He gave a short huff of mingled amusement and annoyance. "Even if you saw through it, you answered your own question regardless," he said. "Proving that you knew the answer all along, you just didn't like it. Unfortunately for you, truths like that have an irritating habit of not changing to suit our preferences."

"The only way to become braver or more skilled is with work and time. There is no shortcut, no spell or potion or hidden secret. Merely gradually acquired knowledge and applied effort. But unlike some, you have at least one comfort; you need not strive for such things alone."