Ythrians are more vulnerable to radiation than human beings. Most of Ferune's staff have already died but he holds himself together long enough to transfer his authority and knowledge to his successor as First Marchwarden of the Lauran System, Daniel Holm, until now the Second Marchwarden. Holm is conscious of having killed Ferune but the latter's death was an unintended consequence of the defense of Avalon.
His crest droops and most of his remaining feathers are white. His keelbone is sharp because flesh has melted from above it. His skin is fever-hot and his heart stammers. Ferune now does something that would make no physical sense in a human being. Standing on his hands, he encircles Holm with his wings and kisses him, saying:
"'I flew higher because of you... If war allows, honor us by coming to my rite. Fair winds forever.'" (p. 551)
(Emperor Frederick says, "'...if time allows...'" See Four Senses At Foggia and Time And Wind.)
That Ferune is as good as dead is shown by the fact that he must be flown back to his choth and his wife in an aircar.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I remember that, how weak Ferune had become that he needed to use an air car.
Ad astra! Sean
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