A Crack in the Sea by H.M. Bouwman Part 2 Chapters 1-3

something pleasant or helpful that comes at just the right time

"I can tell you that you'll be an enormous boon to our great campaign."

to mark or become marked with rounded spots of color

Planters of small cherry trees surrounded them, providing dappled shade as the sun set.

to give in or yield to the opinion or wishes of another

They weren't deferring to him out of fear or with resentment.

having its parts crowded together : THICK

He realized that his first impression of Raftworld's dense greenery wasn't quite accurate.

to cover or surround : ENCIRCLE

The old man set his cane to the side, stood up tall and raised his arms to encompass the whole courtyard.

a representative sent by one government to another

"This is the envoy?"

to accompany someone to protect or show courtesy

The other rowers left, too, except the ones on Pip's right and left who said they'd escort him to a house where he could wash and change.

weak, dazed, and unsteady

Groggy but not terrified.

Having no plan, order, or direction

Jogging around homes that looked as if they'd been haphazardly added onto (or simply built from scratch) right into the roadway.

in a lazy or inactive manner or state

The sharks circles idly, lazily.

to put in as if by pouring

That man felt life and peace infuse him.

to supply (something, such as land) with water by using artificial means (such as pipes)

"Irrigation," he said in his growly voice.

a way of talking or singing without raising or lowering the sound of your voice

Raftworld is already as large as it can get," he explained to Pip in his almost-monotone voice.

to say that (something) will or might happen in the future

As the rowers predicted, the Raft King wore a sky-blue cape.

one thickness of something laid over another

But deep under those strata of fear a little nerve of excitement sparked in his spine and heart and lungs.

to put under or plunge into water

As soon as her face submerged, in the second before she talked to the sharks, the realization hit her.