What a sorry-looking bird.
Oops. I didn't know you could...talk.
It's a talking bird.
That's a particularly sleazy-looking merchant. I wonder what he's selling.
That's the guy in charge of the cups game.
My intuition tells me...
...that he sells maps.
It's the maps merchant.
Maps. And lots of 'em.
It's a game of some kind.
It's the traditional game of cups, in which you stand no chance of ever winning. The fun part is seeing just how much you can possibly lose in one go.
It's a cups game.
I wonder if that's supposed to be anybody in particular, or just any old head.
In a world without the screen, that's what passes for entertainment. And it's pretty darn good.
And waste the only coin I have? I think not.
Maps! I got maps! Can I interest you in a map, miss? Top notch, hand drawn in quality ink by skilled Sunriders. Ain't no better in all of the Northlands!
Maps!
No maps for me today, thanks.
Fair enough, miss, but don't expect me to come running to your aid if you ever get lost in Riverwood. Without my maps, you'll probably end up a Mole's dinner...or worse. Maps!
How much are your maps?
That depends, miss. Got a very nice one here of the Border Mountains for only six arens. Fresh from the quill of a Sunrider. Maps! Get your maps here!
Do you sell maps of the city?
Can't help you there, miss. The Guild of Tourism has monopoly on city maps. I can tell you're not from around here, or you'd know that.
Bye.
Maps! Get your fresh maps here! Buy two, get the second one half price!
Got tons of maps of all the Northlands, though, from the city of Tyren to the Bay of Fire. Maps!
What are you going to do now, without a delivery boy?
Hire a new one, of course. Ah, blasted be the Balance, that means I'll have to pay the damn fee to the Guild of Merchants. Damnation.
About that job...
Yes? Maps!
I'm looking for Brian Westhouse.
Briar West of House? It's not on any of my maps, and I've never heard of it. Maps!
It's a man, not a place. Mr Brian Westhouse.
I would most certainly remember a name as queer as that. And I don't. Get your maps while they're fresh!
Can you tell me where the Rolling Man lives?
Maybe, maybe not. Why?
Because I need to find him.
Sorry, Guild rules. I'm not allowed to divulge any personal information about my customers. Maps!
I really need to know where the Rolling Man lives.
Sorry. Can't do--
Please? Pretty please?
No-no-no, young lady. Don't give me that doe-eyed look. Don't! Ah, blasted be the Balance, you're giving me that doe-eyed look, aren't you?
I still can't tell you, though. I got maps!
Please tell me where the Rolling Man lives.
No can do, miss. I can't divulge personal information about my customers.
Where can I find the Guild of Tourism?
They're closed for the holidays.
Sure. That makes sense.
Mind if I ask you a couple of questions?
Yes? Maps!
You're late! Again! And you know what else? You're fired! Give me back the delivery list, and get your sorry blue skin elsewhere.
Hired help! Bah! Never hire a Dolmari to do a human job.
Oh, and remember to have the customers sign the delivery list. The Guild are sticklers for protocol. No signature, no money, no new jobs.
You haven't made your delivery yet, girl! Or have you forgotten to get a signature like I told you? Be about it, or you'll be seeing my footprint on your arse!
Stick an apple in it and choke! Charlatan!
Maybe I could help you out?
Bye, now.
You? How?
I'm quick, honest, and reliable, and I've got a lot of experience in the service industry.
Hmmm. Perhaps. A female errand boy? It could work...if the Guild of Merchants don't find out.
I won't tell them if you don't.
Mind, the pay is not much. Only a single aren per delivery, plus whatever tip the customer may see fit to give you.
Maps! Fresh, detailed, life-saving maps!
I'll take the job, if you want me.
Agreed. Maybe you'll even bring in some new business. Here's the delivery list for today, and your first map -- it's for the captain of the White Dragon. Nebevay, I think his name is. You'll find him in the harbor.
Did you deliver the map to the captain of the White Dragon?
No, not yet.
I'm not paying you to prance about the marketplace like royalty, girl! Get moving, or you'll get the boot!
Yes, sir!
I'm ready for my next job, sir.
Yes, yes, good, good. Did you get the captain's signature?
