The Blue Star by Fletcher Pratt
"The Blue Star" is a narrative that unfolds within a frame story, focusing on Rodvard Bergelin, a minor government official in the fictional land of Dossola, who is also part of a subversive group known as the Sons of the New Day. The plot centers on Rodvard's reluctant mission to seduce Lalette Asterhax, a descendant from a lineage of witches, to activate her hereditary magic through the eponymous gem, the Blue Star. As Rodvard navigates his conflicting loyalties and personal desires, both he and Lalette find themselves pursued, leading them to seek refuge among the Amorosians, a heretical sect.
Their journey is fraught with danger, including threats of violence and imprisonment, reflecting the oppressive political climate as the Sons of the New Day gain power in Dossola. Throughout these trials, themes of power, magic, and personal sacrifice emerge as Rodvard and Lalette confront their destinies. The narrative culminates in a powerful union, as they ultimately reject the Blue Star and flee together, symbolizing a break from the oppressive forces that sought to control their lives. The story weaves complex relationships and societal critiques, inviting readers to reflect on the intersections of love, loyalty, and freedom.
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The Blue Star
First published: 1969 (with two other items in the anthology Witches Three, 1952)
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Fantasy—heroic fantasy
Time of work: A period roughly equivalent to the eighteenth century
Locale: Various, including Netznegon in the realm of Dossola and Charlakis in the dominion of Mancherei
The Plot
Within a frame narrative in which three men dream the same dream, the story is told of Rodvard Bergelin, a minor functionary in the government of Dossola who is also a member of a subversive organization called the Sons of the New Day. Rodvard is commissioned by the leaders of this organization to seduce Lalette Asterhax, the descendant of a line of witches whose hereditary magic—embodied in the eponymous gem—is transferable to their male lovers. He reluctantly agrees, but he mishandles the task; he succeeds only because Lalette wants to avoid an alternative liaison cynically arranged by her family. Witchcraft is proscribed by both church and state, and the accidental revelation that her latent power has been activated results in Lalette and Rodvard being forced to go into hiding.
After the two fugitives are taken in by members of a heretical sect called the Amorosians, Rodvard receives new instructions from the Sons of the New Day. He uses his magic to small but significant effect in a spying mission, but the jewel loses its virtue when he sleeps with a chambermaid, and he is forced to flee again. Lalette’s magic saves him and reactivates the Blue Star, but she finds it politic to go into exile, seeking asylum among the Amorosians of Mancherei. Rodvard is forced to make his way to Mancherei, having been sold into the service of a sea captain. In the course of their sea voyages, Lalette and Rodvard both are threatened with rape, but they arrive safely, neither one knowing that the other is near.
Lalette is accommodated in a hospice but is discomfited to discover that such institutions are used as brothels by the supposedly celibate Amorosian clergy. When she refuses to participate, she is scheduled for compulsory reeducation, but Rodvard—who has returned to his old line of work—sees her committal papers and attempts her rescue. Yet again, he proves incompetent. He and Lalette are thrown into jail.
In Dossola, the Sons of the New Day have seized control of the government, and their rule is becoming increasingly oppressive. In need of the Blue Star to facilitate their purges, the organization’s leaders contrive Rodvard’s and Lalette’s release. When he is put to work ferreting out enemies of the state, Rodvard soon becomes disillusioned. When he attempts to save the life of a noblewoman he once admired from afar—memory of whom has long come between himself and Lalette—his last illusions collapse. Authentically united at last, the two lovers discard the Blue Star and flee the realm.