Chapter 42: Death of Consequence

Eighteen months earlier in Orslow, Anden visits the exiled Maik Tar, finding him living modestly and soberly rebuilding a life without jade or clan. After sharing family photos and news, Anden reveals his purpose: Jon Remi has become a criminal power obstructing No Peak’s aims in Espenia, and Remi must be removed without implicating the clan.

Tar questions whether Remi deserves death. Anden answers plainly: Remi preys on his own, kills for profit without honor, and stands against the Kauls’ efforts, so his death serves the clan and justice as they know it. Tar agrees to act, asking Anden to tell his nephews he loves them.

After Remi’s assassination, law enforcement—newly fed insider details—rapidly arrests Remi’s lieutenants. Without leadership, the Snakeheads collapse under coordinated raids and opportunistic strikes by the Copas and local Crews. Keko‑Espenian Green Bones draw a line: wear jade to protect neighborhoods, not to play Crew Boss, or share Remi’s fate.

Two months after his arrest, Tar is discovered hanged in his cell, having shown no clear warning signs. His body is returned to Janloon and buried beside Kehn in a small, private family funeral to avoid old resentments over Iyn Ro’s death.

At the graves of Lan, Kehn, and Tar, Hilo mourns the long‑ago tragedy finally closing. When Anden fears blame, Hilo admits Tar was the only man for the job and absolves him, adding that he’s grateful Anden never became a Fist—he needs one brother to live.