3.01 - Tree of Sorrows

see what you have to see this way. Please. Two days ago, early in the morning, a soldier. We think he was a soldier from his uniform, though as you can see there's not much of it left, likely from one of the border garrison's. He stumbled into the town of al Farzi, apparently screaming his head off. We think he may have been the last survivor, the last survivor of what the border garrison. There had been some skirmishes with the local tribes or a deserter, not likely, excellency.

Not with these wounds he walked into al Fasi in this state. Apart from his screaming, did he say anything. No, he couldn't. No tongue you see, or hands or feet. He must have crawled through the desert. What do you think? So it didn't happen in battle. Someone took their time to do this. They took care of it to ensure he wouldn't die. You see, the wounds are quarterized. That's what I thought. That's why I sent for you, excellency, turn him over. But m ah, yes, I just wondered

about that. He's been branded. People are comforted by a sense of order in this world. The things that surround us, the walls of the houses, the streets, the people, the empires. They give us certainty, a sense of purpose gradually stripped away, and you realize you're completely on your own, and everyone and everything is different to what you thought. Thank you report any other strange occurrences to me, of course you're excellent. But for now, to Munda is a city trying to

recover from the rule of Maya. Baker's still baked bread, butcher's still prepare meat, and the young men of Tu Munday, well, they still fly in the skies above the city. H Hi broke a party approaching across the desert. There's a banner. It looks official. Oh are you all right? Yeah? That was amazing. My name's frog Frog. What kind of a name is that? It used to be my nickname, but now it's my name. What do you do? Frog? Do you croak? Do you eat flies? No? I fly, but

you must have a real name. No, I haven't seen you here before. I live in the bull Pass Quarter. My father's a merchant, a merchant of what what do I care? All he's interested in is making money. But there has to be more to life than that, don't you think? Like? What? Well, what you do climbing the city walls, jumping off them? Flying? Well it might look easy, but you need to know what you're doing. Do you know what you're doing? Of course I haven't been doing

it for years. Then you can show me, can't you? Who is this matilla girl? Like you do with a sky? Frog watching? So what you see? What you from the sky? What did you see? Twenty awsom? At least they had a flag. I think it's the new prince come to marry our sultana Inca sir? Why have you stuff? I came here once as a child. I thought they had burnt it to the ground, but it's still so so. I hope the Sultanas as beautiful. Yeah, she's a bit

of a fighter, that's right, sir. She's killed a few in her client I wouldn't turn my back on her if I was you. I'm not till you know her. Well, we'll see. Come on, I want to see what's behind those walls. Humanly Series three, Episode one, Tree of Sorrows by John Scott Dryden. Tuman Bay has survived, as it always does, but it is a city weakened by Maya's brutal occupation. Everyone is rebuilding. It is a city of builders.

And in one part of the city, away from the palace, at the house of my poor old friend, the slave trader Ibn Bay, his daughter Heaven, a young woman who will become part of this mystery, is rebuilding her life. Yes, is the lady of the house at all? What is it concerning? I am a friend of her poor dear father, Hibn Bay. I felt it my duty to come by and see how my dear French's daughter is faring. Now that dust has settled, so to speak. Please please come in.

I'm sorry for the mess mentioned it, my dear man. Don't mention it we have all suffered. We're all rebuilding our lives. My wife is with our child. Come out into the courtyard, asked them to bring refreshments. But I really don't want to trappic. It's no trouble, it's no trouble. Please please. So are you and my father were close, Yes, Mrs Heaven, the closest of friends. We were business associates. I'm also in the trade. Well, poor fellow, I'm so

sorry for what happened. Thank you. You know your your father's reputation was like no other. Reputation is everything in this business. He was a man of his word. He was a good man. Your father may have mentioned me, Oh, but how rude of me, band, Melissia Fair Mcpooland but everyone knows me as just band. Well, my father really talked to me about his business, of course, and yet even in business he often talked about you, Mr seven. Everything he did was for you. Yes, well, he loved

his family very much, did he did. Yes. I apologize for the state of the house. Not at all, Mistress, not at all. They went through all my father's things after his arrest. So much was taken and the rest well, as you see, such a pity, but at least you have your husband and child. Yes, we feel very fortunate. We lost her. She was taken from us during the occupation. We were lucky to find her. Blessings come at the

most surprising times. Yes, ah, yes, if you will excuse me, I must know there is something, yes, mistress, before you go to attend your child. Of course, how can I bab bring this up at such a no, bab, you must you know your your father would have wanted me to as a man of honor. What is it, mistress? Even by your father took a consignment of slaves from me, and well when all this happened, well, he never managed to pay me for them. I see m hm, media madam.

