“She snatched at the dream that had comforted her for so long. It was faded and thin, like a letter too often read.”

“There is no escape if love is not there," Hannah had said. Had Hannah known when she herself had not even suspected? It was not escape that she had dreamed about, it was love.”

“She rolled over and stretched, blinking up at the blue sky. The tips of the long grasses swished gently in the breeze. The hot sun pressed down on her so that she felt hot and empty. Slowly, the meadow began to fulfill its promise.”

“...of the few young men and boys at the fort, now that she was too old for racing and climbing trees with them, she felt both shy and critical...”

“From that first moment, in a way she could never explain, the Meadows claimed her and made her their own.”

“What a pity every child couldn't learn to read under a willow tree...”

“All the way up the river she's been holding back somehow, waiting. Now you'll both have to wait. I'm not going to disappoint her, Kit. When I take you on board the Witch, it's going to be for keeps.”