plot bnny death place

by fanfics-for-a-blind-friend

mestly dead plot stuff, some notes and thoughts. for aud

37. Chapter 37

Yaman

Two : Yaman

Heian-Kyó, 21–22 March

Kel had wondered if the ancient imperial capital would seem less impressive to adult senses than it had to a child's, but it was every bit as striking as she remembered and Tortallans seeing it for the first time were gratifyingly astonished. Tobe was speechless, and even Neal, who had been teasing Yuki by doing his best to seem unimpressed, was heard to whistle softly. Built in a perfect, symmetrical grid in a wide valley surrounded by peaks, where three swift rivers joined to settle into a broad, navigable waterway, Heian-Kyó was dominated by the enormous Palace Compound at the northern end of the great central thoroughfare, the clustering ministries of the Emperor's Right and Left Hands that flanked it, and the extensive Temple District on the west side ; to the south a thriving mercantile city extended east to the major confluence, and busy wharves lined the river banks. In a very Yamani way the architecture was, while always functional, uniform, the houses of particular heights, and palace, pagoda temples, and warehouses showing the same steeply raked tile rooves that gleamed dark reds and greens in the spring sunshine. And though the flowering trees were only just beginning to think of blossoming, their glory several weeks away, the groves around the city and the crowns of those in the parks deepened the sense of a very different order than Tortall's.

Thanks to a cunning system of gated side-channels that Kel had quite forgotten, but set her to thinking furiously about the Vassa, the River Yodo was navigable from the major confluence to the sea, more than twenty miles away. Prince Eitaro had met them at the port with all due ceremony — hours of it — but also a personal warmth for Tortallans with whom he was by now well acquainted, expressed to Kel and her parents in a surprisingly public use of imperial-to-friend that gave them no choice but to use its reciprocal. With massed baggage despatched by cart, they had transferred with Jonathan's and Thayet's honour guard to an enormous river-barge that Alanna, as sea-sick as any mortal could be, had eyed with pale loathing, but it had proven a kind enough ride that even she had mostly recovered by the time Heian-Kyó came in sight. All the other first-time visitors, including the royals, Neal, and immortals with the Guild party — officially a delegation to confirm the satisfactory completion of the temple contract — had been fascinated by the flooded rice-fields on either side, worked by wide-hatted men and women, the different vegetation of the islands, and the high-arched bridges under which the barge and its escorts were carefully manoeuvred. The gated channels had allowed them to bypass two short sets of rapids and rise with the land, leaving Kel and her parents, with Yuki and Shinko, to manage a variety of rather charged conversations with Prince Eitaro and senior members of his retinue.

Matters were, to say the least, tenser than even her Papa had quite understood. There had been a certain amount of scepticism, not to say outright disbelief, about events reported from New Hope, and as that implicitly called Prince Eitaro, as well as Takemahou-sensei and Lord Kiyomuri, either fools or knaves the lines dividing understandable surprise, problematic insult, and incipient treason were distinctly thin. But beyond that a perennial problem of Yamani politics had twined about the matter like bindweed, as the Prince had admitted.

"It would all be a typhoon in a teapot, Keladry-sensei, were it not for Lord Fujiwara." He had visibly scowled as he spoke the name, for a Yamani the equivalent of many blunt epithets. "His ambitions and his marriage-ties with my cousins on both sides have always made him a dangerous man to oppose, even for His Imperial Majesty, and since he learned you had all been invited he has chosen — twice, in public — to express his disinclination to believe in what he has not himself seen. Last time, at a secondary feast for the Emperor's birthday, a young kamunushi of

Lord Sakuyo dared ask if he therefore doubted the existence of the gods. Lord Fujiwara was by all accounts less than amused, and the poor man was found strangled a few nights later."

All the listening Tortallans had winced. The killing of any priest was a matter of serious concern, and they all knew the Fujiwaras were potentially a very real threat to Imperial power. For many generations the powerful and usually shrewd lords of the great western clan had aspired not to take the throne but to be the power behind it, and it was only in the last two that the Nakuji emperors had pushed back with any success. His Imperial Majesty's father had nearly precipitated a civil war by marrying to suit himself, declining the bride Fujiwaras favoured, and subsequently spent much of his long reign chipping at the clan's entrenched influence ; his elder son had extended the policy and, like Prince Eitaro, without the influence of a Fujiwara mother to sway him had also chosen to avoid a Fujiwara mother-in-law. The present Lord Fujiwara's son still held a Ministry of the lesser, Right Hand, but the clan was now excluded from those of the dominant Left and from the Governorships of all but their own province and its immediate neighbour, and were apparently finding the restrictions ever more irksome.

"Nothing could be proved, of course, and we cannot risk making a martyr of him. He is looking to embarrass us somehow, we think, and so to discredit the treaties with both spidrens and Tortall."

Kel had nodded but new priorities had been crystallising in her mind. "May I ask what he believes about immortals, my Prince? Might he offer harm to any under my protection?"

To her dismay he had only shrugged.

"They are under His Imperial Majesty's protection also, Keladry-sensei, as are the basilisks and ogres in Edo, so I would like to say no, of course not. But Michizane noh Fujiwara is not to be trusted in anything, and has said that where one dragon was an illusion, none can say others were not. He has also strongly criticised the kamunushi at Edo for allowing — forgive me — gaijin and beasts to design their new temple. And he has openly doubted that those astonishing paintings are by Lord Sakuyo. It is a poor hospitality, I know, but I fear you and the Guild delegation must be on guard." He had brightened. "But you will have samurai, of course, and newly recruited spidrens from Wangetsushima. Michizane disapproves of them too, needless to say, but that does not make them any less formidable."

Kel imagined not, inwardly shuddering even though it had been her idea, but remained extremely disturbed and had had a long conversation with the adults in the Guild delegation — St'aara and Var'istaan, Kuriaju, and a spotlessly clean Cloestra — and with Tobe and other younglings — Kitten, Ventriaju, Amiir'aan, and Amourta. She half-regretted that Irnai had chosen not to come, deciding she'd had enough travelling for a while, but was also grateful that she at least was not in harm's way ; and altogether regretted that Jump and the sparrows had also declined, Jump feeling he should stay with Peachblossom and the sparrows thinking an ocean voyage altogether unnatural.

"We don't want any trouble, of course, and hope there'll be none, but there's a more serious threat than anyone realised." Her account of Yamani politics and the threat of the Fujiwara clan had been stripped down for clarity but was supplemented by her parents, Shinko and Yuki, and even once or twice by an intrigued Prince Eitaro, listening with Jonathan, Thayet, Alanna, Dom, and Neal. Then Kel had shrugged eloquently, steel coming into her voice. "But for all these complicated mortal politics, the rule is simple. So long as it's just words you should all smile politely, and younglings, refer anyone who pushes it to the nearest adult, of any kind. But if there's a physical threat — a sword drawn or an arrow nocked, or a mage summoning power — then your first and only job is to protect yourselves and your fellows, and you do whatever it takes. You all have full diplomatic status, and I trust every one of your judgements, so if the threat is real and unavoidable, you go right ahead."

No-one was happy at the prospect but the adults had nodded, taking their own young aside for council and reassurance, while Kel herself tried to do as much for Tobe and Kitten. When Prince Eitaro had hesitantly enquired if young immortals were truly as able as their elders to kill Kel had nodded sharply.

"Be sure of it, my Prince. Lady Skysong could not produce as much dragonfire as Lord Diamondflame, nor for as long, but it takes very little to consume a man. Ventriaju helped kill a giant with his sling, a petrified chest is quite as fatal as a petrified body, and Amourta's wings are no blunter for being small. I don't want any of them taking life — they are far younger in terms of their kinds even than I am in mortal ones — but they are quite capable and I meant every word."

The Prince had frowned but nodded sadly. "I understand, Keladry-sensei. Yet mortal deaths at immortal hands would be more than unfortunate."

"Believe me, my Prince, not so unfortunate as any immortal deaths or injuries at treacherous mortal ones. But if you'll excuse me, I think the twins are waking."

Kel's and Dom's son and daughter had not yet had formal namedays — those awaited Samradh at New Hope, amid excited bets about who might attend — but they had agreed the boy would be Merric and the girl Lalasa, and they had already brought their parents more joy and broken nights than could readily be measured. Their delivery, amid a strong sense of the Green Lady's reassuring presence, has been in the midwife's view astonishingly easy, though Kel had had some choice words about that characterisation of the process ; and nursing them, if sometimes inconvenient and requiring averted gazes, had proven not only a heart-deep satisfaction and pleasure but a transcendent solace for the burden of killing she still felt. Retiring from the Prince's presence to the feeding-room provided even on the barge, Kel had lost herself in the satisfaction of giving suck and the deftness with which she had learned to cradle one at each breast, swapping them over when they fussed, until she had been recalled by a troubled enquiry from Kitten. The dragonet usually had a reptile's fascination with nursing as well as sharing Kel's pleasure in the nurture of the young, but the gravity of Kel's earlier warnings and advice had perturbed her.

Harming mortals or the People was the thing grandsire spoke most strictly about when he taught me the fire spell.

"I know, Kit, but he taught you mostly because he knew you might need it — really need it — one day. And you know he fought with us during the Immortals War, burning that invasion fleet."

Kitten swished her tail. I suppose so. But the idea of burning someone does not seem right.

"That's because it isn't, but even so it's better than you being hurt, just as using your grandsire's gift was better than having Maggur take New Hope. The mortal realms are muddled, and sometimes we have to choose the lesser wrong. Have you talked to Var'istaan? He petrified a giant so he'll understand what you're feeling."

The dragonet gave a melancholy chirp. That is a good idea, and the basilisks are always helpful. I will do so. She lacked her usual bounce going out, and Dom, coming the other way, looked after her, then at Kel with an enquiring look.

"Is she worried about this Fujiwara fellow?"

"Not him so much as having to use fire against anyone."

"Ah. Well, we all have to face what defending ourselves can mean sooner or later." He sighed. "I'd hoped we were done with that sort of thing for a bit, though. And she's very young for it."

"Older than I was." Kel had first killed men when she was twelve, and Kitten was now fifteen. Dom grimaced an apology and she smiled at him. "But she isn't training to be a knight, and she is young. I don't think it's just killing, though, Dom — it's using dragonfire to kill. Diamondflame seems to have been pretty inhibiting when he taught her the spell. Sensibly enough."

