Contents
CHAPTER 21: Change of Plans
Overview
With Espenia’s invasion heightening urgency, Hilo accelerates plans in Lybon. Discovering Eyni preparing to flee, he confronts her; the argument turns fatal when Hilo Channels and kills her, then takes Niko and orders Tar to quietly handle Lors. Returning to Janloon, Hilo welcomes his newborn son as Niko begins adapting to Kekonese life.
Summary
In Lybon, Hilo watches news of Espenia’s sudden move into Oortoko and decides to return home early. He insists on meeting Eyni and her boyfriend that night to settle Niko’s future before leaving. At Eyni’s house, Hilo senses activity and enters to find suitcases, realizing she plans to disappear with Niko.
Eyni confronts Hilo, condemning clan life and jade culture, citing foreign jade bans and refusing any arrangement that involves Kekon or the Kauls. Hilo is stunned, then enraged. When Niko cries from the nursery and Eyni moves to call the police, Hilo seizes her and Channels, killing her instantly.
Shaken but resolute, Hilo arranges Eyni’s body on the sofa, collects Niko’s belongings and birth certificate, and retrieves the child, who recognizes him without fear. Hilo instructs Tar to transfer a ticket to Niko and to remain behind to eliminate Lors quickly and painlessly, while Hilo prepares forged documentation and departs with the boy.
Six weeks later in Janloon, Wen gives birth to Kaul Rulinshin. Hilo brings Niko, who has begun speaking Kekonese and stopped trying Stepenish, to meet his infant cousin. Hilo affirms the children’s bond and their future together, even as his decisive, violent act has irrevocably altered family and clan dynamics.
Who Appears
- Hilo KaulPillar of No Peak; kills Eyni during a confrontation, abducts Niko, and orders Tar to silence Lors.
- Eyni (Kaul Eyni)Lan’s widow; resolves to flee with Niko, denounces jade life, and is killed by Hilo.
- TarPillarman; scouts Lors, assists Hilo’s exit, and stays behind to quietly eliminate Lors.
- Nikolas (Niko)Lan’s son; taken by Hilo to Janloon and begins speaking Kekonese, bonding with family.
- Wen Kaul-jenHilo’s wife; gives birth to Kaul Rulinshin and meets Niko after his arrival.
- LorsEyni’s Stepenish boyfriend; targeted by Tar for swift, discreet elimination.
- Kaul RulinshinNewborn son of Hilo and Wen; symbolizes family continuity as Niko joins the household.