In the twelfth chapter of Page<\/i>, Kel’s time as a page draws closer to an end as she enters her final year. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to read Page<\/i>.<\/p>\n
Chapter Twelve: Vanishing Year<\/b><\/p>\n
Oh my god, she did it<\/i>. If you ever read Mark Reads Harry Potter, you’ll remember that I found some of the jumps forward in time in that series jarring. (My first time around, that is. I don’t feel this way anymore.) Knowing the publishing issues surrounding Tamora Pierce’s earlier work, I gotta say that this is one of the best<\/i> ways I’ve seen an author accelerate time in a book in a way that makes sense, fits the narrative, and doesn’t feel confusing or out of place. And it’s not about Kel and the other pages simply settling into routines! Kel is just so busy<\/i> with all of her duties, responsibilities, and classes. Time just slips by her.<\/p>\n
AND THEN MAURA AND IAKOJU AND THE LONG LAKE PACK JUST SHOW UP<\/i>, AND I FIND IT REALLY UNFAIR THAT PIERCE BRINGS THESE CHARACTERS BACK BECAUSE I WAS NOT PREPARED TO DEAL WITH THEM<\/i>. Why? Why do you do these things to me? Why do you remind me that it’s entirely possible that Kel might not get to stay with Peachblossom once she becomes a squire? Why must you hurt me in this way<\/i>?<\/p>\n
Then there’s that casual reveal that Lord Wyldon’s weakness is dogs<\/i>. Dogs! The dude is allowing the rules to be broken through Jump because deep down, he’s a big softie<\/i>. Okay, can he be a big softie towards Kel? I’d really like that. Because honestly, I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility anymore that he does<\/i> like and respect Kel. THERE ARE TOO MANY SIGNS TO THE CONTRARY. I think that at this point, I’m comfortable stating that I’m not grasping at straws when it comes to Lord Wyldon. He purposely chooses Kel to command forces during their November training exercise, and I really think that’s a huge<\/i> deal. He knows she has commanded forces before (from the scene on the cliff’s edge involving the bandits earlier in the book), and it’s a sign that he wants<\/i> to challenge her. That’s been a common theme with her interactions with Lord Wyldon in this book. I also think that I’m going to have to wait until at least<\/i> the final novel before Kel gets a verbal confirmation of sorts from the man regarding how he feels about her. While he does support her in subtle ways, I don’t think he will say anything until she’s actually a knight, you know? It’s not his style; he likes being coy in his own way, you know?<\/p>\n
And then the squires return. I AM SO CONFUSED BY JOREN. It doesn’t help that his counterparts, such as Quinden, are still openly hostile to Kel, yet he’s not. WHY? WHY DOES HE ACT LIKE THIS? I don’t get it, y’all, and that disturbs me<\/i>. I’m incredibly suspicious of him because people like Joren don’t just change<\/i> that easily. (Which isn’t to suggest that this isn’t entirely possible. It’s just rare!) I have my eye on you, Joren<\/i>.<\/p>\n
For the most part, though, this chapter serves a very specific purpose: it helps us understand that Kel’s time as a page is coming to an end. Well, not quite<\/i> yet, as there are somehow three more chapters after this one? OH GOD, WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN<\/i>? Anyway, Kel gets more gifts from her benefactor who better be Alanna because I’ve made such a huge deal about it. There’s more adorable gift-giving; Kel gets better at tilting, moving to human<\/i> targets, which she of course excels at. (Not initially, though, and I’ve loved that Pierce always makes sure to point out that while Kel has talent, she still has to learn<\/i> new things and get used to them.) As she moves closer to her final examinations as a page, I was left feeling strangely hopeful. I don’t get the sense that she will be bad<\/i> at performing in front of others, and she’s definitely knowledgable and proficient in her necessary skills. Oh god, I just want this to happen so badly<\/i>. It’s so fun and rewarding to be a part of Kel’s journey, and for once, things feel great<\/i>. I know she can do it! UGH, KEL, YOU’RE JUST SO WONDERFUL.<\/p>\n
Part 1<\/p>\n