By Mike Haran
The most Catholic Duke of Venice unfurls a scroll that emits evil, menace, and indifference. Through a blue translucent pane of glass a view of the pink sun casts purple shadows across the green and choppy sea.
Fog settles upon the flotilla as the weak sunlight spreads a pattern of diffuse yellow light across a rising swell. On every hour resounds a dull splash as bundled bodies hit the water.
The Orthodox Byzantines have refused entry to the Venetians’ ships. The Venetian flotilla is now forced to sail out of the Byzantium cove, unable to stay in such a plague-infected place.
The imagery is outstanding, Mike. “On every hours resound a dull splash as bundled bodies hit the water…” is a wonderful image of the entire theme of the story. Keep on writing!
A very serious, grown up story and yet gripping and lovely writing.