Looking Martin

Martin liked to sit on the edge of the bed and gaze out over the rooftops. The village of Egdirban clung to the side of a precariously steep cliff, so there was always something to look at — shifting clouds, sea birds, the crooked slant of chimneys.

He was partial to a good esoog while watching. In fact, Martin’s esoogs were rather well known throughout the valley.

Serhctaws like Martin made a living by looking. But not just looking — seeing. To do it properly, they brewed a special tonic from aganath berries, horn root, and a local rice liquor called dessip.

Serhctaw means “Those Who Watch” in the native tongue of Egdirbaninan. Most men of ghiling age aspired to become one — it was the surest way to earn market tokens and a bit of quiet respect.