so....
Chapter 17
Here we have the book-end of the novel. We learn “the real story” behind the opening chapter’s little vignette. And by this time we fully realize how ugly and terrible the price of Morn’s rescue from her captivity with Angus has been.
I love this description of Nick’s entrance to Mallory’s:
And it is here where we have the moment that drives the whole remaining series on. One simple gesture that makes everything else possible:He was in a cheerful humour, laughing and joking, but no one was reassured. They way he ignored Angus and Morn didn’t make anybody relax; the scars under his eyes were too dark.
And if it wasn’t for that (ironically) absolutely selfish act of Angus, Morn would not have the means to empower herself to heroic proportions. Yes, she still had her stubborn mind and intellect and guile, but how long would it last, being utterly broken and now in someone else’s power …Holding her by the wrist, he slipped the control to her zone implant into her hand.
“I accept. The deal you offered. I’ll cover you.”
SRD shows his mastery of words. Yes, we know he can write huge epic stories, but we have also been treated to wondrous short stories where in so much can be revealed in such a short space. Many of the chapters in The Real Story of examples of this. And that one passage is a summery of all the potential horror, bravery, and heroics Morn will witness an be capable of.
Amazing.