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weather-anomaly

The unnatural rain coming from a different direction than the wind signals the presence of magical interference.

1 chapter across 1 book

Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (2004)Susanna Clarke

Chapter 33

In November 1807, a mysterious British fleet of seemingly hundreds of warships suddenly appears off the coast of Brest, France, defying natural laws and naval expectations. The ships are revealed to be made of rain, animated by a magical spell, which holds them motionless and silent, confusing the French officers. After days of observation, the spell breaks as the rain stops, and the illusory fleet dissolves, leaving the French alone and unaware that the real British navy has been slipping into other strategic ports.