Six: Consequences
Heian-Kyó & Suzuoka, 25–30 March
The first thing Kel was aware of was that she was acutely thirsty, her whole body feeling parched. A faint redness before her eyes suggested daylight, and she cautiously opened them, feeling the grittiness of sleep in her lashes but welcoming the early morning sunlight splashing on the cheerful blanket that covered her.
"Awake at last, love? About time. Here, drink. You need it."
She smiled muzzily at Dom as he helped her sit up, muscles protesting, and held a beaker to her lips. Watered fruit juice cleared mouth and throat, and she could feel her body's relief as she swallowed. Memory seeped back as she drank.
"How long?"
"Two nights and the day between. It's the morning of the twenty-sixth." He refilled the beaker from a jug and gave it back to her. "Drink. I'll get food."
As soon as he said it she knew she was also starving hungry. "Yes, please. I missed lunch, didn't I? And dinner."
"Twice over, but it's not just that, Kel." He opened the door, leaning through to speak quietly to someone, and closed it again, returning to sit on the edge of her bed, jug ready to refill the beaker again. "You've lost a lot of weight, love — ten pounds at least. I was having kittens when I put you to bed, but Alanna said she thought it was just a side-effect, and you'd be alright with some feeding-up."
Guilt hit Kel like a brick as she realised her breasts were as parched as the rest of her. "The twins!"
"Sh, it's alright. The wetnurse is coping well enough, and if your milk doesn't come back with food and drink, you can ask the Green Lady."
That was an unusually practical note for him when it came to the divine, and though he smiled at her look she could see strain in his face.
"Even old sergeants learn, love, when they get hit hard enough. And Alanna's been generally bracing, and in high good humour watching everyone running about like chickens."
"Oh?"
"Oh. What did you expect?"
"I didn't get that far." She frowned, drinking deeply again. "Except that the Emperor's hands would be clean, and everyone ought to be feeling more cautious about irritating immortals or the gods, so I hoped politics would look after themselves for once."
His laugh was welcome, but laced with more than humour.
"Only you, love. Though they are, I suppose, more or less."
"What's the more? Or the less?"
"Well, Diamondflame's still here — napping in the garden, actually, with Kit. He says he wants a word with Lord Sakuyo, and it's easiest to do that at the dedication, apparently. For which we have to leave tomorrow. Haarist'aaniar'aan is still here as well, wandering the city with Amiir'aan and others amid much astonishment. So are the stormwings, also in high fettle, having stuffed themselves and then some. But the other dragons left immediately, and Arawn, to Tobe's disappointment."
"I bet. Mmm. I think he said he'd be visiting Peachblossom sometime, though. And bother. I meant to ask him about mule gods, but I forgot."
This laugh was more genuine. "Good to know you forgot something, love. It's not as if you missed much else. And Diamondflame or Haarist'aaniar'aan will know, surely?"
"That's a thought. I half-expected Junior to nip through with the stormwings, actually. His Nibs did put him in all the paintings."
Dom stared and shook his head to clear it. "Thanks the gods for small mercies, eh? And more for larger ones. Though preferably somewhere else." He swept her into a tight hug. "I know you were being careful, for you, but all the same, love. You outdid yourself this time."
"Did I? It was just — "
"I'm sure it was. And yes, you did. So you're going to have a problem with Yamanis being quite impossibly respectful, for which you can't honestly blame them."
That was unhappily true, she supposed, and Dom let her go as a knock heralded Tobe with of all things an oversize bowl of porridge, liberally topped with honey. Her mouth watered, but she gave him a hug before beginning to eat with a sigh of relief.
"There's more if you want, Ma. Hot rolls and bacon will be along soon."
"Marvellous. Thank you. Are you all right?"
"Why shouldn't I be? You took all the costs, again, didn't you?"
"Only what I had to, Tobe."
She remembered how the staff's power had felt, a river eroding as it flowed, and between mouthfuls tried to explain what she'd done, husbanding resources and using the innate power of hounds and horse god, stormwings and dragons, to spare herself.
"I asked Wuodan, too, before I took the staff, and he said a mortal had led the Hunt before, more than once, and it was perfectly survivable unless I did something very stupid."
"Interesting. You make it all sound quite sensible, somehow." Alanna had been leaning in the doorway, listening, and came forward. "I smelt bacon frying, so I thought you might be awake. How are you, Kel, other than way too skinny?"
"Hungry. Thirsty. Relieved." She swallowed the last of the porridge, reflecting, as Tobe took the empty bowl and promised to return with bacon rolls. "Baffled by Fujiwara's stupidity. Horrified by his mother. Appalled by the implications of what his wife thought she could say only after she was dead."
"Stupidity?"
"Gods, yes. He'd read the 'Note' so he must have read Diamondflame's warning. And he still didn't quite believe in dragons, because it was too convenient for the Emperor."
"Point. But was Runnerspring any blinder? Or Stone Mountain? I agree with you about his mother, though — she was a piece of work. So does Eitaro, who was insistent we call him as soon as you were awake. Feeling up to it?"
"If I have to be. What's so important?"
"You did rearrange the realm, Kel, and there are consequences. The brother was childless, legitimately at any rate, so any Fujiwara heirs left alive are distant cousins and the Emperor's got the same problem you handed Jon last year with vacant fiefs. And the priests are running in circles, of course, wild with shocked curiosity. But the major thing is just showing you alive and well, I think. For all Diamondflame explained you only needed a long nap, there was considerable confusion after your spectacular exit. And a certain amount of trouble."
Tobe had arrived with a tray, and Kel was piling into an unutterably delicious bacon roll, but that stopped her mid-chew and Alanna waved a hand.
"Eat. It wasn't bad, but as you made very clear just what Fujiwara had risked, and whose rage he incurred, a lot of people weren't best pleased with him or the other lords and the go-between fellow. Kravimal and the Imperial Guard put a stop to it — with some help — but not before Fujiwara's compound and some others were burned out."
Kel closed her eyes, swallowing guilt and seeking balance. "Deaths?"
"Remarkably, no. The servants all seem to have fled after you had Jadewing knock the gates down. Nice one. And the help was a very localised thunderstorm that doused flames and ardour alike." Alanna's face cracked in a wide grin. "The angry people took themselves off in a hurry to His Nibs's temple to be apologetic and thankful, and yesterday was very quiet, even at the samurai funerals and spidren cremations, which the imperials all attended. And the stormwings. The trees have abruptly started blossoming in earnest, too, which seems to have cheered everyone up. But the guards say there have been regular delegations of all sorts making respectful enquiries, so you need to show yourself up and about."
"Haven't I done that quite enough already?" Kel was relieved to have missed the funerals, but felt she shouldn't be.
"Not a chance, Kel." Face more serious, Alanna sat on the other side of the bed, taking her hand. "More than anyone could ever ask, but that won't stop them, as you know perfectly well. And for my money a bigger balance is tipping. Piers is humming and hawing, but Ilane agrees, and Eitaro's inclined to. News of that pickle-tithe of yours seems to have gone round the … whatever you'd call the Lower City here, like wildfire. And some incident with a priest you didn't tell me about, as well as the way you and the immortals thank servants. I don't know much about Yamani history, but it's plainly been emperor and nobles over commoners, all the way. And one reason Fujiwara was protected was that if the Emperor had moved openly against him, as he half-wanted to, he'd have faced revolt from other magnates, not because they supported Fujiwara especially but in defence of their own prerogatives. Same reason Jon couldn't send troops into Stone Mountain for Joren, or Runnerspring for Garvey, really. But things have changed, and not only because the Fujiwara clan's one big statue and noble privilege in tatters, but because you've lined up emperor and people against a wrong that rests squarely with nobles. Right now it's only here in the city, but word is spreading fast and almost everyone's becoming quite thoughtful."
Kel was having difficulty thinking this one through, but some of it made sense, of a sort. She'd known she was cutting across the usual lines of Yamani society, impatient with its often stifling protocols, and she remembered the impulse that had made her thank that first Daidairi servant, kneeling by the carriage, and the perch-carriers. But the notion of engineering a new political balance of powers and classes had never crossed her mind. And for all her fairness she was no revolutionary, but herself an ennobled landowner, happy with military discipline as well as noble hierarchy. But then again, much as she loved Yaman there were plenty of customs she'd cheerfully abandon, from face paint to seppuku, and perhaps — just maybe, but she thought things pointed that way — Lord Sakuyo would too. But he still remained the great unknown.
"Um. What makes you think it's a tipping-point, not just some temporary thing?"
"It could be either, Kel, for all I know. But underneath his genuine concern for you, I think that's why Eitaro wants to see you as soon as he can. He knows there's a moment to seize, and he wants to seize it."
