Ep. 110 — Chapter 5 from "Tower of Swallows"
Brett from the US and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 5. Very important bits include: lawful cruelty and corruption, Angoulême’s arrival, the making of the hanza, courage and bravery, blind revenge, and prophetic dreams.
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:33] Introduction
[3:32] Guest Introductions
[10:28] Chapter Recap
[12:13] Overall Thoughts
[18:32] Vengeance v. Justice
[32:42] Angoulême’s Arrival
[41:56] The Hanza’s Dynamics
[49:51] Courage and Bravery
[54:58] A Witcher’s Revenge
[1:02:23] Ciri’s Dream
[1:03:40] Closing Thoughts
[1:07:14] Outro
[1:09:36] 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]
[Patron Announcements]
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If you’d like to learn more about supporting Breakfast in Beauclair, visit patreon.com/breakfastinbeauclair.
[Episode Details]
As for this episode, Brett from the US and Softie from the UK call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 5. Join us as we discuss lawful cruelty and corruption, Angoulême’s arrival, the making of the hanza, courage and bravery, blind revenge, and prophetic dreams.
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 5.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER):
Chapter 5 opens with reflections on vengeance and justice, framing the tension between law and cruelty.
After separating from the beekeepers, Geralt is brought before Fulko Artevelde, prefect of Riedbrune, who presides over a busy hub of Nilfgaardian soldiers and settlers. Geralt clashes with the prefect over the nature of law: Fulko insists that order requires ruthless punishment, while Geralt counters that such methods inevitably lead to corruption and tyranny.
Fulko offers Geralt a deal: he and his companions will be free to continue to the druids if they hunt down Nightingale, the head of a local gang in Belhaven who is waiting to ambush Geralt. As part of this bargain, the young informant, Angoulême, is released into the witcher’s care.
Regis and Geralt later puzzle over how their pursuers knew the company’s movements, sparking suspicion of an informant among them. Geralt openly accuses Cahir, leading to a bitter fight that Milva breaks up with her belt. Officially branded a “hanza,” the company splits: Regis, Dandelion, and Milva ride head toward Toussaint, while Geralt, Angoulême, and Cahir ride to Belhaven to intercept Nightingale.
As they prepare, Geralt reveals what drives him: he believes Ciri died on the equinox, and his purpose has narrowed to vengeance. He embraces the hunt with grim resolve.
The chapter closes with Ciri in the swamp with Vysogota, reflecting that this was the only time she dreamt of Geralt since Thanedd. In her dream, she longs to tell him the truth: that she is alive, and that the witcher’s assumptions are tragically wrong.
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 Sydna.
Special thanks to Brett and Softie for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
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