CHAPTER 17: The Pillar of Southtrap

Anden accompanies the Hians to dinner at the home of Dauk Losunyin, introduced as the “Pillar of Southtrap.” The modest setting, family warmth, and displays of bluffer’s jade contrast with Anden’s expectations of a Green Bone leader. Dauk’s son, Coru (“Cory”), arrives; Anden recognizes him as the bicyclist he saw earlier. Over a homestyle Kekonese meal, Anden struggles with the pull of nearby jade and awkward small talk with Cory.

The evening shifts when Rohn Toro arrives—his bearing marks him as a capable Fist. Dauk unexpectedly reveals he knows Anden’s Kaul ties and expresses respect for the One Mountain legacy, offering help. Prompted, Anden recounts his park fight with Carson Sunter.

Dauk and Rohn identify Sunter as a coat under Skinny Reams in Boss Kromner’s Crew. They explain an informal truce: Crews avoid Kekonese neighborhoods because Green Bones protect them. However, Dauk warns that Espenia’s pending ban on civilian jade will push Crews toward the shine trade and into conflict with Keko-Espenians.

To neutralize risk, Dauk Sana proposes paying Skinny Reams two to three thousand thalirs; Dauk authorizes Rohn to deliver the bribe with leverage from knowledge of the “Gerting job.” Anden realizes he is witnessing a localized Pillar–Weather Man–Horn structure operating discreetly for community defense.

As the visit ends, Dauk cautions Anden against dueling and frames the plan as an Espenian solution—money before violence. Anden, grateful but wary of obligations given his disgrace in No Peak, clarifies he cannot speak for his cousins. Dauk remains unfazed, confident that circumstances change and extending ongoing friendship.