Chapter 13

Next morning at training, it's target practice. Four demonstrates how to throw a knife. Tris decides to practice the technique before using a knife like everyone else, she is very smart, like her brother! Her first throw, hits the target. Al is the last initiate who hasn't hit a target yet, Eric gets upset. He forces Al to go get his knife while everyone else is throwing theirs. Al refuses, saying he is sacred to get stabbed by an airborne knife (crazy of him right??) this time Eric doesn't let this slide, like he did at the chasm. He forces Al to then stand in front of the target as Four throws knives at him. Before the first knife is thrown, Tris tells them to stop! Eruc tells her to take his place then, she willingly does. I belive this is a form of bravery (Dauntless) she could be killed, and an act of selflessness (Abngeation) she stood up for Al. If she flinches, Al would take her place. Every knife thrown, she doesn't flinch or get hit, until the last one, it knicks her ear. She knows that Four did this on purpose. Eric dismisses the group and compliments Tris.... it's hard to tell when Eric is going to be offended by a situation or proud. Once everyone leaves, Tris shouts at Four. He tells her that she should thank him, that he is tired of waiting for her to catch on. She questions him, tells him he is sadistic. He leaves her with, "If I wanted to hurt you, don't you think I would have already?" As well as Tris, I'm confused as to what he means by this, he can't actually like her??? he is so old and he is basically her teacher!! Maybe he just means that he sees a lot of potential in her, I guess we will find out!


"Any idiot can stand in front of a target. It doesn't prove anything except that you're bullying us. Which, as I recall, is a sign of cowardice." -Tris

Another one of my favorite parts ^^^ but I expected Eric to then throw her into the chasm after she had embarassed him like that!!