Once custodians of all sacred texts, until they found the White Heart of the Consequence . . . thus followed the Bad Time. But now all the Birdcatchers have been killed and the Stationers have burned their books.

DISCLAIMER

This is not a historical novel. It is a yarn. Although the Realm is based roughly on England at the start of the eighteenth century, I have taken appalling liberties with historical authenticity and, when I felt like it, the laws of physics.

A TRAVEL GUIDE FOR THE FRACTURED REALM

THE VILLAGE OF CHOUGH

This eternally damp and unbelievably dull village is best to be avoided. Any clothing worn into the village will be uncomfortably wet for days and will begin to petrify, thanks to Chough’s chalky waters. To make matters worse, it seems that an arsonist may be at large in the village.

KEMPE TEETERING

This shipping town built on two great bridges spanning the Slye River is a welcome respite from the tedium of Chough. Travelers should watch for the blue dome Kempe Teetering church and stop in to pay their respects to Goodman Postrophe; Goodlady Prill, Protector of Pigs; and all of the other Beloved housed therein. Kempe Teetering is also an excellent destination to find transportation to your next stop. Many river captains will take on fugitive passengers for a price. But, if you are on the run, be sure to jump over the side if the Guild of Watermen makes a surprise inspection.

THE HALBERD

A popular tavern located between Kempe Teetering and the city of Mandelion. Travelers keen to learn the customs and politics of the area need only stop into The Halberd. Tavern patrons often display their political affiliations through ceremonial toasts. For example, a visitor loyal to King Prael, the “king across the Tosteroy Sea,” would demonstrate their support by waving a cup over a jug of water, whereas a follower of the Twin Queens would wave a cup over the fingers of their own left hand.

THE CITY OF MANDELION

A word of warning: For those travelers (particularly wealthy ones) headed to Mandelion by land, please remain on guard for highwaymen. These brigands are known for attacking unsuspecting travelers, and the worst of the bunch, a rascal known alternately as Clam Blythe, Black Captain Blythe, and Clamoring Captain Blythe, has thus far escaped capture. Unfortunately, the whelkmaids’ dances on St. Squeakle’s Day, once a major attraction, have been canceled indefinitely by the Birdcatchers. “Devilish frolicking” was the reason given.

THE TWIN SPIRES

These magnificent spires, one of Mandelion’s must-see attractions, were built as a pair, as many things are by the Duke. Ask a local for the full story on this one.

THE MARRIAGE HOUSES

If you wish to get married but face legal, ethical, or discretionary constraints, visit one of Mandelion’s many fine marriage houses, where a couple can be married quietly and economically.

THE COFFEEHOUSES