They had both seen what dragonfire did to flesh and bone, and he nodded, eyes dark.

"Gods, yes. Do you really think someone will try violence, love? Wouldn't it force the emperor to act against them?"

Kel shrugged. "I'd think so. But that's why I was worried about the immortals. I thought making it mostly younglings would be a way to satisfy curiosity and dispel doubts without the kind of reactions Quenuresh or Kawit tend to produce, but I realise too late it might also make people underestimate the threat. The Yamanis haven't had much experience of immortals except spidrens and a pair of griffins in the mountains above the Palace, and the Fujiwaras have been being pushed into a corner for a long time." She waggled a hand. "Even so, open violence seems unlikely. But … I don't know, some attempt at humiliation dressed up as a Sakuyan trick could be a strong public slap at His Imperial Majesty."

"Well, we'll have to be careful, love. Are Merric and Lalasa done stuffing themselves? I came to say the city's coming into sight."

"I think so."

Both babes were still going through the motions but no more, and made only token protests when Dom called the chief caremaid, Annila, to take them back. Kel refastened her tunic, thinking Thayet had been wise to insist on a nursery staff ; night feeds meant she wasn't getting more than three or four hours sleep at a stretch, but with the Guild delegation to mind and now the distracting prospect of Fujiwara plots it was a blessing not to have to worry about their other ends, nor the paraphernalia required. Just how much room babies seemed to take up was a mystery, but a royal nursery commanded its own space. Stretching and feeling a different pleasure in muscles swiftly returning to proper fitness she hesitated, following a thought, and checking that Annila was out of earshot spoke to the broad piping on her collar.

"Ebony, would you please summarise what we've just learned, and my talk with Kit, and make sure Lord Diamondflame or Lord Rainbow are told as soon as may be? Not just a watchdragon. And ask them, if I do my best with the mortal end, will they keep an eye on the other one?"

"Yes. Not fun?"

"Fun and not fun, I think. Lord Sakuyo's a lot nicer than Kyprioth, but still."

"Dragons right. Gods annoying."

"Often enough." Dom was giving her that look again. "What?"

"Just trying to keep up, love. What are you thinking?"

"That I'm glad we could indulge the darkings' love of secrecy by keeping their presence quiet." Dom had Button, and Var'istaan Shale, and while Kel was sure Jonathan and Thayet suspected it nothing was even remotely official. "And that Lord Sakuyo's on a roll. I don't distrust him, but he is a god and Kit's in my care. So — a heads-up disguised as courteous reporting."

"Sneaky and honest together. That's my Kel." Dom's voice was as approving as Ebony's interested squeak, and Kel shook her head, wondering at men and darkings as she followed Dom out to the deck.

As the great barge slowly docked, Prince Eitaro and several of his retinue were politely pointing things out to visitors, including immortals, while Cloestra, perched with Amourta on the rail, was commenting in Yamani on changes since she'd last seen the place five or six centuries before, so an amused Kel could stand with Dom and Tobe to watch the vista unfold. And it wasn't just to the eyes — the smells brought a riot of memories, and she inhaled deeply.

"That sharpness under the city smells and the river is pickle markets and warehousing — vinegar, brine, fermented things they use, with sweet fruits and drying fish slivers."

"The fish I'd identified, but not the rest."

Dom's voice was resigned and Kel grinned. "No avoiding raw fish here, fresh or dried."

In the shadow of the long stretch of wharves and warehouses at the south end of the city only the Palace and temple rooves had remained visible over rooftops, but the great central road, Suzaku-oji, led to its own imperial river-gate, the Rajomon, with a wide space on either side through which a vista of the city again appeared, and Dom and Tobe both whistled.

"Mithros! That road must be nearly three hundred feet wide."

One of Prince Eitaro's retinue with good Tortallan was near them, and nodded politely.

"Just so, Blessed Lord. Suzaku-oji is 28 jo from side to side, and one jo is a little less than ten of your feet."

"Thank you." Dom's voice dropped to a murmur for Kel alone. "Wide loads?"

She swallowed a laugh. "No, just aesthetics and politics. If it were narrower the view would be less beautiful and less intimidating. And everything's symmetrical — there are spiritual principles underlying the design I never did understand, though Papa says he grasped them once, for a moment or two."

"Huh. Do you think the King's having visions of widening Palace Way?" "Let's hope not. He'd have to do a lot of demolishing."

Further conversation died as they all contemplated the honour guard emerging to line the wharf — two score imperial samurai in ceremonial armour, and a dozen spidrens wearing helmets and scalemail flanchards, with wicked steel blades — glaive blades, Kel thought, rather than swords

— strapped to their front four legs so they projected up, surrounding every spidren with a deadly steel crown.

"Oh … my." Dom's voice was even lower. "Remind you of anything?"

Kel stilled a grimace, settling her Yamani mask in place. "I know, love. I realised soon after I had the idea they'd look like killing devices, but also that Lord Sakuyo would be amused by it."

"He would?"

"So long as they're fighting for whomever he favours, I'm afraid. File under divine irony."

More theology would have to wait, despite the look on Dom's face, as mooring ropes had been secured and a wide gangplank run out. Protocol being very much in order, Kel, Dom, and Tobe

were behind the royals, Alanna as King's Champion, and her ducal parents, with Neal and Yuki behind them, but as both kinds of samurai formed a flanking guard the senior spidren, with a glance at the samurai officer for permission, came forward and offered Kel one of those strange spidren bows before speaking in a Yamani mode Kel recognised with some surprise as samurai to senior noble.

"You are the one they call the Protector of the Small, my Lady, with whom Quenuresh signed the first treaty?"

Kel nodded. "I am. Forgive my ignorance, sir, but how should I most properly address you?"

The spidren hissed. "No forgiveness is needed, Protector. Quite the opposite. I am Kravimal, and I am bound by my elders and kin to offer you the deep thanks of all spidrens of Wangetsushima. This service to the Emperor buys all of us peace, and our young the expectation of life to enjoy it in. Your name is power among us." He bowed again, before turning to the immortals in line behind Kel and using adult to adult. "Greetings, brethren and sistren. His Imperial Majesty charges me to say that if you have any needs of your kind that are not being met, ask me or any of my troop. And when time comports, if you will, the spidrens of Wangetsushima have a question for the Craftsbeings' Guild of New Hope."

Kel managed to stop blinking and return a grave nod, wondering what that question might be.

"Thank you, Kravimal, and please convey my respects to your elders and kin. Whatever serves order and peace serves us all."

The samurai spidren's gaze was sharp. "It is for the chance to believe it so that we thank you, Protector, and I am honoured as well as ordered to know you. But I cannot dally now."

"Of course. Please carry on."

Ahead of them Prince Eitaro was joining the royals in the first of a string of zagyoshiki state carriages, and as Kel, Dom, and Tobe, with Neal and Yuki, took places in the third she saw that the last looked to have been adapted and strengthened. Even so, with basilisks and ogres aboard it sat low on its springs, and the beautifully matched horses huffed as they got it rolling. Suzaku-oji was lined with crowds, respectfully silent in the Yamani way but densely packed and stretching away down every cross-street, clearly curious to see the gaijin royals to whom the Emperor was now related by blood. Though she was facing forwards a murmuring swell from behind told her they must also be wide-eyed at the Guild delegation, and she was all too aware of the intense stares that came her own way, wondering — not for the first time — what unholy compound Yamanis had made of stories they'd heard about her and New Hope. A Blessed gaijin sensei of the naginata would be fodder for wild gossip, however she wished it otherwise, and Lord Sakuyo's paintings and paragraph would not have helped — but she didn't know how widely those might have been seen by ordinary folk, nor what any kamunushi had been saying. But doubtless she'd find out soon enough, and Dom had become quite tense beside her. She slid a hand into his.

"Worried about the language?"

He shrugged slightly. "Not so much, love. You've been a ruthless teacher, and I'll just make sure I'm standing beside Neal so my accent sounds better than it is."

"Oy!"

Neal's protest made Yuki roll her eyes, and Kel grinned.

"What, then? The politics?""

"Sort of. I know silence is thought proper here, but this crowd feels odd to me, over and above face-paint and gawping. Something's ringing my old sergeant's alarm bells."

"Huh." Kel considered. Dom had been a very good sergeant. "All the commoners pushed back? Or symmetry? The front rows are bureaucrats and priests with their wives — the colours tell you which ministry or god, and belt-knots show rank. There were richer merchants back by the gate, but they thinned out fast — the city's dominated by civil and divine governance and there will have been plenty of petty politics about precedence, I bet."

"Yes, maybe. That's some of it, anyway. But something feels like a threat, and I'm less surprised Prince Eitaro was afraid there'd be trouble, love. We're walking into a hornet's nest."

That was nothing but true, Kel reflected — and a far bigger nest than she'd foreseen ; he was right there were was a tension in the crowds that shouldn't attend visiting allies, even with immortals involved. And if a part of her was whispering that she was a lake, that calmness was always better, especially in Yaman, and that not even Michizane noh Fujiwara could seriously mean to harm imperial guests, a familiar anger was beginning to glow. Politics was politics, and people would mess with them, hoping for advantage, but if it threatened younglings in her charge, well, the Black God was always open for business. And while Lord Sakuyo might, given the kind of jesting he must have in mind, use such anger despite her resentment, and the gods gave no guarantees, she trusted him more than most. A decision crystallised.

"I think we are, love, but I don't believe His Nibs means us to be pushed about by Lord Fujiwara or anyone else. And you know, Yuki, I'm beginning to think there really might be thunder before laughter."

Yuki's face showed tension beneath her white paint, but she nodded, taking a steadying breath. "Certainly, Keladry-chan. What should I do?"

"Who knows until it happens, Yuki? But I can't see he'd need us involved unless he's decided he's had enough of something."

Yuki all but frowned. "You believe Lord Fujiwara is to be rebuked?"

Kel shrugged slightly. "Maybe. It seems he's the problem. But there'll be enough hot needles to go round, I imagine, as well as grace."

