Rain

World Without Stars, IX.

In this chapter, rain plays the usual role of the wind in Poul Anderson's works, accompanying and punctuating the dialogue, particularly at its dramatic points and pauses. 

Argens is on sentry duty when the enemies of the Azkashi arrive at the camp:

"The galaxy was hidden in a slow, hot rain..." (p. 58)

The galaxy is visible only at night. We have already been told that:

"It was not impossible for the Herd to come raiding at night. But it was rare. The downdevils feared God and so their worshipers did too...." (I, p. 6)

But they venture forth when weather hides God.

Next, when the representatives of the Herd have been welcomed into a hut:

"Then I stood, soaked, hearing the rain rumble on our roof, crowded with my men between these narrow walls, and looked upon wonder." (p. 58)

The Herd are very different from the Pack, not free tribes-beings but specially bred slaves.

With a little whisky inside him, Argens is able to forget rain, heat and darkness and to concentrate on communication. 

Gianyi of the Herd and his blind dwarf telepath bow their heads whenever the former mentions their masters, the Ai Chun: a human gesture. Implausibly human?

When two Earthmen discuss their guests:

"'They may mean well in spite of their manners,' Bren said.

"'Sure,' I said. 'They may.' The rain gurgled as it fell onto soaked earth." (p. 62)

That rain seems to comment and does not sound reassuring.

When Valland, who is with the Pack, contacts Argens, some "...ugly noises..." come over the radio:

"'Hugh!' I cried. 'Are you there?'

"The rain had stopped, and silence grew thick in the hut." (p. 63)

Silence always underlines dramatic pauses in the dialogue. Often the wind is heard on such occasions but this time the accompaniment is the rain and it has stopped. Silence reigns until Valland can speak again. Argens advises:

"'Try to explain the idea of neutrality...'" (p. 64)

We know that neutrality is impossible between God and devils. The Pack do not know of any other kind of conflict.