The Dragon Songs Saga: The Complete Quartet: Songs of Insurrection, Orchestra of Treacheries, Dances of Deception, and Symphony of Fates

by JC Kang

  When the carriage set off, the prince stared at the architecture and people with wide an unseemly gawp. The princess played the perfect hostess, pointing out landmarks and their history. He would nod, say a few words, and smile. She would smile back.

  The prince’s Arkothi was downright unintelligible when it wasn’t uncouth. Yet the princess tilted her head and looked up through her lashes at him.

  Ming sat there, all but forgotten. He could only put on his best face, leaning back with his arms crossed. Even if he barely spoke the language, he could certainly best this arrogant prince in archery or swordsmanship. As a prince, and one who showed neither royal comportment nor riding skill at that, this Aelward probably got his officer’s commission as a result of his high birth.

  Even though only two phases of the Iridescent Moon passed, the ride back to the palace felt like it took ten. On the order of a palace official, Ming waited at the first moat before entering the palace grounds. He could only watch as prince and princess strolled over the bridge to the front gates, laughing like lovers.

  CHAPTER 16

  Half-Truths and Misdirections

  With two-year-old scars firmly in her mind, Kaiya had steeled herself to resist more manipulation. Prince Hardeep had entranced her with his golden tongue and hypnotic eyes, each poetic word of their encounter sparking foolish dreams.

  Prince Aelward, on the other hand, had barely spoken at all on the carriage ride back to the palace.

  When she pointed out landmarks and spoke of their history, he only responded with one-word grunts. Maybe he didn’t understand her accented Arkothi. She turned to Ming for help, but the usually witty lord seemed preoccupied with staring off into space.

  Even her body language, which typically mesmerized men, failed to capture the prince’s attention. A shift of her foot exposed a bare ankle, yet he never looked down. She tilted her head and batted her eyelashes as she spoke. He seemed more interested in the scenery.

  As she guided his entourage toward the bridge over the first moat, Kaiya cast a glance over her shoulder toward the carriage. Zheng Ming stared back at her with a most curious expression. Perplexed, she pressed his kerchief beneath her sash. Maybe Jie, slinking somewhere unseen, would have more insight. Then again, the girl probably had little experience in the game of courtship.

  Kaiya turned back to Prince Aelward. He’d paused a few steps behind her, in the middle of the gently arching marble bridge that crossed eighty feet over the first palace moat.

  She followed his gaze to the towering white-plaster front walls, looming fifty feet above, capped with dark blue eaves and stretching nearly five thousand feet from east-to-west.

  From her study of his homeland, she knew the curiously-shaped Tarkothi castle was miniscule by comparison, with rounded towers and elliptical footprints. Small, but an architectural marvel all the same. “I am embarrassed to say that our palace is not as unique as yours,” she said.

  He harrumphed. “Bah. I rarely go to that court of stuffed shirts, sycophants, and backstabbers.”

  She covered a laugh. Perhaps on the inside, the Tarkothi castle wasn’t so unique.

  On the other side of the bridge, they came to the marble plaza running eighty-eight feet from the moat to the base of the walls. Following the protocol of a royal visit, two hundred imperial guards drew their dao swords and held them over the left side of their chests.

  Prince Aelward was awfully quiet.

  Kaiya guided him and his retainers on the central path, lined with guards and gold-plated dragon statues. The front gates were painted dark blue, with hundreds of silver nubs. Above the gates hung a black sign, emblazoned with the words: Gate of Heavenly Justice.

  Prince Aelward looked up at the sign and then lowered his head. Penned by a master calligrapher hundreds of years before, the magic imbued in the characters evoked a sense of awe and reverence in those unaccustomed to seeing it. The prince couldn’t possibly read it, yet his shoulders trembled.

  Kaiya gestured him through the gates. On the other side, she swept an open hand toward the central courtyard, where petals from hundreds of espaliered fruit trees drifted across the white flagstones. “Please forgive the unsightly appearance of Sun-Moon Palace as we prepare for the New Year.”

