The Returning Duty Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

He looked across at Father's empty seat, knowing what Father would do, and knowing as surely that he, Gyaar, would turn from it: Father would choose no sides, he would strike at all who had been caught up in the conflict— innocent and guilty alike— and crush them, merciless, brutal. (12.102)

Gyaar doesn't want to be his father—ruthless, brutal, selfish—but as he starts to rule, he begins to realize that not all his decisions are easy ones. The truth is that he's forced to make choices that sometimes have a negative impact on people.

Quote #8

Cam was a voice, a deeper darkness in the dark night, that was all. "Here is another: You looked at me and it was like looking into a mirror, in time to come." (12.204)

And with that, Cam and Gyaar have a deep bond with one another. Only they seem to understand how the other felt in that moment, and it gives them both a sense of responsibility to one another.

Quote #9

"Ah, Graceful," he said. "Ah, Graceful. You will one day understand." (13.140)

It's a tough pill for Graceful to swallow, but eventually she sees her dad is right—her marriage does bring a kind of stability to the country that it needs. This means her life becomes more about duty than desire. Is it worth the trade off?