Perspectives II

Although the voyage was long, Ilyandi the skythinker, who has traveled with Kalava on his Gray Courser, calculates that the new continent is not far. The voyage had been lengthened by weather tossing the ship back and forth. Thus, after a few more trial runs, any ship will be able to proceed to the Ending Islands, wait there for favorable winds, then follow a lodestone bearing to any part of the new land.

Ilyandi is sure that clouds are like steam from a kettle. Knowledge lost is regained. Her knowledge and his leadership will move society forward.

As Wayfarer approached Arctica from space, he thought that he glimpsed something peculiar on the sea. Now we learn how he appeared to them. No two mariners give the same account of the celestial apparition:

firebolt;
sword;
beast;
spear;
shuttle.

"Men went mad. Some ran about screaming. Some wailed to their gods. Some cast themselves down on the deck..." (Genesis, p. 139)

The ship would founder if Kalava did not roar, kick, cuff - and knock out the one who tried to knife him. Then he and Ilyandi address and calm the crew. Leadership and knowledge. Following clues, they find a river and Kalava will lead a detachment inland. The narrative builds towards a meeting of men with gods.

Someone might get the impression that Genesis is a long novel. It is short but deep and solid.