The storm
At the beginning of the book, Taylor describes a storm over the sea with phrases like "gigantic waves, the color of lead and tipped with white, broke against the rocks." This imagery sets the stage for the setting and foreshadows the turbulent events that are about to unfold. The storm's ferocity symbolizes the chaos and conflict within the characters and their imminent struggles.
Vicar Obadiah Demurral's House
The author depicts Demurral's home as a place with "dark corners filled with nameless things" and "long corridors leading to cold, empty rooms" as a haunting, unwelcoming place. This supports the narrative that Demurral is a character of ill-intent, harboring dark secrets. The house is a metaphor for Demurral's cold, dark, and empty heart.
The Keruvim
When the Keruvim awakens, it is described as "a form of shifting darkness, spinning like a vortex into a shapeless void, edged with brilliant light." This imagery evokes a sense of awe and fear as it indicates the power and mystery surrounding this divine artifact. This description underscores the otherworldliness and the dual nature of the artifact—simultaneously fascinating and terrifying.
Demurral's Appearance
Demurral is described as a man "with a face that looked like it had been carved from a block of wood, his eyes small and mean, and his mouth a narrow slit." This imagery provides a mental picture of the antagonist, reinforcing his malicious nature. His appearance reflects his internal qualities, showing him to be hard, unkind, and unforgiving.
The Varrigal
Taylor describes these creatures as "small, almost transparent beings, glittering in the sunlight." This imagery introduces these magical creatures in a way that conveys their ethereal, elusive nature. The play of light suggests their association with goodness and the divine, contrasting Demurral's darkness.
