The Bridge Kingdom (The Bridge Kingdom, #1)

The bridge is a persistent symbol that acts as the focal point of the narrative. Within the context of Jensen’s world-building, “the bridge” is a massive, meandering natural structure—a monument that physically connects all the continents. Ithicana collects revenue by imposing tariffs impose traveling merchants who sell their wares in Southwatch market or travel on to other destinations. This complex market system allows Ithicana to store enough food, weapons, and gold for the people to weather the harsh landscape and yearly invasions.

However the bridge ironically isolates Ithicana even as it physically connects the nation with other realms, for although it does guarantee the nation a central place in global trade, the bridge also stands as the most coveted geographic asset in the world. This fact has historically forced Ithicanians to become soldiers who must perpetually defend their borders from would-be conquerors such as Amarid and Maridrina. These nations see the bridge as a means of gaining greater political power and wealth, for whoever controls the bridge could arguably control the world’s economy. In the hands of Aren and the Ithicanians, the bridge remains remain a neutral institution and an apolitical crossroads characterized by free trade.