Chapter 24
24. A Reverie of the Snow-Plumed Leviathan
From the day hence, I embraced the familiar rhythms of my accustomed existence once more.
All strife had been duly settled, and, akin to Faust in his fateful bargain, I too had stumbled upon an impassioned resolution. Were this to be chronicled in the pages of a tome, the ending could scarce be more juvenile.
"Might I procure your afternoon brew, Master?"
"I would appreciate it."
A piercing gust, bearing winter's chill, swept in from beyond the window. Rising from my chair, I moved to shield our haven from the onslaught. It was in this instant that I noticed the lad, a purveyor of the printed word, observing me from outside. He made his approach.
"Greetings, sir. Have you recently returned from your travels?"
Caught off-guard by his guileless query, I returned my own question,
"Do you not peruse the news of the day?"