If you could please see to Pamina, I will come shortly. How much did my father owe you? Let me see for the head of I think there was eight, yes, fifty, yes, twelve hundred pinari. Yes, I will of course honor any depths my father may have had. You have a receipt, promissory note or such like, Oh you can read, I can, of course, of course. Well, it was an agreement made between friends, and a man's word is his. I'm sure I have something I can bring to you to do

to show of course. Good good, thank you for coming. So so what are your plans now? We're going through my father's papers, learning all weekend about his business. We plan to take it over, what's left of it, and try to build it up. Good. Yeah, there's a big and for slaves at the moment everyone's rebuilding. You can capitalize on this, That's what I keep telling her. The problem, of course these days, if you'll forgive me, the problem

is supply. Have you thought about that? We were lucky that one of the hubun By ships was at a foreign port when the occupation happened. That's all. My father was a shrewd man, he was. Indeed, where is your father's ship? Where Smyrna? My family is from there. We have sent word to supplies there, but quality. I'm sorry your associates haven't found the quality of slaves you require. Am I right? More or less? The occupation has destroyed

the supply chain. Now the empire is weak, The roots aren't safe, and I'm sure any half decent slaves you are able to acquire are expensive. Yes, we are trying to raise funds. M hmm, barban and see who are going to make a success of this. Thank you, sir. We think so too. Look, I wouldn't normally do this, but Balvan is going to hold off your father's death. Really, that's please. There's no need to thank me. In fact, I want to help you. I can see you need help.

I can show you how the slave business works. Maybe Bavant can even invest in your endeavors. Tuman Bay is on its knees. To survive. Alliances are required, Your majesty, his excellency, Prince Herod, son of the Governor of Rashim Province. What's going on? The fabled White Ape of the exotic world? Captured by my stepfather and one of his many hunting expeditions to the lands of the Klakara. A strange and wonderful creature of great value and a fitting wedding gift

to my beautiful bride. H I see, very strange and wonderful. Thank you. The Sultans of human Bay are famed throughout the world for their menagerie of exotic creatures. I hope my gift will help return the menagerie back to its former glory after these times of trouble. Someone please take my niece Monel, our new Sultana Gregor, head of the palace guard. Can you please find someone to feed and water our our friend here? Of course, am I now also to be her official monkey handler. Take the ape

to the menagerie, see to its well being. Yes, so you call yourself a prince, that your father is a provincial governor? Is he now a king? No? No, no, it's it's merely what my mother has always called me, Prince Herod. Yes, huh. To be honest, I'm a little awe struck by the sight of such perfection. I see well, I thank you. I mean the city. I thought it had been burnt to the ground by Maya, and yet

and yet it still stands so elegantly, so magnificently. Yes, we are rebuilding and doing our best to repair what was destroyed by the Zealots. I've heard of your bravery, majesty, how you slew Maya's regent Sarah in this very room in front of me. I had the chance to do it myself, but I didn't. I couldn't. Was I beguiled by her? They disappear into the walls. That's what she told me before she died. Of course, we could not have defeat admire without commander Kulan, who built and led

an army of slaves to storm the city. Father, it is an honor. No, please, sir, it is not who are the greatest commander touman Bay has ever known. I have read of your deeds in the histories. I amili a servant of tuman Bay, and you will be too when you take my daughter's hand in marriage. You will never know who the believers are until it's time for them to come out again. With you at my side, we will make tuman Bay. They might be your neighbor again.

