Lucas, The Wind And Polaris

Rogue Sword, CHAPTER XVIII.

We have reread to the end and will shortly have to find another Poul Anderson work to reread although it is going to have to compete for time with renewed gym, other reading and, from tomorrow, a week of family reunion events, beginning with a canal cruise and a barbeque. 

When En Jaime realizes that he is being attacked by his old friend, Lucas:

"'Is that indeed you?' he said..." (p. 270)

There is nothing unusual about that but does the wind have any say in the matter? Yes, the quoted sentence continues and concludes:

"...so low that the wind in the trees nearly smothered it." (ibid.)

This wind serves to emphasize surprise. 

When Lucas tries to barter:

"The wind skirled.

"'Well?' Lucas' voice cracked over.

"'No, I cannot.'" (p. 272)

Skirling wind accompanies turbulent thoughts.

When the battle has been won:

"Lucas went out onto the portico. The wind bit and whistled." (p. 282)

The violence has just finished but everything has not settled down yet.

When Djansha joins him:

"The wind filled his lungs and blew the ache from his head. A good wind for their voyage. Northward glittered his oldest friend, Polaris, the wander-star." (p. 283)

The wind is good at last and there is another welcome reminder of the stellar universe. Enough Said Department.