The Terran Admiral Cajal's flagship, Valenderay, classed among naval craft as a "Supernova," is even more powerful than the Avalonian Ferune's flagship, Hell Rock. However, the latter, an artificial planetoid, does not manoeuvre but remains in close orbit, drawing enemy fire. She is far too well armoured and defended to be damaged even by a large horde of small attack craft yet must be destroyed before the Terrans can threaten Avalon. Consequently, Cajal sends four capital ships and their attendants against her. He has fallen into the first trap. (There will be a second, on the planetary surface, later.) When the ground-based defence forces strike, Cajal loses significantly more of his fleet than he had expected to and is obliged to withdraw. Pretty smart stuff. Poul Anderson knew how to write military sf.
That devastating Avalonian strike has lethal consequences even for some of the planet's defenders but nevertheless it achieves its purpose of preventing immediate subjugation of the planet. Readers are mainly on the side of the defenders but also see the Terrans as good people. This is a story basically without villains. I am inclined to see Governor Saracoglu, who had promoted the war, in that role but he remains in the background.
(That book cover rightly shows an Ythrian as winged and feathered but wrongly shows him as beaked.)
10 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
This setback for the Imperials highlight how important it is to get accurate information about your opponents. Given some time Dominic Flandry might have obtained it. Or Luz O'Malley, from Stirling's BLACK CHAMBER books.
And I do not consider Governor Saracoglu a villain. He was faced with a problem steadily getting worse, esp. since the Domain seemed unwilling or unable to prevent its people from engaging in those aforementioned "bloody clashes."
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Saracoglu had to respond to an objective situation but I think that his subjective reflections and dialogue clearly show him to be self-serving and careerist but we have disagreed about him before.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Because I see nothing wrong, per se, in being ambitious, rightly directed.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Yes but read his dialogue and thoughts!
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I have, and I saw nothing particularly objectionable in them.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
This is where we read it differently. I am fairly sure that I have read PA's intentions with this character accurately but I can't be 100% sure if someone else has read it and disagrees. I think Saracoglu is dishonest, not straightforward, putting on an act. At one point, Luisa suggests that he promoted the war because it would enhance his career. I think that we are to understand that she is right. His protestations ring false.
His intentions toward Luisa are certainly "dishonourable," if that counts.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
I agree that if Saracoglu could successfully end the disputes and clashes with the Domain in ways that favored the Empire, that would advance his career. Again, I don't see why that should be objectionable, as long as the Empire benefited.
Saracoglu was a normal human male who found Dona Luisa very attractive, so much so that he entertained hopes of marrying her. Plus, he was always gentlemanly, never putting any coercion or undue pressure on the lady.
And I don't think meant readers to consider the Earl of Anatolia a villain.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
Villain, no. Distasteful (IMO), yes.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Then I can only say people will differ in how they react to different persons.
Ad astra! Sean
Sean,
I will devote a post to Saracoglu.
Paul.
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