Summerhythe

The only town in the Vale of Quillet worth the name: two thousand people, eleven bells, one bridge, and a wharf where the Brisk runs wide and slow enough to land a barge. It was chartered by Queen Maudry in Lease Year 3 at the old ford, and every Midsummer since, it has held the fair that fills the green from the Wool Exchange to the water.

Points of interest

• The Wool Exchange. The tallest roof in town, with the Great Tenor bell in its tower. Orpiment’s claw-marks are now in its lead gutters, and the town council is arguing about whether to repair them or charge admission.
• The green and the fairground. Where the Midsummer Fair stands for three days. This year it stood for half of one.
• Coin Stair. A steep lane of counting houses above the wharf, including the green door of Marrable and Daughters.
• The foundry lane. Where the Quarrel family has cast the town’s bells for two hundred years, and where Odda Quarrel was born.
• The Founder’s statue. Maudry with one foot on a rock and her sword to the sky, which the Wardens now know is not how it happened.
• The Glad Kettle. The inn by the wharf where the Wardens lodge.
• Marigold Keep. The royal keep on the hill above the town.

Notable people

Mags Threlkeld keeps the Glad Kettle. Idony Marrable runs the counting house on Coin Stair. Queen Hesper and her Chancellor sit in the Keep.

Since the dragon came

Trade is brisk and sleep is poor. The bakers have rebuilt two ovens. Children climb the Wool Exchange to look at the claw-marks, and three separate taverns are selling a drink called the Landlady. Queen Hesper has forbidden anyone to shoot at the Tally Cliffs, and nailed her proclamation to the Founder’s statue.