Rowan of Rin: Chapters 3–4

by Emily Rodda
When the river that supports the village of Rin suddenly runs dry, the villagers' survival is threatened. Rowan, a timid boy, joins a small band of villagers to courageously face their dangerous Mountain and its terrifying Dragon to restore their life-giving water source.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–2, Chapters 3–4, Chapters 5–6, Chapters 7–9, Chapters 10–13
15 words 11 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. frailty
    the state of being weak in health or body
    Rowan knew that Jiller worried about his nervousness and frailty.
  2. exasperation
    a feeling of annoyance
    "I told you Sheba was a waste of time!" Bronden was saying, half in triumph and half in exasperation.
  3. hothead
    a reckless, impetuous, irresponsible person
    "If they do not come back, these hotheads, how are we to survive?"
  4. troupe
    an organization of performers and associated personnel
    That was when she had fallen in love with the man who became Allun's father, a laughing brown-eyed singer who came to the village one autumn with a troupe of Travelers.
  5. footloose
    free to go or do as one pleases
    Rowan could imagine the shock it must have caused when it became known that Sara, the sensible village teacher, would leave Rin to marry a footloose Traveler.
  6. toddle
    walk unsteadily
    The small, cheeky-faced Allun was toddling after her by then, and her happiness was in her face for all to see.
  7. ancestor
    someone from whom you are descended
    As their ancestors had done before them, they at last drove the Zebak from their lands.
  8. easygoing
    relaxed and informal in attitude or standards
    Funny, easygoing Allun the baker was going to vanish with the others into the secret maze of cliffs and forests that rose above them.
  9. envious
    painfully desirous of another's advantages
    Some felt excited, even envious, at the thought of the great adventure awaiting the chosen ones.
  10. loom
    hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing
    The moonlight was very bright, but the Mountain loomed black against the sky, secret and full of mystery.
  11. parchment
    a superior paper resembling sheepskin
    Then he realized that the "stick" was not a stick at all. It was a tightly rolled piece of parchment.
  12. feverish
    marked by intense agitation or emotion
    Allun, standing beside Rowan and Jiller, was feverish with curiosity.
  13. bewitch
    cast a spell over someone or something
    I believe that out of spite she has bewitched the map so that it only reveals its secrets in Rowan's hands.
  14. rueful
    feeling or expressing pain or sorrow
    He could not bear the rueful eyes of the villagers upon him.
  15. savior
    a person who rescues you from harm or danger
    By what unlucky chance was he their chosen savior when all he could do was let them down?
Created on Fri Oct 17 19:55:01 EDT 2025 (updated Tue Dec 23 12:04:53 EST 2025)

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