The Teller of Small Fortunes

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of racism and anti-gay bias.

Tao is a young Shinn woman who makes a living as a traveling fortune teller. She journeys around the kingdom of Eshtera in her wagon that is drawn by her mule Laohu. When she arrives in the village of Necker, she finds the place in an uproar because Cam, the candlemaker’s apprentice, has lost all the goats. Observing the chaos, Tao speaks with Cam, who explains that he was supposed to be watching the animals but fell asleep, and they wandered away. Recognizing an opportunity, Tao retrieves a bronze gong from her wagon and dramatically announces to the villagers that she can see their goats in a vision. She says they are at a stream to the east, near some blackberry brambles. In reality, she passed this location earlier and noticed the animals there. When the villagers find the goats in this exact spot, they welcome Tao warmly.

The next day, Tao sets up her blue silk tent in the village square. As customers line up, she tells them that she only tells “small fortunes” rather than life-altering prophecies. She reads their fortunes using tea leaves, palm readings, and Shinn fortune stones.