finned."

—Oracle *en*-Vec

"A skilled decoy can throw your enemies off your trail. A master decoy can survive to do it again."

—Gerrard of the *Weatherlight*

"I have seen the horrors Kaervek has freed. My Betrayal is certain—but of Kaervek or of Jamuraa, I cannot say."

—Jolrael

"He cocooned himself alone in his workshop for months. When he finally emerged, all broad grins and excited chatter, I knew he'd found his answer."

—Barrin, master wizard

For the first time in his life, Grakk felt a little warm and fuzzy inside.