"Through a crowd of stars and a torrent of galaxy, Creusa sped past Lavinia. Light lay argent ashore, touching crests and crags, swallowed by shadows farther down. It shivered and sparked on the water, made ghostly the sails which had been set to use a fair wind. That air murmured cold through quietness and a rustle at the bows." (p. 173)
What have we here? Some of it we have discussed before. For the stars and galaxy, see Crowd And Torrent. For Creusa and Lavinia, see Night Sky On Aeneas. That leaves a three-senses description. The light of the moons is seen on crests, crags and water while the wind is both heard and felt.
Although the hills are getting higher, so far the river has remained peaceful so Ivar has gone outside for tranquility and a night view. Thus, he witnesses a ritual that cannot happen on Earth. Riverfolk kneel, lift hands and bow heads while the moons approach and draw apart.
Erannath, flying down, has also been an inadvertent witness but is assured that the sight of his descent added glory. However, during the ensuing discussion, the ship's chaplain wonders:
"'...how well the carnivore soul may adapt to the enlightenment the Old Shen will bring.'" (p. 174)
Thus, he anticipates conflict with the Domain of Ythri after the coming liberation.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
At least, this time, Anderson doesn't baffle us with his idiosyncratic use of "glades"!
And that ominous comment by the Riverfolk chaplain supports my suggestion that a Cosmenosist Jidhad bursting out of Aeneas would just as likely be a torment to the Domain as to the Empire.
Ad astra! Sean
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