Contents
Chapter Fifty-Eight
Overview
Neema decides she must claim the throne and turns the Monkey Trial into a showcase of authority and divine favor. After Cain’s deft appeal and Ruko’s austere assurance, Neema forces an apology, invokes Gaida, summons ravens with Sol, and captivates the audience, shifting momentum decisively toward her candidacy.
Summary
Shaken by the Visitor’s death, Neema accepts that neither Ruko nor Cain can be allowed to rule and resolves to seize the throne herself. At the Monkey palace’s open-air theatre, the contenders prepare for an improvised performance Trial as Emperor Bersun addresses the crowd about fair succession and his imminent abdication.
Cain goes first on “Respect,” reframing his origins, praising Madam Fessi, and moving the audience with a violin rendition of Lady Harmony’s “I Will Rise,” then cleverly directing applause to Lady Harmony. Tala leads a communal harvest song on “Joy.” Seeking calm, Neema slips into the woods, confronts Sol, and pointedly asks for his help.
Shal delivers a polished but distant “Perseverance.” Ruko commands the stage on “Peace,” projecting authority and closing with verses from Seeker Flint’s “The Truce,” pleasing those who value stability. As voting is called, Lord Clarion pointedly “forgets” Neema, prompting visible discomfort across the theatre.
Neema refuses to be belittled, summoning Lord Clarion to offer a formal apology before she rises. Given “Friendship,” she subverts expectations by honoring Gaida Rack with silence, then softly intoning the ancient “Come to the Mountain,” using the night’s hush to focus the audience.
Neema mentally calls Sol; ravens wheel over the theatre, convincing even skeptics that the Raven’s presence favors her. With Sol perched on her shoulder and new indigo strands glinting in her hair, Neema exits to stunned silence, having transformed a slight into a coronation-like moment that marks her as empress-in-waiting.
Who Appears
- Neema KraaDetermines to take the throne; confronts Clarion; performs on “Friendship,” honors Gaida, summons ravens with Sol, captivating the audience.
- Sol (Solitary Raven)Appears at Neema’s call; perches on her shoulder as ravens swarm, signaling Raven favor and amplifying her authority.
- Ruko ValitProjects imperial authority on “Peace,” recites Seeker Flint; divided reception but reassures those craving stability.
- CainDelivers “Respect,” recounts origins, praises Madam Fessi, plays “I Will Rise,” and honors Lady Harmony to win sympathy.
- Emperor Bersun IIAddresses the theatre about fair succession and laying down the crown, framing the Trial’s stakes.
- Lord ClarionMaster of ceremonies who pointedly ‘forgets’ Neema; forced to apologize publicly before her performance.
- ShalPerforms a disciplined ‘Perseverance’ display; competent but over-rehearsed, earning polite applause.
- TalaLeads a communal harvest song on ‘Joy,’ engaging the crowd from solid ground.
- Lady HarmonyHonored by Cain’s tribute; her presence magnifies his emotional appeal.
- Rivenna GlorrenTiger abbess referenced by Cain; present among Tigers, implicated in his anecdote.