The narrator of the twitter tale is Ulandin (chosen as narrator mainly because his name is the longest). He will be telling the story in first person (“I. . . “)
Keep in mind that both Ulandin and “Louise Curtis” are technically fictional – Louise is MOSTLY me, but nicer. And a bit dumber (arguably).
This interview takes place in real time, just before “Tar” happens. “Tar” isn’t required reading. Nor is this – it’s not a story, just a bit of story flotsam.
Interview with Ulandin, by the author (sort of):
It was a hot day, and everyone seemed to have passed out under the scattered trees. The heat was so thick I swam dreamily along the road, unable to walk quickly.
I found Ulandin under a tree (naturally), fixing a broken oar. He was only sixteen or so, but carried himself as if he was much older. I got the feeling that if he’d seen me coming he’d have hidden – he had the look of someone trying to be invisible. That impression vanished the instant he raised his eyes – striking golden eyes in a brown face.
Louise: Good afternoon.
Ulandin: Ma’am.
Louise: How long have you been working for Master Hinfar?
Ulandin: Since Mum died.
Louise: How old were you then?
Ulandin: Dunno. Don’t remember it.
Louise: So you’re a slave?
Ulandin: Figured that out yourself, did you?
Louise: Are you okay? Are you fed well?
Ulandin: Enough to work.
Louise: How would you describe your life?
Ulandin: Rather not.
Louise: Can I. . . er. . . bribe you or something?
Ulandin: Do you have a boat?
Louise: Um. . . no. I was thinking of food, or money. That kind of thing.
Ulandin: You know what a slave with money is?
Louise: What?
Ulandin: A thief. Then dead.
Louise: Oh. Never mind. But then why did you want a boat?
Ulandin: To be free.
Louise: Oh. I’m so sorry. Is there anyone who can help you – buy your freedom, or something?
Ulandin: Not on this island. Master Hinfar owns everyone, one way or another. Except. . . no. No-one.
Louise: Except who?
Ulandin: The girl who landed on the beach yesterday. She’s not from here. No-one knows where she’s from. Pretty, though – all big eyes and ringlets. But maybe the big eyes were because she was starving – another hour and she’d have died.
Louise: Where is she?
Ulandin: Master Hinfar took her away.
Louise: Will he make her a slave?
Ulandin: I don’t think he can. I don’t think anyone can.
Interesting. Ellusive. Ominous. It’s a nice teaser, so I think I’ll have to read some more, especially ‘Tar’.
Intriguing stuff.