Contents
Chapter Eleven
Overview
Emperor Bersun defends his monastery reforms and pressures the contenders to swear support; all agree except Ruko, exposing a rift. The Colours are bestowed and Servant Jadu of the Dragon renounces contending, pointedly addressing Yasila. Gaida ambushes the ceremony with a song that breaks Bersun, who then publicly dismisses Neema from court.
Summary
Emperor Bersun opens with a brief speech lauding Yasthala’s legacy and his monastery reforms, framing them as the completion of her intent. He then asks the contenders to swear to uphold these reforms. Cain, Katsan, Tala, Havoc, Shal, and Gaida assent; Ruko refuses, declaring, “A Tiger does not cage itself,” revealing open defiance.
The ceremony continues as Bersun bestows Colours on the seven contenders. Tension lingers around Ruko’s strength and unpredictability versus Havoc’s palatable reliability. Drums then announce the Dragon contingent: Servant Jadu arrives, formally renounces contending, and secures mutual promises of noninterference, before pointedly addressing Yasila, needling her former ties to Helia.
Relief spreads as the ritual seems complete, but Gaida requests to speak. She publicly credits Neema for the ceremony, then “corrects” an omission: a historical song allegedly sung by a Raven at Yasthala’s feast. Despite Neema’s quiet decision to exclude the dubious reference, Gaida brings in the Ankalla brothers to perform.
Gaida chooses “Come to the Mountain,” evoking Bersun’s estranged brother and his Bear monastery roots. The emperor breaks down in tears before the court. Abruptly, he strides to Neema, demands her badge of office, and, finding she is not wearing it, summarily strips her of position and orders her onto the morning boat off the island.
Who Appears
- Neema KraaHigh Scholar running the ceremony; blamed for omitting a song; publicly dismissed and exiled from court.
- Emperor BersunPromotes monastery reforms; secures oaths; weeps at Gaida’s song; angrily strips Neema of office.
- Gaida RackRaven contender who engineers a surprise song, triggering Bersun’s breakdown and Neema’s disgrace.
- Ruko ValitTiger contender who refuses to swear to reforms; formidable, defiant presence during Colours.
- JaduServant of the Dragon; renounces contending, secures autonomy, and pointedly addresses Yasila.
- VabrasEmperor’s shadow; advises timings and logistics; confirms Neema’s departure schedule.
- Cain BallariFox contender; swears to reforms; receives Colours; briefly clashes in demeanor with Havoc.
- HavocMonkey contender; swears oath; popular, reassuring contrast to Ruko’s volatility.
- TalaOx contender; swears; offers inclusive Ox salute before leaving the dais.
- KatsanBear contender; swears; reserved with Bersun despite shared Bear ties.
- Shal WorthyHound contender; swears; completes the Colours ceremony with a crisp salute.
- Ankalla brothersMusicians from Three Ports; accompany Gaida’s ambush with a mournful folk song.
- YasilaFormer Helian; silently endures Jadu’s pointed address from across the hall.
- FacetComments on Jadu’s emerald; minor observer at Neema’s table.
- SunurReminds others of Yasila’s Helian past and escape; background commentary.