The eastern part of the city of Solsburg in western Utterland is beginning to take shape. It has a fortress, Fort Merken, which is glowering west, across the water at Fort Solsburg. The two fastnesses used to belong to two different and hostile factions. The western faction tried to cross the river many a time, but always ran up against the ramparts of Fort Merken. These are now clad in parkland, but the riverside street, De Bierkaai, is an obscure reference to this animosity. Fighting “De Bierkaai” means engaging in a futile battle, which you’ll never win.