Contents
Chapter 6: Shifting Winds
Overview
Amid national panic after the spy plane incident, General Ronu urges the KJA to boost jade to the army and allow graduates to enlist directly. Ayt Mada swiftly supports the reforms to isolate No Peak, but Hilo rejects recruitment changes, accepting only jade reallocation.
Afterward, Six Hands Unity covertly signals interest in defecting to No Peak, offering Shae a potential lifeline. That night, Shae and Woon confront long-buried feelings, share a kiss, and part abruptly because Woon is married.
Summary
With tensions high after the Ygutanian spy plane incident, Shae visits Hilo’s home, where Niko anxiously asks about his parents. In the car to a special KJA meeting, Shae urges Hilo to show Wen compassion; Hilo counters by needling her about Woon, deepening their rift.
At the KJA, General Ronu Yasugon requests raising the military’s jade allocation and opening direct recruitment from martial schools. Ayt Mada, accompanied by Koben Yiro, unexpectedly endorses both proposals, positioning the Mountain as patriotic. Hilo accepts increasing the army’s jade—funded by reducing temple allotments and the treasury—but refuses to change No Peak’s graduate oaths, blocking reform.
Ayt paints No Peak as self-serving, and Chairman Canto defers the decision to a later meeting. In the hallway, Shae chastises Hilo for refusing outright; Hilo snaps that he’s battling Ayt’s traps and asserts his authority. On the elevator, Tyne Retubin of Six Hands Unity discreetly hands Shae a card, implying his Mountain-aligned clan may switch allegiance.
That evening at Woon’s modest going-away gathering, Shae later drives him home through heavy rain. Discussing Six Hands Unity, Woon offers to help despite his reassignment, and Shae partly agrees. Their conversation turns intimate: Shae apologizes for exploiting Woon’s loyalty after Lan’s death; Woon admits his vow to support and challenge her, revealing deep devotion.
A surge of mutual desire leads to a kiss, but Woon halts, anguished, asking “Why now?” and reminding Shae he is married. He leaves shaken. Shae, fearing she has damaged their bond, sits alone, cold tea in hand, as the rain clears.
Who Appears
- Shae Kaul-jenNo Peak’s Weather Man; clashes with Hilo, navigates KJA maneuvering, receives covert overture from Six Hands Unity, and shares a fraught kiss with Woon.
- Kaul HiloNo Peak’s Pillar; rejects military recruitment reform but accepts increased jade allocation, sparring with Ayt and arguing with Shae.
- Ayt MadashiMountain Pillar; swiftly endorses Ronu’s reforms to corner No Peak as unpatriotic, bolstering her public stance.
- General Ronu YasugonRoyal Council military advisor; urges more jade for the army and direct recruitment from martial schools.
- Woon PapidonwaShae’s departing chief of staff; accepts new Sealgiver role, confesses loyalty and regret, kisses Shae but withdraws due to marriage.
- Tyne RetubinWeather Man of Six Hands Unity; secretly invites Shae to Lukang, signaling potential defection from the Mountain.
- Koben YiroMountain-aligned businessman; speaks as Ayt’s guest, voicing public anxieties to support quick military reforms.
- Canto PanKJA chair; moderates the meeting and defers decisions after the Pillars’ clash.
- Sangun YenJo Sun Pillar; questions the need for alarm and defends clan-based defense traditions.
- Durn SoshuBlack Tail Pillar; opposes changing graduate oaths, citing tradition and clan needs.
- Niko KaulHilo and Wen’s son; voices fear about his parents divorcing, reflecting family strain.
- Ru KaulHilo and Wen’s younger son; argues with Niko about their parents’ marriage.