How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"You listen to your father." Stepmother turned and smiled at her. "When is he ever wrong?" (2.112)
If we had a nickel every time we were told this growing up… let's just say we'd be rich. In a lot of ways, Cam, Pin, Gyaar, and Graceful go through the same stuff we all do. They might be in medieval times, but they still have to put up with their parents always knowing best (or at least claiming they do).
Quote #2
When Da had not come back—when Cam Attling had ridden into the village with the spring, and they had all realized he was the only one coming home—Acton had gone to his house and had stayed curled on Da's bed until Isla Caross's mam had come and made him wash and eat and drink, and had set him to work in his own garden. All his, because Mam was dead with his birth, and Da was never coming back. And though he had lain there on that bed, feeling as if he were dying inside for wanting Da, he had not wept for him either. (3.102)
Poor Acton—he's got no one, and he wants a family. Even though Cam and Graceful's parents can get on their nerves, at least they have parents. Acton reminds that's not the case for everyone after the war.
Quote #3
And so he left them, the safety, the prison of family and friend and village. Through Castle Cross he rode and on, north and away. And that was it—was everything and more and enough. For now. (5.81)
Cam leaves to find answers about his past, but it doesn't come without sacrifice or selfishness (depending on how you look at it). He's got to give up his family in order to find himself, which isn't something they understand.
Quote #4
If Ban did not help in that unending gathering of food, all the family hungered. How was it, then, that he found himself slipping off to the water hole, to see if Cam waited there for him? (4.43)
Ban's more than happy to let go of his chores for a day or two to hang out with Cam, even if it means negative consequences for his family. It's important to recognize that many characters are in this same situation in the novel: a choice between family and personal happiness. In the end, which one is most important?
Quote #5
"We're lucky, for the war did not come this far south. This is mostly soldiers, displaced now the fighting is done, and families." Da took the flask from Grove and held it for Pin so she could have her share. "They do have them all following in carts." (6.44)
Way to look on the bright side. It's true that things could've ended up a lot worse, but the families who are in the south are still torn apart by war—either by losing someone, or no longer having as much food and resources to go around.
Quote #6
Pin wanted him home: wanted it like it was when he'd first returned from the war. She crouched there on the stony bank, rocking a little with the weight of her wish, and nothing at all happened. At length her eyes would not stay shut and her mind would not stay fixed. (6.87)
Pin's got a vivid imagination that helps her get through her chores, but it also makes her wish for a time that no longer exists. No matter how much she longs for her family like it used to be, it just doesn't exist anymore.
Quote #7
Pelister Garaman, who was Lord of Dorn-Lannet back then, came out from his castle and spoke fine words. "This is a fight for our families, our land, our way of life." (7.41)
Notice how he's not actually fighting, but just making an appearance. Still, family is a good motivator, and both sides know that their families are going to suffer if they lose the war.
Quote #8
It is the war. It has left you no time to consider your future, the future of this family. (10.101)
Gyaar's mom brings this to his attention when he hasn't found a wife or popped out a kid yet, and the nation is kinda waiting. Family is important and cherished, but it also signifies an obligation for some characters, like Gyaar and Graceful.
Quote #9
"I'd like to… to see home again. I thought I never would. I thought I would never go back." He lay down, arm over his eyes. "Anyway, Kayforl is beautiful in summer." (12.219)
Even Cam's surprised by this confession, and we know he's not just interested in seeing the season—he misses his family, and wishes he could be with them again. But when Cam returns, will things really be back to normal, or will they be how they were when he came back from the war?
Quote #10
I am tall and grown now (Pin laughed) and I stay away because I no longer know how to come home. When I figure it out, then expect me! You could not do better than Acton Mansto. Of course I think of you all, all the time. (16.144)
Cam's letter to Pin stresses that he will be home—someday. We're not sure if he will ever come back, though, and in a way, he's formed a new family with Gyaar.