Contents
CHAPTER 9: The Uwiwan and His Half Bones
Overview
Hilo travels to the Uwiwa Islands to confront smuggler Pasuiga Zapunyo, who hosts him in a fortified estate and proposes that No Peak tolerate jade smuggling in exchange for profit. Hilo refuses, threatens retaliation if Zapunyo operates on Kekon, and reclaims his jailed cousin Teije. The meeting hardens enmity and clarifies future conflict lines.
Summary
Hilo lands on Tialuhiya with Maik Tar, Doun, Juen, Vin, and Lott, noting Zapunyo’s ostentatious but lightly jaded barukan escort. En route to a heavily guarded plantation estate, Hilo tests Vin’s Perception and confirms most guards wear bluffer’s jade.
On the balcony, Zapunyo receives Hilo as an equal alongside his three sons and offers hospitality. He argues for cooperation: No Peak should ignore jade pickers and accept a cut from black-market exports. Hilo counters that Zapunyo is a thief exploiting jade as mere commodity, demands he stay off Kekon, and vows his Fists will kill any pickers caught on their soil.
Tension sharpens as Zapunyo implies he could approach Hilo’s enemies; Hilo dismisses the threat, asserting even Ayt Mada would not ally with a smuggler. Despite mutual contempt, they part without violence. Zapunyo allows Hilo to take his imprisoned cousin, Teije.
By the pool, Hilo finds Teije reveling and publicly beats him for disgrace and troublemaking, then orders him dressed to leave. The episode ends with Hilo reclaiming Teije, the hostility with Zapunyo laid bare and unresolved.
Who Appears
- Kaul Hilo (Kaul Hiloshudon)No Peak Pillar; travels to Tialuhiya, rebuffs Zapunyo’s proposal, warns him off Kekon, retrieves and beats cousin Teije.
- Pasuiga ZapunyoUwiwan smuggler leader; hosts Hilo, proposes profit-sharing over jade smuggling, is rebuked and leaves with hardened enmity.
- IyiloBarukan lieutenant; leads escort, manages security, witnesses Hilo’s confrontation and departure with Teije.
- Maik TarPillarman; accompanies Hilo, scoffs at barukan, stands guard during talks, amused as Hilo beats Teije.
- JuenFirst Fist of No Peak; travels as senior muscle and operational confidant during the Uwiwa trip.
- VinFinger with strong Perception; counts and assesses real versus bluffer’s jade among Zapunyo’s guards.
- LottJunior Finger under Hilo’s eye; rides with Hilo, observes the operation and Zapunyo’s display.
- DounTar’s man; part of Hilo’s protective detail throughout the meeting.
- Teije RunoHilo’s cousin; freed from Uwiwan custody, found partying by the pool, beaten and taken home by Hilo.
- Zapunyo’s sonsThree sons seated with Zapunyo; serve as symbols of succession and implied threat of future vengeance.