The River Bird Catcher is a short story told among the people of the nation of Andoran. Taking place before the nation seceded from Taldor, the story describes an encounter between an avoral and Duke Lapist, leader of a Chelaxian encampment. Lapist treats the avoral, disguised as a harmless bird catcher, with cruelty. As result he is killed by celestial falcons when the outsider reveals its true form. The story is seen as the origin of the freedoms held by the people of Andoran to this day.