Godden tells her story from multiple perspectives. The reader sees the thoughts and actions of all the characters. Readers can sympathize with Angus at the loss of his livestock, with Donald at the demands made of him by his employer, and even with the bullocks who would rather be snatched by the dragon (it was "rather like going to heaven") than butchered and eaten by Angus Og and his men. Godden makes good use of specific details to create the setting. For example, when Matilda insists on getting rid of the dungheap in the castle, Godden explains that livestock were kept inside during times of danger and that their manure mixed with the straw on the floor was left to help warm the building. The use of Scottish words and phrases also helps create a sense of place. Donald, the steward, uses some particularly colorful phrases...