  The palace bustled with activity. Servants wiped down the floors, walls, ceilings, windows, and doors. Craftsmen came to repair or refurbish anything that might have broken over the year. Gardeners worked hard to ensure the palace landscaping looked its best. Seamsters sewed up tears in cushions and bedding. Somewhere in the palace, Crown Princess Xiulan directed all of these duties. In two days, every building within the Sun-Moon Palace grounds would sparkle in its full glory.

  Prince Aelward gawked as he spun in place, his gaze raking from the imperial archives on the right to the Hall of Pure Melody on the left.

  “Come with me to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the Son of Heaven will receive you.” She dipped her chin toward the enormous stairway, rising up over a hundred feet. Ministry buildings flanked the stairs at tiered landings.

  At the top of the one hundred sixty-eight steps, before the doors to the Hall, Prince Aelward hunched over, panting. “Damn, lass, no wonder yer so thin.”

  Kaiya gestured north. “Only one structure in the realm stands taller: Sun-Moon Castle, on the other side of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. It was originally the centerpiece of the capital, providing a full view of the surrounding basin.”

  With an open hand, she pointed him toward the entrance, where the doors had been flung open to greet the warm spring breezes. Prince Aelward bowed and continued walking, with Ayana and his ambassador at his side. He nearly stumbled over the high threshold, meant to trip malevolent ghosts if they dared enter.

  Inside the Hall, the prince walked down an aisle formed by dozens of bowing ministers, officials, and nobles. Father sat on the Dragon Throne, flanked by her brothers, as well as General Zheng with the Broken Sword. It was the first time the Tianzi had been seen in public for weeks. After regular acupuncture and herbal tonics, he looked a fraction healthier.

  Still too pale. Kaiya came around and stood on the other side of Father, opposite her brothers.

  Prince Aelward and Ayana bent over low, holding the bow until the Tianzi signaled for them to rise. When he straightened, Aelward recited words in Arkothi at a dignified, measured cadence, so different from the way he’d spoken to her. “Your Highness, I bring greetings and wishes for your health from my father, King Elromyr of Tarkoth, and thank you for receiving me today.”

  Father’s faint voice wavered as he answered in his accented Arkothi. “Welcome to Huajing, Prince Aelward Corivar, youngest son of King Elromyr. Your eldest brother visited us ten years ago, your second brother, two. I remember them very well.”

  Prince Aelward clenched his teeth. “My half-brothers. I’m the unwanted get of a mistress, n’er raised with royal graces.” He paused to take a breath. When he spoke again, it was reminiscent of young boys, reciting proverbs by rote. “As I am sure you are aware, the Teleri Empire has spread like a disease through what was once the ancient Arkothi Empire, subjugating the Arkothi people under its tyrannical reign.”

  Kaiya’s ears twitched at the sudden switch from sailor slang to diplomatic jargon.

  Father’s eyes narrowed in the tone of his response. “I shall be blunt. Did your own ancestors not do the same three hundred years ago?”

  The prince stared at his feet. Having studied Tarkoth’s history and customs in preparation for the visit, Kaiya knew the conquering Eldaeri had seen other humans as inferior and ruled with an iron hand.

  Prince Aelward raised his head. “Aye, I can’t deny it. But Tarkoth has changed. Its rule is considered benevolent, and both Arkothi and Estomari folk within our lands have the same opportunities as the Eldaeri.”

  Kaiya searched his expression. He spoke in half-truths. A century ago, clashing views on racial purity led to civil war, sundering the Eldaeri Empire into three separate kingdoms. Perh
aps the same disagreements would tear Hua apart. As the Founder wrote, A nation divided within falls victim to predators without.

  Prince Aelward lipped several syllables, then looked up to meet Father’s gaze. He again fumbled over obviously-rehearsed words. “The Teleri’s First Consul Geros Bovyan has focused his attention toward our peaceful nations. His armies now occupy a quarter of our sister Kingdom of Serikoth.”

  Eldest Brother Kai-Guo leaned over and whispered to Father, “Serikoth has changed very little. It still has a rigid class system that benefits the Eldaeri at the expense of other humans living there.”

  Never shifting his gaze from Prince Aelward, Father raised his hand to silence Eldest Brother. “These are affairs in the East. They have very little bearing on Cathay’s peace and prosperity.”

