Melissa

“Halt waved farewell, tilting his chair onto its back legs as he drained his coffee. Will frowned at him. “When I was your apprentice, you used to tell me not to do that. Said it’d loosen the chair legs.” “And so it will,” Halt said, smiling contentedly. “But it’s your chair now, so why should I care?”
― John Flanagan, The Lost Stories

“I’d enjoy smacking him in the chops.”
― John Flanagan, The Tournament at Gorlan

“Maddie looked at him sidelong. “I could do that, as you say. But it’s not obligatory,” she replied. Gilan raised his eyebrows. “I could make it an order.” She smiled sweetly at him. “And I would ignore it if you did.” Gilan sighed. “My authority seems to be slipping. Young people just don’t have the respect they used to. When I was young, I never would have spoken to my Commandant with such disrespect.” “But things were so different in the olden days. I’ve often wondered, how did you manage before they discovered fire?” Maddie said. Gilan decided to quit while he was behind. “Get”
― John Flanagan, Duel at Araluen

“Edvin!’ Hal yelled. ‘Help me!”
― John Flanagan, The Hunters