Yuki nodded again, and Kel was still pondering that rebuked and the story of the murdered kamunushi when the carriage slowed to pass through the Suzakomon, the Great Jade Gate of the Imperial Compound. To her surprise they didn't stop in the First Square but passed through a further arch into the Second, where the enormous welcoming party, a sea of colourful robes and painted faces, was — she blinked — led by the Emperor himself ; still more astonishingly, he was accompanied by what must be his heir, Prince Taikyuu, about Tobe's age, whom she had last seen wailing in a beautiful and almost certainly very uncomfortable crib. Patricine and Toshuro were there, with her Yamani nephew and nieces, and other faces she recognised, including Keiichi and Takemahou-sensei. Kel could see Cricket speaking swiftly to the other royals, and even as she muttered identifications to Dom and Tobe her brain was spinning with the implications — but of course any real Fujiwara threat to the Emperor would have to be aimed at his independent choice of wife and the heir of that union, and he must have decided he had to confront it directly. Her instinctive rage with any threat to a child kicked up a notch, and she had a fleeting sense of Lord Sakuyo's approval, but the carriage had halted and a footman was kneeling to steady a wooden step by the door he'd opened.

Much as she disliked it, she had precedence in descending, and with a flicker of intuition thanked the kneeling man, though it was against Yamani protocol to notice servants. Dom, Tobe, and Neal saw nothing strange in it, though Yuki's voice had a certain flatness as she followed the lead. The further waiting footmen included two brawny men carrying a perch for Cloestra and Amourta, a thoughtful gesture Kel appreciated, and a quick whisper had a darking message relayed to Var'istaan. A moment later, as their carriage rolled away, she could hear behind her the descending immortals offering their own thanks to their footmen. It was a small thing, and they might have done it anyway, but it felt right. Before her Jonathan and Thayet, having with Roald and Shinko given royal and received imperial greetings, had let her Papa take over introducing others to His Imperial Majesty and Highness.

As she had come directly from the Copper Isles, none of them had had any chance to drill Alanna, whose Yamani remained rudimentary, so necessary translations meant the Emperor's elaborately complimentary welcome (and satisfying the open curiosity of Prince Taikyuu) took a while. It gave Kel a chance to study them carefully : Daichi noh Takuji had inherited later and was more than a decade older than Jonathan, but their eyes had the same look, placed there by the powers they wielded and decisions they had to take. Though hair and eyebrows had silvered and his face was more lined than she remembered, he had kept trim and warrior training could be seen in his movement, even with his gorgeous robes. The Prince also had the look of a lad in regular training, and a kindness in his face Kel suspected his father had had before rule beat it out of him. Widening her attention she became aware of the tensions centred on a square-jawed man in the first rank of courtiers, richly dressed in Fujiwara colours but too young to be Lord Michizane ; one of his sons, probably. The various kamunushi present seemed tense as well, and she was reminded of Lord Kiyomori's unamused earnestness at New Hope. Had all the blessed priests forgotten their own special High One was a trickster, his great voice a boom of laughter? And if that were part of the problem … Her thoughts were recalled by her father's voice.

"My youngest daughter Keladry you will remember, of course, my Emperor, if not her many hard-earned dignities as Lady Knight, Countess of New Hope and Clanchief Hléoburh, Protector of the Small, one of Lord Sakuyo's Blessed, Master of the Craftsbeings' Guild, and — well, there isn't actually a Yamani word, I believe, but if there were it might be Dragontalker. Keladry, His Imperial Majesty and His Imperial Highness."

Gritting her teeth slightly — she'd had words with Papa about his careful coinage, avoiding the pitfall of dragonlord where the dragon was an imperial metaphor — and feeling the Emperor's intent and perhaps anxious gaze settle on her, Kel offered her bow and spoke very formally.

"Your Imperial Majesty, Your Imperial Highness." Both nodded, not speaking. "It is this fortunate one's great honour to see You again, and her pleasure to return to Your realm."

"Blessed Protector-sensei." That was a new one, and Kel had to stop herself blinking as the Emperor's own mouth quirked. "It is a puzzle to know how best to address you. Blessed Prince Eitaro's account of New Hope was altogether remarkable, as were the paintings he brought me."

"The Blessed Prince had the happy fortune to visit at an auspicious time, Your Imperial Majesty, while Lord Sakuyo of course does as he will." The paintings weren't a topic Kel wanted to discuss just yet, if at all. "And this one is remiss in not thanking You personally for the petals of Your blessing on us at New Hope, and for the naginata instructors You sent to assist the pages in training."

The Emperor's gaze was sharp, though his voice was bland. "We could do no less, Blessed, and all admired your haiku."

Her occasional Yamani poetry wasn't a topic Kel wanted to discuss either, and a veiled gaze acknowledged the praise while letting it pass.

"May this fortunate one introduce her husband, Count Domitan of New Hope, Clanchief–Consort Hléoburh, and our adopted son, Tobeis?"

Both managed creditable bows, not that Kel had doubted them, and the Emperor nodded, something in his look suggesting appreciation of her adherence to proper formulae despite the oddity, in Yaman as much as Tortall, of a woman having precedence over her husband.

"Blessed Count Domitan, Blessed Tobeis. It is Our pleasure to welcome you to Our realm, for you too figured largely in Blessed Prince Eitaro's reports. And none could fail to be moved by the rescue of so many children from necromancy." Was that a hesitation? "Prince Taikyuu was interested, and hopes to hear a fuller story than the official report."

Kel thought Dom had understood but was uncertain how to respond, beyond a slight smile and bow of acknowledgement ; Tobe smiled too, mostly at the Prince, and answered cheerfully, basilisk and stormwing drills in the High Mode and the vocabulary he might want showing to advantage.

"It will be this fortunate one's pleasure to tell you, Your Imperial Highness, but it was only what was needed. The High Ones were most wonderfully angry with the necromancer."

It would be beneath the Emperor's dignity to congratulate any gaijin for doing what all obviously should (if few did), but the spark of surprised calculation was visible in his eyes.

"So We understand, Blessed Tobeis. And that you have strong horse-magic as well as a maturity beyond your years."

"This one has that luck, Your Imperial Majesty." Kel, if not the Emperor, saw Tobe's own calculation spin in his eyes, enthusiasm touching his voice. "Your matched pangare bays are beautiful."

"We think so too." It was also beneath an Emperor's dignity to grin, but his voice warmed. "Perhaps Prince Taikyuu can show you the stud, if you are interested."

Prince and Tobe looked equally enthusiastic, but Tobe showed yet more wisdom in answering only with another bow and smile, and the Emperor's gaze came back to Kel, something like approval joining his calculation.

"So one thing at least is settled." His eyes flickered sideways. "And Blessed Lady Yukimi needs no introduction, while We are pleased to see her again."

Though obviously surprised by the deviation from protocol Yuki's curtsey was perfect and Neal's bow acceptable. Kel was nearer than her father, and the Emperor had not dismissed her, so she supposed the introduction fell to her.

"May this one make known to You Blessed Lady Yukimi's husband, Your Imperial Majesty? Blessed Sir Nealan of Queenscove, heir to Blessed Duke Baird." The blizzard of blesseds was absurd, as His Nibs must have realised it would be, but strictly necessary and they were all wearing their jade tokens for more than one good reason.

"Blessed Sir Nealan." This imperial gaze was one she had no difficulty recognising, Kel realised

— royal survey of a known quantity now met in person — and the contrast clarified her sense of his anxiety. She should have expected it, she supposed, but even now the idea that the Yamani emperor, a gorgeous and remote figure of childhood, should be made anxious by her seemed altogether the wrong way round. She saw Yuki holding her breath, but if Neal's accent remained horrible his vocabulary and grammar were decent, and the gods knew he'd had the High Mode

drilled into him by everyone. The Emperor nodded, his voice to Yuki warm.

"Our niece's letters have made clear what a boon you have been to her, Blessed Lady Yukimi, as to Blessed Crown Prince Roald and the Blessed Protector, and that like your brother you grow from strength to strength. And We should not delay your reunion with him and your most esteemed parents." That dismissal was clear but the Emperor's eyes came back to Kel. "As you are the Guildmaster, Blessed, perhaps your esteemed father will not mind if you introduce Us to its delegation."

It wasn't a question, nor was the answer in doubt, but Kel scrupulously glanced at her Papa, who merely flickered an eyebrow, and gave Neal and Yuki time to move on before gesturing the waiting immortals — and two sweating footmen holding the perch with Cloestra and Amourta — forward. She couldn't change mode, but Sakuyan blessedness didn't apply to immortals and she shifted register slightly.

"Truth to tell, Your Imperial Majesty, if mortal protocol applied this one would face a pretty puzzle balancing the seniorities of kinds and individuals. Fortunately, though all have heard Lord Sakuyo's laughter, they care more for the pragmatic than protocol. Var'istaan and St'aara, with St'aara's son Amiir'aan, were among the first builders of New Hope. Kuriaju and his nephew Ventriaju came later, but are founder members of the Guild."

Eitaro had told her his brother had met the basilisks and ogres working at Edo when they arrived, and neither caused him undue anxiety now. The universal fluency of immortals in Yamani was also imperially encouraging, and the Emperor knew enough about the siege to offer proper praises to Var'istaan and Ventriaju. But Cloestra and Amourta were another matter, spotlessly clean as they might be, and their nakedness did not help ; but there was Cloestra's visibly Yamani heritage and its echo in Amourta. Kel made the formal introductions, waited on the stormwings' precise responses, seeing the wariness in imperial eyes, and let a confiding tone into her voice even as she projected it more strongly, a command trick of Raoul's she had long learned to appreciate.

"Cloestra has been telling us of her memories of Heian -Kyó in centuries past, Your Imperial Majesty. Those Amourta cannot of course share, Your Imperial Highness, for she has but two mortal years, and is the youngest member of the Guild — though by no means the least, having been among those stormwings who fulfilled Shakith's prophecy."

The Emperor had heard what she was doing, and if a strange glint came to his eye he didn't hesitate in joining Prince Taikyuu in expressing appreciation of precocity. And Amourta played along perfectly, her impeccable Yamani and ironic understanding in blazing contrast to her stated age and inexperience.

"The Protector was forced to very great slaughter before Queen Barzha could kill King Maggur. It was extremely nourishing." Light glinted on steel feathers and teeth. "And we have a gift for Your Imperial Majesty on the Guild's behalf, if such does not offend."

Curiosity joined mild shock in imperial eyes. "By no means."

Kuriaju produced from a pocket only an ogre's tunic could harbour a long, slim case, and held it open in Yamani style.