They might be your friend, majesty, if I may advice, They might even be your adviser. I would suggest at this point it would be a good idea to ask Britt to stand now alkin the traveler, now Vizier to the Sultana, replacing that slimy worm Cardali, a man I hated and who hated me. And tuman Bay. They are of living. Here's the art of surviving. The meeting is over. It went well, Yes, yes, they seem a good match. Where are you, Gregor? I'm right here, brother, watching, waiting,

looking for anything out of the ordinary. Keeping the sultana safe. That's my job. And have you seen anything out of the ordinary apart from a white ape. There are things, small things, perhaps things that may point to Maya. I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't look into everything that seems out of place. Maya is defeated. I found the door to my apartment unlocked this morning. I always lock it. Maybe you need to take some time off. There's too much to do. You've been through a lot.

The palace guard will see rooting out the spies. They could be spies. There. Spy is everywhere. They come out of the walls. You're stuck in the swamp, Gregor. We've drained the swamp. There are other dangers. Now is weak. We need to rebuild. We need alliances. Then you do your job and let me do mine. He's a fool. At least he's a handsome fool. I'm a little awe struck by the side of such perfection on our first meeting, and he wasn't even talking about me. He will look

good sitting beside you on the throne. So with that monkey. His mother seriously calls him prince. I'm not going to marry a man whose mother calls him. You keep taking one step forward and two steps back. Your father is right. Why do I need a husband? I already have another? M hm m hmm. Marriage is for legitimacy. Lovers are for pleasure. They are two separate things. Your father, I'm not my father, but I have proved myself. If you are so keen on him, why don't you go to him?

I know you do well. You are more beautiful and lovely. If you have taught me anything, it is to mistrust honeyed words. All right, try these words. You have no choice. It has to be done. You have to play this part as I have to play the part of your vizier. It's all storytelling. We are part of the great story of two Munday. Maybe you will understand that one day. Who are you really? Really? We are who we are here? And now that's all that concerns us. And you need

to marry this oiled, gnolly cuddled mamma's boy. Yes, you need to do it, slave. Take this day after day, hour after hour, I paced the palace corridors looking for signs. How is it possible that she conquered an empire and then simply disappeared like water? Soaking away. There are so many collaborators out there still finding it's my job to any progress. All right, it's good to work, sir. You say you were just employed in the scriptorium. Yes, excellency,

that's all. But wasn't it your name on the arrestaurants? Didn't you countersign them? Do you know your name was on that order too? You told me to sign it to the worst collaborator of them all, And yet you, Gregor, you walk free. Do you feel chap? I look within myself for that shame for even the tiniest spec But no, are you still in touch with her? Do you mean Maya? How do you contact her? How does she reach you? I have never even sent eyes on her. All I

did was my job, just like you continue. Yes, no, no, no. The others are too busy rebuilding. They think it's all over. Good luck to them. They don't see what I see. Yes, what are you doing? Oh? I'm sorry, excellency, I didn't realize you were here. We had appending the damage to the walls. We will come back later. You are the supervisor, yes, excellency, Selim pash out of the middle division. Is that anything you require? Slowly we are bringing the palace back to

its former glory. Yes, good, carry on, she's out there somewhere. Yes, what is it? Hello? That which is dead will live again? Is this a note from Maya for me? Yes? You were outside my rooms just now. Did you see anyone pass by? Yes? Yes, a woman. What did she look like? I don't know what? We were working and she just passed by? A lady slave? I thought she would a hood. Which way did she go that way? Is everything wrong? You? Did anyone pass by this way? No? One know? Excellency,

which is dead will live again? That new traders are arriving daily. Be careful of them. Some would try to make their merchantise look fresher than they actually are. Then you get them home and discovered they can't even stand up with other assistance. And some are a danger, especially if you have children in the house. See this one for example. You stop forward, ye, come, come, slave, That's that's it. Don't be scared, that's right, that's right. What

are you doing? You don't stop in her? Offended? Offended? Did you see? What are you doing? He didn't even react, didn't even fridge you, sir, what do you drug your slaves with? No offendi. We would never drug us. Crocie. You dug your stage with opiates. I didn't know that strongness character, that illness of mind. That's why I cut someone. Don't talk to me. Come my, it's it's let's ta go. That's it. Now you must trying to deal with the traitors who have the short time seal if you can

