Contents
57 East
Overview
In battle’s aftermath, Consort Jekhen demonstrates Master Kiprun’s black powder and proposes a mission to consult a reclusive astronomer on Brhazat. She offers Dumai a bed crossbow in return. While Furtia heals and Nayimathun signals support, Dumai commits to the perilous northern journey as the Lacustrine court relocates to Whinshan Ridge.
Summary
In the smoking, battle-scarred Lacustrine capital, Dumai, injured but mobile, meets Consort Jekhen. Master Kiprun demonstrates a devastating explosive made from black powder, arguing its force could help against the Western creatures. Jekhen, confident from recent warfare, challenges Seiiki’s fragility while acknowledging the Imperial Dragon’s awakening and its uncertain implications.
Jekhen explains that Kiprun seeks an astronomer on the peak of Brhazat, whose theory of the scales may explain the drought and imbalance fueling the wyrms. She proposes Dumai carry Kiprun there by dragon, with Princess Irebül riding ahead to warn the East Hüran. As incentive, Jekhen offers a formidable bed crossbow and promises to share any knowledge gained.
Dumai silently consults Furtia Stormcaller and Nayimathun. Furtia, regaining strength in the Sleepless Sea, agrees to go north once healed; Nayimathun indicates she may also travel. Jekhen reveals plans to move the court to Whinshan Ridge for safety and presses the urgency of uncovering what will quell the earth’s fire.
Later, Dumai debates the risk with Kanifa and Nikeya. Both endorse acquiring the siege weapon and seeking answers. Nikeya affirms the River Lord will not usurp the Noziken line and urges Dumai—by duty and daring—to go. Resolute, Dumai decides to undertake the mission and prepares to inform her parents of her extended absence.
Who Appears
- Princess DumaiInjured dragonrider; weighs Jekhen’s proposal and agrees to fly north to Brhazat for answers.
- Consort JekhenPolitical strategist; showcases black powder, offers a bed crossbow, and commissions the Brhazat mission.
- Master KiprunAlchemist; demonstrates black powder, links dryness to wyrms, insists on consulting a Brhazat astronomer.
- NikeyaDaughter of the River Lord; counsels Dumai, balancing loyalty to Seiiki with urging the mountain mission.
- KanifaDumai’s sworn guard; supports seeking weapons and knowledge to aid weakened dragons.
- Princess IrebülLacustrine royal; observes diplomacy and will ride ahead to warn the East Hüran.
- Furtia StormcallerDragon ally; wounded, healing in the Sleepless Sea, agrees to fly north once recovered.
- NayimathunSea dragon; telepathically signals potential accompaniment on the northern journey.