Christopher Paolini

As Roran watched, the man's arms, neck, and chest shriveled, and his bones appeared in sharp relief-from the bowlike curve of his collarbones to the hollow saddle of his hips, where his stomach hung like an empty waterskin. His lips puckered and drew back farther than they were intended to over his yellow teeth, baring them in a grisly snarl, while his eyeballs deflated as if they were engorged ticks being squished empty of blood, and the surrounding flesh sank inward.

No matter how careful we are, if we live long enough, eventually one of us will die. It is not a happy thought, but it is the truth. Such is the way of the world.

Fate has a cruel sense of humor, don't you think?

If we are to tempt fate, then let us not be cowards about it.

Do not stalk your prey until you are sure it is prey

Give men your ear, but not your heart. Show respect for those in power, but don't follow them blindly. Judge with logic and reason, but comment not.

If you wish to be happy,Eragon, Think not of what is to come nor of that which you have no control over but rather of the now and that which you are able to change

Never ask an elf for help; they might decide your better off dead, eh?

He inclined his head ever so slightly, displaying with his bearing the supreme confidence, even arrogance, that is the sole providence of cats, dragons, and certain highborn women.

Ignorance, fear, hate: these are our enemies. Deny them with all your might. -Oromis

Understanding breeds empathy.

I cannot pretend that I regard this with favor, but the purpose of life is not to do what we want but what needs to be done. This is what fate demands of us. - Oromis

When you can have anything you want by uttering a few words, the goal matters not, only the journey to it.

Magic is the art of thinking, not strength or language.

Everyone dies alone, Eragon. Whether you are a king on a battlefield or a lowly peasant lying in bed among your family, no one can accompany you into the void.

On the beach, Roran stood alone, watching them go. Then he threw back his head and uttered a long, aching cry, and the night echoed with the sound of his loss.

Then forgive him. And if you can't forgive, at least forget, for he meant you no harm, however rash that act was.

They may fight with us, but they don't fight for us.