Yes.
Hand me the delivery list so that I can see for myself.
You know, you remind me of somebody I know, a real scrooge.
Good. What's a "scrooge"? Maps! New revisions, lifesavers, maps!
No.
Blasted be the Balance, you're no better than Ulen -- I'm almost sorry I fired him. Get to it, girl! Don't stand around here wasting my time! Get his signature! The Guild will skin me alive if my records don't hold up.
Right, your next assignment is a map of Ch'angagriel to the Rolling Man. Hold on -- did you not ask me about him earlier today?
Erm, no. No, that wasn't me. That was somebody else.
I could have sworn...well, no matter. Do you know how to get to the Rolling Man's house?
I forget.
Let me explain, then... Now, pay attention, because this is complicated. He has chosen to live in the most inaccessible place in the city, but I guess he has his reasons.
Weren't you supposed to make a delivery to the Rolling Man?
Yes. Yes, I was.
Then what in the deepest, darkest recesses of Mount Tireney are you doing here? Get to it! And remember to get his signature.
Do you know Vestrum Tobias?
Everyone knows Vestrum Tobias, girl. He's been an important part of this city for as long as I can remember.
What can you tell me about him?
The Vestrum is an honorable man, but a conservative one, and I don't know if he still has the best interests of the people at heart.
Sometimes I think he worries too much about custom. The Sentinel have been our so-called protectors and keepers of the Balance for so long, we don't even think of it anymore.
But now that the Vanguard are introducing a new way of thinking, new philosophies...
I'm afraid the Sentinel will find their power diminished before too long. Their resistance to change will be their downfall, mark my words. Their downfall for certain.
And Tobias -- honorable man that he is -- will be remembered as the captain who went down with his ship.
How do you get along with your neighbor?
The cups handler? Stay away from him, miss. He takes great joy in robbing people's purses. You can't beat him, not without magic, and he doesn't allow magic at the table.
How would he know if you did use magic?
Oh, he's got one of those blasted talismans. They're always digging up magical artefacts in Ch'angagriel, and they sell them to dogs like him for a silver coin or two.
Get a proper job, you son of a mole!
What do you know about Stark?
Land of wonders, strange customs, and machinery! Ah, to be in Stark...
I'd give my right leg -- well, perhaps not my right leg as such, you really need two sturdy legs to stand on in this business, or you'll find yourself...
Ahum, yes, a grand place indeed. Free of this blasted, chaotic, unpredictable magic, does no good to anyone. Now, machines! Built by man, controlled by man, in servitude of man! That's the future, isn't it?
Yes, the Vanguard may be a little unorthodox in their methods and teachings, but they're right about one thing. Stark and Arcadia belong together, not apart.
What's Arcadia like?
What can I say about a whole world, girl? It's a beautiful place, for sure, but we're stuck in the past. We don't look ahead, not like our cousins in Stark.
Magic is all well and good, but it won't bring our world into the modern age. And Arcadia is untamed. It's wild, and unpredictable -- good for the map business, sure, but not so good for productivity and expansion.
No, some people may consider our world a paradise. The Sentinel, for one -- they prefer to keep it just the way it is. Me, I'd like to see some changes, and fast.
Thanks for your help.
Maps!
Want to test your skill and perception with a game of cups? There are prizes to be won.
How about a game of cups today?
What can I win?
Well, there's coin, of course. Double your bet. Or choose from a wide variety of exotic prizes...
...like this antique Dolmari canter from Ge'en...
...a superb replica of Mount Tireney, cast in pure, solid iron...
...a magic walnut from the once glorious island kingdom of Anseyel...
...and this, uhm, unique...bird...
Sorry, but I'm broke.
May the Balance bring coin to your pocket, young lady, so that you may return to me and waste-- uhm -- invest it in a game of cups!
Can you tell me again what I can win?
An antique Dolmari canter from Ge'en, a superb cast iron replica of Mount Tireney, a magic walnut from Anseyel, and this, uh, unique, talking...bird.
How do I play?
You put your coin down on the table, I put a cup on top of it and shuffle it around with the other two cups, and all you have to do is guess which one hides your coin.
