Contents
CHAPTER 54: The Body Doesn’t Lie
Overview
Nau Suen confronts Son Tomarho over the pivotal Oortokon refugee bill, pressing him to support the Mountain’s position and exposing Son’s private alignment with No Peak. Nau then exploits Son’s concealed heart condition, inducing a fatal, natural-looking attack. The assassination aims to tilt the Royal Council and intimidate No Peak.
Summary
Son Tomarho, fresh from the shower in his Green Plain home, finds Nau Suen waiting. Recognizing the Mountain’s Horn and his jade, Son stays outwardly calm, dresses, and opts to talk his way out, knowing security can’t help against a superior Green Bone.
Nau raises the stalled Oortokon Conflict Refugee Act, noting Son may cast the deciding vote. Son hedges, mindful of Espenian pressure through Ambassador Mendoff. Nau offers persuasion and even personal benefit, then accuses Son of having already promised Kaul Shaelinsan to block the bill to preserve Espenian favor for No Peak.
When Son challenges the Mountain’s willingness to violate aisho, Nau explains why Son is a unique target: his influence and a secret arterial blockage. Stressing that “the body doesn’t lie,” Nau reveals intimate knowledge of Son’s vulnerability.
As Son tries to flee, Nau seizes him, channels lightly against Son’s already racing heart, and triggers a fatal attack. Son collapses, gasping, and dies within moments.
Nau departs, confident the death will be ruled natural. Even if suspicions arise, any inconclusive inquiry and ensuing whispers will still advance the Mountain’s political aims by chilling opposition and bending the Royal Council’s vote.
Who Appears
- Nau SuenHorn of the Mountain; confronts Son over the refugee bill and covertly kills him by inducing a heart attack.
- Son TomarhoFormer chancellor and influential councilman; hedges on the refugee bill, exposed as pro–No Peak, and assassinated.