Van Rijn Triumphant

The Man Who Counts.

When the admiral disparages the enemy, courtiers titter but councilors who are also captains remain grave. (XIX, p. 270) In other words, those who have to do the work know what is involved. Van Rijn explains that the two nations of "warring wingmen," so to call them, are really one species despite their overt differences. See explanations here. Then:

"He folded his arms and waited, bulky, shaggy, ragged, and caked with the grime of weeks. On creaking planks, under a red sun and a low sea wind, the scores of winged warriors and captains shuddered in the face of the unimagined." (XXI, p. 279)

After immense physical and mental labor, all that remains to do is to wait and van Rijn knows how to do that as well. He cannot hurry the understanding of his audience and, of course, understanding alone is not enough. More will happen but van Rijn has more tricks up his sleeve.