“Now," said Halt, "all I have to do is work out a way of beating these horse-riding devils."
Erak grinned at him. "That should be child's play," he said. "The hard part will be convincing Ragnak about it.”

“You spoil your horse, Halt said.
Will glanced at him. You spoil yours.
Halt considered the thought, then nodded. That's true.”

John Flanagan (1873–1938) Irish-American hammer thrower

“What the devil is Chocho?' Will whispered.
Horace's grin broadened. 'You are. It's what the men call you,' he said. Then he added, 'It's a term of great respect.'
Behind them, Halt nodded confirmation. 'Great respect,' he agreed.”

John Flanagan (1873–1938) Irish-American hammer thrower

“Halt shook his head. Frankly, he'd seen sacks of potatoes that could sit a horse better than Erak”

John Flanagan (1873–1938) Irish-American hammer thrower

“You're a very amusing fellow," he told Halt. "I'd like to brain you with my ax one of these days."
Erak to Halt.”

John Flanagan (1873–1938) Irish-American hammer thrower

“Halt Halt," said Gilan stepping out into the open.”

John Flanagan (1873–1938) Irish-American hammer thrower

“Well, we can ride together for a while longer. The highway south is farther along this way. I'll be glad of some cheerful company."

"First time anyone's said that about me," Halt replied.”

John Flanagan (1873–1938) Irish-American hammer thrower

“Would you trust him with your life, Halt?" Gilan interrupted, and Halt looked up at him.
"Yes," he said quietly. Gilan patted his shoulder once more.
"Then trust him with his own," he said simply.”

John Flanagan (1873–1938) Irish-American hammer thrower

“You’re going to have to learn to ride a horse on your own, Phaedra', he said. 'It will make the journey faster.'

'The mule and I have an agreement.'

'The mule and you have similar traits.”

Melina Marchetta (1965) Australian teen writer

“[Will]'d barely been asleep a few minutes when Halt's voice woke him.
'Will? Are you asleep?'…
'I was,' he said, a little indignantly. 'I'm not now.'
'Good,' Halt replied, a trifle smugly. 'Serves you right.”

John Flanagan (1873–1938) Irish-American hammer thrower