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The Only

Book by Katherine Applegate · 11 quotes · Fear, Being Afraid, Bravery

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The Only Quotes

“See that vine?" I said to Tobble. "My siblings and I used to swing out from it, then land in the lake." I gave a small laugh. "Well, they did anyway. I was too afraid." "You? Afraid?" "Always and forever," I said. "I'm beginning to think that's how life works." "Are we stopping here?" Tobble asked. "The horses are well watered." "Yes, but I'm not. Do you know what I need, Tobble? I need a swim." I checked the icy water with a long stick to be sure it was as deep as I recalled. Two silver fish darted past. As I clambered to a low-hanging branch, I felt a familiar shiver of anticipation and dread, and for a moment, I was the old Byx, with all her hopes and fears and longings. Then I kicked off as hard as I could, swung far out over the pond, and let go.”

“I cannot, will not, tell the full story of my next few hours. I'll only say that I found what I knew I must: the sun-bleached bones of everyone I'd once loved. Even knowing what I would find, I was unprepared for the knife of pain that cut through me. I half fell, half dismounted, from my pony. Kneeling on the ground, I gave in to the grief I'd held at bay for so long. I howled like an animal. I beat my fists against my chest. I wept. I don't know how long it went on. Time disappears, I suppose, when you need it to.”

“His look of shock confirmed, as did the red blood flowing, that I had cut him. But it wasn't yet fatal. He wouldn't die of the cut I'd inflicted. No. He'd die when I felt, coursing through me, all the pain and rage of finding my family slaughtered because of this evil man. He'd die when I looked into his wide, horrified eyes and cried, "For the dairnes!" I grabbed the hilt firmly in both hands, and I plunged the Light of Nedarra through his heart.”