Nightwings

Summary

«Nightwings» is a science fiction novella by Robert Silverberg, set in a distant future Earth divided into strictly hierarchical guilds. The protagonist is a Watcher from the Nightwings Guild, tasked with observing the cosmos for a potential invasion by an enemy from distant stars, an attack foretold in ancient times. Memories of Earth's previous civilizations and their technologies stir the protagonist's mind as he embarks on a journey to the ancient and mysterious city of Rome with a diverse group of companions. In Rome, the fates of the characters intertwine with the long-anticipated enemy invasion, and they must make choices that will impact the future of the entire Earth. The book explores themes of the rise and fall of civilizations, the significance of identity and humanity in a world where the past seems as grand as the future is uncertain.