"And the Emperor?"
"Who knows? I surely don't. Jon and Thayet have spoken to him, but if they have any clue they haven't said, only that he's been busy making sure true word is spread far and wide, especially to Fujiwara and allied lands that are, if only temporarily, in imperial administration. Oh, and Jon told him to have his messengers use gods' oaths, which they are, amid much extra-loud chiming." Alanna's grin returned. "Cloestra and some of the others have been helping out with mountain villages round and about, when they aren't making lewd jokes about how many more playfellows for Amourta all this will have produced, and every last one thinks it's hysterical for stormwings to be acknowledged by gods."
A third bacon roll was much nicer to think about, and three females of the Stone Tree Nation were already incubating eggs at New Hope, from the energy Maggur's death had given them. Almost Kel's only regret about coming to Yaman had been that she'd miss their hatchings, and probably already had — when she thought about it, she couldn't remember the dams' faces among those who'd come. But amid all the nonsense, she felt a decision crystallise.
"None of that is my problem, Alanna, whatever anyone thinks. But yes, of course I'll see Prince Eitaro, though not before I've had a wash and a lot more bacon rolls, and seen the twins. And talked to Diamondflame. But the thing is, the Emperor should be there, too. It's his decision, in the end. And Jonathan and Thayet, as peers who've faced something similar. So let's invite them all to mid-morning tea."
Her continuing hunger, fed by relays from an increasingly surprised kitchen, made for slow progress, and there were a lot of people wanting reassurance of her well-being — her parents, Patricine and Toshuro with her nephew and nieces, Neal and Yuki, Roald and Shinko, Jonathan and Thayet, and the guard who had seen her collapse into Dom's arms like an empty sack, and helped carry her inside. Cricket had a wariness in her eyes, as if Kel might summon some other divine being at any moment, but Neal was blessedly unsubdued, saying in his blandest voice that he was greatly looking forward to telling the Stump about her most recent mount; the twins were a balm also, and though she couldn't feed them as she desperately wanted to do, she could hold them, and feel their satisfaction at the return of a familiar scent and voice.
She also made it out to see Diamondflame, snoozing in — or on — the front gardens of the Dower House, Kitten curled within one great paw. The blossom had started, too, and though the full glory would be a while yet the gardens looked and smelt wonderful, and she breathed satisfaction. The guards were at a respectful distance, and servants taking a wide detour with wider eyes, but as soon as Kel, on Dom's arm, was close enough, one huge eye opened, then the other, and the great head lifted.
Protector. How are you feeling?
"Well enough, thank you, my lord, though I seem to have lost some weight."
I imagine you have. You pushed it, a little, in summoning Dabeyoun. And I am sorry we did not consider that petrification would trap souls. He sounded quite apologetic. It is long and long since we last had to consider such a thing.
Kel waved a hand. "No, please. It is I who owe thanks. The one thing I was truly dreading was having to execute them myself and grant them the Black God's grace. And I'd thought about the possibility of petrification, and decided Dabeyoun would probably be watching."
So I realised. I have said it before, Keladry, but you are a most clear-sighted mortal. Admirably so.
Their voices woke Kitten, and as protective claws uncurled she squealed welcome and bounced into Kel's hastily curved arms.
"Ooof!"
Kel! How are you? I thought you would never wake up. You have lost a lot of weight.
"I'm fine, Kit, but yes, I have. Divine power isn't very good for mortal flesh. More importantly, how are you?"
I am still a little sad, but otherwise much better. Kit's mindvoice slowed, for once. I knew I had the right to defend myself, but it made me feel as if I had eaten something rotten. I told Grandsire I had talked to the basilisks, as you recommended, and he said that was very sensible, but I should also talk to you because you too had used dragonfire to kill. I knew that but I hadn't thought about it properly. You also felt very bad about having to do it, didn't you?
"Yes I did, Kit. I was sick to my stomach for days after. But your grandsire didn't gift me dragonfire without good reason, and I didn't use it without good reason. Sometimes we have to do bad things in a good cause, and then pick ourselves up and go on. There's no point repining."
True. But …
The hesitation was uncharacteristic, and Kel raised an eyebrow. "What?"
I was just thinking that the Fujiwara man said he had to do what he did, too.
Kel blew out a breath. "So he did, Kit, but there's two things. One is that he was just wrong. He didn't have to — it wasn't life and death, just hope of advantage. And the other is that if he'd succeeded, he wouldn't have felt sorry or sick at all, just pleased with himself. I know this seems odd, but when it comes to doing bad things, why you do them and how you regret them matters as much as doing them at all."
I will think about that.
"You do, Kit, and get back to me."
I will. Oh, and the Emperor asked me if they might call that ryujin dragon Skysong after me. Grandsire says there are advantages but it is up to me. What do you think?
Kel blinked and thought hard. "Mmm. Your grandsire is very right about the advantages, Kit — it will make them remember what happened, as much as the statues. And while he can't undo what's done, His Imperial Majesty is trying very hard to make amends. He wouldn't make that offer lightly. So unless you have a strong reason to think the ryujin should have a different name, I think you should accept graciously and be very pleased with the honour."
I will think about that too.
"Good. And meanwhile" — her eyes went to Diamondflame's, aware of his ironic approval — "I really don't mean to pry, my lord, and I see why you want to speak to Lord Sakuyo, but may I ask if you have any other concern here? I'm about to speak to His Imperial Majesty and he's bound to ask. I have my own concerns, for the Guild, but wouldn't for the world cause you any difficulty if I can help it."
Mmm. Great eyes regarded her thoughtfully. I have two tasks, to convey our thanks to a god, which is a sensitive matter; and to hear what he says when Skysong conveys the thanks she owes him for her life. Beyond that, I have no objection to reminding mortals why dragons are to be respected. Torpid in our own lands, we forget how swiftly mortal lives pass and memories fade. Some lessons for the living are not amiss. And I confess myself curious about this temple. Basilisk and ogre involvement in mortal worship, however indirectly, is a new thing it behoves us to understand.
That was a long speech for Diamondflame, not given to loquacity, and Kel took a moment to ponder it.
"Thank you, my lord, that is clear. One other question, if you will? Moonwind said even a rock could see the Timeway still about me, but this rock cannot. I had thought that all done. Might you instruct me better?"
Moonwind is given to exaggeration, even in thought. But she was not altogether wrong. The Timeway has so many echoes partly because it is not only where what will be becomes what is, but also because it is where what has been makes what will be — in continuance or in reversal. In you the future rejects the near past, cleaving to older truths, and chance placed you at the heart of the Timeway's greatest roil in many centuries, where much was consummated and much reversed. Such a roil has many eddies persisting long after its crisis has passed, and this is one, extending the decisions made last year.
That was another long speech, and uncommonly helpful. Kel was wondering why, without much success, when Dom gently prodded her.
"Try gratitude and respect, love."
Her startled indignation was swept aside by Diamondflame's rich laugh, like fire in the wind.
Ah, Domitan, you grow most perceptive. Yet it is one of your delights, Keladry, that you achieve wonders yet ever wonder why any might be grateful. Consider all that you alone among living mortals understand from experience, and that I adore my granddaughter, not least for what you have helped make her. And there is this — that while Sakuyo doubtless had many reasons for acting as he did, one among them is that he would not have enjoyed facing you after her death, knowing full well that you would never forgive him any more than yourself.
That was three long speeches, and Kel retired in some confusion, giving an inexplicably amused Dom sidelong glances that bothered him not at all. The idea of the Timeway having eddies made sense, though why it had ever rested on her at all remained a sore puzzle, but the notion that Lord Sakuyo feared her unforgiveness was — honesty prodded — gratifying, if deeply absurd. Rumination was interrupted by her Mama.
"There you are, sweeting. I've recruited Akemi, Katsumi, and Akiko to help Tobeis serve, and the housekeeper's hauled out a stunning tea-set of the Emperor's late mother's." Ilane seamlessly detached Kel from Dom's arm, substituting her own and surveying her daughter with an entirely maternal look. "You look cross. Was Diamondflame giving you a hard time about something? I can't see why he should."
"Not at all, Mama. He was extremely helpful."
"Ah. So you're puzzling about why, I suppose."
Dom grinned. "I did tell her, Ilane, but to be fair it was heady stuff. And his laugh is … disconcerting."
"He laughed? Oh, my. Because Kel was puzzled by his gratitude?"
"In one."
