In Dorothy Dunnett's "The Ringed Castle," the passage describes a moment of intense emotion within a character, focusing on the heartbeat that signifies life and inner turmoil. The imagery suggests a profound sense of loss or shock, where the heart's pause and subsequent single beat symbolize a critical emotional or physical moment. This scene highlights the depth of the character’s inner experience, emphasizing the significance of their emotional state.

"And deep within him, missing its accustomed tread, his heart paused, and gave one single stroke, as if on an anvil."

This quote captures a powerful image of vulnerability and tension, illustrating how a moment of disturbance can almost halt the rhythm of life itself. Dunnett masterfully uses this metaphor to convey the gravity of the situation and the character’s poignant inner conflict.