For once, the wind or, in this case, the lack of it makes a physical, not just a metaphorical, difference. Wace has directed the manufacture of weapons too heavy to be moved except by rail but the trains are moved by sails and the usual strong wind fails to blow. Van Rijn does not labour physically - if he can avoid it - but he does solve problems. The Lannachska can pull the wagons with ropes. But they disdain physical labour. Then make it a team sport and a competition! That works. Van Rijn's brain never stops working.
When the battle begins, it is:
"...a gale of wings and weapons." (XIII, p. 90)
The enemy plunges, hacks and stabs.
Diomedeans are "Wing-Men." Ythrians are "People of the Wind." Both species are major elements in Poul Anderson's Technic History.
Fair winds forever.
On another blog: I have been refining my comparison of prophetic and contemplative traditions.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
The part of THE MAN WHO COUNTS where Old Nick beguiled haughty Flock warriors into doing hard physical labor always amuses me!
Ad astra! Sean
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