Contents
CHAPTER 34: The Clan’s Friendship
Overview
In the tense aftermath of the grudge hall attack, Cory departs Port Massy while violence between Dauk Losun’s people and Kromner’s Crew escalates and the police side-line the Kekonese. Anden grapples with his identity without jade. The Dauks visit the Hians and urge Anden to seek No Peak’s help, invoking the clan’s promised friendship.
Summary
Two months after the grudge hall attack, Cory phones Anden from the train station to say goodbye before leaving Port Massy. Fearing more violence and police searches for jade, Cory urges caution. Anden, stung by the farewell and his own role in the raid’s chaos, broods over needing protection instead of providing it.
Back at the Hians’, Anden endures reprimands for joining the fight, while Rohn Toro credits him for misdirecting police to evacuate the hall. The community reels as the grudge hall is shuttered and relayball pauses. Rumors spread: Rohn retaliates against Kromner’s Crew, but the Crew answers with arson, assaults, and jade thefts as police make no arrests. The Hians’ eldest son presses his parents to move, but they refuse to abandon their community.
Dauk Losun and Dauk Sana visit the Hians, describing corrupt policing and rising xenophobia that leave the Kekonese exposed now that jade is illegal. Dauk laments dwindling Green Bone strength in Espenia and fears for Rohn’s life, concluding that compliance with Crew demands seems inevitable without outside support.
Turning to Anden, Dauk acknowledges Anden’s Kaul lineage and No Peak’s power, asking him to seek his family’s aid despite Anden’s claim of having no sway. Dauk Sana doubts he is truly cast off. Mrs. Hian sets the green teapot—a token of No Peak’s promised favor—before Anden, and the family implores him to try for the community’s sake.
Who Appears
- Anden EmeryHaunted by the attack, questions his role without jade; separated from Cory; urged to petition No Peak for aid.
- Dauk LosunSouthtrap Pillar; details corrupt policing and rising threats; asks Anden to seek No Peak’s help.
- Dauk SanaSupports her husband; believes Anden still holds value to No Peak; helps press the appeal.
- Cory DaukDeparts for law school; worries for Anden’s safety; his absence deepens Anden’s doubts.
- Mr. HianHost father; distressed by attacks and police inaction; refuses to leave Southtrap.
- Mrs. HianHost mother; scolds Anden for risking himself; presents the green teapot to invoke No Peak’s favor.
- Rohn ToroVeteran Green Bone; credits Anden’s aid; leads reprisals against Kromner’s Crew despite rising danger.