Contents
66 East
Overview
Summoned during longed-for summer rain, Dumai learns the oily blue stone from Brhazat may be Empress Mokwo’s relic, responsive to her touch yet dangerous to wield. Emperor Jorodu resolves to abdicate in autumn, enthrone and betroth Dumai, and split power to outmaneuver the Council and Kuposa, while Unora safeguards the stone. Dumai must lead a public rite as heir, even as her private longing for Nikeya clashes with mounting duty.
Summary
On Seiiki’s rain-touched godsbane, Dumai is summoned to the Water Pavilion after months of recovery from Brhazat. Court whispers follow her new sickle-shaped scar, a reminder of Kanifa and her vow to witness the comet. Emperor Jorodu and Unora receive her; Dumai agrees to lead a public thanksgiving for the unexpected summer rain to reaffirm her bond with the people.
Unora reveals the oily blue stone from Brhazat, believed to be Empress Mokwo’s relic that commands waters and winds. The stone answers Dumai’s touch with a thrum, but she cannot draw its power. Unora warns against seeking Furtia’s counsel and insists no human should wield a godly relic. Concerned about the Kuposa and the River Lord leveraging Dumai’s debt to Nikeya, Unora vows to secure the stone on Mount Ipyeda.
Jorodu outlines political danger: the Council of State resists upheaval despite the wyrm threat and doubts Dumai’s motives for ringing the Queen Bell. To break their hold, he will abdicate in autumn, enthrone Dumai, and retain authority in retirement alongside the Grand Empress, splitting power. He also intends to betroth Dumai to strengthen clan alliances and counter the Kuposa, ensuring succession beyond Dumai’s sister.
At dawn, Dumai contemplates the comet’s promise and the burdens to follow—leading rites, guarding Mokwo’s relic through Unora, accepting betrothal, and preserving House Noziken. She acknowledges the tearing strain between her yearning for Nikeya, who saved her life, and the inexorable demands of becoming Empress of Seiiki.
Who Appears
- DumaiHeir of Seiiki; senses Mokwo’s blue stone, tasked to lead rain rites; faces enthronement, betrothal, and conflict over Nikeya.
- Emperor JoroduPlans to abdicate in autumn, enthrone and betroth Dumai, and split power to counter the Council and the Kuposa.
- UnoraGrand Empress and Dumai’s mother; identifies the stone as Mokwo’s relic and will guard it on Mount Ipyeda.
- NikeyaLady of Faces who saved Dumai; her bond with Dumai creates political risk and personal conflict.
- FurtiaAlly who carried Dumai from Brhazat; a potential source of counsel, but Unora forbids approaching her.