Contents
CHAPTER 27: Purely Practical
Overview
Maik Kehn delivers jade buttons from repeated cargo seizures, marking No Peak’s growing success against smuggling and cooperation between Horn and Weather Man. Hilo consoles the Eyuns after their daughter’s assault by ROE soldiers but urges patience. Facing pressure to remove Shae over Espenian revelations, Hilo rejects the move, framing it as Ayt Mada’s smear, and resolves to coordinate with Shae.
Summary
In Kaul Hilo’s study, Maik Kehn presents bags of jade buttons recovered from multiple seized cargoes, crediting Fingers and Academy volunteers for dismantling clothing. Hilo compensates Kehn for discarded contraband jade and notes the productive cooperation between Horn and Weather Man amid ongoing insurance pressure.
Kehn reports the Mountain has been catching scavenging crews under Nau Suen, maintaining the truce. After Kehn departs with Niko, Hilo receives Mr. and Mrs. Eyun, whose daughter survived an assault by ROE soldiers. Hilo offers clan support, explains the soldiers are secured on Euman Island, advises taking compensation while promising the clan won’t forget, and reflects on rising foreign-provoked disorder.
Hami Tumashon arrives with Councilman Kowi and Lantern Men Eho and Orn to urge that Shae be removed as Weather Man due to revelations of past Espenian ties and a hostile press narrative. Hilo presses them on sources, identifies Ayt Mada’s smear campaign, and challenges the double standard compared to Doru’s tolerated misconduct.
Hami warns of reputational risk and doubts about the younger generation’s patriotism. Hilo reaffirms Shae’s oaths and performance, refuses to replace her for optics, and ends the meeting. Afterward, angry but resolute, he calls Shae’s office, insisting they speak to coordinate a response.
Who Appears
- Kaul HiloPillar of No Peak; manages jade seizures, counsels the Eyuns, rejects pressure to oust Shae.
- Maik KehnHorn; leads raids uncovering jade hidden as clothing buttons; collaborates closely with Weather Man.
- TarPillar’s aide; manages visitors and logistics during sensitive home meetings.
- Niko KaulHilo’s young son; briefly appears, underscoring Hilo’s family responsibilities.
- Mr. EyunLantern Man and father of a victim; demands vengeance against ROE soldiers.
- Mrs. EyunMother of the victim; distraught, receives Hilo’s assurances and practical advice.
- Hami TumashonMaster Luckbringer; conveys concerns about Shae’s optics but stops short of prescribing action.
- Councilman KowiPolitician allied with No Peak; argues Shae is untenable as Weather Man.
- Mr. EhoSenior Lantern Man; cites public smears and urges replacing Shae for image.
- Mr. OrnSenior Lantern Man, council aspirant; suggests Shae resign to a less visible role.