Luanda knew what she was about to do was crazy, that she was taking her life into her hands, and that McCloud would likely kill her. But she pushed these thoughts from her mind as she ran. (Chapter 1 paragraph 2)

Importance: This describes Luanda's thoughts and emotions as she runs after King McCloud in order to kill him. This is significant because it is only the second paragraph in the entire novel, and establishes that it will be a fast-paced story. Also interesting is that the novel did not open with a viewpoint from either Thor or Gwen.

Gwen suddenly had an idea; she whistled and held out one arm, and Estopheles swooped down off her perch and landed on Gwen's wrist. (Chapter 4 paragraph 16)

Importance: This quote establishes Gwen's connection to nature, and is the first glimpse we get in the story of animals that are somehow just more than beasts. It becomes an important re-occurrence later...