How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"I killed him," Torrens answered flatly. "I have not forgiven myself for that. My occupation is to save life, not take it. But he would have taken mine. Unfortunately for him, I know the vulnerabilities of the human body better than he did. He was not a sailor, by the way. Cabbarus had sent him. For you see, I too am under sentence of death." (14.44)
Torrens made a drastic decision—to kill the man Cabbarus sent to kill him. It was the most extreme of situations—life or death—for a man whose mission is to save life. He made the choice to save himself, but feels great remorse for taking a human life. It's noteworthy that he realizes the necessity of his action, though he regrets that it was necessary.
Quote #2
"The first day I met you," said Theo, "at Rina's birthday party, you said there was only one law, that all men are brothers."
Florian nodded. "Yes. And sometimes brothers kill each other. For the sake of justice. For the sake of a higher cause."
"Who decides what's right? Me? You? Dr. Torrens? He's against you. He holds with the monarchy. But he seems a good and honorable man." (19.33-35)
Who's got the final say on what is morally right? Who decides who gets to kill or be killed? Theo's confronted with this consuming dilemma—if all people are equal, why should anyone end another's life or have his or her life ended? Florian claims that it can be done in the service of justice, but Theo isn't so sure that things are so black-and-white anymore. After all, who decides what is just?
Quote #3
There was no question in Theo's mind. He had done the right and honorable thing. For the first time since taking up with Las Bombas, his conscience was at ease.
And he felt miserable. (11.41-42)
Theo decided to leave Mickle and the crew behind because he felt he couldn't honestly be a part of their fraudulent schemes. But choices aren't always easy to make, especially when they involve friends, and Theo's upset that he had to leave behind the only people he could rely on in this world. Should morality really trump all?
Quote #4
Leaving the count and his coachman busily packing, Theo made his way across the innyard. He drew the bolt on the gate and slipped out into the street. What had been so clear a choice in the shed now filled him with uneasiness. The count, he feared, might well be right, and a bad affair turn worse. His decision had been the only honorable one. Instead of strengthening him, however, it burdened him. He gritted his teeth and set off for the constabulary. (3.30)
Big T tries to go to the police about Anton, but—just as the count says—the authorities aren't going to do anything for him. Theo does what he thinks is the right thing—why wouldn't the dudes in charge aid him, a poor guy? But when the powers that be are corrupt, you're not going to get much help. Duh, Theo.
Quote #5
"Well," said Mickle, "I saw what they did to my friend Hanno. I say, no more of it. Yes, send Cabbarus into exile. He's lost his power, and for him that's worse than hanging." (26.30)
It's up to Mickle to decide how Cabbarus is punished. Should he die? Be exiled? At Theo's behest, she opts for the benevolent choice—he's banished. That's the humane thing to do, Theo thinks. He's still got that moral side, it seems.
Quote #6
"Not if Florian has his way. Not if I have mine, either. There must be a royal cousin somewhere who's foolish enough to like this kind of work. Anyhow, I told them I didn't care about it, I wouldn't let them separate us. So that settles it." When Theo did not answer immediately, her face fell. "Doesn't it? Unless—What did they say to you?"
"Only that I had to make my own choice." (27.9-10)
Mickle is now a princess, so she has to be the next queen… or does she? This remains open-ended, as Florian wants to overthrow the monarchy. Plus, what if that isn't what she wants to do? What about Theo? What does he want to do? The story ends with our heroes having a lot of open-ended (and safe) choices for the first time in a while.
Quote #7
"Mickle, then. I take it you have no permanent attachments. I urge you to join me and my colleagues. The possibilities are vast. The sums could be enormous."
"Sums?" said Mickle. "Does that mean money?"
"All you could desire. Eventually, that is." (7.43-45)
Mickle makes the decision to join Las Bombas gang based on pure practicality. She's penniless and needs money—and this gig promises food and shelter, as well as funds. Unlike Theo, she doesn't take her morals into account, possibly because she's led a very difficult life until now.
Quote #8
"That's certain. Some of ours. Some of theirs. As little as possible, but no avoiding it. Yes, youngster, it may end with killing. We'd be a band of innocent idiots if we didn't expect it. You want your friends. My people want guns. We'll do whatever we must. Will you?" (16.30)
Florian is a realist. He has made the choice to invade Nierkeeping, both to help himself and to help Theo, but he is aware of the possible results. His own friends—or his enemies—might die. Florian has assessed the consequences of action and inaction, and concluded that it's worth risking his comrades' lives in Nierkeeping. This battle will be one step in a larger journey to democracy, he thinks.
Quote #9
When the press at last was ready—Stock had insisted on naming it The Westmark Phoenix—Florian treated them to a supper at Jellinek's: a double celebration, since Theo had finished his pamphlet and Florian had praised it. (15.18)
Theo has become part of Florian's rebellion. By writing a pamphlet about the injustices done to Anton, he has situated himself firmly in the camp opposing Cabbarus and, indeed, the king. When he realizes that he's also in deep with Princess Augusta, this tie might put his loyalty in question.
Quote #10
"The chambers of Mynheer Bloomsa and servants," declared Las Bombas when the landlord finally appeared. "You have my message reserving them." (8.3)
When putting on the guise of Mynheer Bloomsa, Las Bombas chooses to engage in deception, both with those he cons and those who might trick him. In this particular instance, he gets conned by someone smarter—though he proclaims that Skeit, who tricks him, is a thief, of course the reality is that Skeit just beats him in his own game.