
A rain‑soaked autumn evening cloaks the story in a quiet, brooding atmosphere. In a modest stone house, an elderly clergyman and a dignified lady converse by a crackling hearth, their dialogue turning to the unsettling tides of opinion that threaten both church and kingdom. Their exchange, rich with allusions to recent executions and ancient proverbs, hints at a world on the brink of upheaval.
Beyond the window, drooping cornfields and restless cattle echo the tension inside, while a young girl watches from the porch, a silent witness to the unfolding drama. As the characters grapple with questions of sin, destiny, and the weight of history, listeners are drawn into a tapestry of faith, politics, and personal resolve that promises deeper conflicts ahead. The opening sets a tone of introspection and foreboding, inviting you to follow the lives that will navigate these stormy times.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (262K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1824–1905
A Scottish writer, poet, and preacher, he helped shape modern fantasy long before the genre had a name. His stories of wonder and spiritual searching went on to influence writers including C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.
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