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Lost Boywill be published on July 18, 2017.
And Peter was bound to the island in some way that the others werent.
He understood the land, and it understood him.
That was why I had grown a bit and Peter hadnt.
It was the island that kept us all young, though some of us wouldnt stay that way.
Some of the boys, for reasons none of us could comprehend, grew up like normal.
I reckoned Id been about eight, same as Nod and Fog, when Peter found me.
I wasnt sure exactly how many because its easy to lose track if you dont pay attention.
I looked about twelve, a few years older than I was when I arrived.
Nod and Fog, too, had grown a bit.
Peter had started out eleven, and had stayed eleven.
Peter always cuffed my ear when I said things like this.
Youll never grow up, you fool.
I brought you here so you wouldnt.
But I was getting a little older just the same, and Nod and Fog too.
I wondered if that were better, to die before I became something withered and grey and not wanted.
Our tree was in the very center of the forest and in the very center of the island.
The forest cut through the middle of a mountain range on the east side.
In the northwest part were the plains in which the Many-Eyed lived.
We didnt go there if we could help it.
The swamp became a green marshy place that met the ocean.
Past the dunes was a sandy beach, the only one where we could safely play and collect coconuts.
The boys crowded around Peter.
I had no need to.
I knew the island by heart, better than anyone except Peter.
I didnt like having a raid so soon, but I knew my part if one was to happen.
Charlie stayed with me, one of his little hands safely buried inside mine.
He stuck his other thumb in his mouth, not interested in the map or what might happen next.
What would I do with Charlie in a raid?
He was almost as tall as me, and I was easily the tallest boy there.
I knew Nip would pick a fight soon.
I just hoped I wouldnt have to do Nip serious harm when it happened.
There wasnt any malice about this; I didnt wish the boy any more harm than he wished me.
But I was the best fighter.
All the boys whod been around longer knew it.
Id learned not to take it to heart.
There would be supplies to gather and carry.
The Many-Eyed patrolled through the plains we had to cross.
To top it off, the pirates might not even be in port.
To my way of thinking this was not a smart idea.
Not only did I have Charlie to worry over, but the new boys were untried.
And Del might not make it.
It was risky plan, probably wasteful.
We never did come back with same numbers that we left with.
I let Charlie go with a reassuring grin.
I had to try, though nothing was likely to come of it.
I dont think I began under my breath.
Dont think, Peter said sharply.
Some of the boys snickered, and I narrowed my eyes at each face in the circle.
One by one their gazes fell away, except Nip, who stared insolently at me until I growled.
Nip dropped his eyes to the ground, a red flush climbing his cheeks.
I answered to no one but Peter, and the sooner the new ones learned that, the better.
I know what you want, Peter said, his green eyes bright and intent on his drawing.
Its not babying to wait till theyre ready, I said.
Stop babying, Peter repeated.
And that was that.
Peter had spoken, and we would all do as he wished.
It was his island.
He had invited us there, had promised us we would be young and happy forever.
Unless we got sick, or died, or were taken by the pirates.
And it was of no nevermind to Peter if we did.
The boys were just playmates to help him pass the time, though none of them knew this.
They all thought they were special in his eyes, while the only one who was special was me.
Peter had picked me first, had kept me at his right hand for so many years.
But even I had no power to make Peter do what he did not want.
Peter wanted a raid.
We would have a raid.