"But of course he's grateful, sweeting. So is everyone, beneath their shock. You were wonderful, and terrifying, and splendid, all at once, and you didn't leave anyone a single inch of wiggle-room. Diplomatic justice with more teeth than he cared to count, your papa says, and I agree entirely. And with divine power heaped all over you, not one thought of yourself. I didn't think I could be prouder than I was watching you being created as a countess, but you proved me wrong." Ilane gurgled a laugh. "And Jonathan's rising to the occasion, despite mixed feelings. Prodded by Thayet, I fancy, but even so. He told the Emperor flat out, in modeless Yamani, to stop being so respectful and start thinking practically, so you owe him some thanks."
"Mmmph."
Ilane laughed again. "Then again, he'll be cheered to see you so discombobulated, so it all works out marvellously well. Though if you're really baffled, you're not thinking clearly. What did you expect, sweeting?"
Kel had no better answer than for Dom, but her grumpiness dissolved when she saw the tea-set, which was stunning. The cups were marvels of simplicity, in pure shape and subtle, monochrome glaze, and there were no less than four matching, side-handled pots as well as a caddy and scoop, and a kettle, big enough to fill all the pots, that had a built-in heating spell. She made a mental note to investigate how that was done, but had her hands full reassuring the children, pleasingly more nervous about serving the Emperor than about the strange capacities of their aunt.
She had been saving her glorious green kimonos for the dedication, but this tea ceremony demanded them, and with her Mama's help, clucking at her gauntness, she had a proper Yamani appearance (saving only face paint) to greet her guests. The Emperor had brought the Empress and Taikyuu, as well as Eitaro, and with the royals, Alanna, and her parents, as well as Dom, it was a wide circle that sat on the cushions in the Dower House's beautifully proportioned tea-room. As was proper in an assisted service, she scooped tea into pots and filled and whisked them herself, drawing in and projecting calm, but was seated for Tobe to fill her own cup last. She gestured to the hanging scrolls in their niches with single flowers beneath, and took the first, ritual sip.
"Peace be with you all."
As first guest, the Emperor properly responded. "And with you."
This was only chakai, not chaji with its obligatory meal, but some of Yuki's pickles were on offer in basilisk bowls, and she offered an apology for her own larger bowl of umeboshi.
"I have been left with a hunger that is not easily sated."
"So we hear." The Empress sipped, praising the tea. "I hope you suffer no other ill-effects from your astonishing labours?"
"None, my Empress, as Wuodan assured me I would not." There was no help for it, and no point delaying. "I hope the realm has not suffered."
"On the contrary, Keladry-chan." She heard the Emperor's choice of the simplest address with relief. "We are much in your debt."
"Forgive contradiction, but that is not so, my Emperor. I acted in the Guild's interests, and while I rejoice if Yaman benefits also, I can claim no credit for that happy chance."
"Yet you took much care Yaman should understand and accept what passed, even to asking a god to grant us her vision."
"And such a vision. I would thank you for Lady Noriko's grace also." The Empress sighed. "I did not know her well, for she was older than I and circumstances kept us apart, but I knew that with such a mother-in-law her marriage must be ever hard duty and never joy."
"So I imagine, my Empress. I am sorry it was not possible to frame the Hunt's charge to exclude her, but she was more willing to hold to her vows in wrong than cleave to honour. Even so, the Black God will not regret a reason to be merciful among so many reasons to judge harshly." She remembered feeling it in his temple, and Dabeyoun's words to the assassin. "Would I be right to think the kamunushi Hotaka was the one who challenged Lord Fujiwara's piety?"
"Indeed so."
"And Goro noh Toshiaki?"
The Emperor's face darkened. "One I would have appointed to the ministry Lord Shoji controlled, though ever leaving the work to others. A man of great energy, honour, and promise, sorely missed. And the assassin's fuller confession answered many bitter questions, so that is also among our debts to you." He took a breath. "Jonathan advises plain speaking, so I will say that how the least is to be paid baffles me."
"But I claim no payment, my Emperor, nor acknowledge any debt."
"Why not, Keladry-chan? You have almost certainly saved Us a civil war, ridding us of a blight and avenging Our honour far more swiftly and terribly than We could ever have done. And I would fear the gods' accounting if I did not insist on what I owe."
"Mmm." That was tricky. Kel ate a plum, pondering the pronouns, and noticed the ironic amusement on Jonathan's face as Shinko translated for him. "Can you now tell me of your dream, my Emperor?"
"Yes. And dreams, for many came. One recurred, showing me with you and all my guests on the road to Edo, with a great sense of tranquility. The others varied, but all showed me speaking to you here in the palace, explaining the politics that have beset you, and all were accompanied with a profound foreboding of ill. So it seemed you must come, and I must be silent. I believed it meant you must be given a free hand, not recruited to my aid, however tempting, and I am now sure of it." He frowned. "It is not easy to explain, but say perhaps that whatever I told you would have constrained you, and your actions that proved needful and correct were beyond anything I could have imagined."
Kel was frowning herself. "Needful, yes, but correct? Lord Sakuyo accepted that the harm intended Lady Skysong could not go unpunished, but I cannot suppose my actions what he wanted. I was expedient, guided only by the Guild's needs and what I thought could answer them."
Eitaro inclined his head. "Even so, Keladry-chan, my brother did not speak amiss. Lord Sakuyo having accepted your actions and aided your ends, how can they be anything but correct? And I would ask if you might tell us of his aid to the dragons — it was when Lord Rainbow acknowledged it that his thunder first sounded."
Kel shook her head gently. "That is no mortal business, my Prince, nor within my knowledge. As our presence affirms the treaty embodied in Roald and Shinkokami, so perhaps Lord Sakuyo's aid to a dragon kit affirms whatever understanding between gods and dragons came of building Drachifethe. I doubt any will discuss it, and asking would not be wise, but Diamondflame told me we are in an eddy of the Timeway, extending what he called last year's decisions, and it likes its echoes."
"He did?" The Emperor waited while Akiko refilled his cup. "That is new. I know of the Timeway only what Jonathan has told me."
"Only gods and oldest immortals know more, my Emperor, and what I was told came as news to me also."
"Yet you know enough to speak of it liking echoes. Keladry-chan, I ask openly for advice, though Jonathan warns me it is likely to be simple, direct, and terrifying."
"Advice about what, my Emperor? It is a dangerous commodity. And as I have told His Majesty, he only finds my ideas as he describes them because he prefers complex inaction to simple action."
A Takuji gave a Conté a look when that was translated, and they exchanged smiles Kel couldn't begin to interpret.
"He has my sympathies. And your actions are anything but simple, Keladry-chan."
"Once again, forgive contradiction, but not so, my Emperor. I had to deal with lies, silence, and hidden guilt. Griffins ensured truth, stormwings speech, and the Hunt discovery. The situation was complex. My actions brought simplicity."
The Emperor was not alone in blinking surprise, but Shinko gave Kel a small smile oddly full of pain.
"As I told you, Uncle, and my esteemed father-in-law knows, Keladry-chan truly believes what she does straightforward. Sir Nealan says it has always been so, and calls it 'see bully, smite bully, no excuses'."
Prince Taikyuu spoke for the first time, shrewdness blending with curiosity. "I can see you did bring simplicity, Blessed Keladry-sensei, though most strangely, but there was more. To have Blessed Tobeis invite me to aid him with Lord Arawn answered no need of yours."
"Tobe's idea, not mine, my Prince. You share a love of horses. And to offer Lord Arawn proper treatment seemed simple courtesy, which I find all gods to appreciate. I asked Tobe to check with your Imperial father because I could not deal with any political complexity arising."
"But it was politically superb, Keladry-chan." Eitaro stared bafflement. "Taikyuu could re-establish our respect for all gods, that Michizane smirched."
"Could he, my Prince? Well and good, but I thought of a sweating horse's need, after he had in kindness borne me and Kit, of a child's pleasure in a most magnificent animal, and for me those were more than enough. Any greater rightness only magnifies their truth."
Translation bought a laugh from Jonathan. "You see, Daichi?"
"I begin to, Jonathan. But I would still have advice, Keladry-chan."
"And have not yet said about what, my Emperor."
"What I should best do now."
"Go to Edo and see what happens." Kel had her own bafflement at such vagueness, but relented at Shinko's hurt look. "My Emperor, I cannot advise you in any detail unless you set out the problem, and even then I would remain ignorant of much that might matter greatly. But if you want philosophy, be bold and honest, thinking of Yaman beyond the security of your own house. An eddy of the Timeway has brought a degree of change. Help it mature into a new stability."
"Yes. But how?" The Emperor waved a hand. "Blessed Piers-sama, you can explain better than me."
Kel looked at her Papa, sensing his doubts.
