Tai Ko Tang lies in the midst of the marshy tropical delta of the An-Kiu River, accessible only by boat. Indeed, it is a city of water--of canals and small lakes, houseboats, water-taxis, and businesses built on pilings.

The people in Tai Ko Tang are said to be lazy and good-natured, living off their fishing and their shellfish and their small but fertile gardens. There is little crime in Tai Ko Tang, say the magistrates--but who knows what the marsh lakes have hidden? The Imperial police worry about smuggling--the area is made for it--but few have ever been caught; can it be that the natives of the delta assist the smugglers?

The delta area is considered to be under the authority of Lord Governor Janishar ten Nala, whose headquarters is in Tilal Ming, but in this maze of waterways and jungly growth, his authority has little weight. The city is ruled by Subgovernor Magistrate Hamdaral ten Loran, a local man.