On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (The Wingfeather Saga, #1)

by Andrew Peterson

“Blood was shed that you three might breathe the good air of life, and if that means you have to miss out on a Zibzy game, then so be it. Part of being a man is putting others’ needs before your own.”

“Lad, it’s one thing to be poor in pocket—nothing wrong with that. But poor in heart—that’s no good.

Janner wondered what their family needed and didn’t have and was humbled to realize that there was nothing.

“Part of being a man is taking much care of those you love.”

“You have to think hard about the very thing before you, dear. Nothing else. To think too long on what might happen is a fool’s business.

Now that’s enough to scare an old fella half to death, hearing a song in the belly of a dark wood when the only thing he’s heard for the last hour is the snort of a horse and his own toots.”

But as long as old Podo’s got breath in his lungs and a beat in his heart, there’s no fate, no Fang, no Gnag himself what can tear up this family.”

“When it comes time to fight, you fight. Even if those Fangs tear us to pieces, we’ll meet the Maker knowin’ we fought hard for somethin’ good. So don’t you shake your head like you’re givin’ up.”

They have been sung about by bards for a thousand years and are accorded a place of honor like no other kingdom—like no other king—in the world—not because they’re lords, but because they’re servants.