find them. Most, unfortunately, are the dead or have electricity. I am one of the very few of the old God left heaven. Yes it is heaven. Isn't even base own flesh and blood. Yes, I'm so sorry about your father. He was a good man. Thank you live ay. He had some bad luck, your father. How is business now? Not good? Not good? For a while the ship stopped delivering slaves altogether. Now they are trickling in, but fairly not the quality customers expect. You know, teen boys from

the swamps, often with disease. But perhaps things will improve with time. Having to keep back, I come, it's not a good idea to get to be here with this. Come, come you when we get some tea. So I took the liberty of preparing an agreement for what well our business arrangements. Of course, Mistress I'll read it for you and then your husband and signed. No, I will read it and I will sign it. Ah, of course, of course. Please. My wife has a shrewd eye for the detail than me.

She gets it from her father. Wonderful, wonderful. You know this place used to be buzzing. You could barely get a seat with that. I am not quite clear what this means. Yes, yes, Mr said, that's just the standard. Close. It just authorizes PAPAN as your agent to act in your name. High clues you know by the slaves. Well, it's necessary if I'm providing the expertise, I need to have your authority to I've got five hundred slaves in SMYRNA paid for, just waiting to be collected. I don't

feel comfortable. Just want you to be comfortable. My dear girl is to supply the slaves. It makes sense he should have the authority. I can see you need to think about this. I'll step outside and you can discuss. Please discuss away and wants you to be happy. What's wrong? I don't know what. I don't trust him. This is a good deal. Everyone is desperate for slaves. Supposing he sells off with my father's ship, and we never hear from him again. Why would he He wants to make

money from the slaves. Were better to selldom than into munday. I can't sign over my authority to him. I just can't. Then you will be a slave merchant without any slaves to sell this keep back. I need to go with him. What are you talking about? He needs to be watched. We can let him just I don't understand. You can come to and that child, or you can stay home and take care of her. It's not safe. We got here together across the desert, didn't we. That was when

the empire was strong. Now there are bandits everywhere. Good by see there were storms, shipwrecks, pirates. Look, I'll go No, you'd be too trusting. You don't know anything about this business, do you. I've watched my father that I may not have done it, but I watched him and he was good at it. And the one thing I know is you need to be there to know what's going on. But then says he's got five hundred slaves at spir Now we don't know that. He seems like a good

man to me. My point exactly, everything all right? M hmm, s The palace Scriptorium exolucy. What an honor it is that you should grace our library with Yes, yes, yes, this line? Where does it come from? That which is dead will live again? Yes, it's familiar, it's um it's wrong. What whoever wrote it has got it wrong? It should be will rise again? It's from an old poem by the Oh let me see. It's amazing we managed to save so much of this material. That's so much of

it survived as well. Yes, get on with it. It's somewhere up there with the commentaries. You boy, hop up the ladder, will you and bring me a volume fifty of the that's the one. So much of the good stuff was well. It's not commonly known. Of course. Mayer's people weren't destroying it. They were selling it. They needed the money to pay for their armies. Thank you. Look at the binding on this, the decoration, the beautiful scroll work. Yes. Please the quote, well, it's a short poem by the

Faian Mountain poet Abbennal. Yes, there's your poem, excellency. I don't understand it, of course I will translate it for you. That which is dead will rise again? The riverbed will flow once more, the Tree of Sorrows from the dust emerge with the eye of the bird. The sword of light appears the goal olden domes, but specs on a tapestry of time. Wonderful, just wonder yes, But what does it mean? What is the sword of light the Tree

of sorrows? It's poetry. He is taking us from the depths of despair to the soaring heights, like a bird looking down from the sky. It said that Abenal was one of the very first kite flyers in the city when he was a boy, and that's how he crippled himself. People look up at them today and think that's just what the youth are doing. But there are drawings from many centuries ago. The kite flyers are nothing new. I can show you here in this volume. Here, my lord,

