From Jim Webster, aka Tallis Steelyard:

This tale was recounted to me by somebody who knew Maljie in her early years. Such people are few and far between nowadays and tend not to wax garrulous on her past. Still, it is possible, in the right conditions, to elicit stories worthy of recording. Ballinforth Wheelturner was a few weeks younger than Maljie (although now is apparently considerably older if recently declared ages are accepted) and knew her when they were both children. Indeed before the disastrous collapse of her family finances they were near neighbours and would play together happily as children of that age do.

I met him in the Beehive Inn. This is an unusual place, it is some miles up the Paraeba River from Port Naain and is only really accessible by boat. Admittedly there are paths and tracks in the area and the locals can walk there, but as they’re not people with friends, family, or creditors within the city, they don’t really feature in our tale. Anybody who is anybody arrives at the Beehive by water.

Continue reading at Tallis Steelyard