Ep. 106 — Chapter 2 (Part 1) from "Tower of Swallows"
Abbe from Sweden and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 2 (Part 1). Very important bits include: ominous foreshadowing, groupthink and survival, transactions versus ideals, stolen identity, dreams of grandeur, and “that one little turd I have no feelings for, I’m afraid.”
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:04] Introduction
[3:23] Guest Introductions
[11:08] Chapter Recap
[12:51] Overall Thoughts
[17:34] The Chapter Opening
[21:27] Hotspurn, The Rats, & Group Think
[28:54] Ciri’s Imposter
[34:28] CIri & Mistle’s Farewell
[39:23] Outro
[39:38] End Credits
Relevant Links
Transcript
Cold Open
Transcript to come.
[Breakfast in Beauclair theme music by Alex Berner]
Introduction
ALYSSA: Welcome to Breakfast in Beauclair, a global Witcher Podcast. My name is Alyssa from GoodMorhen, and I’ll be your host as you, I, and our international hanza accompany Geralt of Rivia and his destiny, Cirilla of Cintra, across the Continent.
[Announcements]
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[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Abbe from Sweden and Softie from the UK call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 2 (Part 1). Join us as we discuss ominous foreshadowing, groupthink and survival, transactions versus ideals, stolen identity, dreams of grandeur, and “that one little turd I have no feelings for, I’m afraid.”
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 2 (Part 1).
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER):
In Chapter 2 of Tower of Swallows, we open on a storm and the dangerous riders passing through it. We meet Hotspurn, who finds Ciri and the Rats at a riverside postal station, high on drugs as they’re each tattooed. He has a quid pro quo relationship with the Rats, trading them information for favors. Hotspurn warns them that, beyond the Prefect of Amarillo, the Varnhagens, and the Baron of Casadei, they are now hunted by the infamous bounty hunter Bonhart, someone only the rich and powerful can afford.
He also claims that amnesty will soon be granted, as the Emperor of Nilfgaard intends to marry “Princess Cirilla of Cintra.” Realizing an imposter has taken her identity, Ciri seethes. Hotspurn departs, telling them Bonhart waits in the town of Jealousy. The Rats decide to confront him, but Ciri slips away, planning to reclaim her throne and return a hero. Mistle catches her and Ciri begs her to survive.
Ciri catches Hotspurn, who offers cynical advice for claiming amnesty. They are ambushed by horsemen and Hotspurn is mortally wounded. In the morning, Ciri claims his beautiful mare and names her Kelpie.
Ignoring his warning, she desperately rides to Jealousy in an attempt to intercept the Rats. But the Rats arrive before her and call Bonhart from the inn. Ciri arrives too late. Bonhart has killed them all. Enraged, Ciri engages Bonhart in a duel neither can win. Eventually, she is forced to watch him behead each of her companions.
Ciri recounts the memory to Vysogota, mourning the loss of her friends and lover in the cottage no one can see.
Transcript to come.
Outro & Credits
[Breakfast in Beauclair theme music by Alex Berner]
ALYSSA: Thanks for joining us at the breakfast table! For show notes, transcripts of each episode, and a complete list of our social platforms and listening services, head over to breakfastinbeauclair.com.
Breakfast in Beauclair is created by Alyssa from GoodMorhen. It’s hosted by Alyssa. The show is edited by Alyssa and Caleb Buys with music by Alex Berner.
Breakfast in Beauclair is produced by Alyssa in New York City with Katie (The Redhead of Toussaint), Jacob B., Charlotte from Vengerberg Glamarye, The Original Roach, Libby, John of Ryblia, Tom from Australia, Jill Cate, The Tabby Witch, Olle from Sweden, James Carson III, Miriam of Temeria, Softie, Lisa C., and BornOrpheus.
Special thanks to Ryan and Sophie for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
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