Contents
4 East
Overview
Dumai saves a frostbitten saltwalker while a Kuposa court guest, Nikeya, probes for access to the Grand Empress. Dumai’s ominous dream prompts the Grand Empress to say Kwiriki is calling her, and explains why Unora hides their kinship. After the saltwalker flees, Unora is found collapsed in the storm, raising urgent stakes.
Summary
During a snowstorm at Mount Ipyeda, Dumai and Unora tend a frostbitten saltwalker. While he recovers from mountain sickness, Kanifa warns Dumai that their Kuposa guest has been asking pointed questions about the Grand Empress. When the saltwalker wakes, he fixates on Dumai before Unora deflects and resumes care.
Later, Dumai recounts a recurring dream to the Grand Empress: she flies at night awaiting falling stars, sensing doom in black water if they do not descend. The Grand Empress concludes Kwiriki is calling Dumai. When Dumai questions why Unora hid their relationship before the stranger, the Grand Empress explains Unora shields Dumai from courtly entanglements, preserving her focus for future service.
In the corridor, Dumai encounters the guest, Nikeya, who has strayed into a restricted floor. Using a false name out of sudden caution, Dumai escorts Nikeya to the refectory. Nikeya tests Dumai’s beliefs about the sea and court, hinting at ambition and curiosity about the Grand Empress, which confirms Kanifa’s suspicions.
Checking on the saltwalker, Dumai finds his window open and his tracks vanishing into the storm. She pursues the trail and, outside the temple lights, discovers Unora collapsed in the snow after following the fugitive. Dumai calls for help, escalating the crisis as the storm threatens Unora’s life.
Who Appears
- DumaiGodsinger at Mount Ipyeda; rescues a saltwalker, shares a portentous dream, uses a false name with Nikeya, and finds Unora collapsed.
- UnoraMaiden Officiant and Dumai’s mother; treats the saltwalker, hides their kinship, follows the fugitive, and collapses in the storm.
- The Grand Empress (Manai)Former empress turned Supreme Officiant; interprets Dumai’s dream as Kwiriki’s call and explains Unora’s protective secrecy.
- NikeyaKuposa court guest; inquisitive about the Grand Empress, tests Dumai’s beliefs, and roams restricted areas.
- KanifaTemple warden; tends the stranger, suspects Nikeya’s motives, and watches over guest conduct.
- Saltwalker (unnamed)Frostbitten wanderer rescued to the temple; unsettled by Dumai, later escapes into the storm.
- TirotuTemple worker; stops dousing lamps and follows Dumai during the emergency.