"I can try, my Emperor. I believe Alanna has told you of her thoughts, my dear? I am still uncertain, but she is right you have begun to have the same effect on commoners here as on the Lower City in Corus. And as that did much to, ah … the Tortallan would be stymie, any objections nobles had to your, um, various elevations, so the popular rage with the late Lord Fujiwara and his allies, revealed and unleashed by your judgement on him, has, well, played its own part in concentrating minds, one might say."
Her Mama sensibly took over, more straightforwardly. "Forgive bluntness, my Emperor, and my language." She dropped into Tortallan. "He's not unwilling, sweeting, but he has amazingly little experience of his own commoners. What he wants is your touch in winning hearts as well as minds."
Kel saw Eitaro murmur translation or commentary, and the Emperor's and Empress's rueful agreement. This at least was a clear problem, and she bent her mind to it, reaching for a plum only to discover she'd eaten them all. Hunger gnawed, and several thoughts coalesced.
"Alright, Mama." She switched back to Yamani. "Akemi-chan, more umeboshi, please, ridiculous as my need is." Her niece cursteyed, with an admiring glint in her eyes, and trotted out with the empty bowl. "Tell me, my Emperor, if you will, do you like karaage?"
The dish of cubed meats and seafood, battered and deep fried, was a workingman's and soldier's staple, despised at noble tables for its meat and cheap popularity. She saw his eyes widen in surprise and narrow in memory.
"I haven't had it in years, Keladry-chan, but do you know, I used to? The guards on winter duty always ate it, and the smell was most appetising. I asked one of my personal bodyguards — I was five or six, I think — and he brought me some. It was delicious, but I was made to understand by the tutor who found me eating it that such tastes were most unbecoming."
"Is that tutor still alive, my Emperor?"
"I have no idea."
"Well, if he is, you should summon him and tell him he's an idiot. I wonder …. mmm. Tobe, could you please ask one of the guards if Mama Moriko still has a stall on Rokujo-oji that serves the best karaage in the province? If she does, ask Diamondflame if he's hungry at all, then if Kit's told him about those hot peppers she liked so much. And explain we'll all be going to Mama Moriko's, including the Emperor, so would he care to come with us?" Tobe nodded, and went. "And though it may come to naught, my Emperor, might you summon a scribe?"
Eitaro was already seeing to it, and Kel's attention was distracted by her Mama's laugh.
"Was that what you were always sneaking out for, sweeting? I knew you were up to something but I didn't think of karaage."
"Usually. There was suzukema-ichi too." Kel's gaze found Cricket's, pleased to see her stifling a laugh; she too had loved Mama Moriko's karaage, unable to sneak out herself but supplied by Kel and Yuki when they could manage it. "But it was also just getting away for a while, to be normal. Life in the Daidairi was wonderful, but stifling. Training with Naruko-sensei was an outlet for energy, but not heart or stomach. And all of Rokujo-oji was a joy."
Dividing the bureaucratic, religious, and imperial northern city from middle-class merchant areas, the wide cross-street hosted hundreds of food-stalls where labourers and thousands of minor bureaucrats and kamunushi, as well as imperial guardsmen, sought food they didn't have to go home to eat, nor cook themselves.
"I suppose it must have been, my dear." Her father looked reminiscent. "I confess to sending embassy servants for karaage every now and then. I did miss meat dishes. But I never dared go myself — being discovered would have been too great a liability as a diplomat."
"But not, in this moment, as a politician, Papa."
"Mmm. No, indeed. What an interesting thought." He switched to Tortallan. "Somewhat as if His Majesty had lunch in the Daymarket."
Kel followed suit. "Which you ought to, sire. If you and Thayet ate in the Daymarket once a month, or even once a week, using an honour guard but accepting the Rogue's protection, you'd find it generated a surprising personal affection, and loyalty. And you'd get the best bubbly pies in Tortall, bar none. Ask Roald."
"No fair, Kel." But Roald was grinning. "You're right about those pies, though. Fancy's all very well for feasts, but you can't beat a good bubbly pie."
Jonathan had a remniscent look of his own. "Actually, I remember them well. And Gary insisting on a fresh one and burning his tongue."
Alanna laughed. "So did you, Jon, at least once. And Raoul often, though he could eat them hotter than I ever managed." She sobered. "But Kel's superbly right, yet again. You've done formal stuff in the Lower City, with grants for improvements in the Protector's name, and that's good, but you haven't yet done informal."
"Kings can't, Alanna."
"Pfui." Kel sat up. "That's … nonsense, sire. You vary formality all the time, as you see need." Mischief tugged. "You merely haven't seen fit to extend it to the Lower City, but if you imagine you're speaking to me when I've said something that shocks you but you have to admit makes sense, you'll do fine."
"Ouch. Piers, can you translate that as exactly possible, please, and add that that's what I meant about your daughter's advice being weighted with chagrin?"
Thayet elbowed her husband, "And what about my advice?"
More general dispute was foiled by the return of Akemi with another large bowl of umeboshi, on which Kel gratefully seized, and of Tobe with an imperial scribe just behind.
"The guards say Mama Moriko is going strong, Ma, and makes wonderful karaage. Diamondflame says he doesn't need to eat, but on reflection believes he does find himself a bit peckish and thanks you for your clever thinking. And Kit had told him all about the peppers, which he agrees sound interesting."
"Thank you, Tobe. Three welcome answers." She looked at the scribe. "Daishoya-san, take a message, please. If His Imperial Majesty objects, he will let us know. Otherwise, exactly as I say. His Imperial Majesty informs esteemed Mama Moriko that His honoured guests, having heard of her most excellent karaage, wish to sample it this lunchtime, and that He will accompany them. Apologising for short notice but with full confidence in her abilities, He adds that as the dragons Lord Diamondflame and Lady Skysong will be among them, she should prepare her largest vessel and a smaller one with karaage using wanizame chilli batter, hotter than any mortal could bear. And the usual courtesies."
Both Kel and the scribe looked at the Emperor, who waved a hand with a slightly bemused look.
"I don't believe I have any objections, Keladry-chan, peculiar as all this is, but why should Lord Diamondflame thank you for this clever thinking, or find it so?"
"Because, my Emperor, we are using him in a way I wouldn't dream of were it not for the fact that favouring you in this might offset the favour Lord Sakuyo did the dragons in helping to protect Lady Skysong."
It took him a moment, but then he got it all. "You think I am as the High One's kit? And being … blessed to make this new appearance in the greatest company repays him? No … you and I both are both as his kits, and you spend a favour of your own, do you not?"
"If so, only a small one. And if Diamondflame likes the wanizame as much as Kit did, even smaller. He's also acknowledging that he remains as your guest, my Emperor, though he did not come as such."
"And that is no small thing, however usual protocols of hosting cannot apply." His eyes glinted. "Yet another debt is owed, Keladry-chan."
Kel sighed. "Most respectfully, pfui. I am still absurdly hungry, and karaage will hit the spot nicely. And I remember Mama Moriko with great fondness, for she had a generous hand with children's portions and a sharp eye for customers who might seek to push ahead of the small, so giving her a boost to her pride sits well with me."
"And to her custom, I imagine, Keladry-chan." The Empress laid a hand on her husband's arm. "Send it, Daichi. This woman will need time to prepare, and persuading Keladry she is owed will be work for a lifetime."
"Right as usual, Reiko. At the run." The scribe went. "Should I announce the appearance, Keladry-chan?"
"There's no need, my Emperor, and the idea is unbending a bit, not more protocol. Some guards to keep us enough space might be an idea, though. Tell me, my Empress, is reclusiveness to your taste?"
"Policy grown into habit. You think I too should come? And Taikyuu?"
"Your son, certainly. A ruler can always command one to bring food. But not all rulers can go for it themselves, if they so choose. For yourself I thought only that there is an opportunity to change policy, should you wish it."
The Empress looked very thoughtful, and Prince Taikyuu was clearly struck by the idea of using power to do something for oneself. So was the Emperor, but when Jonathan heard the translation he laughed.
"Now that's a saying to remember. Gods, Keladry, does New Hope have no protocol at all?"
"Very little that doesn't suit me, sire, and none that stops me doing ordinary things for myself."
"Lucky you. And I had a question, Daichi — what are you going to do with those statues?"
The Emperor scowled. "I have no idea. I quite see why Lord Rainbow said they should be displayed, but their present location is … mezawari."
"An eyesore, sire. Or something obstructing a view." Kel gave the Emperor a glance. "They're rather meant to be that, though."
"Yes, but in Sorei … The geomancers are in tears. And they can't stay on the grass, but putting them on pedestals does not seem acceptable."
Kel's eyes met Dom's in sudden memory, and they both suppressed grins as he spoke.
"Tobe, you were the one who wanted Rogal petrified and stuck on the roadway next to the skulls." Several Tortallans made strangled noises. "Any ideas?"
