Overview
The market is being set up for the following day, but already there’s some business taking place.
The Market
- The market is being set up on the eastern side of the square, between the statue of William of Garamond and the cathedral.
- The market is traditionally sponsored by the steward, but in absence of a steward, the queen is paying for the market.
- To the south of the statue the baker’s guild, headed by Dirk, has set up several stalls, including Ramsey.
- Dirk is in a foul mood, while Ramsey is whistling a happy tune as he is setting out his modest stall.
- Ramsey has won the competition with his cream-filled sugar wheels, and they are now the Solstice Treat for that year.
- Dirk is accusing Ramsey of colluding with the judge, pointing at the burly man who is helping Ramsey set up his stall; Nicholas of White Fork.
- According to Dirk, Nicholas was invited to attend and judge the competition, like he has done many years in the past. He would then go on to perform the role of Greatfather Winter, and hand out Solstice Treats to all the children visiting the market.
- Nicholas – or Greatfather Winter – has become somewhat forgetful, but is happily assisting Ramsey, meanwhile eagerly snacking on the treats. He does not quite remember his name, or remember what he was supposed to do there, but knows that he likes the cream-filled sugar wheels.
- Nobody else seems to be that forgetful, only Greatfather Winter.
- Meanwhile, Dirk insists that there was collusion, and will not rest until a baker wins the competition held by the baker’s guild!
