Warning: Contains Spoilers!
‘Wergling happens on the inside as well,’ Gamaliel said softly.
Aufwader’s Thoughts: If Master Gibble were truly based on an amalgamation of Robin’s most loathed and fearsome teachers, I daresay this must have been a very satisfying chapter for him to write. I can’t imagine any of us readers have much sympathy for old Gibble after his treachery in Thorn Ogres, and to see Gamaliel square up to him really demonstrates how far our young hero has come. Onward, then, with Master No-nose (something something Oldnose?) in tow.
Matt’s Thoughts: And the Great Grand Wergle Master is back! I had forgotten this chapter and so was fascinated to discover that the werlings had once lived in the Hollow Hill.
The other aspect I like of this part of the story is Gamaliel’s compassion for Master Gibble. In fact, I like the way that, for all their squabbling, Robin’s characters ultimately end up being great role models for his readers: not paying back unkindness with unkindness, showing mercy when they don’t have to. We could do with more of that nowadays!
Myth & Sacrifice 