In the opening passage about Karlsarm, only the single reference to "'...Anglic...'" (p. 1) indicates that this story might be an instalment of Poul Anderson's Technic History. References to "'...dragons...'" (p. 1) and to "...a spell..." (p. 3) suggest that the narrative might instead be fantasy - although we soon learn that it is not. Karlsarm prepares to lead an attack on the city of Domkirk.
After a double space, the text continues:
"John Ridenour had arrived that day." (p. 4)
This means that Ridenour had arrived specifically in Domkirk. The following sentence clarifies:
"But he had made planetfall a week earlier..." (ibid.)
Thus, pp. 4-19 present an extended flashback. The Germanian merchant ship, Ottokar, approaches Freehold bearing Ridenour as a passenger. Ottakar lands at Sevenhouses - reduced to rubble by the planetary war. Ridenhour travels in a supply barge to Terran military headquarters at Norsdyke where he interviews an Arulian prisoner. The mayor of Domkirk, Richard Uriason, visits Norsdyke. After conversing with Uriason, Ridenour accompanies him to Domkirk in order to interview savage prisoners. Instead:
"And thus it happened that John Ridenour was on hand when the city was destroyed.
"Karlsarm loped well in among the buildings, with his staff and guards, before combat broke loose." (p. 19)
The narrative has returned to its starting point and has presented two viewpoint characters on opposite sides in a conflict. Which do we support? We have to think for ourselves.
In other Technic History instalments, do we support:
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
And I was esp. struck by the description of the cathedral in Domkirk, constructed as it was of some transparent glass like (but not glass!) material. Its beauty was such that even Karlsarm admired it. The cathedral reminded me of the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, constructed with as much stained glass as it was possible to do in the 13th century.
The Brae affair aside, which I consider an uncharacteristic anomaly, I would have sided with Terra in the other incidents you listed.
Ad astra! Sean
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