Opening statement
The novel commences by depicting the sense of sight to readers. The author writes, "Snow was falling on Riverside, great white feather tuffs that veiled the cracks in the facades of its ruined houses; slowly softening the harsh contours of the jagged roof and fallen beam. Eaves were rounded with snow, overlapping, embracing, sliding into each other, capping houses all clustered together like a fairy tale village." This imagery is imperative because it prepares readers for the startling events of the most feared sword killer, Richard. On the contrary, the town is introduced as calm and accommodating. Still, the most prominent individuals do not want competition, and they use Richard, a sword-killer for hire to eliminate their rivals.
The smell of frying fish
The sense of smell is depicted when the author writes, "The smell of frying fish made the swordman's stomach lurch. It was his young gentleman, the University student, wrapped in his scholar's robe, hovering like a black bat over the frying pan in the ornamental fireplace." The author creates this sense of smell to show readers the normal routine of Richard. The imagery is critical because it highlights Richard's daily routine. Apart from training some of his students to become experts in using swords, he strictly observes eating healthy because he needs to be fit to maintain his supremacy in the town of Riverside.
Lady Halliday’s attributes
The author uses imagery to describe the qualities of Lady Holliday. The author writes, "Lady Halliday was a quiet, shy young woman with none of her friend's fashionable talent for clever chatter. Her voice was generally low, her speech soft–just what men always claimed to want in a woman but was never actually drawn to in the drawing room." The imagery is important because it explains the broader perspective of why Crescent Chancellor Basil is a respectable man in society. The author figuratively uses this imagery to show readers that for every successful man, there is a quality woman behind him. In this case, Chancellor's wife proves that having a quality wife is an asset, which is why most men admire this woman.