Tobe frowned. "They're a lot uglier than even he would have been, Da. If they shouldn't be moved or put up on pedestals, put them down. Dig a pit, with a simple path for access, and drop them out of view. Schools could take children down to see when they're old enough to understand the lesson and not get nightmares."
The Emperor clapped his hands softly. "Now that is a fine idea, Blessed Tobeis-chan. Should it have a name?"
"I don't know, my Emperor. I've been thinking of them as … there is a Tortallan expression I can't translate. 'Stone fools'." Tortallans barked laughter. "Sekkinukesaku, maybe, if that word exists."
Yamanis laughed too and the Emperor gave Tobe a true smile. "It does now. Perfect."
It was a very peculiar procession, but Kel thought everyone was rather enjoying themselves, as she was herself. The giddy blend of Immortals' Intoxication, political shock, and simple piety that possessed the crowds who filled streets and made way, staring in all directions and bowing or curtseying as bouncily as Kitten, might have set her teeth on edge — but Sakuyan worship meant Yamanis added a rueful laughter at their own reeling sensibilities that somehow resulted in high good humour. Everything was most irregular but the trees were blossoming, one had to laugh, and there was much to laugh at, and learn from. It was, after all, nearly the High One's feastday, and he had already outdone himself. The imperials, moreover, recognised the Sakuyan mood at once, and for all her Mama was right about the Emperor's limited experience of commoners, he was more at ease than Kel had thought he would be. He and the Princes were talking earnestly to Diamondflame, a conversation best ignored.
There was also the other effect of walking with Diamondflame, whose pace kept him exactly with them, and watching his paws land understanding gleamed. Spatial magic stretched his route, so he walked ten times as far at his own speed, a silent use of power at once practical, kind, and convenient for all, that revealed character. Akemi, Katsumi, and Akiko had been staring in facination too, as had the Empress, and Kel offered her explanation, fitting it to the Yamani tradition of a guest's care for a host and receiving sharp glances.
"How do you know, Keladry-oba?"
"There's a sort of stretchy shimmer where his paws land, Akiko-chan, that suggests spatial magic. It's logical. And as I told His Imperial Majesty, by coming with us today Lord Diamondflame acknowledges himself a guest, though he came to Yaman in justice. He would not do so and fail to observe a guest's duties. Dragons are most exact in such matters, and you should always be so to them."
"Ye-es. But you speak to him so easily, oba."
"Why should I not, Katsumi? I would not presume on his goodwill, but I count him a friend, and though I and all of New Hope are in his debt beyond repayment, we have done what we can, as he knows."
She received a frown. "In your book, oba, he speaks of a debt all dragons owe you."
"We've agreed to disagree about that, Katsumi."
"But do you not call on it, oba? You seem to."
Kel winced. "It's complicated. We have a sort of standoff about it."
The Empress laughed. "Daichi should hear this. Maybe that is what he and Lord Diamondflame speak of."
Kel winced again, then remembered the atmosphere and made herself relax, brightening. "Well, dragons helped when gods ganged up on me, so maybe that'll work the other way round too."
In the silence she felt Sakuyo's amusement, and found Patricine taking her arm, and drawing her a step away.
"You're a wonder, Kel. The children will remember this all their lives, and be remembered for it. And my mother-in-law will gobble pleasure at their eating karaage in the street, an idea that would usually make her faint in pure shock. She also received a lecture from Chiyoko-sensei about your revelations to the Temple of Weapons that I did enjoy."
"Did you? Good. But it's just being a bit hidebound, Patricine, as Tortall was until the Scanran War forced us to some new thinking."
"Code and protocol, you mean?"
"If you like. They're supposed to make things easier and more efficient, but grow on their own and need pruning sometimes. Honour, too, though half the time what people claim as honour is no such thing."
"No." Patricine gave her an odd look. "I don't think I shall ever get over my surprise at how my little sister's grown up, and I'm not sure I should. To see you lead the Wild Hunt … well, there aren't words. Mama says you find people's amazement baffling and irritating, so I won't go on, but thank you for it all, and especially the children."
Moved, Kel tightened her grip on Patricine's arm for a moment. "What are aunts for? But yes, I do. Painful, too, when it's worshipful distance in the eyes of a friend." She paused, honesty twisting. "War pushed me into command very young, Patricine, and being sent back by the Black God is not so easy to live with, irony intended. And since then it's been one thing after another. I'd hoped peace and motherhood meant an end to the worst of it, but here I am again."
"Mmm. Akemi was telling me you wouldn't admit the Emperor owed you anything."
"Not if I can help it. Royal gifts are bad enough."
Patricine laughed. "You mean it, don't you?"
"Of course I do. I'm very grateful. Here, have an absurd title and lifelong responsibility for a chunk of two countries and gods know how many people. And the gods are the same — grace and ever so many hot needles, if you heard that one."
"Your haiku? Of course I did. But you're not a Yamani subject, so the Emperor can't do anything like that."
"No, but he'll think of something."
"You were grateful for the naginata."
"True. But that was wartime. I was less grateful for the wedding swords, as it meant I had to learn them — though that's come in handy, so I suppose I shouldn't grumble."
"Handy." Patricine laughed again. "I do begin to understand what Dom means when he says 'only Kel' in that tone. But thanks are owed, whatever you say, and more people than the Emperor will be troubled if you refuse them all."
Kel gave her sister a suspicious look. "Has Papa been bending your ear? Or Toshuro?"
"No." Patricine grinned. "But Papa was bending Mama's ear, concerned at your denial of debt. I think I understand what you've been saying, though, a bit anyway. It's your other haiku, to Prince Eitaro about blossoms and the storm, isn't it? Petals in water rejoice with the thunderstorm: another fine mess. We're one petal trying to thank another, when we should just be rejoicing together."
Kel's smile was radiant. "Yes, exactly. And they'll understand that. I should have remembered it. Or … why not? Remind Prince Eitaro, and suggest His Imperial Majesty commission from Isao-sensei, for whatever just price he devises, a single haiku to express it, capping mine. His own haiku was … I can't say the only grace of the other night, but the sweetest."
"Oh. That's … perfect, Kel. And very clever. But I can't take credit for thinking of that."
"Then don't. Oh glory, here we go."
They had come to Rokujo-oji, half the width and even more crowded, and progress slowed as they had to narrow their file. Fortunately, Mama Moriko's stall was only one block west, and the guards sent ahead had kept both space and an assortment of tables and stools. Kel was certain Diamondflame was accommodating himself, and suspected he might be helping out more generally, but her first task was the lady herself, pink with sweat and astonishment, yet in her own domain not to be faced down by anyone. Kel caught Yuki's eye, then Cricket's, and drifted forward to stand by the Emperor and Empress, receiving with Prince Taikyuu a welcome trembling with shocked dignity and deep surprise that such great ones should have heard of her simple cooking. The Emperor did well, Kel thought, despite his automatic high mode and imperial pronouns.
"Yet how could We not, esteemed Mama, when so many of Our guards relish it? And not only heard, for some among Our most honoured guests have tasted it. Blessed Protector-sensei ?"
Kel offered a deep nod. "Do you not recall a young gaijin girl and her Yamani friend, who sneaked out to find your karaage, esteemed Mama? You once smacked a ladle across the hand of Masaro the carter for pushing them aside, so Lady Yukimi and I owe you all thanks and honour."
"That was you, Blessed? Oh my poor heart. You don't … yes you do, your eyes haven't changed." The wide eyes became shrewd, searching painted faces. "Nor yours, my Lady."
Kel gave Yuki a proper introduction, with Neal, then Shinko, who had learned enough shocking Tortallan informality to offer easy thanks.
"The third portions we bought really were for another, you see, and though I did not know it my honoured Papa also sent servants down for bowls of your karaage."
Her parents brought in Jonathan and Thayet, then she introduced Diamondflame and Kitten — and if his mindvoice produced its usual welcome hush, her enthusiasm for fierce wanazame peppers must have circulated widely and brought smiles. Best of all, with the discussion on food karaage began to appear, every bit as good as Kel remembered, and the extra-hot version for dragons earned Kit's whistling approval and a thoughtful look from Diamondflame.
This is genuinely strong for anything grown in the mortal realms. A tasty dish.
"Do dragons garden?" Kel kept a straight face. "You could take some seeds or starts back with you. Would they then taste of their essence?"
Probably. She could hear his amusement. I dare say the Green Lady might like some, too, and manage them rather better than we would. Which reminds me, what was that bone-feast you promised Dabeyoun?
"Oh, a Carthaki dish Numair told me about, baked marrow flavoured and served in bone-rings. He thought Dabeyoun might like it, but I hadn't had occasion to see him until now. Why?"
