How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Each wave of men in turn grew peaceful as it grew to know and love the land, so that the Light flourished again. But always the Dark was there, swelling and waning, gaining a new Lord of the Dark whenever a man deliberately chose to be changed into something more dread and powerful than his fellows. Such creatures were not born to their doom, like the Old Ones, but chose it. (7.11)
The Book of Gramarye tells Will that Dark is always around, just like the Light. Here's the catch: The people who follow the Dark chose that path. They weren't given it like the Old Ones were. In fact, we get to see what happens when someone goes down the other path with Hawkin—and it ain't pretty.
Quote #5
"The Dark and the Rider are kinder masters than the Light," Maggie Barnes said softly in his ear, as the first part of the dance ended. Hawkin stood still again and stared at her, until she glanced round and said clearly, "I need a cool drink, I believe." And Hawkin jumped and led her away, so that now, with his attention caught and a chance to talk to him privately, the girl of the Dark would have a willing hearer. (7.91)
When tricking Hawkin to join the Dark, Maggie Barnes plays on his anger at Merriman. Hey, we agree that people shouldn't lie, but she's actually the one whose nose is growing in this chapter. Too bad for Hawkin—the Dark plays dirty.
Quote #6
He could feel the force now very strong, very close, all around, the air was thick with it; outside the church was destruction and chaos, the heart of the Dark, and he could think of nothing that he could do to turn it aside. (8.112)
In the church, the Dark is so strong that even the humans who aren't Old Ones can feel it. Yikes. Of course they don't quite understand it, though. Will knows that only he can save his family and friends from being destroyed by the Dark. Which is a pretty big task for an eleven-year-old.