"An arrow fletched by the Protector with my hatching down. She gave one to Lord Weiryn of the Hunt, who informs us that its virtue, beyond that of all stormwing fletching, as a magekiller, is to cleave to its target through any armour, as I clove open my shell."

"Indeed?"

Kel had already noted archer's callouses on imperial hands, and was gratified but unsurprised by obviously genuine interest as he peered at and extracted the arrow, turning it in his hands ; with another breath of intuition she took a risk, and dropping her voice to a murmur dropped also into the friend-to-imperial Prince Eitaro had insisted on.

"Beware the vanes, my Emperor, for they will slice even godflesh to the bone."

His eyes flashed and as he carefully replaced the arrow in its case he replied in the mode's proper reverse before switching up again.

"Thank you, Keladry-chan. And Our warm thanks, Amourta, Cloestra, and all, for such an immortal gift."

A pleased Kel let her voice become brisker, while still projecting and modifying her formal register a little more.

"And last, Your Imperial Majesty, though again by no means least, allow me to present Journeydragon Lady Skysong — also very young in terms of her own kind, having but fifteen years, yet the first qualified Journeybeing of the Guild, as well as one granted Honorary Citizenship of New Hope for her great part in its creation. She is also thereby, despite her youth, the senior dragon among those resident in the Mortal Realms, though some are many centuries older."

Most of that had been negotiated with Kit long before, to much mutual amusement, but on the river barge Kit's response had been modified, adding to her deep nod (dragons, she had told Kel quite flatly, did not bow) a momentary wreath of dragonfire hovering in the air between them that had everyone straightening.

Such is my honour, Emperor Daichi noh Takuji, and I am happy now to offer you, beyond my own, the greetings of Ancestor Rainbow Windheart, who rules the Dragonmeet, and of my grandsire, Lord Diamondflame, dominant among dragonkind. They are pleased we should be again known among mortals in the Time of the Protector.

Kel hadn't much cared for the last phrase, but with darking relay available Kit had had both Rainbow's and Diamondflame's interested support, so protest had been futile ; and perhaps the dragons had been right. The rippling shock among courtiers told her Kit's increasingly potent mindvoice had slapped sensibilities hard, and the combination of native dignity and authority (and flame) served notice to anyone with sense that Kit's size belied her potency. The Emperor's return nod was also deeper than to others, acknowledging it.

"Thank you, Journeydragon Lady Skysong, and do please convey Our own greetings to Ancestor Rainbow Windheart and Lord Diamondflame. Should they ever have occasion to visit Our realm, we would be honoured."

That Kel filed away — not that adult dragons would wait on an invitation if they did have occasion. And Kit had her own notions about how much protocol should delay satisfying curiosity.

I will. Does the dragon that is your symbol have a name?

The Emperor blinked. "Ah, no, not a personal one. The symbol is ryuujin."

Kel told me that, but dragons do not have kings or gods, so it sounds odd. The image is more accurate than Scanran ones, though.

"They are improving these days, Kit, you must admit."

I suppose, but they could hardly get any sillier.

Kel's laughing eyes met the Emperor's. "Lady Skysong was quite exercised when she first heard the Hamrkengingsaga, Your Imperial Majesty, as you may have read, and remains keen to correct mortal misapprehensions of her kind arising from their long absence from these realms."

There was imperial amusement, but something more, too.

"As is proper, Blessed Protector-sensei. No dragon should be misapprehended." His eyes glinted intent. "But We detain you from other introductions. Toshuro-sama will guide you."

Following the Emperor's gesture, Kel bowed again to him and his son, and with the waiting Toshuro, Patricine, and her parents led the Guild delegation to join a circuit of lesser greetings. Eitaro was conducting the Tortallan royals around various senior courtiers and kamunushi, and Takemahou-sensei was doing as much for Alanna, Neil, and Yuki ; Yuki's parents and Keiichi had joined them. As they made their way across the courtyard Kel rested a hand briefly on Tobe's shoulder, matching Dom's on the other side, and kept her voice to a murmur.

"Nicely done, Tobe."

"Indeed." Her Papa's voice was equally low. "Do you understand what's going on, Kel? I am frankly puzzled by several things."

"A pointed display, but beyond that ..."

"Mmm."

There was no time for more, and a determined, polite briskness with senior nobles and bureaucrats of the Left-Hand ministries — the military and samurai, treasury, and security — kept them moving at a fair rate despite obvious curiosity about her and the immortals. But the switch to Right-Hand ministries brought them to the man she had assumed, correctly, was Lord Fujiwara's son, Lord Shoji, here in his own right but also deputising for his father in his absence — itself probably a calculated slap, especially as Shoji's name declared him a second son. The Yamani way would suggest exquisite, pointed politeness around the overt insult, framing its rebuke, but the pinched distaste in Lord Shoji's face made Kel wonder, and she found herself unsurprised when after the barest nod he looked at his senior bureaucrat.

"Despite her gaijin size she's a lot smaller than she looks in those paintings supposedly by Sakuyo. I can't imagine why she's been allowed to cause so much trouble."

A dozen calculations flipped through Kel's mind as she saw Toshuro freeze and heard her parents' startled breaths. Raising one hand slightly to forestall anyone else's response she let her voice flatten.

"The originals of Lord Sakuyo's paintings at New Hope are very much larger than the divine copies His Imperial Majesty has, my Lord, and the discrepancy between my apparent and real sizes a part of his point you seem to have misunderstood. You should consider it carefully. And what trouble can you mean?"

There were a score of ways she could have answered him, and what he had expected she couldn't guess ; flustered silence, probably, but certainly not the direct question she'd chosen. It was she to whom he was being introduced, and she had not dismissed him, so anything he said was addressed to her, no matter where his face was pointed : which made his tactics as inept as they were brazen. And after a nasty, spreading silence, he tried a fool's escape without even the courtesy of apology.

"I was not aware you spoke Yamani so … competently."

"No? My commiserations then, my Lord. Tell me, if you will, was it birth, malady, or accident that deprived you of your hearing? I would not wish to make any unfortunate assumption in so delicate a matter."

Toshuro's stillness shifted from shock to predatory enjoyment, and the bureaucrat's eye also acquired a glint. Lord Shoji's looked more like a fresh-caught fish's as the mallet came down, but as silence spread again Kel thought giving him half-an-out would be wise.

"No matter — I understand that you would not wish to speak of such misfortune. But you have not answered my question, my Lord. Perhaps you didn't hear it. What trouble did you mean?"

Her continued use of his honorific while properly using senior to junior noble — she held her title in her own right — was a running rebuke to his rudeness, and he knew it. But though he had no-one to blame but himself, she could see only surprised fury in his eyes as he drew sharp breath. His voice acquired a grating quality.

"You are said to have killed many."

Kel considered, not letting the silence rush her. She doubted he had the least insight into the burden of killing on the scale she had managed, but vile as it had been she had made her peace with it, as with the Black God, and though she never forgot her dead neither did she allow them to haunt her more than was necessary.

"Alas, my Lord, it is said truly. War has that effect. I had lost count of men I have killed long before the siege of New Hope, and that dwarfed all that had gone before." She cocked her head slightly. "But as the first five hundred or so there were self-declared traitors, in arms against their king, and the next thousand or two Scanran invaders, I am at a loss to understand how you suppose me to have caused these troubles. Perhaps you will enlighten me, my Lord?"

After some very uncomfortable seconds Toshuro spoke, though whether he was calming or stirring Kel wasn't sure.

"I would imagine, Blessed Protector-sensei, that Lord Shoji averted to the divine attention so clearly focused on you in recent years."

"Ah. Thank you, Toshuro-sama. An understandable error, then, my Lord, but one you would do well to correct. The gods do as they will, always, and mortal notions of cause and effect are … less than adequate to their purposes. I am quite sure, for example, that Lord Sakuyo's attention is on us both, just now, but to think I was the cause would be to suppose a man killed in a storm was the victim of a house, and not of the wind that blew its roof-tile onto his head."

He was still trying to work it out when she smiled enquiringly at the bureaucrat, forcing Lord Shoji to make the introduction, then started her own introductions giving him time only to jerk increasingly angry nods as she named Dom, Tobe, and all the immortals. What they made of his rudeness was clear enough in their scrupulous, individual thanks to her as Protector and uses of his title, and as soon as Kitten was done, tail stiff with disdain, Kel gave Lord Shoji a fractional nod, and Toshuro cut in smoothly with the names of the next ministerial party. Conscious of leaving a fool fuming in her wake, she found herself quite enjoying the surprised appreciation and malicious pleasure that had joined wary curiosity in people's eyes, but the final shift to the ranks of the kamunushi brought a renewed tension.

Sakuyans were pre-eminent but had positioned themselves last, and Kel filed away the

appearances and identities of the First Kamunushi of Lord Mithros, the Great Goddess, and the Black God before coming to their white-robed ranks. Amid much bowing, Lord Kiyomori greeted her and introduced his superior, First Kamunushi of Lord Sakuyo Hidetaki, a vigorous old man in whose sunken eyes suspicions wrestled with fears.

"Blessed Protector-sensei." His reedy voice made him sound as dubious about the title as Kel herself, and he was eyeing her jade token and the many others on view with something less than pleasure. "You are said to have received unprecedented attention from the High One."

"And so I have, my Lord." She gave him an open smile. "Irritating, isn't it? For me too, usually, I assure you. But he is a great trickster, after all."

Unfortunately he seemed more puzzled than amused or reassured.

"He is not therefore to be taken lightly!"

"Of course not, my Lord, though his hand be as light as a leaf. And I have never taken him so, I assure you. Yet in my experience it does not do to confuse levity and frivolity with any god, especially a trickster."

"Hmph." He changed tack. "Do you know, Blessed, why he should have wanted your Guild as his architects, as the kamunushi of Edo are so certain he did?"

Kel shrugged as delicately as her size allowed. "The layers of his thinking are beyond any mortal ken, my Lord, but the top few … well, I could say he saw the Guild's work to Geraint-sensei's design at New Hope, and approved of it. It is also plain that many gods welcome closer co-operation between mortals and immortals — both Lord Weiryn and Lord Mithros say so — so I must suppose Lord Sakuyo is also glad to promote that cause here." Something clicked in her mind. "Perhaps one might most profitably say that it is his advertisement of New Hope to his own people."

