Darwath Trilogy (2) - Walls of Air [Paperback]

"The Walls of Air" is the sequel to Hambly's "The Time of the Dark". Although the characters are just as interesting to watch as in the previous book, the events move along much more slowly. I'd say that this book suffers from middle-book-itis, as it mostly spends time setting things up for the third book, "The Armies of Daylight".

I think that the SF Book Club published this trilogy in one volume many years ago; if you are new to the Darwath books, try getting that one volume instead of buying this reprint edition.

This is one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors. If you have a low tolerence for journeys mental and spiritual, you'll find this book pretty sleep-inducing.

I actually liked it, but I like to watch Ingold work, and I find Gil's learning process and scholarly work facinating. There's lots of both in this book, unlike the more exciting first and last books.

This second book of the original trilogy really gets things moving in this world; the crisis of the Dark is fully upon the harried survivors. Only a hanfull of them have a possibility of coping with the situation... not Saving the Day, mind you; just coping. And they don't all play together nicely.

This book is about tangled messes and Gordian knots.
There are problems of politics, civic order, communication, isolation, betrayal, the mystery of the past, the terror of the present, the uncertainty of the future, and of course, the alienness of the Dark. The principal characters struggle to gain vital knowledge and help, while having to circumvent those in power (who have taken more immediate tactical solutions). In some ways, this is your classic Crisis Story situation. But it's all the details and discoveries specific to this world that make this one fascinating.

During the tale, several unsettling suspicions and implications draw together and begin to form a horrifying net of facts; things are even more bleak than we thought! Sure, not ALL of humanity will be killed, but the survivors (and their possible descendants) are gonna have a nasty time just staying alive in the crowded safety of the Keep, since nobody knows how people managed it last time this happened!

The Walls of Air (1983) is the second fantasy novel in the Darwath trilogy, following The Time of the Dark. In the previous volume, the refugees from Gae finally reached Sarda Pass. After more political quarreling, they struggled through the pass into Renwath Vale and to the entrance of the Keep of Dare. Finally they were safe from the Dark Ones.

Ingold ran himself ragged trying to herd the refugees toward their only true shelter. Rudy discovered a women who captured his soul and then discovered that he is a wizard himself. Gil started practicing with the Guards and eventually they offered her a position in their ranks. Yet they still planned on returning to their own world.

In this novel, the Keep of Dare is a vast structure constructed in Renwath Vale by wizard-engineers three millennia afore. It is at least five levels high and has even more levels below ground. The Keep has only one entrance on the northwest corner and the doors and walls are imbued with magical shields and wards.

Altir Endorion is the heir to the throne of Darwath. Although only six months old, he is still the hope of his people. If he inherits the ability to remember the thoughts of his ancestors, Altir may well learn how the Dark was defeated in the last incursion.

Ingold Inglorion has gotten the refugees to the Keep, but he is not planning to stay. He needs to go to Quo and discover the status of his fellow wizards. Rudy plans on going with him.

Rudy Solis is enthused by his emerging abilities. He is also enamored with Minalde, but he cannot stay behind while Ingold journeys to Quo. He struggles with this dilemma until finally deciding that he has no choice in the matter.

Minalde is the Queen Regent of Darwath. She has already faced the conflicting emotions of her love for Rudy and her devotion to Altir. She will do anything necessary to keep Altir safe. She will even oppose her brother if he endangers Altir.

Gil Patterson is beginning to love Ingold. Of course, she finds it very hard to admit her emotions. She just practices with her sword and pushes these unwanted thoughts into the back of her mind.

Alwir is the brother of Minalde. He thoroughly enjoyed his sybaritic existence as Chancellor of the Realm before the Dark came. Now he is the senior administrator to the infant prince, so he preserves some of his former lifestyle despite the evacuation.

In this story, Rudy bids farewell to Alde and heads out with Ingold. They first retrace the route over Sarda Pass and then turn westward. They pass bands of refugees on the high plains traveling toward Gae and pass on the news of the fall of that city.

During their journey to the Seaward Mountains, Ingold teaches Rudy the ways of the wizards. He informs the novice mage about plants, animals and the winds. He also teaches Rudy a number of spells and the use of his willpower to strengthen the magic.

Meanwhile, Minalde is becoming more resistant to her brother's wiles. She spends much time with Gil, helping to translate the old records and discussing life and politics. Altir accompanies Alde on most of her visits with Gil. They both become quite skillful in preventing Altir from crawling over any drop in the Keep.

This tale provides Ingold and Rudy with several new puzzles. It seems that the Dark Ones have abandoned their northernmost nests and moved south. And the White Raiders are afraid of something more than the Dark. Then they reach the illusions around Quo.

The story fails to answer most questions about the Dark Ones. Indeed, it raises new questions. These mysteries will leave most readers eager to read the next volume: The Armies of Daylight. Enjoy!

Highly recommended for Hambly fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of high wizards, desperate refugees, and true romance.

-Arthur W. Jordin