Lamps, Frescos And Stoves

A Stone In Heaven, VIII.

"Oil lamps brightened the meeting room in the hall, bringing frescos to vivid life. An iron stove at either end held outside chill at bay." (pp. 136-138)

Although that sounds colorful and comfortable, it had not been traditional before the advent of the star-folk. It was they who introduced lamps, stoves and:

"...maps, medicines, windmills, printing, water-powered machinery...above all, knowledge of this world and its universe, and an eagerness to learn more..." (p. 138)

Otherwise, the chamber is as of old. The Lord of the Volcano sits on a dais between carved beasts, before tiers of benches from which speakers step or glide down to the front.

Yewwl wins an argument, inspired by her inner voice. See A Satire.

The star-folk do not give the Ramnuans anything that they cannot make for themselves. Thus, without becoming dependent, the Ramnuans have gained:

better steel;

glassmaking;

painkillers;

deep surgery;

postal couriers.