The Yamani phrase lent itself to exactly the same resonant puns that informed the Tortallan, and Kel felt its rightness. Quite what His Nibs really wanted remained unclear, and she wasn't sure either Hidetaki or Kiyomori had really grasped what she was telling them. But they didn't seem impious, just wretchedly earnest, and she had another chiming thought of Sakuyo's amusement at using what he had called her sadly stunted sense of humour to chide those still more earnest, and far closer to home. Both senior kamunushi stared at her.

"You seem very certain, Blessed."

"Do I, Lord Kiyomori? I merely report what he has written or said to me directly. To remain uncertain in the face of divine testimony would be too rude. And foolish. But so would supposing what little one does know to encompass his whole purpose."

"Indeed." With a strained glance at his superior, who nodded, Lord Kiyomori lowered his voice.

"You should understand, Blessed, that not all saw what I saw at New Hope, nor credit that I met

Lord Weiryn and his Green Lady, and you no longer shine as you once did on the second plane."

Kel's mind whirred, the notion that anyone would have been bespelling their eyes to look not having occurred to her. "Mmm. I don't suppose I do, my Lord. The godwork I then bore was, um, recalled shortly afterwards. But I do understand that for many only seeing is believing." Both men caught the reference, as did Toshuro. "Still, I would have thought the paragraph that keeps appearing in copies of my book, though not in print, would give anyone pause."

"Many, yes, Blessed, but some say magic might achieve as much."

"And what mortal mage — or immortal? — do they suppose capable of such magic without suffering swift and condign punishment?"

"Who knows, Blessed?"

Kel shook her head. "Anyone who bothers to think, my Lord. And how do Yamani copies appear on the second plane?"

Both men nodded at that. "They shine, Blessed, but only faintly. And not all have eyes that can see on that plane."

"Well, there are a lot of copies by now, so maybe the shine gets shared out." She was growing tired of the fencing. "I've no idea, but I'll ask him if I get a chance. And we should compare the Tortallan and Yamani texts — I've been wondering what kanji he might have chosen. Meanwhile, let me introduce the Guild delegation."

Lord Kiyomori, to give him credit, coped well with immortals, but in Lord Hidetaki's eyes she saw more fear than welcome, and pegged him as one part of the problem. How such a humourless man could hold the post he did was a puzzle, but that Lord Fujiwara — presumably — had been prepared to order the murder of a kamunushi offered one explanation. Fear was rarely good for one's sense of humour, and she had begun to think that Sakuyan (and perhaps other) divines must have been running scared of political conflict for a while — it would be no wonder if news of the booming laughter repeatedly heard at New Hope, and all the supposed favours the god had dropped on her head like hot coals, had the incumbent temple leaders as wary as cats. They were also worried about her agenda, and she tried to be reassuring.

"Besides the official schedule, my Lords, I am primarily here as Guildmaster, and other than showing my husband and son where I spent so much of my childhood, my concerns are with trade. My mother and I did wish to see again the Swords of Law and Duty she once saved, and I always liked Kiyomizu-dera." The old Sakuyan temple was on the mountain to the east, Higashiyama, with a spectacular view that had made it a very visible target for those long-ago raiders. "Is that not well?"

If they thought it wasn't they could hardly admit it, and at last the interminable round of greetings was done, with the Emperor expressing his desire that Their Majesties and all his most welcome and esteemed guests should have some time to rest and prepare themselves for the welcoming banquet that awaited all. Everyone, including immortals, seemed to have been treated as a unit, and they followed Prince Eitaro past one wing of the palace and through the landscaped grounds of the Daidairi, with many cherry trees, to a smaller but still handsome building with its own surrounding complex. When Kel had lived at the Palace as a child, it had been the Dower House of the Emperor's mother, strictly off-limits to children, but she had died some years before, and now — or at least, for this — it made excellent and secure guest-quarters. An oversize extension had been added to which the immortals were directed, and with a wave to Kitten, Kel followed the royals into the hallway.

Footmen and maids were waiting to show the way to assigned rooms, but Kel, like Cricket and Yuki, had already heard the hungry chuntering and wound up instead in the feeding-room attached to the royal nursery. With the twins suckling Kel could happily have sunk into the pleasure of it, but if she hadn't known better than to take the opportunity offered Shinko wasn't giving her the chance.

"Keladry-chan, I am so very sorry. Lord Shoji was unforgivably rude."

"And stupid. Is he always so incompetent in his moves?" Having Faran at her breast meant Shinko had no fan to use, and Kel grinned at her look. "Oh, I'm quite as cross as I ought to be,

Cricket, and I begin to believe he and his father are riding for a fall. But I don't think going all earnest about it is what's needed." She shook her head. "You said it, you know, back at New Hope, the first time Lord Sakuyo laughed there. You knew of two of his Blessed here — two . He must have been very busy elsewhere for a long while, so it's no wonder they've all forgotten that he likes to laugh."

Shinko half-frowned, caught herself, and smiled. "I'm doing it too, aren't I? And you did turn Lord Shoji's terrible rudeness to others' laughter. But Keladry-chan, if you had not been able to put him down so very well, it would have become a very serious problem for my uncle."

"And for Toshuro-sama."

"Yes, I realised that, Yuki, and it makes me crosser than the insult, frankly. But it was still amazingly clumsy. And I want to know about the Sakuyan kamunushi who was murdered. Also, how long have the divines been running so scared of Lord Fujiwara? Ask Keiichi?"

"Of course."

Shinko nodded. "Good questions, and the last I can answer, Keladry-chan, because it's for ever. Well, since my grandfather married, anyway. Besides mothers-in-law, the kamunushi of the First Temple were another Fujiwara means of control."

"Are Hidetaki and Kiyomori appointees of your uncle's?"

"Yes, but they will have been compromises. I was not privy to any details, but I can ask. What did they say to you?"

"If you would. Oh, and does your uncle want to talk privately about Lord Sakuyo? I'd thought he would, but he didn't say anything. As for the kamunushi, they, um, sat very hard on the fence while making sure I understood that some with potent opinions were unconvinced I was, if indeed Blessed, any kind of blessing."

"More rudeness!"

"And foolishness, Cricket. Never mind messing with me — just think about what happens to people who don't at least try to see the funny side of Lord Sakuyo's jokes."

It was very late before Kel finally got to bed, and if she hadn't been able to use the twins as an unimpeachable excuse for withdrawing she thought she might be answering Jonathan and Thayet still. They had needed briefing about Lord Shoji and the Sakuyans before dinner, and her advice, strongly backed by a grateful and impressed Toshuro, and an alarmed Patricine, to act as if nothing worth noticing could possibly have happened, had proven sound. Lord Shoji was not present at the meal, and all the visitors were surrounded by loyalist nobles who restricted their conversation to explanations of each dish interspersed with questions about the Scanran War and possibilities of trade. One interesting point was that although the Yamanis expected mortal guests to eat Yamani dishes without blinking, immortal needs and tastes had been catered for — a rock-feast the basilisks obviously appreciated, larger vegetarian dishes for the ogres, low perches but no place-settings for the stormwings, and some spicy dishes hot enough to have Kitten chewing with enthusiasm.

It had been a long, eventful day, and people had been relieved when Jonathan and Thayet gracefully pleaded the rigours of travel, allowing all the visitors to withdraw. But Jonathan had then wanted a much more extensive briefing, or rather to hash over all sorts of speculations, and

Alanna, buoyant with the absence of sea-sickness, had been happy to oblige ; even her parents had been drawn in, trying to map the politics going on, and if that was more useful Kel had still thought too much of it guesswork. When Thayet had cut across her husband to ask Kel what she thought, she had stood.

"I think the twins need feeding, I need sleep, and you're all going about this backwards. The question isn't so much how things are as how Lord Sakuyo has decided to change them, and we don't know yet because he hasn't told us. But sometime between here and Edo on his day when the temple is dedicated, he will, and then we do it. Even thunder stops, remember? If it really is Lord Fujiwara who's the problem, he doesn't stand a chance, whatever he thinks. But I am concerned about the possible threat to immortals, sire. I didn't have much choice, but the way I used their introductions to silence Lord Shoji will have compounded the fear that was plain in his eyes — just as in Runnerspring's that day on the clifftop, so we need to be careful."

She'd turned to the immortals who were listening.

"I'm sorry for it, and you all played along beautifully, thank you, but I feel bound to suggest you make sure you are always in strength."

"We hear you, Protector." Var'istaan gestured with a forepaw. "Yet few mortals offering any of us violence could hope to survive."

"And such a man as Lord Fujiwara, in Yaman, would have no difficulty finding an assassin who would coldly accept that. It makes a difference."

St'aara nodded. "We realise, Protector. Perhaps we might speak of it in the morning, before any leave this place."

A nodding Kel had made her escape, to nurse her babes and fall into a deep sleep beside Dom until roused by the night-maid to repeat both procedures. Over the morning feed Ebony reported that Diamondflame and Rainbow had been told of her message, and she turned options in her mind : mortals were scheduled to visit the Temple District and make offerings, which was a better invitation to divine moves than mortal ones and to her advantage, but all the immortals wanted to explore the city, and the stormwings needed to fly. It was still Kitten who worried her, and before eating she dressed in training clothes and slipped out, taking her glaive and using the half-remembered backways of the Daidairi to make her way to the compound of the Imperial Guard — where, as she had hoped, Kravimal and several other spidrens were sparring with samurai. The sight was fascinating and set all sorts of ideas churning, but Hayato-sensei was also there, offering a smiling bow.

"I wondered if you might come, Blessed."

"As I hoped you might be here, sensei. But I must confess my childbed is yet less than two months past, and I am still recovering fitness."

The sensei acknowledged that with another bow, but after watching Kel through a warm-up pattern dance and sparring gently for a few minutes, began to push the tempo. Stimulated as much by being back in a place where she had often spent time in childhood as by her opponent's skill, and her own sense of being nearly back to fitness, Kel responded, and though they didn't reach the perfect state, by the end they were more allowing blades to kiss than truly striking or parrying. When the sensei disengaged, she smiled again.

"A commendable return to readiness, Blessed. Perhaps fortunately."

"Mmm. So I have been gathering." Direct questioning was rarely the right tack in Yaman, which

was one reason it had so surprised Lord Shoji. "Forgive my ignorance, sensei, but do I have any duties to the Temple of Weapons, in the light of your report?"

