He'd never before sought to pass through such a door. He was not even certain that it was possible. And if he survived into the beyond, was there any way to return? One thing loomed over his final, most difficult worry: he was about to attempt entry into a realm where he wasn't welcome.

Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson

'Oh, yes,' Rake said, refilling his goblet. 'I received the two Pale wizards' heads. As you promised. I admire your efficiency, Baruk. Did they protest?'
Baruk paled. 'I explained to them the options,' he said quietly. 'No, they didn't protest.'

Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson

'Ben Adaephon Delat,' Pearl said plaintively, 'see the last who comes. You send me to my death.'
'I know,' Quick Ben whispered.
'Flee, then. I will hold them enough to ensure your escape, no more.'

Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson

'Always an even trade, Sorceress.' The man snapped a second salute, this one sharper, and in its way more personal.
Always an even trade, Sorceress. Save our skins, we'll save yours.

Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson

You dream that with memories will come knowledge, and from knowledge, understanding. But for every answer you find, a thousand questions arise.

Deadhouse Gates, Steven Erikson

We do naught but scratch the world, frail and fraught. Every vast drama of civilisations, peoples with their certainties and gestures, means nothing, affects nothing. Life crawls on, ever on.

Deadhouse Gates, Steven Erikson

Such tears had been shed before, and would be again - by others like her and yet unlike her. And the winds would dry them all.

Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson

Betrayal was the greatest of all crimes in Rallick's mind, for it took all that was human within a person and made it a thing of pain.

Gardens of the Moon, Steven Erikson

"Tell me, Tool, what dominates your thoughts?"
The Imass shrugged before replying. "I think of futility, Adjunct."
"Do all Imass think of futility?"
"No few think at all."
"Why is that?"
The Imass leaned his head to one side and regarded her. "Because, Adjunct, it is futile."

Malazan Book of The Fallen, Steven Erikson