After Rupert's incantation, the fire sinks, a cloud covers the Moon, stars fade and:
"Only the wind had speech; and its chill gnawed inward." (p. 216)
I frequently say that the wind comments. This time, it is even described as speaking. Rupert concludes that there is no help. But the wind does something else. Sir William - the text should no longer call him "Will" - feels:
"'...liake I war a dudelsack tha wind's about to play a jig for ghosts on.'" (p. 217)
The King and the Prince had not realized that their answer should come through a man of the land. Sir William, who took no part in the incantation, nevertheless responds to it. The fire leaps up, the cloud departs, stars brighten, the Tor opens, horns sound, the Wild Hunt and the Avalonian knights ride forth, ghosts of monks sing, "'Dies irae, dies illa...'" (p. 219)
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Maybe King Charles and Rupert thought one of the "spirits" of the land would respond directly, rather than thru Sir William.
Ad astra! Sean
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