John Flanagan Quotes

The the uncertainty was dispelled and the melancholy lifted as he saw a familiar stocky figure moving near one of the tents. Halt! he cried out gladly, and a slight pressure with his knees set Tug galloping through the deserted Gathering site. The dog, caught by surprise, barked once, then shot in pursuit like an arrow from a bow. The grim-faced Ranger straightened from the fire at the sound of his former student's voice. He stood, hands on hips and a frown on his face as Will and Tug careered toward him. But inside, there was a lightening of his heart that he never failed to feel when in Will's company. Not for the first time, the realization hit Halt that Will was no longer a mere boy. No one wore the Silver Oakleaf if he hadn't proven himself to be worthy. Despite himself, he felt a surge of pride.

~ John Flanagan

Already, Cullum felt a stirring of interest. The name Horace and the mention of an oakleaf symbol struck a chord in his memory. Sir Horace, the Oakleaf Knight, was a legendary figure in Araluen, even in a place as remote as Norgate. Of course, the more remote the location, the more garbled and fantastic the legends became. As Cullum had hear tell, Sir Horace had been a youth of sixteen when he defeated the tyrant Morgarath in single combat, slicing the head off the evil lord's shoulders with one might strocke of a massive broadsword.Then, in the company of the equally legendary Ranger Halt, Sir Horace had traveled across the Stormwhite Sea to defeat the Riders from the East and rescue Princess Cassandra and her companion, the apprentice Ranger known as Will. Will! The significance of the name suddenly registered with the innkeeper. The jongleur's name was Will. Now here he was, in a cowled cloak, festooned with recurve bow and a quiver of arrows. He looked more closely and saw the hilt of a heavy saxe knife just visible at his waist. No doubt about it, Cullum thought, these cheerful young men were two of Araluen's greatest heroes!

~ John Flanagan

No matter how thoroughly you plan, no matter how much you think you know, you've never thought of everything.

~ John Flanagan

You've known him how long? Malcolm asked. Since he was a small boy. I firs noticed him when he slipped into Master Chubb's kitchen to steal some pies. So, what did you have to say to Will when you caught him stealing these pies? Oh, I didn't let on I was there. We rangers can be very unobtrusive when we choose. I remained out of sight and watched him. I thought he might have potential to be a ranger. Halt said. Horace joined in Why? Halt answered carefully. Because he was excellent at moving from cover to cover. Chubb entered 3 times and never noticed him. So i thought that if he could acheive that with no training, he would make a good ranger. No Horace spoke. Thats not what I meant. Why were you hiding in the kitchen in the first place? I told you. I was watching Will to see if he had the potential to be a ranger. Thats not what you said. You said that was the first time you noticed Will. Does it matter? Not really. Were you hiding from chub yourself and Will just turned up by coincidence? And why would I be hiding from master Chubb in his own kitchen? Well, there were freshly made pies on the windowsill, and you like pies, don't you? Are you acusing me of trying to steal those pies?!?! No, of course not. I just thought i'd give you the opportunity to confess. After a pause, Halt continued. You know, Horace, you used to be a most agreeable young man. Whatever happened to you? I've spent to much time around you, I suppose. And Halt had to admit that was probably true.

~ John Flanagan

Halt regarded him. He loved Horace like a younger brother. Even like a second son, after will. He admired his skill with a sword and his courage in battle. But sometimes, just sometimes, he felt an overwhelming desire to ram the young warrior's head against a convenient tree.

~ John Flanagan

You'll like it less when you hear what they've been building. It's a big raised platform at the end of the square about two metres above the ground, with steps running up to it.''Like a stage?' Erak suggested. 'Maybe they're going to put on a play.''Or an execution,' Horace said.

~ John Flanagan