E10 Q3 Found

Zelnard lay on the bank, gasping for breath, his clothes soaked and clinging to his small frame. Ferson approached, his expression stern as he looked from Zelnard to Dunstor, who still stood still at the water’s edge. “I was just about to help him,” Dunstor started, “but you beat me to it.” “You were just standing there, Dunstor.” Ferson yelled incredulous, his voice sharp with anger. He didn’t know the full story, only that Dunstor had done nothing to help when Zelnard was in danger. Dunstor, his face pale, mumbled something incoherent, unable to meet Ferson’s piercing gaze.

With a wave of his hand, Ferson conjured a warm current of air, the heat gently swirling around Zelnard, drying his clothes and warming his chilled skin. The boy’s breathing slowed as the warmth enveloped him, bringing some colour back to his cheeks. Zelnard’s eyes, still wide with the lingering fear of his near-death experience, met Ferson’s, and the older boy offered a nod of reassurance.

“Zelnard’s been found!” Ferson called out, his voice carrying through the trees and across the riverbank. “We’re heading back to the beach!” The other boy echoed the call, and together they helped Zelnard to his feet, steadying him as he stood. The four of them, with Ferson leading the way, began to make their way back to the safety of the beach, leaving the danger of the lagoon behind them. As they walked, Zelnard couldn’t help but glance back at the water, where his little teegwin friend had disappeared. Despite everything, he felt a strange sense of accomplishment, knowing that he had done something good, even if the day had nearly ended in disaster.

What did Zelnard learn about himself during this experience that would be foundational to his character?

E10 Q4 A Day By The River