  Prince Aelward turned to his ambassador, who nodded. “The Teleri Empire has formed strategic alliances with the Levanthi Empire, cowed the Nothori Kingdoms into subservience, and bought off the Ayuri Kingdom of Madura. It will only be a matter of time before they attack Cathay. I am in the Western Seas to form mutually beneficial alliances on behalf of Tarkoth.”

  Kaiya tried to picture a map of Tivaralan in her mind, to no avail. Still, Cousin Kai-Long saw Madura as an immediate threat; and of course they’d invaded and occupied Hardeep’s Ankira.

  “We are well apprised of the state of international affairs,” Father said. “Since we trade with all, including the Teleri, it is of the utmost importance that we remain fair and neutral. We can only extend the same hospitality to you as we do to all of our trading partners.”

  Prince Aelward opened and closed his mouth, his eyes staring up. “Your true enemy is the Teleri Empire. Madura and Rotuvi only threaten you at their bidding.”

  Father tilted his head a fraction, the equivalent of a shrug. “These countries are small. They are no more than a nuisance, one we will be dealing with shortly via diplomacy.”

  “I hear you will be negotiating with Madura in Vyara City soon,” the prince said.

  Her assignment. How had he known? The gathered officials and nobles murmured among themselves. Only the Tianzi remained unfazed.

  Cousin Kai-Long, up to now hidden among the rest, stood up, cutting into the clamor. “Huang-Shang,” he said in the Hua language. “As I said before in council, this is a perfect time to end the threat from Madura once and for all, by sweeping into the occupied Kingdom of Ankira. Although I oppose our meeting with the Madurans, I suggest that if talks break down, we ally with Tarkoth.”

  More murmuring, though Prince Aelward’s blank expression suggested he didn’t understand their tongue.

  Father’s tone provided no hint of what he was thinking. “Nephew, your suggestions are better suited for the Tai-Ming Council. In the eyes of our distinguished guest, we must always show a united front.”

  Lord Peng dropped to his knee, fist to the ground. “Forgive me, Huang-Shang.”

  Father raised a hand. “I will speak with Prince Aelward alone, with only my children in attendance. The rest of you will withdraw.”

  The assembled audience again broke out in low whispers. Father very rarely entertained a foreign guest alone, and usually in one of the palace’s pavilions. It was unheard of for him to do so in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Nevertheless, they all filed out without protest.

  Kaiya looked around. With only the imperial guards, Prince Aelward, Father, and Brothers Kai-Guo and Kai-Wu, the cavernous room felt virtually empty. Jie and her Moquan brethren were likely hiding somewhere as well.

  Father turned to Prince Aelward. “Our traditions stipulate we must act with propriety lest Heaven forsake us. We cannot forego negotiation. Yet if history is any lesson, the Madurans will reject our peace overtures. If our talks fail, we will provide material support to Tarkoth’s cause.”

  Kaiya stifled a gasp. Father was sending her to foreign lands, with the expectation she would fail.

  Father lifted a hand. “Would you consider as act of Tarkoth’s good will, to take my daughter to Ayudra City on the Invincible?”

  Kaiya’s brow furrowed. The imperial flagship, the Golden Phoenix, might not rate with the Eldaeri black ships, but it was still a symbol of Hua’s wealth and power.

  Prince Aelward bowed deeply. “Aye, it’d be my pleasure. Not only that, but the Invincible can’t navigate the Shallowsea between Ayudra Island and Vyara City. I offer my own personal guard Ayana as protection for your daughter when she transfers to the Shallowsea skiffs.”

  “Her transport will be conducted in the utmost secrecy.” Father smiled, breaking imperial decorum. “The meeting is set for when the White Moon waxes to full, just over fifteen days from today. In the meantime, please enjoy our hospitality, especially during the festive New Year season. My daughter will guide you to your guest house after I speak with her. You may be excused.”

  Prince Aelward bowed to the Tianzi and left with the elf and the Tarkothi ambassador.

  Father motioned for Kaiya and her brothers to step off the dais and face him. “My children, you are wondering why I asked the Tarkothi prince to take Kaiya to Ayudra. It was actually the suggestion of Minister Hong Jianbin, and his logic is sound.”

  Kaiya looked to her brothers to see if they shared her shock. Minister Hong had gained favor with Father, bypassing regular channels to his ear. She turned back to find Father’s gaze bearing down on her.