"No duties, Blessed, but they would certainly welcome you with interest and pleasure." "Even those who prefer the evidence of their own eyes, sensei ?"

"Even such as they, Blessed, some of whom find themselves gratified even now. The Temple attracts pragmatists, you realise."

Kel turned that one in her mind. "I see that it would, sensei, yet not all who call themselves such see all the relevant facts."

"True, Blessed. Did you know, though, that the Temple has approved the spidrens' blades and opened a new field of styles?"

"I did not, sensei, and thank you for the information, as the Temple for its wisdom."

Kel had been too young as a child to understand quite what role the Temple of Weapons played, but she had seen its displays often enough, and after Hayato's words at New Hope had remedied the deficit in several long conversations with her parents. It was so un -Tortallan it wasn't easy to express, but as a vital adjunct of the samurai code it not only oversaw weapons manufacture but did so with divine sanction, its sensei linking the military Left Hand with the religious establishment. And if the Temple were solidly behind all that the new spidren troops stood for — which made sense, now she thought about it, as the military had borne the brunt of the fighting on Wangetsushima before Takemahou-sensei had brokered the treaty — real Fujiwara pressure on Sakuyan divines became understandable. If you'd forgotten His Nibs wouldn't like it, anyway. Thanking Hayato again for her instruction, Kel excused herself and crossed to speak to Kravimal.

"I'd be glad to try sparring another morning, Kravimal, if you're willing."

"It would be my honour, Protector. The beauty of the movement of His Imperial Majesty's sensei of weapons was one attraction for those of us who enjoy fighting, and you are as they."

"Not by a ways yet, Kravimal, but thank you. And I was wondering if you or some of your troop might keep a special eye on Lady Skysong for me today, when the immortals leave the Daidairi? She does very well, but she is young and excited to see a new place. And for all her experiences, she does not always quite appreciate the idea of hostility aimed specifically at her, nor guard against it as she might."

"Of course, Protector. Have you any guidance on what you fear?"

These spidrens might have become imperial troops but they remained spidren, not Yamani, and Kel grinned at the directness despite the topic, noting that Hayato was ever so politely eavesdropping. "Mmm. Probably not a direct attack, though after Lord Shoji noh Fujiwara's crudity yesterday I can't rule it out. But harassment or even attempted kidnap, dressed up as a jest, maybe. Or just the creation of an incident, playing on mortal wariness of the unfamiliar. I'll ask Cloestra and Amourta to scout for you, but Skysong can bounce sideways if something catches her attention, and she will ask whatever questions occur to her."

She got a return grin. "So we heard yesterday. And even the mortal samurai guards agree the dragon of ryuujin should have a proper name, so perhaps thinking of an appropriate one might occupy some of Lady Skysong's curiosity." He looked reflective. "And her own defences seem formidable, Protector. None of us here had met a dragon kit before, and while we know she is mature beyond her years, as all younglings of New Hope are said to be, we had not quite

anticipated the reality."

Kel nodded. "They're born with it, I think, as stormwings with their names. I didn't see it, but she stood off two wyverns for several days before she was three. As I understand it, she couldn't then make them leave altogether, as she could now, but they weren't coming any closer."

"Somehow I am unsurprised. Do the gods also move here, Protector?"

"I believe they're about to, Kravimal. Lord Sakuyo, anyway. And if so, the thing is to keep everyone alive until they do and we can see what part they need us to play." Kel tapped a foot once or twice, and made a decision. "On the face of it Yamani politics is none of my business, but then I didn't think Tortallan politics was my business either, and look where that got me. This feels like the same thing all over again — I just wanted a nice ceremonial visit and dedication, and to show my husband and charges the Yaman I love, but this shadow the gods have gifted me falls too heavily. What any of them want is a mystery, but I'll bet two things. One is that the more peaceful everything stays, the better — I can't believe Lord Mithros would want the alliance destabilised — and the other is that Lord Sakuyo will have words for his kamunushi, and maybe others as well. Then again, no -one gets everything they want, not even gods, and if the … opposition is who and what it seems, they appear to be increasingly desperate and crude. And I cannot think Lord Sakuyo was pleased to find himself down one young kamunushi — while to give such an order would take a man already risking opposition to the divine."

Steel teeth glinted. "Wisdom, Protector. We always take our vigilance seriously, as we must, but we will be most alert."

"Thank you, Kravimal." She almost turned away but remembered in time. "Oh, what was your question for the Guild?"

His face stilled. "Wangetsushima is still quite crowded, though far more peaceful, Protector, and by the treaty we may not ask to expand elsewhere in Yaman for ten years." Spidrens didn't do self-deprecating very well, but Kravimal tried. "So we have wondered if the Guild might have use for some energetic younger spidrens?"

"Energetic or ill-disciplined?"

"The former if kept busy."

Kel sighed. "I expect so. Quenuresh and Aldoven will have a veto on individuals, mind. Do you mean only as troops, or will they consider other occupations?"

Eyebrows rose. "Such as?"

"Sailing — lots of nice rigging to climb and sails to furl, very interesting during a storm — or the manufacture of fine webbing mesh for petrification?" She'd never seen a spidren look so surprised, and heard a soft snort from the sensei's direction. "Both at Mindelan, probably, so Vorgitarl would have a veto too. Or there's general webwork — renewing safety-nets for alures and suchlike. Most of that's already taken care of, but I don't suppose Quenuresh or Aldoven would object to some extra pairs of spinnerets. Talk to the others — they can tell you how it works."

"I will. And sailing is a new thought, interesting if strange."

"His Imperial Majesty has a navy, too."

"So he does." Kravimal gave one of those awkward bows. "Protector. You do not disappoint."

Kel shook her head. "So Quenuresh once told me. But I must be getting back before someone decides I've got lost."

She was doing Dom and her Mama an injustice, though, for both gave Jonathan identical I-told-you -so looks when she reappeared, properly dressed, in the dining room of the Dower House to see that Patricine and Toshuro had again joined them, with their children.

"Glaive practice, sweeting?"

"Of course, Mama. I had a nice session with Hayato-sensei, and a useful chat with Kravimal she could overhear, so the Emperor's briefed, or soon will be."

Her Mama nodded appreciatively, as did Toshuro. "Excellent. You must be hungry."

"I am. Oh, and there was one interesting thing from Hayato-sensei. Did you know the Temple of Weapons has opened a new field of styles for the armed spidrens?"

"They have?" Her Papa joined them, looking intrigued. "That's quick for such a decision."

"So I thought. But you should see them spar — I can see why a new field was needed. And who was taking most of the Wangetsushima casualties?"

"Very true." He gave her a look. "An attested gaijin sensei of the naginata can't have hurt."

Kel almost rolled her eyes. "That wouldn't move anything or anyone not ready to move, Papa, so pebble and avalanche at best." She shrugged. "Which it might be, given His Nibs. But what matters is the Temple did it, so even if the typhoon gets out of the teacup it won't be going anywhere much."

"Mmm, yes. That is reassuring."

"Could one of you please explain, quite slowly." Jonathan's voice was plaintive.

"Yes of course, sire, but over breakfast if you don't mind."

There was, thankfully, Tortallan breakfast food, and having filled her plate she seated herself between her parents and Patricine and Toshuro, across from Jonathan and Thayet, who had Roald and Shinko beside them. With the edge taken off her hunger, she drank tea and explained about the Temple of Weapons before considering the royals.

"Nothing's changed since last night, sire, but we know a little more. I'll be glad of confirmation when Shinko and Yuki have had the chance to ask some private questions, but the bones are becoming clearer. Toshuro-sama, correct me if I'm wrong. The power Lord Fujiwara has been hanging onto is slipping away, and the military is solidly behind the Emperor, not least because they were getting very fed up with fighting spidrens and he's just fixed that. So Lord Fujiwara is therefore having to rely more and more on his influence with the kamunushi, yes?"

Toshuro nodded. "That is quite correct, Keladry-sensei."

"Well, I believe Lord Sakuyo's had about enough of it. And that we are probably serving him as a pebble tossed to start an avalanche — but it will be a small avalanche. I think."

Jonathan closed his eyes for a moment. "And you were doing so well, Keladry. Any idea what sort of avalanche?"

"No, sire. But it doesn't matter — unless His Imperial Majesty or a god tells us otherwise, our job

is just to stand clear."

"And cheer it on?"

"Maybe, sire." Kel smiled. "Ask me after we've been to the Temple District. I think this would be just Lord Sakuyo's business, except that Lord Fujiwara has taken his stand at least in part around the treaty — treaties, counting the one with the spidrens — and that may be annoying Lord Mithros." She sighed. "In any case, sire, all you and Thayet have to do, or any of us, is carry on while keeping sharply alert — reaction as necessary, but no acting beyond the scheduled events."

"I'm going to regret this, I'm sure, but you know all this how exactly?"

"I know very little, sire, but most of it seems straightforward enough. We know the gods support the treaties and welcome the emerging wider peace."

"Is that supposed to be a comfort?" Jonathan flapped a hand. "No, don't answer that. I do learn, if slowly. Just keep us posted ahead of time, if you can? Not that it really helps."

Kel offered an austere smile. "When it happens, sire, we'll all know soon enough. Lord Sakuyo is light-handed, not low-voiced."

"If you say so, Kel." Thayet, though quiet, had been listening intently. "Though something still seems off. We still don't know what moved the Emperor to insist we be here now. And in this context all the formal jesting in Lord Sakuyo's name seems much more alarming."

Kel's papa leaned forward. "Now that is true, Your Majesty, and I believe I do have some different advice on that. Seeking to play any of the more complex jests we considered becomes too much of a risk and complication. I would suggest that you stick to some of the good natured children's jests we discussed, should occasion demand or opportunity arise. They have a long and honourable record of adult use, too, and would be taken in good part by … most."

Shinko strongly agreed, and Thayet nodded.

"So noted, then, Piers, with thanks. That at least is simple advice, Jon."

"So is my daughter's, actually, Your Majesties. It's just harder to follow, because it means waiting with an open heart and mind. And I think perhaps she is right that we are an added pebble, but that it will be someone else's misstep that will start an avalanche."

