The Poppy War, #3
The Burning God
by R. F. Kuang
Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
Rin abandons Arlong to reestablish power from Tikany, confronting the south’s catastrophic famine. Tikany’s vast new poppy fields briefly promise leverage, but a riot exposes local exhaustion and saboteurs burn the crop. With hope incinerated, Kitay urges negotiations with Nezha for food; Rin pretends to agree while deciding to act alone.
Summary
The Southern Army leaves Arlong for Tikany so Rin can consolidate power at home. On the march, Rin and Kitay confront mass starvation throughout the south; supplies are too scarce to help. Rin reframes her war as a global fight against Hesperia, pushing aside grief and doubt over Venka.
Near Tikany, they discover immense blooming poppy fields. Villagers explain they pivoted to opium after firebombing and famine, betting on Rin’s return and the crop’s trade value. Rin sees the fields as the leverage she needs to acquire Hesperian resources.
Rin addresses a weary populace, but the crowd, expecting relief not more war, heckles her. A violent disturbance erupts, and Kitay pulls Rin away as soldiers reimpose order. Back at headquarters, Rin fumes at perceived ingratitude and struggles with the gap between her vision and her people’s immediate hunger.
News arrives that the poppy fields are burning from multiple ignition points—sabotage likely orchestrated by Nezha’s agents. Rin watches, paralyzed, as her last major bargaining chip is destroyed and despair deepens across the camp.
In private, Kitay insists they must negotiate with the Republic for food aid, arguing the country faces unprecedented famine and has no alternatives. Rin rejects surrender, accuses Kitay of betrayal, then, realizing her weakness, pretends to accept talks. Internally, she resolves to rely on the Phoenix and finish the war alone—even if she must break Kitay to do it.
Who Appears
- Rin (Fang Runin)General of the Southern Army; confronts famine, loses Tikany’s opium fields to sabotage, rejects surrender, feigns agreement while plotting to act alone.
- Kitay (Chen Kitay)Rin’s strategist and tether; urges negotiations with Nezha for food aid, clashes with Rin, believes compromise will save lives.
- NezhaOffstage antagonist; offers aid through the Republic and likely orchestrates sabotage that burns Tikany’s poppy fields.
- Tikany villagersWeary survivors who planted poppy for trade; riot during Rin’s speech, prioritizing food over renewed war.
- Southern ArmyRin’s forces; march south through famine, maintain order during the Tikany riot, attempt to fight the field fires.
- Aide/messengerDelivers urgent news that the poppy fields are burning, triggering Rin’s crisis.