Contents
CHAPTER 2: The Passing of the Torch
Overview
At Kaul Sen’s public funeral, Hilo endures a tense truce with Ayt Mada and detects Yun Dorupon among mourners while news surfaces of a murdered groundskeeper. Back home, Hilo secures ex-Fist Eiten’s future and positions him as eyes in No Peak territory. When Mrs. Teije reveals Runo is captive to Uwiwan smuggler Zapunyo, Hilo resolves to confront the trafficker despite Shae’s caution. He then prepares for a private, overdue talk with Anden.
Summary
During Kaul Sen’s grand funeral, Hilo maintains composure under public scrutiny and Perceives the assembled Mountain leadership, including Ayt Mada. He resists reacting to her presence at Lan’s grave and notes rumors of a murdered cemetery groundskeeper. He also senses former No Peak Weather Man Yun Dorupon among the mourners, but Shae cautions restraint amid the ceremonial truce.
After the service, Hilo returns to the Kaul estate for a private reception. He meets ex-Fist Eiten, who confirms he no longer seeks death and asks for clan patronage to run his father-in-law’s hoji distillery. Hilo offers space at the renovated Double Double, both to support Eiten and to place trusted eyes in contested territory. Shae streamlines the patronage process.
Hilo receives condolences from a minor clan and a biographer proposing a book on Kaul Sen. Then Mrs. Teije arrives, pleading for help: her son Runo was jailed in the Uwiwa Islands and released into the custody of smuggler Zapunyo, who will speak only to No Peak’s Pillar. Hilo promises intervention.
In private, Hilo and Shae debate the risks. Shae warns that meeting Zapunyo on his ground invites danger and is not worth it for the feckless Runo. Hilo argues the clan’s honor and family obligation require a direct response and that he must confront Zapunyo personally to avoid escalatory “misunderstandings” between enemies.
As evening falls, Tar announces Anden’s arrival. Hilo, tense and determined, insists on meeting Anden alone to finally address the rift stemming from past events.
Who Appears
- Kaul Hiloshudon (Hilo)No Peak Pillar; presides over Kaul Sen’s funeral, places Eiten at the Double Double, vows to confront Zapunyo, and prepares to meet Anden.
- Kaul Shaelinsan (Shae)Weather Man; mourns Kaul Sen, advises caution on Ayt and Zapunyo, expedites Eiten’s patronage, disputes Hilo’s plan.
- Ayt MadashiMountain Pillar; attends the funeral, offers public praise of Kaul Sen, embodies tense truce and looming threat.
- Yun DoruponFormer No Peak Weather Man and traitor; present among Mountain mourners, noted by Hilo but left untouched.
- Maik KehnNo Peak Horn; reports rumor of murdered cemetery groundskeeper and manages security presence.
- Maik TarPillarman; drives Hilo, manages visitors, cues the private meeting with Anden.
- EitenFormer first-rank Fist, double amputee; seeks purpose, receives clan patronage to run a hoji distillery at the Double Double.
- Mrs. TeijeKaul relative; pleads for help to free her son Runo from Uwiwan smuggler Zapunyo.
- Teije RunoWayward Kaul cousin and Green Bone; released from jail into Zapunyo’s custody and held as leverage.
- ZapunyoUwiwan smuggler; holds Runo and demands to deal directly with No Peak’s Pillar.
- Ree TurahuoMountain Weather Man; attends funeral with Ayt, reinforcing Mountain’s show of strength.
- Nau SuenzenMountain Horn; reputed guerrilla, present at the funeral, his subdued aura masks potential threat.