I looked across the river to Manhattan. It was a great view. When Sadie and I had first arrived at Brooklyn House, Amos had told us that magicians tried to stay out of Manhattan. He said Manhattan had other problems--whatever that meant. And sometimes when I looked across the water, I could swear I was seeing things. Sadie laughed about it, but once I thought I saw a flying horse. Probably just the mansion's magic barriers causing optical illusions, but still, it was weird.
The narrator reflects on their view of Manhattan from Brooklyn House, noting its beauty and the mysterious aura surrounding it. Upon arriving, they were informed by Amos that magicians generally avoid Manhattan due to its unique problems, which remain unclear. This creates an air of intrigue and caution about the city.
As they gaze across the river, the narrator experiences strange sights, leading to a humorous moment when they mention seeing a flying horse. While Sadie dismisses it as a joke, the narrator considers that it might be the mansion's magical barriers causing these odd visuals, contributing to the overall sense of enchantment and wonder in their surroundings.