by JC Kang
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. Perhaps 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 afforded 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?”
The left side of Ayana’s lips joined the right in forming a smile, sending rays of fine crinkles by her eyes. “I was just curious. My magic tells me this basin is called Clear Crystal Pond. I don’t see any water.”
Jie sucked on her lower lip. How did the history go? “It was once a reservoir. The Founder used castles to stimulate urban development and economic growth. As the city grew—”
“It needed water.”
Jie pointed to the north end of the basin. “A streambed paved with rocks fed into the reservoir.”
“What happened?”
What did it matter to an elf? Jie’s forehead scrunched up. “I think an earthquake damaged the streambed and choked off the water supply. Grass took over, and now it’s used for recreation, military training, and events like this tournament.”
Ayana nodded. “Ah, humans and their competitiveness.” She pointed to the horses gathered in the field. “Is this a polo?”
A polo? Jie chuckled. For someone three hundred years old, Ayana should’ve been an expert in Arkothi grammar. “No, these events are military in nature. Fencing, archery, wrestling...right now it’s mounted archery. That’s why Princess Kaiya is here.”
“Yes, Kaiya has a special rooting interest.” Lin Ziqiu appeared at her side, giggling.
The princess glared back. “Lady Ayana, you mustn’t believe my naughty handmaiden or cousin.”
Naughty! Jie stared back in a subtle show of insolence.
Prince Aelward, seated beside Ayana, leaned over and grinned. “Aye, she is. Put ‘er on my ship, and we’ll have ‘er scrubbing the decks. That’ll teach ‘er to mind ‘er tongue.”
Scrubbing the decks? Jie snorted. Maybe using his tears.
/> The princess covered a laugh. “I merely enjoy watching mounted archery. Even as muskets supplant bows in our armies, there is still an elegance to a man who can shoot a bow from horseback.”
Jie coughed. A man. Riiight. The man. Her eyes strayed to the kerchief clenched in the princess’ hands.
A dark-haired, ruddy-skinned man in the same box as Prince Aelward chortled. He wore a flaxen coat with tassels of braided horsehair along its borders. Brightly-colored bird feathers adorned his hair. A Kanin plainsman from the Kingdom of Tomiwa, he spoke Arkothi with a rich accent. “If you want to see real mounted archery, come to my homeland. Our children can ride a horse without a saddle and still shoot.”
The princess tilted her head a fraction. “Is that an invitation, Prince Tani?”
He winked. “Only as my bride.”
Jie pointed out in the field. “Young Lord Zheng Ming might have something to say about that.”
The princess’ cheeks flushed a red to match her gown, but her gaze followed Jie’s finger all the same.
A parade of the twenty-seven archers, three from each province, circled the green in single file. As reigning champion, Lord Zheng rode in the lead, wearing a light tunic of pale green with the golden circle wen emblem of the sun rising over twin mountains on his chest and sleeves. He waved at the crowd to raucous cheers. With the rumors swirling around the capital, the dashing lord’s ego had likely swollen large enough to shift the tides. The three moons would be jealous.
He approached the royal box as per custom, to be greeted by the Crown Prince. He drew close, and Princess Kaiya leaned forward and tied a white silk ribbon with the sky-blue stitching of the imperial dragon around his forehead. The break in tradition sent the audience into louder applause. Even if Zheng received it with cool calm, her blush could’ve competed with the sun. Jie just yawned.
When all the contestants finished saluting the Crown Prince, they gathered at one end of the field. From there, they would circle the course and shoot at twenty wooden targets of different sizes. The number of targets hit would determine the winner, with the quickest time on a dwarf-made water clock as a tiebreaker. Zheng, the reigning champion, would ride last.