Ep. 114 — Chapter 8 from "Tower of Swallows"
Daniel from the Netherlands and Softie from the UK join Alyssa for our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 8. Very important bits include: Kovir’s “armed neutrality,” whoresons of upright character, the wisdom of ‘The Good Book’, royal marriages and moral compromises, political doublespeak, espionage, Sheala de Tancarville conspiracy theories, the unseen consequences of power, and “A million bizants?!”
This episode is available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Stitcher.
In this Episode
[0:00] Cold Open
[1:06] Introduction
[2:25] Guest Introductions
[8:12] Chapter Recap
[9:50] Overall Thoughts
[19:30] The Illusion of Virtue
[29:31] The Queen’s Moral Compass
[40:24] Marriage (and the Lodge)
[47:54] Dijkstra’s Mission and Cantarella’s Espionage
[57:15] The Far Future
[1:10:44] Closing Thoughts
[1:13:32] Outro
[1:13:55] 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, Daniel from the Netherlands and Softie from the UK call in for Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 8. Join us as we discuss Kovir’s “armed neutrality,” whoresons of upright character, the wisdom of The Good Book, royal marriages and moral compromises, political doublespeak, espionage, Sheala de Tancarville conspiracy theories, the unseen consequences of power, and “A million bizants?!”
Without further ado, let’s get to our discussion of Andrzej Sapkowski’s Tower of Swallows, Chapter 8.
Discussion
[Breakfast in Beauclair stinger by Alex Berner]
Transcript to come.
ALYSSA (VOICEOVER):
Chapter 8 opens with an excerpt from Flourens Delannoy’s Fairy Tales and Stories, suggesting that in this world, even the purest love must end unhappily. Redanian spymaster Sigismund Dijkstra arrives in Lan Exeter, the opulent winter capital of Kovir and Poviss, seeking financial support for the North’s war against Nilfgaard. Once a minor vassal of Redania, Kovir has become the Continent’s wealthiest neutral state, ruled by King Esterad Thyssen and Queen Zuleyka.
Dijkstra’s mission is straightforward: secure a million bizants to fund the Northern war effort. Esterad listens with sharp amusement, challenging the spy’s ruthless pragmatism by quoting Vysogota of Corvo on moral blindness and invoking The Good Book on humility and restraint.
Consulting a magical war map, the king foresees Nilfgaard’s inevitable advance and doubts the North’s chances. Meanwhile, Vattier de Rideaux’s mistress Cantarella confirms Nilfgaard’s plans for a massive spring offensive to Assire var Anahid, who in turn passes the intelligence to the Lodge.
Though Esterad refuses to abandon Kovir’s policy of neutrality, Queen Zuleyka’s parables inspire a clever compromise. Decades later, the king’s grandson reveals Esterad secretly supported the North by releasing thousands of prisoners to bolster the army and by channeling funds through his shares in Novigrad’s trade companies, meaning Nilfgaard itself unknowingly financed its opposition.
Far into the future, the king and the spy face assassins, each recalling their final exchange.
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 Daniel and Softie for joining us for this episode and our international hanza for their support.
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