Alliances Quote by Megan Whalen Turner
“She met the magus's stunned look with a smile. "The Thieves of Eddis have always been uncomfortable allies to the throne, Magus. There is the niggling fear that if you fall out with a Thief, he might see it as his right and responsibility to remove you. There are some checks, of course. There is only ever one Thief. They are prohibited from owning any property. Their training inevitably generates the isolation that makes them independent, but also keeps them from forming alliances that might become threats to the throne. It is not the folly you might think.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Thieves of Eddis (fictional excerpt), 2020
Thieves, bound by unique constraints, remain isolated yet essential, highlighting how power structures enforce both dependence and mistrust.
In simple terms: Thieves are isolated yet vital.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the paradox of power and isolation.
Themes
power
trust
isolation
political intrigue
Mood
tension
strategic
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- court politics
- military alliances
- organizational leadership
Key Concepts
political theory
character dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance control with autonomy in teams?
- What mechanisms can prevent mistrust in alliances?
A Different Perspective
Isolation can breed rebellion if not managed.
![“I woke with a terrible headache and wobbled around 'till I fell out the window." "You what?" "Fell out the window. That one over there." She [Edwina] gestured to the curtain behind her. "I broke my back. My spine is all wobbly now, but it doesn't hurt.” quote by Megan Whalen Turner](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/699/megan-whalen-turner-1289_behinds_i-woke-with-a-terrible-headache-and-wobb_56744.jpg)
![“[U]nless oppressed groups stick together, and on alliances of self interest rather than do-goodism; nothing can be accomplished in the long run to dismantle the apparatus of oppression.” quote by Shulamith Firestone](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d7b/shulamith-firestone-12980_accomplished_u-nless-oppressed-groups-stick-together_5485.jpg)