Kel shrugged. "Could be, Papa. A misplaced jest that will catch the jester in a greater one would make sense. What worries me, though, is Lord Shoji's crudity yesterday — it makes him harder to predict. And to answer your first question, Thayet, if some earlier version of that crudity didn't prompt His Imperial Majesty, Lord Sakuyo may have done so directly. Or indirectly. Do you know, Toshuro-sama?"

"There has been no public explanation, Keladry-sensei, but what was said in some quarters was that His Imperial Majesty had a most vivid dream of the dedication at Edo with Tortallans present, and believed it to be a divine suggestion."

"Mmm. And what is thought?"

"No-one is sure."

"So the suspicion is just because dreams are so often convenient?"

He nodded, and she shrugged.

"But Lords Sakuyo and Gainel are friends, so it could be no more than the truth. And either way, sire, we always knew we were going to be imperially staged, to political effect."

With that the royals had to be content, and the scheduled departure for the Temple District was becoming imminent. Kel managed a quick word with the immortals, arranging for Cloestra to liaise with Kravimal, and knelt to speak solemnly to Kitten.

"The spidrens will be on guard, Kit, so the thing is not to leave their sight. I know it's a bore, and that you have good defences yourself, but please be careful."

I will, Kel. It is annoying, but Kravimal seems nice.

"He is, I think. And he was wondering if you had a good name for the dragon on the ryuujin."

Oh. That is a difficult question. Usually we name ourselves. I will have to think about it.

"Please do. And anything on griffins?"

No. A mated pair are aware I am here, as I am aware of them, but they have come no closer.

"Mmm. Thanks, Kit, and have an interesting time."

Kel rather thought everyone would, Kitten's curiosity being incorrigible and Heian-Kyó an interesting place, but her own schedule called. Prince Eitaro was once again escorting them all, and she, Dom, and Tobe found themselves beside a slightly breathless Keiichi in a long, guarded procession back down Suzaku-oji and west on Shijo-oji. There were again many spectators, this time including far more children and consequently less silence. Amid the noise Keiichi spoke Tortallan and kept his voice to a murmur that reached only her, Dom, and Tobe.

"Keladry-sensei, His Imperial Majesty very strongly commends your responses yesterday, and instructed me at the last moment to tell you He believes your conversation with Kravimal-sama was most perceptive."

"Does He? But only believes?"

"That was His word."

"Mmm. So we're all still guessing." Having everyone stumbling about in the dark was probably part of Lord Sakuyo's impending joke, whatever it was. "And while we are, Keiichi-sama, why do you suppose Lord Shoji was so clumsy as well as so rude yesterday?"

"Ah." He looked appreciative. "That is much discussed, Keladry-sensei, but everyone was surprised. Not least by your responses, about which I entirely share His Imperial Majesty's and Toshuro-sama 's opinions." He spread one elegant hand. "Frankly, Shoji noh Fujiwara has never been anything like as intelligent as he supposes himself. His elder brother was far sharper, but Lord Shoichi died in an earthquake some years ago, so his father must make do." Sending a second son had not been a deliberate compounding of insult, then, however Lord Fujiwara's own absence might be construed ; though Kel wondered if it might have been the same terrible earthquake in which Princess Chisokami had died, rather conveniently for Lord Sakuyo. "I would guess Lord Shoji had been told to offer obvious but minor insult and overstepped, while it would never have occurred to him that you would or could use your senior rank and the protocol of introductions against him."

"Ordered by whom? His father?"

"Perhaps. Or his grandmother, who remains a power in that house. Either will have been surprised

by the outcome, though."

"And now?"

"His father continues indisposed — a severe cold, apparently, to which Imperial guests should not be exposed — and it is suspected Lord Shoji may well contract it also. It would be easiest."

Kel considered. "And stepping back would be sensible, yes. But if Lord Fujiwara wants to gain anything he'll have to act, won't he?"

"So one would think. And so he must have intended. But he will have had clearer-eyed reports than those from his son, and may be having second thoughts."

"Oh?"

Keiichi's look was serious though his eyes were warm. "Oh, indeed. You are an extremely formidable person, Blessed Keladry-sensei, even without the obvious respect of so many immortals. Not least Kravimal-sama and his troop, of whom all are still most sensibly wary."

"But Lord Fujiwara wants them gone, too, doesn't he? And he must have known what he'd be facing from Prince Eitaro's report."

"Must he? Did your Lord of Runnerspring? Or King Maggur?"

Kel was still staring when a frowning Tobe asked one of the questions spinning in her mind.

"But that was before Drachifethe, and the paintings, and Ma's book, Keiichi-sama. Doesn't Lord Fujiwara believe Lord Sakuyo's own words?"

Keiichi shrugged delicately. "That copies have been printed and the contents much rumoured does not mean they have been widely available, Blessed Tobeis. And there are those who say it is but mortal magic used most sacrilegiously."

"So I gathered from Lord Kiyomori." Kel took a breath. "But Lord Sakuyo spoke to Dom and me when we first saw that paragraph, Keiichi-sama , and I do not think he will much care for those who refuse to appreciate his jest. Jests. How are the printed copies being controlled?"

"The temple has the press. Officially, they have been seeking and considering advice on how it would be best to proceed."

"Ah. Something Lords Hidetaki and Kiyomori neglected to mention. Would His Imperial Majesty wish their decision hastened?"

"Certainly. He grows quite impatient with them."

"Right."

Kel thought doing something about that would be an opportunity worth taking, but she had to wait for her chance. Though punctilious in greeting her, the various senior kamunushi who met the party as they entered the Temple District, smiling as the first-time visitors gaped at the elaborate pagoda rooves, were uniformly clear that this was above all a royal visit. Jonathan's and Thayet's various offerings were accepted with quite demure chimes, and though Kel, Dom, and Tobe all made their own offerings to Lord Mithros and the Goddess she felt nothing but that slight warmth that meant the god heard you. In the Mithran temple Kel was amused by the statue's Yamani cast of features and a skin more golden than black, but despite praying for guidance was left certain only that he was watching with interest. The wariness of the kamunushi seemed to ease as nothing

untoward happened, but then they came to the temple of the Black God.

Though universally acknowledged in Yaman, as everywhere, attitudes to death and the right of liege-lords to order seppuku meant that its god was regarded as — not the least, but perhaps the most inert of the great gods. His temple was visibly poorer, and his First Kamunushi, Lord Sugaharo, was not only elderly and affable but deferential to his fellows, who showed him scant respect. Kel felt herself bridling at the slights, and when she added to her customary offering of an ihai carved with her own name, and usual prayer for his own comfort, her hope that whatever the trouble in store none would have to face him on that account, she found herself quite unreasonably certain both that he didn't expect such hope to be fulfilled and that he didn't mind. A second later candles and incense flared as wind soughed through trees into that burning silence, and Kel rose, stifling a mild resentment at the imprecision of it all, to face the startled priests. Lord Sugaharo looked wonderstruck and delighted, the others as put out as amazed ; there was also an interesting contrast between all three and the Tortallans, with those Yamanis who had been to New Hope. Relieved wasn't quite the word, but the King's look as much as Prince Eitaro's as they converged on her suggested a certain reassurance that something positive had happened.

"That was the god's own voice, Blessed Protector-sensei ?" Lord Sugaharo's voice trembled. "I have never heard it before."

"You have now, my Lord."

"Did he speak to you, Blessed?"

"Only in his own fashion, my Lord, which is beyond words. The gods so often are, I find." Saying that this one expected someone to be facing his judges sooner rather than later wouldn't help anything. "And the burden he bears for us is as far beyond our understanding as our aid. But as I said yesterday, Lord Hidetaki, there is something I have been wanting to clear up."

Jonathan and the other royals had arrived with Eitaro, and Kel turned, switching modes.

"My Prince, does His Imperial Majesty have any objection to the distribution of my little commentary on Orchan of Eredui?"

"On the contrary, Keladry-sensei."

"Then the delays, Lord Hidetaki, are purely on account of those you mentioned who are uncertain that the final paragraph is indeed Lord Sakuyo's contribution?"

"Ah … well … you see, Blessed — "

Rude as it was, Kel cut him off. "I take it that's a yes, my Lord. After all, had you no doubts your undoubted piety must ensure your swift compliance with his evident wishes. But all such doubts may be laid to rest at once. And I should like to see the Yamani text, having read his words only in Tortallan, so perhaps you might show us the press before we go on to his own temple."

It was clearly the very last thing he or Lord Kiyomori wanted, but Kel was one of Lord Sakuyo's Blessed, her jade token prominent on her tunic as on those of many among the visitors, and with Prince Eitaro expressing immediate assent and interest the kamunushi didn't have much choice.

The printshop turned out to be tucked away in one of the buildings behind the temple, clearly not an area where the visitors had been expected, but Kel didn't let either Lord Kiyomori's running apologies or the novices and servants who stared and prostrated themselves slow their progress. But when she finally entered the hot, dusty room where three priest-printers were flapping startled dismay, and looked around, even she blinked. A press was a press, and presswork entirely logical, but beyond the orderly piles of paper and printed sheets she had expected there seemed to be

multiple sheets of the last page, all lacking Lord Sakuyo's paragraph, and bound copies in two piles, one neat and the other haphazard. A copy from the neat pile proved to be a complete text, and she flipped through it before studying the final, beautifully calligraphed words.

Gem had become gyokuei, implying transparency, which might have made her bridle, but making her way through the kanji she saw that puissant had become seiei, which could equally mean 'chosen' or 'efficient', and jester was doukegata — not the usual doukemono with its implications of buffoonery but the trickster in a stage-play, who brought about both central confusion and ultimate resolution. Shinko of course knew the Tortallan text, and Kel passed her the volume.

"Some interesting translations, Your Highness. Perhaps you might explain to Their Majesties."

A copy from the haphazard pile had no Sakuyan text, and it took her only a moment to see that Stenmun Gunnarsson's paragraph, below which it should appear, had been altered. The same was true of other copies in that pile, though the changes varied from omission of a whole phrase to alteration of a single word. The unbound copies of the final page showed the same variants, and the look with which Kel pinned Lord Hidetaki was distinctly cold.

"Explain, please, my Lord, why you seek to produce wilfully altered copies?"

He took a deep breath. "Blessed Protector-sensei, we merely seek to discover when and how the spell enters the volume. It would seem to be only with the binding."

"And these altered copies?"

