Above the Falkayn domain at Hornbeck:
"Far overhead a steelwing hovered, alert for prey." (p. 215)
I note this here first because it is yet another hovering bird of prey and secondly because it is one that I seemed to have missed in all previous readings. Its presence is symbolic in this passage. The Falkayn settlement has withdrawn:
"- as if in preparation for onslaught." (ibid.)
What better reminder of the orbiting Baburite occupation fleet than a hovering "steelwing"?
David Falkayn and his mother walk and talk about the crisis. This is the first and only time that we encounter Athena Falkayn. Poul Anderson conveys much with little.
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
A favorite trope of Anderson, to show us a flying creature of prey!
I was reminded of how the first volume of THE LAST VIKING: THE GOLDEN HORN, shows us King Olaf of Norway conversing with his mother.
Ad astra! Sean
Many birds of prey spend a -lot- of time hovering and cruising. They miss most strikes.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
So they have to be constantly on the watch for prey, to make up for the misses.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean: yup. It's an arms race between them and their prey species.
Note the aerial ballets that are the 'mating dances' of many birds. They demonstrate fitness -- agility and speed in the air.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
That makes sense to me!
Ad astra! Sean
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