Okay, let's go.
Just place your bet-- Uhm, investment -- on the table, and the game will begin.
And, remember -- no magic used, and none allowed. This amulet right here will light up if you use magic, and then you're banned -- for life!
Mind if I ask you a couple of questions?
Time is money, so make it quick.
Thanks but no thanks.
Suit yourself, but that attitude will never bring coin to your pocket.
Get me outta here!
Keep your beak shut, you scraggly piece of...
Uhm, and he talks! Great for feasts and for the amusement of infants. He's our top prize, a real keeper.
Here's my coin. Now, how do I play?
I place one cup on top of your coin, like so.
Then I shuffle them like so.
Now you guess which cup hides your coin. If you get it right, you win another coin. Three in a row, and you win a prize!
I'll try one more.
Keep your eyes on the cup!
Looks like you got the wrong cup. It happens. A one in three chance, you know? But with coin in your pocket, you can always try again!
You got the wrong cup again. Sorry. Try one more, and perhaps this coin will bring luck.
Uh...that's-- That's correct, but...that's...
You used magic, didn't you! You used your magic wand!
Nah-ah. Your amulet didn't light up, did it?
No, but-- But-- It's impossible!
Because you use magic yourself? Because nobody's supposed to ever win your game? They have a name for people like you, sir. Con artist.
What? I'm outraged, I'm...I'm...outraged!
I want to play again.
No, no, no, not you, lady. Get your aren off my table.
I have a right to play. I didn't use magic.
You did use that magic wand there. That's magic to me.
No, it's science, not magic. There's no sign that says "No science allowed", now is there?
What do you want from me?
I want to play.
Sorry, lady, that magic wand of yours will put me out of business. I'd rather close up for the day than let you play another game.
I want to play again.
With that magic wand of yours, you'll put me out of business. Sorry.
Whatever. I want my prize.
Prize? You don't get a prize for winning once! Especially when you're cheating, you cheat!
You want I call the city guard? I demand a prize!
Oh, by the gods of gambling... Here, take this, and leave me be!
I'll make a trade with you. My screwd-- My magic wand, for one of your prizes. And then I'll leave your game alone.
What's the catch?
No catch. You get a screw-- Magic wand, and I get one of your "exotic prizes".
Hmmm. All right, fair enough. Which prize would you like?
You still interested in a trade? My scr-- Magic wand for one of your "exotic prizes"?
Which prize would you like to trade for?
The talking bird.
That scraggly heap of... A fantastic choice, young lady! Hold on one second, and I'll get him for you. Fantastic choice. And I really, really mean that.
It's an important choice, so I'll think about it some more before I decide.
Very well. But honor our agreement, and for the love of the Balance, don't sell that magic wand to anyone but me!
I haven't decided yet.
Very well.
What do you know about Vestrum Tobias?
Vestrum Tobias, eh? The high priest of the Sentinel himself. Did you know they call themselves the Fathers? What a joke.
I'm getting more and more inclined to listen to these new people, the Vanguard. Their ideas appeal to me. They may be radical, but we're past due for a change.
Only thing I don't wholly approve of is their alliance with the Tyren. Filthy, dangerous people. But the Vanguard seem to have them under control, so I'm not too worried. I wish they wouldn't allow them into the city, though.
Thanks.
Now...how about a game of cups?
When was the last time they did anything for us, the people? No, they are only interested in sticking with their outdated customs and keeping their secrets under lock.
How do you get along with your neighbor?
The maps merchant? We've faced each other for six years now, every single day, and he never speaks a word to me, except to insult me.
Nose high in the sky, calls me a charlatan. As if he's the Guardian himself. You no good oversized bag of wind!
Do you know anything about Stark?
Not much. I'm not too sure if I even believe in the place. I mean, you hear the stories, and you read the books -- well, I don't, but some do... A place where there is no magic, only science?
Sounds like a bloody paradise, don't it? I mean, with my...uhm...skills, I could make a killing in a place like that.
What's Arcadia like?
What a queer question that is. What's the world like? It's big, for one. And too expensive. And they should ban Dolmari women from gambling, because I swear, they have a second sight.
