“It was nothing more than a lot of village politics, just on a bigger scale.” What Celeste has taught her daughter about inter-Kingdom politics.

“I can help simply by being calm while others are throwing their hands in the air and bleating.” Part of Seigfried’s reason for staying for the Challenges for the Princess’s hand

“A busy man does not have leisure to make trouble.” One reason Siegfried does not like cities.

“A good sound sleep is worth more than anything to a fighter than a full meal.” Siegfried to Leopold, admitting that a secure bed in an inn is worth something. A good fighter (or any kind of athlete) needs rest and food.

“If you are not a leader, no one is shooting at you.” Siegfried to Leopold on the first contest, a race (rather an unusual one) with a time limit which is basically an elimination bout. They are safer just trying to beat the time limit rather than trying to come in first.

“Just because my people are sometimes dim, it does not follow that they are not cunning and treacherous.” Siegfried to Leopold, pointing out that he knows something about dirty tricks.

“A completely paralyzed slave was useless.” Homecoming, by Sue Ann Bowling. Snowy, a slave who finds himself paralyzed after an illness, is trying to understand why he is still alive.