2
" We stopped. Aly looked back the way we’d come. “Cass? Where are we headed?” Cass glanced around. “Actually . . . I’m not sure. I lost the map in the river.” “Don’t play games,” Aly snapped. “You don’t need it. You know the route.” “I did,” Cass said. “But . . . it’s not there, Aly. In my brain. I can’t call it up.” “What do you mean, not there?” Aly said. “If you’re being insecure again, like you were in Babylon, now’s the time to stop.” Cass’s eyes were hollow and scared. “I don’t feel insecure. This is so strange . . .” I looked at him closely. “Cass, can you say ‘River Nostalgikos’ backward?” “Nostalgikos . . . River?” Cass said. “Oh, dear,” Professor Bhegad muttered. “Cass, you had the ability to say anything backward, letter for letter,” Aly said. “You called it Backwardish.” Cass swallowed hard. “Dishwardback?” “The river . . .” Professor Bhegad said. “It took the ability from him.” “Skilaki warned us,” Aly said softly. “She said the river required a sacrifice . . . "
― Peter Lerangis , The Tomb of Shadows (Seven Wonders, #3)
6
" My wife faked her own death,” he said. “My son is doomed. I’ve built a genetic company based on a false premise. I just flew off the ground but no one saw it happen. As a father, husband, scientist, and businessman, I have failed. Tell me I’m dreaming.” “You’re awake, Dad,” I said, “and you’re not a failure. You’re the best dad ever.” Dad opened his eyes. Tears were forming at their corners. “I think I’m going to cry,” Aly said. Dad put an arm around my shoulder. “You realize,” he said, “this is totally flipping crazy.” “Crazy,” I said, “is the new normal . . . "
― Peter Lerangis , The Tomb of Shadows (Seven Wonders, #3)
18
" Canavar’s eyes darted toward the van, where Dr. Bradley and Professor Bhegad were waiting. He waddled closer, peering into the window. “By the ghost of Mausolus,” Canavar breathed, “is that . . . Raddy?” “I beg your pardon?” Professor Bhegad said. “Pardon granted!” Canavar said. “Raddy—thy nickname at Oxford amongst thy admirers. You are Radamanthus Bhegad, Sultan of Scholars, Archduke of Archaeologists, yes? What on earth has befallen thee? And what can I do? Canavar, thy acolyte, at thy service!” Dr. Bradley and Professor Bhegad stared at the misshapen man. For a moment neither knew what to say. "
― Peter Lerangis , The Tomb of Shadows (Seven Wonders, #3)