When an entire local population of Keiki Moana performs a ballet, Fenn does not understand it but:
"...it shook him with tragic power, like an earthquake or a stormwind." (p. 131)
When Fenn's companion, Wanika, summons their boat to return them to the shiptown, we are not told just that the boat arrived. First, we learn what they perceive while they wait. I summarize Poul Anderson's account but also encourage blog readers to read or reread his text: waves lap, air cools, Keiki hush, sinking sunlight goldens waters and kindles clouds, an albatross soars, blue darkens. Then the conversation resumes but that is another story. First, let us appreciate this Andersonian Pacific sunset like so many similar scenes, settings and scenarios.
I do not know what comes next, having paused on this point, and might now pause for food but keep reading out there.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
One difference the Keiki Moana have with or from the Starkadian Sea People is that the latter cannot survive out of their seas, needing to breathe water. The uplifted seals we see are oxygen breathers.
Ad astra! Sean
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