He thinks Goliath can end the war," Alek managed at last. "The man wants peace!"

"As do we all," Count Volger said. "But there are many ways to end a war. Some are more peaceful than others.

And here in America rival newspapermen attack each other on sight?

Did you really think I was too fragile to know what Deryn was?"

"Fragile?" Volger looked about. "I hadn't thought so, but now I find you brooding in a bathroom. This doesn't speak well of your sturdiness.

Emperors are vain and useless things.

What if destiny doesn't care?

Do you love him?"
Deryn swallowed, then pointed at the screen. "He makes me feel like that. Like flying.