His liking for you is interesting. Weiryn and the hounds have favoured a mortal before now, but he treads a new path.
"The stormwings seem to want one of those too. And flying with the Hunt might be a real answer to their peacetime needs. I was kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner."
Ah, Protector. Nor did I, and I have been aware of the problem for very much longer, not that it was or is mine to solve. Rest assured, Wuodan and Frige will be thinking hard. And you have entirely glutted the Stone Tree Nation, so there is no haste.
"Maybe not, but this stuff all works so much better when there's some momentum." He was amused again, and she took advantage. "Tell me, is there a griffin equivalent of you or Haarist'aaniar'aan?"
He didn't have eyebrows, but one would have quirked. There is, but I do not think even you want to meet him.
"Oh. Bother. What about mule gods?"
And the other. Mule gods? No. The donkey gods look after them, I believe. What are you about now?
The tale of Junior's misdeeds with Longtail had grown in a telling or two, and she relayed it with gusto, bringing Dom and Tobe in with a complementary version of Kawit bringing miscreants to book. Everyone was listening, and as Tobe's good Yamani made vividly clear Longtail's repentance and Junior's complete lack of it, she sighed dramatically.
"So you see, my lord, even your telling-off hasn't stopped the little terror, and his parents just shrug when I can get them to pay any attention at all. They blame me for letting him get that way in the first place, but really, what they expected I've no idea. And they let him get stolen to begin with, not that I dare point that out. But if the eldest griffin is too surly, and there are no mule gods, I'm out of ideas."
A real dragon grin was quite something, she thought.
Not my problem, Protector, though I grant Longtail should have known better. You could ask Sakuyo — he was fond enough to paint Junior three times.
"Huh. That's a thought. Then again, who knows what mischief they'd persuade themselves into."
So was a dragon snort. That is a wiser thought. And Junior will improve with age.
"Over a century or three. Oh well. I told him if he did it again I'd put him in petrified manacles for a week, and he did look thoughtful for all of a minute. He still cost me several hours soothing mules and muleteers, though, which I won't be getting back."
There were smiles on many faces, and Kel was satisfied. The story reimposed scale, and like Kitten and Amiir'aan made immortals more familiar and less frightening; even Protectors, upon whom gods heaped coals of power and praise. Everyone understood rambunctious young, and with the spectacle of the Hunt fresh, yet infused with Sakuyo's laughter, aerial jesting struck a chord, and talk rose in a great buzz. As she set about a third bowl of karaage a small hand tugged her sleeve.
"Petrified manacles, Keladry-oba?"
"Yes, Akiko-chan. Griffins can rust through iron ones in no time at all. In truth, I'm not sure it would work, because I suspect bindings fail on them for the same reason lies can't be spoken in their presence, but they might hold Junior for a day or two. And I was really quite cross with him, little terror that he is, so I needed something he actually had to think about." She winked at her niece. "Besides, I said it to him, face to beak, so he knew it had to be true. I just didn't say I wasn't sure it would work."
Kitten, listening with a sated look, trilled laughter. He was still wondering about it a week later, Kel. He asked his parents too, but they would not tell him. If they know — no-one else seems to.
"Huh. Useful. You've kept very quiet about that, Kit."
You didn't ask. And he was behaving himself.
"As much as he ever does, I suppose."
She wondered about yet another bowl of karaage, but settled happily for a dish of sweet dorayaki pancakes, savouring the bean paste. Tobe took to them at once, but Dom was dubious, preferring karoumetu cake. Thayet, bless her, was talking to a beaming Mama Moriko with Yuki's help, but as people shifted, pursuing conversations, her Mama slid in beside her.
"That, sweeting, was masterful. Mistressful. And so is your haiku commission. Your Papa is most relieved, even though our heads are still spinning."
"Thank Patricine. She understood."
"Better than we did, yes. But you do think on so many levels these days, sweeting. It muddles us up."
"And you think it doesn't muddle me, Mama?"
Ilane smiled, but her voice was serious. "It doesn't seem to, Kel, from outside. And you've just danced through more levels than I can count. Do you know what your Papa said?"
Hearing the question, Kel did. "Doukegata, I imagine." The stage jesters had set-pieces making themselves the butt of some tale, though usually as part of a larger plot. "I only realised in the middle, and I don't know what I might be setting-up except His Nibs in Edo. He's about, and doesn't seem cross, but he's still not talking."
"Ah. So you did know, but don't know. That does seem very Sakuyu."
"Tell me, Mama. I think Jonathan gave him bad ideas."
"Sweeting!" But Ilane's eyes were alight. "You do have quite the view. And Tobe. I'm still laughing about his logic — can't move, shouldn't go up, must go down." She shook her head. "Did he really want Rogal petrified? To spare you?"
"He did, Mama, bless him. It would never have done, but the black humour was very welcome at the time."
"I imagine it was, and is."
"Oh yes. Sekkinukesaku was perfect. Huh." Kel turned a sudden thought. "And maybe we do know something. Have you noticed how much art has been involved? It started with those paintings, then the book, and now statuary, with a haiku popping up. Architecture to end with?"
"Interesting. So much grace."
"Don't forget hot needles, Mama. He won't."
After skirting Higashiyama, the Eastern Mountains bounding the bowl of Heian-kyó, the road to Edo ran east for miles beside Awaumi, the great lake, where rich grass supported the Emperor's stud. All the horses were beautiful, and there were many of them, but though Tobe was disappointed to leave they couldn't linger, and the road led away towards rounded hills, wiggled through a low pass, and dropped gently to the town of Nagoya, on Iye Bay. Thereafter the sea was rarely far away, for though this was the widest, wildest part of the island, rugged spurs of the snow-capped central mountains ran down almost to the coast. If long familiar from maps, after Nagoya it was all new to Kel, and with the weather set fair she found the rhythm of riding the chestnut gelding a simple pleasure.
The twins helped too. After a full day of gorging herself and a night's proper sleep, some weight and, more importantly, her milk had returned, so there was the rhythm of nursing as well, restoring companionship with Yuki and Shinko. For morning feeds her Mama and nieces joined them, before sharing naginata practice, showing their aunt how seriously they were taking slow dances, though not without wistful questions about when arms might ache less fiercely and dismay at her answers. For later feeds the Empress took to coming by, delighting in babies and offering soft reminiscences of nursing, with the joy of it, and her sorrow for the elder daughter who had, like Patricine's eldest son, died in infancy.
There was a subtle invitation in it, that Kel found she didn't mind. It was a desire to understand, not prurient curiosity, and the great balance nursing set against the many deaths she'd caused was helpful in opening up some ground the Empress seemed interested in. And she had no objection at all to saying how strange she found some Yamani attitudes, nor to speaking of the burden the Black God bore for all, and of his mercy. His face she kept to herself, though she acknowledged she had seen it, and had his indemnity against souls she sent to him. That conversation won genuine first-name terms.
"I believe he granted me that, Reiko, because he knew what the siege would demand. Lord Shoji was not wrong that first night, nor did I lie in answering him. My hands slew thousands, and I never forget it. But I am enabled to bear it." She eased the babies in her killing arms. "I could have executed the Sekkinukesaku too, if I'd had to, vomiting between each one and carrying on all the same. But Rainbow read my mind last Beltane because I'd used dragonfire — just as you saw him read Kit's — so he knew I've had more than enough of killing, and took on the burden, of his and Haarist'aaniar'aan's grace. It was kind of them."
The elder basilisk was travelling with them, mostly in silence during the day, save to the other basilisks in their own tongue, but more talkatively at night when Diamondflame joined them after a day circling lazily with stormwings, or just enjoying flight over mountains, so far as Kel could tell.
"Kind? You say such strange things, Keladry, and so calmly."
"What's strange? It was kind of them. I imagine it was Rainbow's doing, or Diamondflame's. Haarist'aaniar'aan owed me no consideration."
Yuki gave her a look. "No, Keladry-chan? You protect many basilisks, and it is not for nothing they have come to New Hope. In coming here their elder acknowledged it, surely?"
"I don't know, Yuki. The dragons asked him for me, and he acknowledged them, as elder kin. I wouldn't presume on that."
"No, you wouldn't. You never do. But the fact remains that you asked and he came, however incorrigible you are."
"Incorrigible? Yuki — "
"But it is so, Keladry-chan." Shinko rarely interrupted anyone. "You are as bad at receiving gratitude as remorseless in earning it. And if my poor aunt and uncle are as delighted as they are rebuked by the idea of the commissioned haiku, and see its great elegance, they are still left feeling they take much and give little. A feeling you do not like at all."
