He lay in bed for some moments listening to the fanfares rolling down from Congregation Hall and echoing over the rooftops, streets, and courtyards of Ynysmant. Then, as every year, there came the answering trumpet blasts and drumrolls from the Gate House and the flag stand on the promontory. “Nativity Morn,” he whispered to himself, quietly rejoicing in both the meaning and the familiarity of the day. As the fanfares echoed and counter-echoed across the town, Merral rose, drew aside the thick insulating curtain, and opened the window. He shivered briefly in the fresh air and then leaned his head out. The winter’s sun was shining obliquely out of a clear sky over the orange-and-brown-tiled roofs, turrets, and copper green spires, leaving the narrow, winding streets below in shadow. From the highest towers and spires, flags—mostly of scarlet and gold—fluttered gently in the breeze and, as he watched, others were raised to join them. Down beyond the roofs, Merral could see the wave-rippled dull gray waters of Ynysmere Lake, with white gulls wheeling over it and catching the sun.
What do You think about The Shadow And Night (2006)?