"Ah. An experiment only, Blessed. The spell ignores them."

Kel tapped a foot. "And from this flagrant breach of your licence you have learned what, exactly, my Lord?"

He blinked. "Licence, Blessed?"

Kel took a deep, slow breath. I am a lake. "Yes, my Lord. The licence I signed to allow the translation and printing of my book here, which specifies that no alteration whatsoever be made."

"But none of the changed copies has left this place, Blessed."

"None should exist, my Lord, by the Temple's legally binding word. I would be within my rights to cancel that licence out of hand, except that I cannot see how obliging someone other than his own temple to print a book to which he has himself contributed can aid Lord Sakuyo's purposes. In any case, this experiment stops, right now."

One of the printers was startled into protest.

"But we have not completed what was ordered, Blessed."

"Ordered by whom?"

"Ah …"

Lord Hidetaki didn't lack courage, whatever else he was short of, and tried to cover the fumble.

"By me, Blessed."

Kel very much doubted they had been his orders even if he'd passed them on, but decided extracting the probable name here and now would not help.

"Then you can change your orders, my Lord. And answer my question. What have you learned?" "Ah … That the spell is most discriminating, Blessed."

"Discriminating?" Kel was fulminating, but her anger was increasingly shot through with a welling and all too familiar sense of irony, and she shook her head slowly. "Talk about killing a joke. You know that Lord Sakuyo finds my sense of humour sadly stunted? What he would have to say of yours I hardly dare imagine. He presents you with a most marvellous jest and you decide you must conduct an experiment on it. And forgive me, my Lord, but your conclusion is inane. Of course Lord Sakuyo's spell, if that is a proper term for divine magic, is discriminating, and not merely because he would never set his name to a lie or a botched piece of work."

Hidetaki was clearly biting back anger of his own, making his voice sound clipped. "If it is indeed his, Blessed, and not some magical subterfuge you countenance as a joke."

Kel stared. "You seriously think anyone could blaspheme like that and go unpunished? Coming here, of all places, in what should be the heart of his power in these realms?"

"Many blasphemers go unpunished. Perhaps the Black God protects you from Lord Sakuyo's wrath."

Irony spilled into laughter, which disconcerted the Sakuyan no end. "And perhaps, my Lord, you have with most wonderful completeness missed Lord Sakuyo's point. Let's find out, shall we?"

She flicked through copies from the neat stack, checking each had Lord Sakuyo's paragraph, and supplied Dom, Tobe, Neal, Yuki, and Alanna, suppressing a grin, as well as all the royals and herself, before prompting Prince Eitaro to lead a return to the main precinct, the printers trailing behind with worried looks. The temple was a beautiful building, triple roof wide and elegant, and the white jade statue inside every bit as fine as she remembered. With a brief bow she slipped past Eitaro and led them all straight up to it, ignoring less senior kamunushi who gaped and made way ; then bowed and knelt, placing the book carefully aside and gazing up at the image.

"High One, as you must be well aware, your kamunushi here have got themselves in a great muddle, and it's muddling everything else. Our best offerings to you are properly reserved for the dedication at Edo, but we had hoped to give these lesser ones more ceremoniously. Your Highness?"

Shinko had always been going to make this offering on the visitors' behalves, and as she bowed and set the small but exquisite carving of a laughing face down Kel gave her an apologetic glance.

"Sorry to mess up the ceremony, Cricket."

Shinko's voice was strained but her words forthright. "Please do not be, Keladry-chan. I am quite shocked at these kamunushi."

The other royals had flanked Shinko, and as he straightened Jonathan gave her a sidelong stare. "I hope you know what you're doing, Keladry."

"Me too, sire." He wasn't amused, but she was past caring. "Tobe, would you make our offering, please?"

He came forward with Dom, who took the little stoppered bottle from a pocket and passed it to Tobe, who bowed to the statue and after stretching to touch a wetted finger to its lips poured out a drop and set the bottle down.

"New Hope sake, High One, named for your laughter. We have to buy in the rice but the Green Lady's blessing seems to attend Aunt Yuki's still."

Kel had little taste for spirits herself, but both Neal and Yuki swore the stuff was amazing, and she hoped Lord Sakuyo agreed ; the name was certainly amusing. Rising with the book back in hand, she turned, opening it to the last page and seeing others do the same. Projecting so every word was clear. she gave an exact account of being presented with the first copy by Dom, finding the paragraph (then in Tortallan), and hearing Lord Sakuyo laugh at her indignant reaction. She lifted her hand to her chest.

"I, Keladry of New Hope, do swear by Lord Sakuyo and all gods that I speak the truth." The absurdity of it all shimmered in her mind. "And as your kamunushi seem altogether to have misunderstood your jest, my Lord, I believe they deserve another."

Her hand completed the gods' circle and the immediate chimes were as loud and pure as she'd expected. Nor did the overwhelming scent of blossom surprise, and she watched with appreciation as petals fell, strewing kamunushi and visitors alike, but wondered where the hot needles might be until Lord Hidetaki began to sneeze — not once or twice, but an incessant string, eyes watering and nose streaming as the echoes boomed from the high roof like thunder. He was also going a rather unfortunate colour, and after savouring the deftness of Lord Sakuyo's aim for a moment she snapped fingers for attention and pointed to the nearest goggle-eyed kamunushi, who bowed so deeply she wondered if he'd fall prostrate.

"I believe it might be wise to assist Lord Hidetaki to the open air, Reverence." "Ah. Yes. At once, Blessed Protector-sensei."

One of his fellows sensibly came with him to slip an arm around their still convulsing senior, and as the sneezing receded the echoes slowly died away. Kel's speaking glance at Prince Eitaro met bright eyes, and with a welcome surge of mischief she used friend to imperial.

"Nothing stops the thunder when he clears his … nose." Both the Prince's snort and Yuki's scandalised laugh were the proper music and Kel tried to bury her own grin in an austere smile. "It does seem unfortunate for a kamunushi to be allergic to the manifestation of the god he serves, my Prince. Especially a First." Eitaro manfully swallowed a second snort but not his smile, and she ghosted him a wink before pinning Lord Kiyomori with a much harder look. "In any case, my Lord, I take it that no doubts now remain, hmm? Good. During Lord Hidetaki's, ah, indisposition, you are in charge?"

He swallowed, bowing low to the inevitable. "I am, Blessed. What do you require?"

"The immediate destruction of all wilfully corrupted printing blocks and printed sheets, the production of proper copies as rapidly as possible, and their prompt availability for sale."

He took a deep breath, and nodded sharply before turning to the senior printer. "Get to it, Takumi, exactly as the Blessed commands."

All three printers went at a run, and Kel considered Lord Kiyomori. "Had you decided on a price?"

"Ah … no, Blessed, we had not got so far."

Nor expected to, Kel would bet. So. "Poverty should bar none who desire to read Lord Sakuyo's words, and if you wish me to ignore your gross breach of contract, you will charge by purchaser rather than a fixed sum — a gold coin from those holding shoen, a silver coin from lesser

bureaucrats, kamunushi, and merchants, a cup or half-a-cup of rice from others. And besides this one, I shall want" — she ran names in her head and added a few for luck — "fifteen copies myself."

Prince Eitaro nodded, eyes gleaming. "Of course. And His Imperial Majesty will want five hundred, as soon as may be."

"Twenty for Crown Prince Roald and me." Shinko's eyes were also very bright. "We have promised the ambassador in Corus and several of his staff."

Though he was gritting his teeth, Lord Kiyomori nodded, snapping more orders at kamunushi who departed at speed before returning his gaze to her. Something was needed, and she thought for a moment before politely inviting Prince Eitaro forward, and lowering her voice .

"Lord Kiyomori, it is not my place to command you beyond those matters that involve me directly, but I have some advice. Tell me, if I say I will take silence as a yes, how would you answer if I asked you if those orders about the experiment came from Lord Fujiwara?"

She gave it ten long seconds, watching Eitaro's gaze harden.

"So I supposed. And I understand the Temple's obedience to them, all things considered, but it remains the case that Lord Sakuyo has been gravely insulted by his own most senior kamunushi, and is quite losing patience, I believe. You will not be blessed with a second warning, so my advice is that you ask yourself whether you would rather face the Black God's judges, whenever your time may come, with Lord Sakuyo speaking for or against you. Our time in the Mortal Realms is exceptionally sweet, as I who have thrice left them know all too well, but our time in the Peaceful Realms is a very great deal longer."

Counting her spiral-spell flight on Diamondflame was a bit of a cheat, but he had said they 'rose out of the Mortal Realms', and she had long ago realised that the gods actually liked that sort of misleading accuracy. She half-wondered if being on Drachifethe when Lord Gainel could also be there counted as well, and it ought to be four times. Silver laughter echoed in her mind, and Lord Kiyomori's bulging eyes retreated into a more thoughtful look.

"I hear you, Blessed." Thoughtful became something bleaker. "Yet even setting aside sworn obedience, there is always immediate fear."

"Of course. But is a sword thrust worse than choking to death on blossoms? Lord Hidetaki has much to think on when he again has the chance of a clear head. And fear can never be a valid reason for doing what you know to be wrong — only an understandable one. Like pain, my Lord, fear warns, but it cannot compel. The rest is between you and the High One."

"It does not seem so, Blessed."

Kel's temper frayed perceptibly, and she tapped the book she still held in her hand. "Then, to be frank, try reading the 'Note on Spiritual Warfare' from first to last with your brain turned on, my Lord. Queen Thayet saw at a glance what Lord Sakuyo was doing, and you of all people should appreciate his jest." She looked at Prince Eitaro. "Might some of your samurai guard ensure printing is swift and distribution unimpeded, my Prince?"

"Of course, Keladry-sensei."

"Thank you, my Prince. And as Their Majesties are now due elsewhere, Lord Kiyomori, we must wish you good day."

In the exit procession Kel found herself beside Prince Eitaro as he shepherded the Tortallan royals.

The openly shocked expressions and abrupt bows of everyone she could see told her the chimes must have been heard far and wide, but despite the uneasy silence the Prince spoke conversationally.

"Where exactly are we due, Keladry-chan?"

"Anywhere I can't reach my glaive, my Prince, to issue some more immediate advice."

"Ah." He shifted mode and voice, "The Public Library, please, Hideki-san, to deliver a copy of this blessed tome."