A mildly shocked Kel tried to take the scolding to heart. She knew there was a mulishness in her about it, and an inconsistency, in that she didn't mind her own liegers' cheerful gratitude; but their gifts, when they gave them, were small, practical things they thought she could use, and occasioned her no worse a headache than saying thank you to people she liked anyway. Rulers were different, and gave by way of command, for their own satisfaction more than the recipients'. But she knew her thinking was uncomfortably like the way Jonathan was wary of gods, not because he had reason to suspect them but simply because they were more potent than he, and it rubbed him wrong. Digesting it, she made a decision, and next day ranged alongside the king as he chatted with her Papa, swallowing some lingering resentment, and asked advice. He heard her out in silence, and waited several moments before replying.
"Such fearsome honesty. I wonder what that cost you to say, Keladry, and admire you the more for it. And I share your appreciation for the practical, if not always so radically, so I'll be frank too. What we have in common is above all will. I have to have it to do what I do, Daichi too, and you must have it in spades. And having to subdue it to some greater end is … annoying. Very. I don't really understand the poem thing, but I do know Daichi feels thwarted in generosity, and I'd be grateful if you'd let him give you something mutually acceptable." He held up a hand. "I agree land isn't workable, though something strictly honorary could get round that. Money's vulgar, but I dare say New Hope can use all it can get. Or some title you have to use once a year — I'll approve almost anything by this stage."
Kel's muttered 'Hag's Bones' was too loud, and Jonathan laughed.
"But you're feeding bones to the Hag, Keladry, as best I understand, in proper gratitude."
"Gah!" She fumed for a minute, before giving up. There came a point where you had to laugh. "Papa?"
He was silent for a long while. "I am torn, my dear. His Majesty is not wrong in any particular, but I understand what price you have paid for greatness, while his came to him by birth. So I also have a keener sense of what galls you." Jonathan winced but they ignored him. "I have thought hard about your words at Midwinter, and I was wrong. I need only your mother as an anchor, but you face stronger winds, and need both of us and Anders as well as Domitan and Tobeis. It will be a dance for us all, though not an ill one." He took a breath. "But there is the Emperor's need to consider, and I have two suggestions. Let him recognise Protector of the Small as a Yamani title, with some nominal honorarium?"
She thought Jonathan might be holding his breath, but nodded soon enough. "I can live with that, Papa, if it is nominal. Between Yuki's pickles and the probable pilgrims, I'm already taxing Yaman as much as is wise."
"Mmm. A haiku a year, perhaps. But your bulk purchases for the pilgrims are an offset, my dear, and the growing trade will benefit all. So my second suggestion is that you let the Emperor provide a guard for the Pilgrims' Way between Mindelan and New Hope. I don't think the risk is great, but pilgrims attract thieves, and the wayhouses you sensibly propose should have a guard neither of us wants to pay for if we can pass the cost up."
Kel couldn't help grinning. "True, if horribly sneaky, Papa. I'd been wondering about some fighting ogres Kuriaju tells me will probably be making enquiries, or perhaps spidrens, or even some of the Scanrans Ragnar says he'll be wishing on me, depending, but imperial samurai would be worth their feed. And we've seen they can work with immortals."
"So we have. You'll agree?"
Kel thought about it. "One haiku a year is more than I want, but yes, if I must. And there's something else, actually, that I've been meaning to ask about — an engineer who knows about those gated channels on the Yodo, to come and tell us what is or isn't possible on the Vassa. If we could open it for river barges all the way from Frasrlund to ha Minchi land …" Her Papa nodded thoughtfully, and she gave Jonathan a sidelong glance. "Besides, that Fourth Company of the King's Own you've been muttering about, sire, could have worse training than guarding pilgrims for a year or two."
He looked away for a minute, before giving her a half-smile. "I'll doubtless regret not taking advantage and granting the favour, but I'd already thought of it, Keladry. Vanget and Raoul both want them based north, and they'd need to know New Hope anyway. Your Pilgrims' Way is an obvious answer, and working alongside samurai and immortals a bonus."
That made sense, and she nodded. "Good. Thank you. Two things, then, sire. Please, make the recruits learn Yamani in basic training, as a standing royal order. It'll save hours of nonsense. And whoever comes to New Hope, we should recruit a spidren instructor or two for the pages and the Own and Army."
"Yes and yes. There will be much howling, but I agree about the royal order, and Alanna was very clear we had to reassess fighting with and against spidrens." He gave her a look. "I can't say it's my favourite among your many ideas, Keladry, and how you can stand their resemblance to killing devices I have no idea, but it works. I was annoyed not to have seen your sparring with Kravimal when everyone seemed to be talking about it, but I saw him fight at Kiyomizu-dera well enough, and gods, he was impressive."
"Wasn't he? I'm sorry you missed the sparring, but Thayet said she did try to wake you."
He flapped a hand ruefully. "I know. I'm not good in the mornings."
"Ebony or Button can show you tonight, if you want."
"So they can. But I saw you fight too, Keladry, when the darkings showed what Skysong and Amiir'aan did. The whole thing was astonishing, but you were … remarkable."
"Was I? I'd have been killed if it wasn't for Kitten, and I knew that move wouldn't work. On foot you can hold off three, but you can't kill more than two without taking a strike, unless they're idiots."
"You were still as fast as anyone I've ever seen, and Daichi said the same. I don't mean to saddle you with the logistics of the new company, except in so far as it comes under your army command, but I do want your hand in their weapons' training."
Kel shrugged. "Training's a constant. They can join in when they're around. But you don't need me or any single person, sire. What you need is a College of Weapons. The need to train pages and recruits makes for routine, and limited basics — but why did the Army forget slings, say? They used to be regular Thanic formations. Or think of Wyldon harrumphing about my glaive, so I could only practice in my own time. Keeping up with everything, and thinking about new combinations and tactics, needs full-time people. The Temple of Weapons offers a model, but the College should be attached to the Palace, independent of Army Council and Training Master."
"Huh. Cost and space?"
"Some, sire, but it needn't be big, just dedicated, with enough authority to make Council and Master listen. And I bet some veterans you already pay pensions to would fit the bill."
"It's a good thought, my dear. And an offer of board and lodging would bring shang to see and aid such a College, sire. Carthaki travelling warriors also."
"So I'd hope. And I didn't say I didn't like it, Piers. I do. A lot, in fact. But we're still out of Palace space."
"Commission Master Geraint and the Guild, sire." Kel grinned. "We'll build you something that'll work, at cost."
"Done." Jonathan paused. "Though perhaps I'd better wait until I see this temple he's designed. The descriptions are, um, not altogether clear. Have you seen any plans?"
"Not one, sire. Architecture is Geraint's business, not mine." Kel thought back. "I do know that before they all rushed off to Edo, he was burbling about curved walls — not just circles, but spheres. It sounded interesting, like an arch but sideways as well, somehow, but when I said so he went all mathematical on me. Trigonometry I understand, but not whatever he was using. The ogres were involved, and you've seen what they can do fitting dry stone, never mind ashlar. Oh, and they were playing with colour, too. Basilisks can't change the colour of a stone unless they petrify it, but they can shade it a bit with some version of the rock-spell. Fanche's and Saefas's house has much more elaborate banding and patterning than Dom's and mine. And if they're petrifying they can do whatever they want with colour."
"Huh." A king shook his head, not in denial. "The education never stops. Fascinating. And oddly enough, a sideways arch with strange patterns would fit with what I've heard. After a fashion. But go tell Daichi the good news, would you, Piers? Then we'll join him at lunch."
They did, and the Emperor, guardedly pleased and happy to despatch and sponsor both pilgrim-guards and several engineers, sensibly wanted to know what Kel herself thought of her strange title. It was a while since she'd had to tell that story, and found her perspective changed. The elemental had been the first quasi-divine being she'd encountered, and its amusement at her expense and occasional forays into sarcasm had set a tone. But her absurd Protectorship had become real, not least because immortals had chosen to use the title, as a convenience but latterly with affection as well as something that tasted of irony. And Lord Weiryn had once said the elemental named her well. She still found the title pretentious, and too much like a boast, but she couldn't deny it described what she did, and had done again here in Yaman.
"The thing is, my Emperor, it's what everyone ought to do, always. The small, in whatever sense, should never be victims on that account alone. It's in most warrior codes, one way or another, and making it my title can make it seem as if it's my duty alone, not a basic one applying to all. I don't mind being a reminder of that duty, though, and that fits well enough with the warning the dragons are giving, on their own behalf and for all immortals in these realms."
"True. And I appreciate your scruples better now, Keladry-chan. Your most fierce refusal to presume matches the great authority granted you by immortals and High Ones, or they would not choose you to bear it. How then can I be less circumspect? More practically, as a title given by no mortal ruler, absolute in itself, it lies wholly outside all mortal ranks, meaning all might properly ignore, or properly defer. Which is, frankly, a very useful consideration just now."