my lord, where did he go? The kite flyers, the gangs of youths who tempt chance with their lives daily. For what a moment of share an adulter it in excitement, a moment of truth. I can understand that. Are you there? Hey, hey, hey, don't run, don't run. I mean you're no harm. I want to talk to you. You want to join us, grandfather, I wouldn't presume to be able to do what you do. I can see that it takes great skill that it does. Excellency, you know who I am. I know well enough. Have

you come to rest us? I need your help? Help? You have seen the city from the sky? Tell me what is the Sword of Light? The Sword of Light? I've never heard of it. Are you sure? You'll have to ask one of your informers or spires. We're the skirets. We don't talk to no one. It's where the ground road comes into the city and joins the Street of the Swords. What from above it looks like a sword.

You can see it from the highest towers, but otherwise you wouldn't know it was there unless you were flying like us. And the Tree of Sorrows, I have never heard of the Tree of Sorrows. You boy, I recognize you from somewhere. I don't think so offending you or the child who had visions. You came to the palace once to meet the sortan No, not me. A toad or frog, Yes, that's your name. You're mistaken, sir, I have to go frog. That's right. Don't talk to him.

He's a squire from the palace. What did he want? Hey you, this is a square re street, so don't come here unless you want to get killed. It's very aggressive. It has to be m have to protect our patch. Noone else is going to do it for us. This is where you live. We are the rats who live in the city. All the money we beg and steal. We used to build kites, and that's what we do. He knew you, that man from the palace, he said he did. What did he mean about the visions? I

was standing right there. I have no idea he thought I was someone else? Then how did he know your name? My parents thought I had the powers of prophecy. When I was young, I used to have dreams. My father worked at the palace, and once I was brought in front of the Sultan, I predicted a great victory. But I was wrong. Dreams can mean whatever you want them to. I don't have them anymore, and I'm glad because they were horrible dreams. Won't your father be wondering where you are?

My father is too busy to care about where I am. But I have to go back to see my little brother. He likes to see me before he goes to sleep. Must be nice having a family. I will come back later. I'll bring food, thank you, But we don't need your charity. I want to stay on the streets with you. I want to see how the sky rats live. Suit yourself fine, as you can see, there is a lot to be done. We are still rebuilding the city. Well, I hope I'll be able to be some help. Why are you good

at building? What do you mean putting up scaffolds, knocking down walls, lifting rocks. Well, I'm not sure. There is a shortage of workers now. I mean I have seen the slaves building an extension to my mother summer large. But I'm joking. You look so worried. Oh ah, yes, Mas, people took everything. See that's the Grand Dome. It used to be covered in gold. Now we have to replace it with copper. In time we will make Twoman by

what it was. It's a great task, and sincerely, I really do want to help in any way I can. I know you do, and I appreciate what you and your family have done to help us in our time of need. Look, I know as well as you do. We've been pushed into this. It's politics, but we don't need to be the victims of it. We can ride this horse and see where it takes us. I know you have someone. What are you talking about? I've heard and you're loyal to her, and that's right by me.

I understand that. I admire it. I'm not some great, hulking barbarian. He's gonna throw myself on you. I mean, do I look like a barbarian? Not exactly that. You and I will do we have to do, and who knows we may even enjoy it. You have such a nice open face when you laugh. Why don't we disagree. We'll sleep together when the prophet's demand, and we'll leave each to our own. We'll come together to sit in council to make decisions rule the empire. Decisions we need

to make two muan bey grades. Again, Look, I don't think you understand what. You will not be sultan. You will be consort to the sultana, but you will have no power to rule. Oh I'm sorry, but this is no. I'm so glad you said that, because what I said about the council that was my mother speaking, not me. I never wanted to be a ruler or a king or anything. I just want to go on with my life, enjoy myself. Wow, that's settled then, so let's agree it

can be our secret secret. In public we are princetance Aultana and I'll do everything I'm quired of me. It's go on a good show. And in private we live the lines. We want to live without fear or shame. Do you agree that's what's exactly are we agreeing to. Don't say anything, Just smile like he did a few moments ago, and I'll know. Are you going somewhere? What is it to you? Where is your guard? Relax? Brother, You've been seen in the city alone. I'm not at

liberty to discuss it. Why are you having me watched only for your protection? I'm worried about you, Gregor. Good to know there are people with scores to set it now, well, that's my job. Cool are to know what is going on? Maybe you should concern yourself with your job. How well could Tuman Bay defend itself from attack? I wonder there are people in the city who think you collaborated with Maya's regime. Come on, the excellency open, be careful, Grego.