Is that gold? Only valid Arcadian coin in iron and other precious metals allowed at my table, young lady. Take your worthless gold elsewhere.
Gold? Worthless? Now I have heard everything.
I'm not talking to you. You cheat!
Oh no-no-no, you're not playing at my table ever again, young lady. You and your surreptitious magic. Put me out of business, you will.
Get one yourself, you sorry bastard!
A calculator? Where did you get this?
Oh, I don't know. Won it off some guy who got it from someone else who'd supposedly been in Stark. It's a worthle-- I mean, it's a valuable souvenir from the mysterious and illusive World of Logic!
Now...would you please let me be? Let someone else play, yes?
Hey, you, what's going on? Why didn't you deliver any maps yesterday?
Here's your next delivery, a map of the Northlands to a Tun Luiec staying at "The Journey Man Inn". And be quick about it! She's been waiting since the day before yesterday.
There you are! I'm in a mind to fire you! I expect you have still to deliver the map of the Northlands to Tun Luiec at "The Journey Man Inn"?
Did you make your delivery to Tun Luiec at "The Journey Man Inn" yet?
I wasn't around. Sorry.
Well, there are more maps to be delivered, and my customers are getting very impatient. Did you deliver the map to the Rolling Man?
Yes sir.
All right, let me see his signature and I'll give you your next delivery.
Uh, I forgot all about that.
By the Balance, get to it!
I took care of that delivery ages ago.
Really? Well, then, I can finally fire you! You're the most incompetent errand boy I've ever had! Give me the delivery list, and get out of here!
Remember me?
Uh, I think I left that list somewhere...far away.
Ye Gods! Not only do I have to deal with your incompetence, but now the Guild will skin my hide and hang it up to dry.
I'm trying my very best to forget, believe me.
I just came back to say hello.
Goodbye.
Please, for the sake of all things good and profitable, don't come back to say hello ever again.
Hey, you don't look too polished yourself, lady.
Didn't look as if you could talk either.
Hey, be careful with me, you...you...human!
Hi there.
Get me outta here!
How would I do that?
Oh, I dunno...open the cage!
Sorry, but I can't do that. You're not my bird.
I'm nobody's bird. I'm my own bird. But you're right, I shouldn't be expecting any help from a human stranger.
Hello again.
Unless you've come to let me out of this cage, I ain't talking.
So you're Bird, huh?
Yeah, yeah, I'm-- Wait a second, did the old man send you to get me?
I guess he did. My name's April.
Ye gods! Is there no escape? I mean, not that I liked being cooped up in a cage for gamblers to gawk at and children to spit at all day, but gimme a break, it's better than being locked away in a stinking chest!
Thanks a whole bunch for "rescuing me", April.
You're welcome.
No, hey, that's not what I meant! I was being sarcastic. Do you know what "sarcastic" means? Speak Alltongue, yes, yes?
No, actually I don't. I speak English.
English? English? I don't know where you're from, lady, but you're weird.
Okay, so lemme go already, all right? Enough with the I'm-human-so-I-can-boss-the-bird-around schtick. We're all impressed.
Sorry, I promised the old man I'd win you back. I need a favor from him. Badly.
Yeah, so what's so important you'd sacrifice a bird's happiness and well-being?
The fate of two worlds, billions of people, and the Balance.
Yeah? Yeah? So... Oh, forget it.
So were you always just "Bird", or did you have a better name?
No, it's always been Bird. My full name is That Damn Bird. I learned that when I was two weeks old. "That damn bird," the old man would say. "No good ball of feathers!". Then he beat me with a stick.
I'm sorry to hear that...Bird. You know, if you were my bird, I think I'd call you Crow.
Yeah, well I'm my own bird, lady, and I don't...Crow? You'd call me Crow? That's a...pretty good name. It's a proper name at least, not just an insult.
Anyways. I guess I'd better get you back to your master, Bird. He's pining for you.
All he's pining for is coin to gamble with.
It's really none of my business. Sorry.
Suuure you are.
Really?
Uh...no. He'd just stick me in the chest and forget about me. Which is almost as bad as beating, believe you me.
