We learn the responses of different species and of individuals within those species. The pride of the Ythrian, Hirharouk, meets the patience of the Wodenite, Nadi. Ythrians do not make tumultuous greetings. However, when the trade pioneer crew boards Gaiian, Captain Hirharouk at least feels that he must represent his choth so it is he that meets Falkayn and the others while his crew remains at rest.
When van Rijn, who perceives that he has been betrayed, must respond to Falkayn and Supermetals, the Cynthian, Chee Lan, arches her back, the Wodenite, Adzel, becomes totally still, Falkayn looks straight at van Rijn and Hirharouk the carnivore watches intently. It is appropriate that an Ythrian is present at this confrontation between van Rijn and his first trader team. The scene brings together the Polesotechnic League series and the Ythrian series. "Lodestar" is the last League story in The Earth Book of Stormgate where it is followed only by two short stories about human beings and Ythrians on Avalon.
It is a real relief for characters and readers alike when van Rijn concedes:
"'Hokay... I keep my mouth shut. Always.'" (p. 680)
The conflict between these two major characters, van Rijn and Falkayn, has come to a head and has been resolved. The remaining consequences of the mining of Mirkheim are in Mirkheim.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Not only did Old Nick agree to keep secret the location of Mirkheim, he also helped to prolong the secret of where the source of the super metals was located. Van Rijn being what he was he also had fun bamboozling the efforts made by others at finding Mirkheim!
Happy New Year! Sean
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