“Return with your shield, or upon it.’ (Julian's stepmother)”
“Never shield your oddness, but wear your oddness as a shield.”
“You coming in here?” I asked. “Afraid I’ll gnaw on your stepmother?”
“Do not fear so, here is one who would be a blade at your back. A shield across your breast. Here is kin, here is strength to lean upon, to share as you share in need.”
“Shield me, kind heaven, what an inundation of impertinence is here coming upon us!”
“Yours if you want it."- Julian to Emma.”