Contents
CHAPTER 45: A Promise in the Park
Overview
Wen takes the children to the park while Hilo handles clan business. Kehn arrives to pick them up, but Hilo’s white Duchesse explodes, killing Kehn. Wen swiftly evacuates the children and hides in a Lantern Man’s shop. Hilo, shaken, secures the family and vows deadly retribution.
Summary
Wen plans a family outing to the park as Hilo’s schedule fills with urgent clan meetings. At breakfast, Tar separates bickering Niko and Ru and lectures them about brotherly loyalty, while Kehn prepares to train his Fists later. Wen takes the children to the Green Plain district park and reflects on family, work, and the ways she quietly supports Hilo’s leadership.
After lunch, Kehn arrives driving Hilo’s white Duchesse to pick them up. As Wen pushes the stroller toward the car, the vehicle explodes into flames. Realizing Kehn is dead and fearing a continuing threat, Wen immediately directs Niko to hold Jaya’s carriage, carries Ru, and moves the children away from the blast amid panic and sirens.
Thinking only of safety, Wen brings the children into a nearby No Peak Lantern Man’s clothing store, asserts her identity, and secures the back office and a phone. She alerts the Weather Man’s office and waits, keeping the children calm with help from the store staff as Green Bones and city police flood the scene.
Hilo arrives, visibly shaken and terrified, and embraces his family. Regaining command, he orders First Fist Juen to escort them safely home and tells Wen that Shae will meet them there. Wen demands that Hilo avenge Kehn; Hilo meets her gaze and swears to find and kill those responsible.
Who Appears
- Maik WenProtective and decisive; evacuates her children, secures refuge with a Lantern Man, and demands vengeance for Kehn.
- Kaul Hiloshudon (Hilo)Arrives shaken after the bombing, secures his family under guard, and swears deadly retribution.
- Maik KehnArrives to pick up Wen and the children; killed when Hilo’s white Duchesse is bombed.
- Maik TarUncle who disciplines the boys at breakfast, stressing brotherly loyalty; unaware his brother will soon die.
- Niko KaulEldest child; frightened but follows Wen’s instructions during the escape.
- Ru KaulYounger son; cries during the chaos and clings to his parents.
- Jaya KaulInfant daughter; safely carried from the park during the bombing aftermath.
- JuenFirst Fist; tasked to escort Wen and the children safely home.
- Lantern Man clothierStore owner who shelters Wen and the children and provides a phone.