CHAPTER 60: End of an Agreement

Before dawn in Janloon, Shae waits anxiously for Anden’s call from Port Massy, praying for the safety of Anden and Wen when no word comes. Her dread mounts as calls to Anden’s apartment, the Dauks’ residence, and the Weather Man’s office go unanswered; she pleads with the gods for their protection.

In Port Massy, Skinny Reams’s men, including Carson Sunter, ambush Anden, Wen, and the gravely wounded Rohn Toro at Starr Lumber. Anden’s call for help is cut off, he is beaten and bound, and Wen is restrained. Skinny declares Kromner’s agreements void and orders executions to repudiate “keck” jade dealings.

Rohn tries to bargain and then lunges for his jade gloves but is garroted to death. Wen recites the Kaul oath as the bag and cord are applied to her, and Anden is also suffocated. As both fade, Dauk Losun’s Green Bones break in; Shun Todorho and Sammy rip the bag and gag from Anden, while Dauk finds Rohn already dead.

Anden tears the bag from Wen’s face and attempts rescue breaths and compressions, but she remains unresponsive. In desperation, Anden puts on Rohn’s jade gloves despite his broken fingers and long abstinence from jade. Enduring the rush, he focuses his Channeling into Wen’s heart and lungs until they convulse and restart.

Wen gasps back to life as Anden collapses from exhaustion, sobbing with her in his arms. Dauk’s men stand stunned by the feat, while Dauk grieves over Rohn’s body. The attack shatters Kromner-era accords and exacts a heavy cost: Rohn is dead; Wen lives only because Anden breaks his vow and wields jade again.