Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

Author:Matthew J. Kirby [J. Kirby, Matthew]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 978-0-545-38816-0
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2011-10-15T04:00:00+00:00

When the summer was still new, trailing cold mornings, Per and Raudi began sparring in the yard. Raudi, you held your spear as if it might somehow turn in your hands and stab you, and Per, you were perhaps a little too rough with him, in the beginning. I know that is the way of things. Boys must become men, but I winced each time you knocked my friend to the ground.

But each time you said, “Again,” and helped him back up.

Did you both know I watched you? I watched as you hardened, Raudi, and as you, Per, shaped the form he would settle into.

I was watching that day when you began to cry, Raudi. Do you remember that? I do not mean to embarrass you. But I saw you drop your weapon and slump to the ground. I wanted to run to you to find out what was wrong. But by that time you and I weren’t speaking much. So I waited, and watched.

I expected you to berate him, Per. I expected you to curse, and yank him to his feet. To beat the tears out of him.

But you didn’t.

You knelt down beside him, put your hand on his shoulder, and you spoke to him. I admired you so much for that. I was too far away to hear what was said, and I don’t want you to tell me now, Raudi. But whatever it was, it helped you.

You rose to your feet, gripped your spear tighter, and said, “Again.”

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