There was a silence, though Yamani eyes were bright.
"Lord Diamondflame also assures me you are just as singular as you seem, such as you occurring but rarely, and always when the Timeway turns and the world with it. He is sure we enter an age of greater peace, with more harmony between all, and deems prevention of war here an echo of your Scanran peace. So I have a counter-proposal, to which Jonathan agrees. I will recognise you as Protector, a peer of all, most Blessed and free of Yaman, and Yaman will recognise the Guild, on the same terms as Tortall, with you as Guildmaster for life. What Taikyuu, Roald, Faren, and your successors do when it's their turn can await the event. Who knows how this peace will fare? Will you consent?"
"To the title, because I must, and on the Guild's behalf gladly, my Emperor. But that means you must have a branch to set about the Guild's work. You have the spidrens, and gods know you have fishing, but for petrified webbing you need a resident basilisk or three. And for architecture. Ogres too. Ask Haarist'aaniar'aan while you can, and give me an offer to make to any more immortals who turn up at New Hope? They're not ambitious in mortal ways, but they won't be exploited either. Ozorne's lesson cut deep."
"So I have seen, Keladry-chan, and thank you. All that is very useful, and most hopeful. I would have asked had you not offered." His eyes were shrewd. "And I see also how such a Guild branch will become a new link between the Daidairi, as signatory to its recognition, and working people like fishermen, through merchants but bypassing nobles — unless, of course, they choose to become involved and abide by its most interesting rules about distribution of profit."
"It could do, yes. Will you pursue that path?"
"I believe I must, Keladry-chan, though not all concur. With the Fujiwara block gone we are imbalanced, and whatever else I do, his lands will be broken up. If my counterweight with the ministries is not to be the army, it must be the merchants and artisans."
Kel hadn't thought of it in those terms, but saw another opportunity.
"Do you know how the Protectors' Maids came about?"
She spent most of the afternoon riding with the imperials and explaining why Empress's Maids would be a throroughly good thing for everyone, before dropping back to fluster Patricine with a request to consider becoming the local Guild Deputy.
"Having been to New Hope and close to the delegation, you have more experience of immortals than almost anyone here except the guards, and being kin reassures me as well as working politically. The Emperor agreed at once, if you're willing. But it's not an obligation, Patricine, only an offer. I will say, though, I think you'd enjoy it, and the children will start being away more quite soon."
"Yes, they will. Katsumi will have to live in at the Academy for two years. I'm not sure what the girls want, because they aren't either, but Akemi is clear she's in no rush to get married, and that suits me fine."
"She can come to New Hope anytime, you know. You'll need to delegate and she can learn Guild ropes, if you'd like. And let me tell you about the new Empress's Maids."
She'd have liked that discussion to carry on once they'd stopped for the night at an imperial wayhouse by a small fishing village, Suzuoka, the last stop before Edo, but after supper found herself and Dom politely cornered by Isao-sensei, with Neil in tow, eyes alight.
"You have set me a most impossible task, Blessed, and I must understand all I can. Blessed Prince Eitaro has been eloquent, and Blessed Nealan-sama, but I need your own account, of your kindness."
To Kel's considerable discomfiture and the amusement of many who gathered, her three haiku were all thoroughly considered. The one to the Emperor, Isao thought well-made and most proper, entirely commendable but not commanding. But the two addressed to Lord Sakuyo were another matter, and had the old man at once exalted and pensive in a way that made her feel slightly giddy. She was also blushing.
"They are inspired, Blessed, but just now they are not inspiring me, only making me wonder how I can even hope to succeed in my task. But tell me what it was Lady noh Akaneru understood in quoting the last. She said it was the absurdity of petals thanking one another for a bath when the same storm has dislodged them all, and that I can grasp. But how it relates to those astonishing paintings Prince Eitaro showed me I have no idea at all."
Kel blinked. "He has them with him?"
Eitaro was listening, and nodded. "I do, Blessed Keladry-chan. We thought they might be needed at the dedication."
"I doubt it, my Prince." She wondered why she did. "There'll be new art, I think, and probably enough haiku to drown in. But that's beside the point. If they're being carried, they're still small?"
"Indeed."
"But you know the ones at New Hope grew, sensei?"
"I do, Blessed, hard as it is to imagine."
"You don't have to, sensei. Ebony?"
Button joined him on the wall, and from Var'istaan's shoulder Shale, and they made themselves big enough to convey the image Kel needed, with herself truly beside Dom, as she was now, and the blazing images of her towering above them both on the wall at New Hope. Lord Sakuyo's exquisitely calligraphed note was legible in her hand, with every mortal's eyes bugging out as her eyes had met Dom's and they had been lost to helpless laughter in which the High One had joined. The darkings made no sound but silver spread from his note to tinge their image as he did, and swirled as she crossed to Prince Eitaro to raise him from his knees and speak the haiku. The image froze, showing all three paintings with the mortals before them.
"Look at all of me, large and small, and see which laughed. Talk about a jest!"
But the old man had whipped a writing-set and paper from his sleeve, and after centring himself with a deep breath dipped his brush and set out some austerely beautiful kanji. Struck as always by the grace of Yamani calligraphy it wasn't until Kel tipped her head to read them that she realised what she had done.
Look at all of me,
large and small, and see which laughed.
Talk about a jest!
"A spontaneous haiku, Blessed." The old man sounded reverent, and Kel bit back something altogether rude as she recognised another of Lord Sakuyo's little jokes. "You have a vivid way with a final line."
"Ngh. Thank you, sensei, but that's not quite the point."
Dom laid a hand on her arm, his eyes as sympathetic as amused. "Let me try, love."
He'd had to deal with Neal in poetic mode often enough, so Kel sat back, letting exasperation dissolve into appreciation of absurdity.
"You must realise, Isao-sensei, that it was different for me, but I did understand our laugh, and the haiku when Kel translated it. She told me once she has identities like rings — the woman in her mirror, wife and mother, commander, countess, Protector, and beyond them all things others think of her, true or false. Each is bigger than the last, as all see, yet none is more than one woman I can hold in my arms, as all but she tend to forget. Lord Sakuyo painted the Protector, and even with Kel newly wed to an old sergeant in front of them, they tried speaking to the image, not the woman."
"Old sergeant my foot, but yes, that's it, love. People behaving as if the pictures were all truth even when I'm right there, real-size. And you understood, my Prince, that you can't bow if you're laughing properly."
"I did, Blessed, most wonderfully. You laughed because you were alive to do so, and deeply in love, you said, and for all the High One's great art the paintings are neither. I told you, Isao-sensei, not to forget your image of Blessed Keladry-chan calling wonders from the air, but to set it beside the woman you would make blush if you praised her haiku, and think about the gap between them."
"And," Dom added with an assumed earnestness that told her he was suppressing laughter, "think about how you'd feel if a dragon, two gods, and two hounds of the Hunt turned up at your wedding, and everyone goggled at you. Too rude, as you say here, so now you need to apologise to them for something that isn't your fault, so you're cross as well. But their silliness isn't worth it, and life's too short, so you laugh instead and that's both right and true." Dom paused, then shrugged, his voice becoming genuinely earnest. "You praise the legend. I love the woman. Kel knows the truth."
She was still pondering that with mixed emotions when Tobe got his old-man look. "Ma sees hearts, Isao-sensei, including her own, so she wants truth, always. The legend's there to be used, like that dragon against the Scanrans, but it depends on being an illusion. So she mostly finds trying to flatter her with its reflection silly as well as annoying."
Between embarrassment, pride, and rue, balance came, and with it laughter as rich as it was serene.
"Perfect, Tobe. Thank you. And yes, Kitten's rubbed off on me. I don't know if this will help, sensei, but honestly, think about the Graveyard Hag. You saw her. Do you think wide-eyed worship will get you anywhere with her? Gods don't like cheek, but they don't want a prostrate chorus either. If I've learned anything from their messing me about so much, it's to stand tall and answer straight even when they're at their most godly. Nothing else will do. And what do people amazed by my talking back to them as if they were perfectly sensible beings — and that's moot, mind you — decide they ought to do but include me in their prostrations? And then they splutter astonishment at every suggestion they might just have missed the point! The gods laugh, sensei, because otherwise they'd scream, and I've had days that way, too many of them to count." She paused, counting, and laughed again. "But laughing is best, and your verse need not praise mine. Gods prefer a joke."
With a look of resignation the old man reached once more for his brush and Kel excused herself to nurse and enjoy with Yuki the many strange looks that had passed across Neal's face.
