But as the character correctly observes, everything is linked.

The novel's main character is only observing the brutal clashes without participating or taking sides.

They have to decide whether to affirm or let go, and one character observes that we never quite move on.

"A sad tale is best for winter," one character observes.

The recent arrivals "were in a panic for days," one character observes.

"You're all doing six million miles an hour," one character observes testily.

"I was certainly wondering about all those instructions and rules of hers," observes one character.

Or as one character observes, a man without a uniform has no past and no future.

"It's not called panic if you're first out the door," as one character crisply observes.

"The swords made by the gods are beautiful things in themselves," observes one character, "Whatever the purpose behind them may be."