Contents
CHAPTER 3: Exile
Overview
At the funeral reception, Anden faces ostracism and a tense audience with Hilo. Hilo warns the Mountain is probing Anden and demands he return as a Green Bone; Anden refuses out of fear of jade madness. Hilo, backed by Shae, orders Anden to Espenia for safety and a future beyond jade.
Summary
During the subdued funeral reception at the Kaul estate, Anden sits apart, aware of judgment from No Peak elites. Former classmates notice him; Ton offers an awkward greeting before Maik Tar summons Anden to Hilo.
In a controlled, strained meeting, Hilo questions Anden’s jadeless life in Marenia and reveals the Mountain tested him through a friendly contact. Hilo urges Anden to return as a Green Bone, arguing Ayt Mada will exploit him otherwise. Anden insists jade would destroy him, recalling family history and his own brush with jade addiction.
When Anden refuses to don jade or retake oaths, Hilo decides he is “no use” in Kekon without it. He orders Anden to Espenia, citing safety, education, and future options, despite Anden’s protests and sense of rejection.
Anden leaves shattered and confronts Shae, accusing her of orchestrating the plan. Shae defends the decision as best for Anden’s safety and growth; Anden rejects it in despair, saying he wished he’d died fighting Gont, then storms out, widening the rift.
Who Appears
- Emery AndenDisowned Kaul cousin; refuses to wear jade despite pressure; ordered to Espenia for safety and education.
- Kaul HiloPillar of No Peak; confronts Anden, warns of Mountain manipulation, and exiles him to Espenia after refusal.
- Kaul Shaelinsan (Shae)Weather Man; arranges Anden’s move to Espenia, arguing it ensures safety and future prospects.
- Maik TarPillarman; escorts Anden to Hilo for the private meeting.
- TonAnden’s former classmate; now a Finger; offers a tentative greeting at the reception.
- Lott JinFormer classmate; watches Anden from a distance, highlighting his social isolation.
- HeikeFormer classmate; observes Anden with Lott, not approaching.