How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
He had suddenly had a strange feeling stronger than any he had ever known: he had been aware that someone was trying to tell him something, something that had missed him because he could not understand the words. Not words exactly; it had been like a kind of silent shout. But he had not been able to pick up the message, because he had not known how. (1.77)
Before he knows about his skills, Will senses that someone is trying to communicate with him somehow. He doesn't understand it, but he knows there's a message out there for him. It's one of the first signs we get that Will isn't your average eleven-year-old boy.
Quote #2
"The things that would happen to me if I did, they're too terrible, they can't be put into words. The Old Ones can be cruel, cruel… I think you're the right one, boy, I've been looking for you a long time, a long time, to give the Sign to you. But how can I be really sure? How can I be sure you aren't a trick of the Dark?" (4.56)
Who's afraid of the Dark? The Walker, that's who. Here the guy tells Will that words can't even explain the trouble he'll be in if he messes up again—that's why he's so terrified to hand over the Sign to Will.
Quote #3
"I told you that he would find you, and you did not remember. Remember now. In this our magic, every smallest word has a weight and a meaning. Every word that I say to you—or that any other Old One may say." (4.95)
Nowadays we toss out words at a mile-a-minute pace, with Twitter and Facebook always competing for our attention, but for the Old Ones, words are very measured and always carefully considered. They spend time thinking about the meaning behind every specific word before even uttering it. Wonder what we happen if we did that, too?