82 East

At Mount Ipyeda, under a smoke-darkened sunrise, the Grand Empress confronts Dumai for effectively declaring war on the Kuposa and warns that the River Lord may retaliate. Dumai argues he already has what he wants—a pliant child on the throne and the regency—and should turn to the greater threats of wyrms and sickness.

The Grand Empress counters that Dumai’s open defiance and nascent rival court make her the true threat to his dominion. She turns to Unora, recognizing her provincial knowledge and resilience in scarcity, and commands her to help Dumai establish this court. Granting her blessing, she prefers a forthright rival court over a shadow one. Unora leaves determined, and Dumai senses forgiveness despite past anger.

In a quieter moment, the Grand Empress lights the woodfall, recalling Osipa, while Dumai feels Kanifa’s absence. Asked for her dreams, Dumai confesses a two-year bond with a woman by a stream—a guiding voice who ultimately betrayed her.

The Grand Empress identifies it as a rare, sacred shared dream, known from Queen Nirai’s writings, but warns that the sacred can be profaned. She muses that Kwiriki may care more for Seiiki’s strength than for who rules, unsettling assumptions about divine mandate.

They weigh survival’s cost. The Grand Empress refuses to force Dumai into motherhood to preserve the House of Noziken, insisting the gods would choose anew if the line falls. They agree to wait for the comet’s passing before judgments about Seiiki’s future.

The Grand Empress decides to remain near the mountain to pray, trusting the gods’ nearness for protection, while Unora aids Dumai in building the court. She sends Dumai off with resolve—“Fly now… be who you were called to be”—as Dumai departs to lead amid looming conflict with the River Lord.