Nightwings by Robert Silverberg (book review).
I have heard of Robert Silverberg’s novel, ‘Nightwings,’ but have not yet read it. According to the indicia, it was in its fourth printing at the time and had won a Hugo Award. Awards tend not to sway me; the story does.
From the outset, it dawns on you that this is the future, with Rome rechristened ‘Roum.’ The text mentions other cities, which are easily identifiable. All roads lead to…er…Rome, and this is where the three travelers are heading. Two belong to the guilds, of which there are fourteen and counting, each with specialized talents or abilities. Avluela, an elderly Watcher, is tasked with periodically scanning the local space for alien invaders. Avluela, a flyer, sheds her clothes to lighten her weight and spreads her wings to soar. Then there is the guildless, temperamental changeling Gormon, whose nature is probably spoiled.
When Watcher arrives in Roum, he discovers that he is unable to secure a spot at his own guildhall, leading all three to rely on Prince Enric’s charity for lodging. This arrangement is not without conditions, as it essentially requires Avluela to engage in sexual relations with Prince Enric.
When Watcher detects the arrival of the alien fleet, everything drastically changes, leading to a swift victory. Some of which is a spoiler. Having been left on his own, Watcher finds himself back on the road, where he begins to care for a blind Pilgrim, whom he discovers to be Prince Enric, who has likely been blinded by Gormon, one of the aliens. Together, they journey to Perris, where Watcher endeavors to alter his profession and receives a new name, Tomis of Rememberers.
Once again, we find ourselves caught in a spoiler as Tomis finds himself compelled to travel once more, this time accompanied by the widow Olmaymen from the Rememberers, who also assumes the role of a traveling companion as they both pretend to be pilgrims. This time, all roads lead to Jorslem.
This section contains spoilers. Silverberg has used some of the trappings of fantasy with a journey but turned it upside down with the science fiction elements that appear from time to time, explaining what happened to create the situation they have. While some details remain unspoiled, they provide a deeper understanding of the situation. This really is a complex world, and Silverberg packs a lot of stories in under 200 pages. Although I believe the title somewhat misrepresents the events, it still holds significant relevance in today’s world.
GF Willmetts
November 2024
(pub: Sphere Books, 1974. 192 page paperback. Price: varies. ISBN: 0-7221-7834-4)
