Classic sword and sorcery by the author of the Elric of Melnibone saga; part of the Dorian Hawkmoon series.
"It is written that those who swear by the Runestaff must then benefit or suffer from the consequences of the fixed pattern of destiny that they set in motion. And Baron Meliadus of Krolden had sworn such an oath, had sworn vengeance against all of Castle Brass, had sworn that Yisselda, Count Brass' daughter would be his. On that day, many months earlier, he had fixed the pattern of fate, a pattern that had involved him in strange destructive schemes, that had involved Dorian Hawkmoon in wild and uncanny adventures in distant places, and that was now nearing its terrible resolution."
"It is written that those who swear by the Runestaff must then benefit or suffer from the consequences of the fixed pattern of destiny that they set in motion. And Baron Meliadus of Krolden had sworn such an oath, had sworn vengeance against all of Castle Brass, had sworn that Yisselda, Count Brass' daughter would be his. On that day, many months earlier, he had fixed the pattern of fate, a pattern that had involved him in strange destructive schemes, that had involved Dorian Hawkmoon in wild and uncanny adventures in distant places, and that was now nearing its terrible resolution."
