Page 98 of The Ancient and the Amber
“I’m not even going to try to explain,” said Ana, looking at Ceri as if she was hopeless. “It just means he’s saying it doesn’t count. The goal doesn’t count.”
The stands started singing a song that was frankly deeply insulting to the referee’s mother. Then the Winwold coach and another referee came out to argue.
“Wait,” said Ana. “They’re overturning his ruling. It’s good!”
The crowd cheered again.
“This is a lot of emotions to go through in just a few minutes,” said Ceri.
“That’s what makes it great!” said Ana.
Ceri wasn’t so sure, but even she was excited when Winwold managed to pull a draw out of the game in the end.
“That means we’re only a point behind King’s College in the rankings. If Winwold beats them in the rescheduled game, they win the season!”
Ana went to meet Harry afterwards as Ceri and Leo took the long walk back to High House.
In the forest, the tarasque was chasing after deer. “No ruining your supper,” called Leo. His bag was full of the butcher’s special of the day: lamb. “Meet us in the courtyard.”
They fed the tarasque, watching him bound around and warning him not to get too close to the Norminster Yew before Groundskeeper Tomasar had his hide. When they had finished, they went into the library.
With the cursed objects gone or safely stored, the library had made peace again with Leo. As they curled up together on the couch, Ceri with her assigned reading and Leo with his research, the library made one final suggestion.
Living Quietly: A Guide to the Tranquil Lifestyle.
“Thanks, library, but no thanks,” said Ceri.
“Forget that,” said Leo. “Where’s the fun in life without a little good trouble?”
They sat the book aside and settled in for a long night by the fire.
