The Swan Bride
|
The following page is not properly cited as per our revamped content policy. Therefore, the article may contain information from speculative or non-canon sources. You can find out more about our citation policy here. |
"A woman haunts the quayside of Jericho Locks, her long black gown damp from the miasma of Hell's waterways. She wears a mask depicting a golden swan, which enhances rather than disguises the sickly emerald hue of her skin."
The Swan Bride is an eerie woman who frequents the canals of Jericho Locks. The Gonfaloniere of the Guild of Gondoliers forbids contact with her; nobody is willing to ferry her, and she is barred from the local establishments. She speaks little, yet she seems to be fond of books and learning. She doesn’t seem to remember her past.
Behind the Swan Mask
|
Beyond this point lie major spoilers for Fallen London, Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, or Mask of the Rose. This may include endgame or major Fate-locked spoilers. Proceed at your own risk. You can find out more about our spoiler policy here. |
"He spoke to the Lotus Pool, and the Pool answered. Blood for water. If the canals flow through you, how can you lose a race on the red waters?" The Poisoned Priestess. "The price was too rich for his blood. But he could read men well, and though far older, to him I was an open book. In my loneliness, I allowed a substitution."
The Swan Bride was a sacrifice - part of a contract between the current Gonfaloniere and the Poisoned Priestess, who dwells in the Sere Palace at the confluence of the canals in a poisonous pool. The current Gonfaloniere wanted to escape the eventual fate that awaits any Gonfaloniere who loses a boat race; the challenger takes his title, and the former holder is taken by Hell, likely resulting in a highly unpleasant demise. The Gonfaloniere sought to poison his blood with the waters of the Sere Palace, so that he would become one with the canals and it would be impossible for Hell to claim him.
The Gonfaloniere was not strong enough to withstand the poison, so instead, he put his fiancee in his place, completing the ritual at their wedding. She became tied to the Canals, and the Gonfaloniere was guaranteed victory in any boat race, thus ensuring he kept his title in perpetuity.
