Contents
1 East
Overview
Dumai of Ipyeda follows her demanding temple routine, helps prepare for an unexpected late-season visitor from powerful Clan Kuposa, and watches her mother Unora assume formal control of the reception. After nightfall, Dumai investigates a disturbance and discovers a gravely ill saltwalker collapsing at the steps, hinting at looming trouble beyond the mountain.
Summary
Before dawn, Dumai of Ipyeda completes her rigorous devotions: cold immersion, layered dress, the climb, and ritual dance and song to Kwiriki at the summit. She steels herself with the thought of dragons and her hope to one day succeed her mother as Maiden Officiant.
At the hot spring, Kanifa brings rare news: a late-season climbing party from Clan Kuposa approaches. Recognizing the clan’s influence yet insisting on equal treatment, Dumai readies the Inner Hall and refectory. As they work, Dumai reflects on Antuma below and the age when dragons guarded Seiiki.
When the Kuposa climber and attendants finally arrive through dangerous weather, Unora appears at the last moment to formally receive them, tense and controlled. Dumai withdraws, mindful of her mother’s sensitivity to court politics despite Kuposa support for the temple.
Checking on Osipa of Antuma, the elderly former handmaiden to the Grand Empress, Dumai finds her ailing with a chill. Dumai then retires, writes her recurring wish into the dream bowl, and falls swiftly asleep as the winter wind assails the temple.
In the night, a shutter blows open. Investigating, Dumai spies a hunched figure by the stepway lantern. Braving the storm with an ice sickle in hand, she confronts not a bandit but a battered saltwalker, who coughs blood and collapses at her feet—an ominous breach of the mountain’s isolation.
Who Appears
- Dumai of IpyedaGodsinger at the High Temple; leads preparations, maintains rituals, and discovers a gravely ill saltwalker at night.
- UnoraMaiden Officiant and Dumai’s mother; formally receives the Kuposa visitor, tense about courtly politics.
- KanifaDumai’s close friend; brings news of Kuposa guests and helps with temple preparations.
- Osipa of AntumaElderly former handmaiden to the Grand Empress; ill with a chill, still studying scrolls.
- Kuposa climberLate-season visitor from powerful Clan Kuposa, arriving with attendants to the high temple.
- SaltwalkerUnknown man in ragged garb; collapses at the temple, coughing blood, signaling outside peril.