  “First,” he said, “there are those who would seek to derail the peace talks in hopes of promoting Expansionism. They would never expect you to go aboard the Invincible while we send the rest of your entourage on the Golden Phoenix. If there is any treachery, you will be safe.”

  He rose to his feet and swept his hand through the empty hall. “Secondly, we do not know who is behind all of these attacks. As much as I want to trust the Tai-Ming lords and ministers, I will take all precautions with your safety.”

  The Tianzi returned to his seat. “Finally, I wish to see the extent of Tarkoth’s good will. Our trade routes must remain protected. Remember that when the elf appeared before the council, she said that Prince Aelward is here to harass Teleri’s allies. If we continue trade with the Teleri, perhaps the Invincible will target our ships.”

  Kaiya’s mind spun. “Huang-Shang, am I being sent to Vyara City, not to push for peace, but rather to ensure war with Madura?”

  Father shook his head, something he would only do around his family. “No, Kaiya. I have faith that you will avert war. However, in order to get Prince Aelward to agree to take you, I had to make it seem like failure was the inevitable outcome.”

  “You lied, then.” Kaiya couldn’t keep the accusatory tone out of her voice. Heat rose to her face.

  Father’s lips formed a tight line. “No. I said that if history is any lesson. I trust you have the wit to rewrite history.”

  Eldest Brother Kai-Guo nodded. “The last week administering national affairs in Father’s stead has shown me that the Tianzi must make decisions in the best interest of the nation. If those choices are not the most moral, they must be articulated in half-truths and misdirection.”

  Kaiya gawked at Eldest Brother. Such cynicism. Her eyes shifted to Kai-Wu, who as always seemed to be busy with his own thoughts.

  Father’s gaze still fell on her, reading her. Did he really expect her to succeed against the odds, or was that just encouragement wrapped in a half-truth and misdirection?

  She looked back toward Prince Aelward, who waited outside of the Hall. If anyone knew about his agreement with the Tianzi, he could very well be Madura's next target.

  CHAPTER 17:

  Patriot Games

  Jie tugged at her dress, almost satisfied with the tailor’s alterations. Cut from bright red silk with gold embroidery, the gown allowed her to blend in with the aristocracy gathered to watch the New Year’s Tournament. They milled among the stone-tiered seating on the western side of Qingjinghu Amphitheatre, chatting and pointing at contestants.

  Unlike the nobles’ garments, Jie’s a
fforded plenty of mobility and had several secret pockets for tools and weapons. She was better armed than the dozen imperial guards surrounding the Imperial Family’s box. Their dao were tucked in golden sashes, which matched their festive red robes.

  Replacing the conspicuously absent Tianzi, Crown Prince Kai-Guo presided over the final day of the tournament. His wife and siblings joined him in the box abutting the grassy field in the three hundred-foot basin. Across from them, tens of thousands of commoners covered every last inch of the basin’s grassy slopes, cheering for their favorite competitors.

  Jie shifted her attention from Princess Kaiya to the adjoining box, where foreign dignitaries sat. Yappy young Lin Ziqiu circulated among them, flirting with handsome men.

  “Kayane elestrae arasti tu?” called a flitting voice from behind.

  Jie spun to meet the gaze of the matronly elf woman Ayana. She responded in Arkothi. “Excuse me?”

  The elf leaned back. “I was asking your name, Little One.”

  Jie glared at the old hag. “It is not Little One.”

  Ayana placed a hand on her chest. “Forgive me, our forms of address do not translate well into Arkothi. Please believe me, in our language, it is a term of endearment for young elves.”

  Lord Xu had used the same address, but he didn’t come off as particularly endearing. And after three decades of life, the constant references to her tender years grew annoying. “I am not as young as you think.”

  The right side of Ayana’s lips quirked up. “I was a child during the Hellstorm. To me, you are quite young. ”

  “It shows.” Jie regretted the words as soon as they left her mouth. She bowed. “I’m sorry. I am so used to being called little and young by people younger than me.”

  “It is to be expected. You are one of us, living among humans.”

  Jie pursed her lips. She’d never be one of them, but she forced herself to mind her manners. “My name is Jie Yan. How may I be of service?”