We trolls say: “Make Philosophy your evening guest, but do not let her stay the night.” - Tad Williams

Nothing is without cost. There is a price to all power, and it is not always obvious.

The fear was all he had left, but even that was something—he was afraid, so he must be alive! There was darkness, but there was Simon, too! There were not one and the same. Not yet. Not quite...

You have something that might be more use to me than either gold or power—something that in fact brings both in its train."
"And what is that?"
The count leaned forward. "Knowledge.