How we cite our quotes: Chapter, Paragraph
Quote #4
A trip to the Holy Land to fight for the True Cross absolved a sinner of even the worst crimes in the eyes of Heaven. Still, I was surprised that such a seasoned warrior had not taken many more lives. (4.44)
Here's another example of Edmund's young little mind. He's very gullible, and he assumes that because Sir Nigel is a knight he's killed a lot of people. So when Nigel spills his shabby hit list, Edmund wonders why he hasn't taken more lives. After all, Nigel is a "seasoned warrior."
Quote #5
Each evening Hubert and I would practice sword work, Nigel looking on, calling "Stance, watch your stance!" or "With a will, Edmund!" I learned how to hold my sword in the high ward, over my head, and the low ward, angled down by my knees. Nigel taught me to look at armor with a squires' eye, how to help a knight dismount with a strong and willing shoulder, and how to assist with a war lance, dusting the grip with resin powder. (13.16)
Yes, a lot of growing up is about state of mind, but this servant has to learn to hold a sword if he's going to join the Crusades. After all, this is the story of a soldier in the making. And as Hubert points out, it's not just the fancy footwork—he needs to learn to fight "with a will."
Quote #6
"They are speaking a sort of Venetian, which anyone can understand. Look—they are admiring you, Edmund," said Nigel. "They say you look every inch a fighting man." (14.47)
Edmund is totally fascinated by the spice trade ship they pass on their way to Venice. More importantly, though, he doesn't realize that on his journey through France, he's turned into a strong and dashing squire. Rannulf has to explain to him that the spice traders are looking at him as a soldier, not as a squirrely teen.