"Wind boomed around the highest tower, chill and thrusting;..." (p. 275)
Events have been turbulent on Scotha. However, this opening sentence of the concluding narrative passage continues:
"...but save for tatters of cloud, the sky was blue with afternoon." (ibid.)
In other words, with a few exceptions, events are now moving towards peace and calm.
In Poul Anderson's works, the weather in general and the wind in particular always reflect and express what is happening to and between his characters. Wind can boom or shrill - or soothe or caress.
There is more to be said about this story than we have said this time but searching this blog will reveal earlier relevant posts.
A later instalment demonstrates that the Scothani, unknown before this story, will be integrated into the Terran Empire. Flandry not only delays Imperial decline but also temporarily strengthens the Empire.
6 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Now I'm wondering, do we ever see Anderson, just to be different, using bad weather when positive things are happening?
If, because of the struggles and toil of beings like Flandry, the Empire would remain for at least two more centuries, I would call that better than a short lived "temporary" success! I like Feist's comments in MULTIVERSE that he thought Flandry (plus Anderson) were underrating the value of his efforts.
Ad astra! Sean
Drat! I meant to write: "...the Empire would remain strong..."
Sean
I wondered that about good things happening during bad weather.
Kaor, Paul!
It would also add a touch of realism.
Ad astra! Sean
We could see Flandry enjoying a good book and a cup of chocolate on a rainy, windy day, and looking contentedly out the window.
Kaor, Mr. Stirling!
I agree, esp. in his old age, after Flandry had finally retired. Feist gives us a speculative look at that in the story he contributed to MULTIVERSE.
Merry Christmas! Sean
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