Every queen needs a general, and every bard needs one, too. I have so much respect for young Borley.
Armulyn stepped between the children and the Fang and strummed his whistleharp. He blew on the whistle and played a fast jig, tapping his feet on the floor and working his elbows like a duck. But the melody was shaky and out of tune; there were so many wrong notes that Sara cringed.
The Fang’s howl was cut short and it cocked its head at Armulyn, wondering what in the world the strange man was doing. Then it began to laugh. Two more Fangs appeared in the doorway in answer to the first one’s call, and the three of them pointed and laughed at the bard, mocking his dance and howling all the louder. A bead of sweat trickled down Armulyn’s cheek.
He finished his shaky song and struck a pose with one hand out, as if he were waiting for applause. The Fangs doubled over with laughter. “Do it again!” the first one barked between breaths.
Armulyn raised his whistleharp once more, and Sara saw that his hands were trembling. This time, however, the notes were clear and beautiful, and the Fangs covered their ears, doubled over, and whined.
Suddenly Borley leapt from the table. “For Queen Sara!” he screamed, and the orphans surged forward. Sara stood on the table in shock as her army streamed past her, past Armulyn, and overcame the three Grey Fangs before they knew what was happening.
The children filed out by company, trampling Fang dust and armor underfoot. Sara hopped down, took Armulyn’s hand, and joined their mad rush to Riverside Road.
Discussion: Who do you most identify with in these chapters (32-37)? Sara? Maraly? Artham? Someone else?
What did you think of Armulyn, now that we’ve met him? (Discuss here or in the forum)
How can we make welcoming places for each other? (Discuss in the forum)
What was your favorite passage this week?
Andrew on tour: Andrew has a few shows in the next couple of days—and next week is Resurrection Letters at Hutchmoot! To see if he’ll be near you, or to find tickets for any of these events, visit his music site.
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