Costis and Kamet start a new job, and we wonder about slavery in Medea versus Sounis, why don’t Kamet and Costis wonder what caused the boat fire, why do the real guards think a fake guard has infiltrated their midst, and what’s the significance of a broken, stapled cup?

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WdQMJ-NOtdsyICKClHh6J4UEaUwC-1xs-bqrgDNJ11U/edit?usp=sharing

Kamet and Costis set off, and we ponder resourcefulness, the format of the Immakuk and Ennikar stories, in-universe connections with heroic myths, divine priorities, and going off into the great unknown.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wNYWUPVPrvAyL4wy6nleiMhIEIuzOzhwKYAs49FBOg4/edit?usp=sharing

In our first episode on Thick as Thieves, Kamet sets the stage, and our friend Blythe joins us to discuss epigraphs, self-presentation, purposeful omissions, how disability enhances Kamet’s story, and the real-life army of giants created by King Frederick I of Prussia. Content warning for discussion of abuse at 6:49 - 10:00 and sexual abuse at 12:32 - 14:00 and 19:56 - 22:20.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/15ydeuzyOPlnixaDExHN31nT6QCV173VJ2CUPFqP18XE/edit?usp=sharing

All is revealed to Sophos as the story closes. He and Helen agree to marry, and the Medes will find the Peninsula united against them. As we wrap up our discussion of this book we ponder what changes when the characters have proof of the gods' existence, the interconnection between triumph and loss, and how this series compares with other “chosen one” narratives.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G3rQQ_zRyYYk4NIvzLjVXb9JmWedm0e3WvC0dNBqZfQ/edit?usp=sharing

Sounis swears loyalty to Attolis and has a Big Romantic Speech for Helen. We wonder—why is the queen of Attolia uninvolved in the ceremony? Why does Helen get so mad at Sophos? Is the Attolian rumor mill ever out of grist? And (we promise this is relevant) when was tissue paper invented?

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jhl8YydDQi80M1CghNzR3x3kkhTe-tnEsOVjqjQzHzY/edit?usp=sharing

Sophos wins the final battle, cleans up, imprisons Nomenus, and finally reunites with his mother and sisters. We discuss the anonymity of kingship, what we’re meant to take from Nomenus’s role in the series, responsibility towards enemies as well as friends, and the joys of Queen’s Thief modern AUs.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/133KvzumxQwHN5cysL81CXSMrohqU2-z2TkStBkdBpZA/edit?usp=sharing

A sacred truce is broken, two people get shot, an army appears, and a king is elected - what a good thing no one skipped the theater today. We ponder: What was Akretenesh gonna do after committing regicide? Does it matter that Sophos shot with his left hand first? Why is Sophos the only Queen’s Thief narrator who swears? And … if you could put one F word in the series, where would you put it?

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OTFvGeaA-g_kpCKDlzIGuIY73fmCN0Ejt54WBJUNZAo/edit?usp=sharing

A Conspiracy of Kings, Chapter 19, Part I: Oligarchy in Action

Sophos discusses principles of government with dozens of uninterested barons. We discuss the tradition of the Baron’s Meet, political theater taking place in an actual theater, accidental intimidation, leaps of faith, and symbolic murals.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-50JflQ2MmR-vbq8oUF1MfutI47TCnIgM-0AJaGD3eg/edit?usp=sharing

This Just In: Akretenesh slips up, Hanaktos is acting weird, Helen is still crafty AND hot, Sophos is putting two and two together, and THE THIEF HAS BEEN OPTIONED BY DISNEY+.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WhWrF2fj5uzggi7Lm6MResWfnnAeQpoKxizpPtuvBQM/edit?usp=sharing

Sophos reaches Brimedius as planned. Akretenesh battles Nahuseresh for title of Most Annoying Mede. We wonder—does being king have an upside? Will the seat of culture shift from Ferria to Attolia if Sophos founds a university? Would Costis and Sophos be friends? And what possible message could be secreted in a half-page love letter? Minor RotT spoiler included.

Transcript available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QvStGlpBTk1fhNzfAwtGcHyV5eRZ1uDlPzuYmaVsyoc/edit?usp=sharing