“You think language honest?” Ouster laughed for longer than was polite. “You haven’t dipped your quill yet, obviously, with that fresh outlook. Anyone who exchanges the simplest of pleasantries is a disciple of Wael. Who knows what’s really being said when words are used. A well met and farewell could start a war with what lies beneath their surface.” Ouster grunted, staring at the floor. Into memory, the boy corrected. “Best riddle ever made, stuffing our minds with feelings and wants, and then giving us the paltry fare of words with which to speak it. Though... lies have power, too. And if you repeat the words of a lie often enough...” The wry smile returned.”