I'm always careful, brother, No, you used to be care good taggers with rubies and day you know, thank you. Looking for something special, perhaps empert still made by our very own crafts. Take it. Feel the weight mm hmm not bad? Oh? Feel the edge you see? Now hold it out. Watch this. I dropped the silk cloth onto it, and you see. You won't find this quality anywhere else in the street. You'd have to go to Idle Marsha or I'm looking for the Tree of Sorrows. I'm told

it was in this area. Father. Oh, he's looking for the Three of Sorrows. Why I'm from the library. We're rebuilding, re catalog and finding out what has been lost and what we've saved. There's a poem by Abenal that talks of the Tree of Sorrows. It's not a tree at all. It's a well. We used to throw unfaithful wives down it. Where is it? They built over it years ago. We're just there at the end of the street where the cafe is. Um. I recognize you, I don't think so.

You say you are from the Palace Library. That's right. No, you were with the rebels, weren't you, Yes? Perhaps, No, no, no, wait, you're the man who betrade my brothers. You informed, greig Or. No, you are mistaken, traitor, collaborator, Cragor. I don't know how sharp did you say the sword was. I wouldn't shout if I were you children? Do you have children? Yes? Good. Now, I'm going to give you the chance to live. I'm

going to walk away into the crowd. But if you or your father here shouts again, I'm going to come back for you, maybe not today, but sometime soon with the palace guard. You understand, and you will be very, very apologetic to your father here, your wife, and your children for destroying their futures? Is that clear? Yes? How much? Very no? How much for the sword? Two? Never mind? Keep the change. I thought I knew every corner of this city, but it turns out I don't know much

at all. Ah ah oh wow. Were you having one of your jewels? No? I don't have them anymore. That isn't true. What did you do? It doesn't make any sense. Maybe I can help you understand it. I sort of fat bad, tied to a post. He was talking, talking so much, but I couldn't hear anything he said. Soldiers were standing all around him. Woman, the Sultana Babs and not our Sultana. She was older. I think our Saultana was there also, watching from behind. The older Sultana looked

at the fat man with fire in her eyes. She was going to do something terrible to him. But then his tongue came out of his mouth like a lizard. He just kept on comic on and on, and then she cut it off and fell to the ground, and it turned into a snake and slithered away through the sand. You're having enough one of your dreams. No, we were just what could see into the future. You know, why don't you read my future? I can't. Just he never wants to help his friends. It's not that I have

no real power. Stuff gave her a reading. No, don't lie, I heard you. Just tell her about it and tell me why or no, well, what is it? That thing I saw in your face just now? You saw saying? What was it? You're going to be a sea captain, No, a famous pirate, and you'll take on all of Tom and Bay's navy and would have beat them. Oh, yes, for sure, he will be feared by all and you will have nine children. Nine children? I not bade h.

Can I go doing anything else? If there used to be a well here didn't the Actually it's still here at the back of years ago, the Tree of Sorrow. I understand it was called how are you from the place? Why I've been expecting new excellency? Why is that? Take this key and go down the passage. With that, you will see a small courtyard and did it just beyond it? Yes? But who gave me the or nothing? I'm just the messenger. He's waiting for you, Dad, He who was waiting for me.

I just delivered the instructions. Please just along it. That's right. M hm h m hm Cadi, But that's impossible. You dead? Do I look dead? My dear fellow ye. Season three, Episode one of Tumuan Bay. Tree of Sorrows, featuring Rufus Wright, Asha Hart, Amir El Masri, and Olivia Popka, was written and directed by Me John Scott Dryden, with music by Sasha Putnam and editing and sound design by Eloise Whitmore. Tuman Bay is created by Me and Mike Walker and

produced by Emma Hern and Nadir Khan. For more details, including scripts and cast list, visit to mun Bay dot com.