The Market Square is situated in the heart of Dort and is essential to this burgeoning town. Close to Watertown and the harbor, this is where merchants, caravans, farmers and anyone seeking commerce comes upon their arrival in Dort. Not only does the Market Square attract the local villagers, it is a global meeting place for all those who wants to purchase or sell commodities. The Dortenese prosperity and abundance depends largely on the business with both inland and external vendors.
Small businesses and shops display their goods outside in an inviting show to attract customers. The owners exclaim their superiority proudly and neighbors are fierce competitors. Then there are the farmers with their harvest and animal who simply try to make a living. New business emerge here constantly, and the opportunities are endless and the competition equal.
Around the Market Square there are situated several Inns and Taverns, mostly inhabited with rich and powerful merchants, nobles and travelling digitaries hoping to cut a deal. Outside these fancy taverns there are tables set up where the bargaining is continuously present. Harsh and unforgiving phrases are hurled and paralleled with luxurious offers. Colleagues become enemies, and enemies become colleagues.
In the ominous, narrow alleys running in and out from the Market Square, known as the Knot, the more questionable business of unlawful dealers and smugglers are present here as well. This is widely known and whether they have been bribed or or are simply ignorant, the citywatch do little to prevent it.
This is not all that the Market Square has to offer though. Among the many taverns and other entertainment outlets are the Temple of Blessed Wealth, the Hot Springs and the Von-zu Dort-Billigh House of Theatre, all within easy walking distance.
In the centre of the Market Square is a symbol of the modernization of Dort, as well as an enduring symbol of the faith of the city. A towering, gleaming statue of Pecunia stands tall and strong surrounded by the magnificent construction of the Aquaduct, which provides fresh water to the entire city and its population in a series of beautiful cascading waterfalls. The city watch regularly move hawkers and merchants from setting up their stalls and booths too close to the statue, and watch all who go near with a wary eye, and the sea birds glide and soar overhead.
This was the place from his dream. The statue of Pecunia was so obvious a landmark that it could not be be mistaken. In the dream, the statue had drawn a sword and pointed downward towards the market below. Tracing down the arc with his eyes, Baylan could see the narrow alleyway that must lead into the infamous Knot. To one side, a stall sold brass trinkets while on the other a knife grinder sent sparks into the air as he sharpened blades. Still, it was the alley that caught his attention for in the dream that was where she would come from, the Maiden of Blood.