In Zorkagrad Old Town

Poul Anderson describes this scene only once but nevertheless generates a sense of solidity and history:

many-balconied mansions;

a plateau of Royal Hill;

the broad, slate-flagged Constitution Square with benches, flowers and trees;

in the center of the Square, a large fountain with a granite catchbasin and bronze statues of Toman Obilich and Vladimir in combat;

a view down to Lake Stoyan stretching beyond the horizon;

the sprawling, porticoed marble mass of the Capitol, an argent star on its gilt dome;

the battlements and banners of the Zamok/Castle above sheer rock;

antiquated dignified buildings of grey stone;

flapping capes and gleaming rifles of a militia squad on the Capitol verandah;

aircraft circling overhead.

A climax approaches.

Next week looks like being busier with less time for blogging. SM Stirling's The Given Sacrifice has been ordered.