Behold the following excerpt, my favorite from chapters 39-44 of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. The situation is dire, and Janner’s worries are legitimate, but he’s not alone. Is there anyone who gives you strength when you’re afraid? Who makes you feel like you can be more than you are?
We’re almost finished with book 1! Only one more week, and then we’ll pause to celebrate Christ’s resurrection before diving into book 2. I’m so enjoying reading with you. 🙂
With a fierce look in his eyes, Podo threw the bundle into the back of the wagon and mounted it without waiting for the boys. They scrambled in as Podo said, “Hya!” to Danny the carthorse, who whinnied and tore toward Glipwood.
Janner’s eyes watered in the wind as he watched the sweeping boughs of glipwood trees whiz by. He prayed to the Maker that Leeli and Nia were still safe. He wondered how they possibly would escape with Nia and Leeli, if indeed the Fangs had overrun the town. He looked up at Podo, at the white hair flying out behind him, bluish now in the moonlight, and felt better. Maybe Podo didn’t have a plan, but knowing that his grandfather was with him, even in the face of the Fangs of Dang, made Janner feel like he could be more than he was. He drew strength from the old man, like water from a well, and rested in it. And he looked admiringly at Tink, who had found a Fang sword among the remains in the wagon and was holding it in two fists, clenching his jaw.
—From chapter 40, “Betrayal.”
What stood out to you in your reading this week? Whether you’re keeping pace with us or are somewhere else in the series, post your favorite excerpt in the comments!
How have you been enjoying our forum? This week’s discussions included Leeli, the melding process, and more. We’d love to hear your voice. Grab a friend and come on over.
Oh, how interesting! My quote is also a time when Janner was afraid and Podo was able to help him.
From chapter 43 A Ghost in the Wind:
Then, from out of the darkness, Janner heard the moan.
AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH
It rose up out of the tunnel and swirled around the room. Janner smacked his hands over his ears and screwed his eyes shut. His mind grew numb with panic, and he tried to convince himself that if he opened his eyes he wouldn’t see the glowing eyes of a hungry ghost. He scoffed that he ever believed Podo that a sound so horrible could be the wind.
“Janner!” He could hear Podo’s voice faintly, cutting through the ghostly groan. “It’s the wind, lad! There ain’t no ghost!” the old man cried.
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH
Time and time again Podo had proven trustworthy, Janner told himself. Why shouldn’t he trust him now? Janner clenched his jaws tight and prepared himself to see Brimney Stupe and then the Maker.
Finally, Janner opened his eyes. Darkness.
Podo thudded to the floor beside him and pried Janner’s hands from his ears. In the blackness Janner sense his grandfather’s face close to his and felt his warm breath when he spoke.
“It’s all right lad. Just the wind. Feel my hands. These are real.”
Janner nodded. At the touch of Podo’s big callused fingers, the moaning shrunk in his mind and was replaced with shame. He was thankful that in the darkness his face was hidden.
“Sorry,” Janner said.
“No time for that,” Podo said, ruffling Janner’s hair.