The Poppy War, #2
The Dragon Republic
by R. F. Kuang
Contents
Chapter 30
Overview
Arlong evacuates as Vaisra readies a three-stage defense and rejects surrender, demoting General Hu. Rin commits to countering Feylen from the air while Kitay prepares explosive fuses along the cliffs. Privately, Vaisra orders Rin to assassinate Moag; Rin instead warns Moag, securing an escape option. Nezha seeks reconciliation before the dawn assault.
Summary
At dawn, Arlong’s civilians evacuate into cliffside caves while southern refugees are left exposed in the valley. The army fortifies mansions and the channel with chains and obstacles, preparing for an amphibious fight they are outnumbered to win.
In council, Vaisra outlines a three-stage plan: hold the Red Cliffs, win inside the city, then destroy a coastal retreat. Kitay warns of an unguarded land approach; manpower shortages limit defenses. Rin vows to neutralize Feylen by flying, while Admiral Kulau prioritizes sinking the floating fortress. When General Hu suggests surrender, Vaisra publicly rejects it, demotes Hu on the spot, promotes his aide Zhou Anlan, and orders Eriden to stop Hu’s likely defection.
Afterward, Vaisra privately orders Rin to assassinate Moag, citing her future threat under free trade. Rin recognizes the leverage this creates and secretly drafts a warning to Moag to secure a non-Republic escape route—her own insurance.
At the cliffs, Kitay and Rin review a web of fuses set to detonate the rock wall. Kitay admits unpredictability rules war; Rin focuses on clear stakes and her aerial duel with Feylen. She sends the message to Moag through the rookery, cementing a contingency.
Restless before battle, Rin confronts a distraught Nezha after his vision of her death. Their argument reopens wounds over shamanic pain and responsibility, but ends with a fragile truce. Rin reassures Nezha they can combine fire and water to face the wind. Signal gongs summon them to positions as the Imperial fleet nears at dawn.
Who Appears
- Rin (Fang Runin)Plans to counter Feylen by flying; rejects surrender; receives order to kill Moag but secretly warns her; uneasy truce with Nezha.
- Vaisra (Yin Vaisra)Leads defense plan, rejects surrender, demotes General Hu, promotes Zhou Anlan, orders Eriden to stop Hu, directs Rin to kill Moag.
- Kitay (Chen Kitay)Strategizes defenses, warns of land flank, explains Rin’s flight, rigs cliff fuses, stresses war’s unpredictability.
- Nezha (Yin Nezha)Haunted by a vision of Rin’s death; argues about using powers; seeks reconciliation before battle.
- VenkaHelps evacuate civilians up the cliffs; hard-nosed with separated children; emblem of Arlong’s resilience.
- Admiral KulauYoung navy commander; outlines ship targets and formations; defends channel-focused plan.
- Captain EridenQuestions Rin versus Feylen; receives orders to intercept Hu’s defection.
- General HuProposes surrender; is publicly dismissed and replaced; expected to defect.
- Zhou AnlanGeneral Hu’s aide; abruptly promoted to general on Vaisra’s orders.
- GurubaiSardonic officer; notes numbers disadvantage despite Rin handling Feylen.
- General TarcquetSilent senior present at council; observes Rin’s claim to fly with mild curiosity.
- Captain DalainQuestions naval formations and shamanic threats during council.
- MoagAbsent Pirate Queen; target of Vaisra’s assassination order; secretly warned by Rin.
- FeylenAbsent Wind shaman; primary aerial threat Rin intends to confront.